Category Archives: Talking News Release

Consumers Believe U-S Beef Safe

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Missouri Beef Industry CouncilConsumer confidence in beef is still strong according to the latest Talking News Release from the Missouri Beef Industry Council.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN BEEF REMAINS HIGH

(Columbia, MO) Missouri beef producers are happy to know that the vast majority of Americans believe they are producing a safe product, and that the industry and the government are doing a good job of protecting them from BSE, or mad cow disease.

According to David Dick, a Sedalia cattleman who is chairman of the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC), a consumer tracking survey conducted June 27-29 found that only about 7 out of every 100 Americans has any concern about the safety of the nation’s beef supply.

“The survey came back in 92, almost 93 percent confidence in the product. And that comes from our efforts to make sure that they are a well-informed consumer.” (Full Release)

For more information contact Steve Taylor.

Cutting Edge Tools For Beef Innovators

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MFA IncorporatedThe latest news release from MFA Incorporated focused on their invitation only Beef Innovator seminars which were recently conducted in three locations around Missouri. This means that not only is MFA providing cutting edge tools for their customers but they’re using cutting edge tools in their public relations efforts!

Beef Innovators Series Provides Cattle Producers With Cutting Edge Tools

(Columbia, MO) Beef producers who are going to survive in the future are those who are the most innovative, especially in the areas of nutrition, health and marketing.

That is the message MFA, Incorporated recently presented to groups of producer leaders in Chillicothe, Springfield and Warrenton, MO at the 2005 MFA Beef Innovators’ Seminars. Veterinarian Dr. Alan Wessler, MFA Feed Division vice president, says they addressed three main topics with the producers.

“We talked about cattle performance, we talked about tracking value in the feed lots, and we talked about the national ID and BSE testing updates.” ( mfa-wessler-cut-1) (:08) (Full Release)

For more information contact Chuck Lay.

Midwest Drought Focus of Monsanto Release

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MonsantoThe lastest Talking News Release from Monsanto focuses on the extremely dry conditions we’ve been having in the midwest. Let’s hope we get some rain!

Midwest Drought Conditions Boost Corn Insect Pressure

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (August 2, 2005) – The dangerously dry conditions across much of the Midwestern Corn Belt this summer are taking their toll on what was expected to be a record crop causing development problems as well as increased insect pressure.
Monsanto Corn Technical Manager Dr. Rob Ihrig (EYE-rig) says corn is in the middle of its most critical development period right now.
“Corn is a tremendous utilizer of water and the crop really becomes stressed later in the season as it attempts to fill the ear so the water demand is much, much higher. The challenge that this crop is under is that there’s no water for it to really remain healthy and there’s very little water available to produce the sugars and photosynthate necessary to fill the ear.” ( monsanto-ihrig-cut1) (:26) (Full Release)

For more information contact Lisa Cassady or Lee Quarles.

Monsanto’s YGPL Root Reports Hit The Airwaves

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MonsantoThis isn’t the first year they’ve done it but they’re doing it a little differently this year. That is they’re using ZimmComm to pre-record interviews with growers and technical representatives for a series of radio reports. They’re Osborn & Barr for their client, Monsanto, and the reports are about YieldGard Plus with a focus on corn plant root conditions.

This is kind of an adaptation of our Talking News Releases. We interview the grower and edit the sound bites. I upload them to our server. Then I create a document that contains the questions, followed by a hyperlink to those mp3 sound files on our server. The broadcaster is emailed the document. Then they can download the audio files and he/she’s got a ready made “live” interview to walk into the studio and record!

I’m sure these are tied into a paid advertising schedule. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. The broadcaster has the flexibility to work with the material we provide to suit their format. They can edit the sound bites further if they need to for example.

Here’s a couple examples of what I’m talking about. Without posting a full document (there’s lots of them from multiple states) the broadcaster will get something like this:

What is the outlook for corn rootworm pressure this year, and why is it important for growers to conduct root digs to assess root damage? Audio monsanto-obermeyer-rootdig-cut1

That’s with Dr. John Obermeyer, an entomologist with Perdue University.

Another example would be:

How does your YieldGard Plus corn look at mid-season, and what are your expectations of how it will yield at harvest?
Audio monsanto-russell-cut6

That’s Joe Russell, a grower from Muncie, Indiana. Each interview and document has multiple Q&A which the broadcaster then turns into a “local” report for their listeners.

So you see, there’s lots of creative ways you can work with ZimmComm! Let us be your audio experts and we can help you prepare and distribute information to broadcasters more efficiently and easily for you and them.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Landec Ag Acquires Heartland Hybrids

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Landec AgHot off the presses is today’s talking news release from Landec Ag.

LANDEC AG, INC. ACQUIRES SECOND LARGEST DIRECT MARKETER OF SEED CORN
HEARTLAND HYBRIDS TO JOIN FORCES WITH FIELDER’S CHOICE DIRECT

MENLO PARK, CA – June 30, 2005 – Landec Corporation (Nasdaq: LNDC), a developer and marketer of technology-based polymer products for food, agricultural and licensed partner applications, announced today that its agricultural seed subsidiary, Landec Ag, Inc., has acquired Heartland Hybrids, Inc., the second largest direct marketer of seed corn. Landec Ag, through its Fielder’s Choice Direct® brand, is the leading direct marketer of seed corn.

Under the agreement, Landec Ag will acquire the assets of Heartland Hybrids, which is based in Dassel, Minnesota. The agreement is expected to close before the end of August 2005.

Tom Crowley, Landec Ag’s President and Chief Executive Officer, says the acquisition of Heartland Hybrids solidifies Landec Ag’s market position in the direct-to-the-farm sales channel for agricultural seeds. . .

Heartland Hybrids . . . Heartland Hybrid’s President, Jay Asplin, agrees that the agreement will be a great benefit for farmers. “We really believe the acquisition of Heartland Hybrids by Landec Ag is only going to enhance our ability to bring greater value to our customers. By combining both of our brands together, both of our companies, under the Landec Ag ownership, we’re really going to strengthen our ability to bring farmers across the country the opportunity to buy seed at a great value.” (full release)

For more information contact Bill Gass, Vice President of Marketing, (574) 583-2741 ext.107.

Crop 1 PRP Subject of Senate Testimony This Week

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Crop 1 InsuranceIt looks like there’s a lot of pressure being put on congress as it relates to crop insurance this year. Crop 1 Insurance sent out a talking news release today with sound bites from their president’s testimony on capitol hill on Tuesday.

CROP1 INSURANCE SAVES FARMERS ESTIMATED $2.4 MILLION THIS YEAR
Premium Reduction Plan Benefits Small Farmers

Des Moines, Iowa — The Crop1 Insurance Premium Reduction Plan (PRP), targeted for elimination in the agriculture appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month, will save farmers an estimated $2.4 million in premiums this year and benefits many small farmers, according to new figures released by Crop1 Insurance in testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday. Crop 1 Insurance president and CEO Billy Rose testified that the company has already saved farmers millions of dollars through the PRP.

“To kill PRP sends a simple message – insurance company profits and agents’ commission checks are more important than helping farmers save money. Since the inception and approval of our program, we have saved the American farmer, out of our pocket, over four million dollars – no cost to the American taxpayer.” (full release)

For more information contact Greg Ehm.

Tracking News Releases Chapter 2

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I’ve been involved in more discussions about how to “track” news releases in the last few weeks than I can remember. That reminded me that it’s time for chapter 2 in this series, “Tracking News Releases.” In this chapter we’ll discuss how reporters use news releases, especially radio reporters since that’s our specialty.

Chapter 2

ZimmComm, Marketing & CommunicationsWhy didn’t anyone use my release right away? How do reporters decide to use my release? When will they use my release? Did they use the audio I sent?

In the first chapter I wrote about the news value of a release, which is the most important aspect of a release. I’m finding that a lot of public relations people don’t understand how a release is used by the reporter though. Many assume that the release is used immediately or not at all. They don’t realize that unless the story is time sensitive it can often be archived for future use. I’ve seen releases used months after they were received. I’ve done it myself!

Even a well written release that has a news angle to it (we don’t want written commercials!) won’t get used immediately unless the reporter has room in their publication or program and needs to fill space or time. These releases may often be placed in a folder or file for use when the reporter needs some “news.”

Many reporters I know won’t just cut and paste the release either. They will often re-write it to fit their style and medium. The end result may not even resemble the original release. Then it’s even harder to know if the release was used.

Most releases contain quotes from company representatives like the CEO or a technician and reporters often like to call a local contact for a quote, especially radio reporters. When this happens it also makes it hard to tell if they used the release you sent out. They may get a local customer or representative to say the very same thing but then they make the story more interesting to their listeners while feeling more in control of the news. . . (full article)

NAIS Would Boost Consumer Confidence

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Global Animal ManagementThe folks at Global Animal Management have done a consumer survey to find out what the move to a national animal id system will mean to confidence in food safety. That’s the topic of their latest talking news release.

CONSUMER POLL: FOOD SAFETY CONFIDENCE WILL IMPROVE
WITH MANDATORY NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

KENILWORTH, N.J. June 24, 2005 – A recent poll shows that consumers will become even more confident in the safety and security of the nation’s meat and poultry supply if a mandatory National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is implemented. Under the national animal ID system, authorities would be able to quickly locate specific animals to prevent the spread of livestock diseases, such as mad cow disease. The consumer survey was sponsored by Global Animal Management Inc., a leading provider of animal and premise identification systems.
The poll of one thousand U.S. consumers was conducted in mid-May. It shows that consumers already have considerable confidence in the nation’s meat and poultry supply with more than thirty-seven percent saying their current meat safety confidence is high and only ten percent rating their confidence as low.

Jim Heinle (Hine-lee), president of Global Animal Management, says that the survey shows that consumer cofidence would increase significantly with the implementation of a national animal identification system. Nearly 55 percent of those polled said their confidence would then be high, and those who said their confidence will remain low declined to less than 4 percent. (Full Release)

For more information contact Julie Lux, (908) 298-4774.

Subscribe To Talking News Releases With Our RSS Feed

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I recently posted an announcement about our RSS feed for the Talking News Releases we produce. Now I can announce that we have it available permanently in our left sidebar next to our site feed.

So, if you want to subscribe to ZimmComm’s Talking News Releases then point your news aggregator to the XML image (XML File). You can also just paste the feed URL into your news aggregator subscribe box. It’s http://www.zimmcomm.biz/tnr/tnr-rss.xml.

Then whenever we post a new release to that feed you’ll automatically get it! If you’re looking for content for your own website or newsletter you might want to consider subscribing. These are publicly distributed news releases which we prepare and send to radio reporters. They contain links to audio files, usually of the people quoted in the release.

Beef – It’s What’s For Father’s Day

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Missouri Beef Industry CouncilDon’t you know that I’ll be grilling this coming Saturday?! Just in time for Father’s Day the Missouri Beef Industry Council has some great tips in their latest Talking News Release.

Beef – It’s What’s For Father’s Day

COLUMBIA, MO (June 13, 2005) – Forget the ties and the coffee mugs this year. Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” quite like beef. The Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) has several suggestions for beef-related gift giving this Father’s Day that Dad can really sink his teeth into.

According to MBIC Marketing Director Dawn Thurnau (turn-ower), you could get Dad into the mood for summer grilling with some brand new grilling utensils.

“There are some interesting ones out there now that are actually like a branding iron, so that you can brand a steak with your initials.” (:06) ( mbic-fathers-day-cut1)

The steak branding irons also come in various designs including college team logos and are available by mail order from a number of websites, such as www.steakbrands.com.

You can download the full release here: MBIC Release

For more information contact Dawn Thurnau.

Talking News Releases RSS Feed

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I’ve been asked too many times by people who want to subscribe to our Talking News Release service to ignore it. In fact, I’ve got folks who want to use them as content on their websites! So . . . I’m in the process of adding the following RSS feed of the Talking News Releases we produce and distribute. It’ll show up as a permanent feature soon. I posted it here to alert you and to test it with my favorite news aggregator – NewsGator (I use the Outlook version). Works like a charm. Subscribe to the XML file signified by the button image and you’ll receive any new ones I post to it. I intend to post them all!

Subscribe to Talking News Releases Here

An Ethanol Plant And An Ethanol Standard

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Missouri Governor Matt BluntIt was a big day for the ethanol industry in Missouri. We had the governor, some congressmen, various ethanol industry leaders and a couple thousand people. This was Malta Bend, MO!

The event was the grand opening of the Mid Missouri Energy ethanol plant but it was almost overshadowed by the Governor’s announcement that he will pursue his campaign promise of getting a legislated mandatory 10% ethanol standard. You could just see the beaming, smiling faces. I was there to record interviews, take pictures and help the Missouri Corn Growers Association produce a Talking News Release, which was sent out with audio and image links to reporters around the state this afternoon. Thank you Patty Kinder for letting me use your office and the high speed internet connection!

BLUNT MAKES STATE ETHANOL STANDARD HIGHEST PRIORITY
Missouri Corn Growers Applaud the Governor’s Continued Commitment
at Grand Opening of the State’s Third Ethanol Plant

(MALTA BEND, Mo.)— Ethanol will continue to help fuel the economy of Missouri, thanks to the opening of the state’s third ethanol production facility and Governor Matt Blunt’s promise to enact a statewide ethanol standard next year.

In his remarks to a packed house at the grand opening of Mid-Missouri Energy (MME) in Malta Bend today, Governor Blunt reiterated that one of his highest priorities next legislative session will be to pass a 10 percent ethanol standard in Missouri.

“So every gas pump, if you fill up your truck or your car, you’re going to put in a gas that contains 10 percent ethanol. It’s good for consumers, it’s good for the environment, it’s good for economic development and very significantly important for Missouri farm families.” (full release) Word Document

For more information contact Becky Grisham.

Ethanol Powered Indy Car Makes History

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EPIC LogoToday’s running of car #91, Hemelgarn Racing, around the Indianapolis Speedway was the subject of a Talking News Release for the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council. The release was distributed as soon after the car made its historic laps as possible to radio reporters nationwide. The release was structured a little differently than normal. It contains links to 5 full interviews that reporters (or you) can download and listen to and use on the air. Additionally, there’s links to photos that can also be easily downloaded for media use (or yours). It’s a very complete media package. Maybe next time we’ll include video!

Ethanol CarJimmy Kite drove the car today instead of the injured Paul Dana. However, I was able to interview Paul and his interview is one of the ones available through the links within the release.

ETHANOL-POWERED INDYCAR SERIES CAR MAKES HISTORY
DURING MILLER LITE CARB DAY ACTIVITIES

INDIANAPOLIS, IND., FRIDAY, May 27, 2005 – Jimmy Kite, replacement driver of the No. 91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing Dallara/Toyota/Firestone entry in the Indianapolis 500, today made history as he drove an Ethanol-powered IndyCar for the first time in over 50 years during Miller Lite Carb Day Activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Kite, who is substituting for injured driver Paul Dana, drove the Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing Dallara fueled with a 50/50 ethanol and methanol blend. During the 10-lap demo, Kite got the car up to speeds over 220 mph. The last time a car competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway running on ethanol was 1927 with driver Leon Duray.

“It was exciting to be a part of this historic moment in IRL history. It was great that we could show people today that this car can run strong and get up to speed.”

The IndyCar Series has announced that it will switch to ethanol as its fuel source beginning with a 10% blend in 2006 and moving to 100% fuel-grade Ethanol in 2007. full release (Word doc)

For more information contact Joanna Schroeder.

Monsanto Gives Rootworm Advice

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Monsanto LogoMonsanto is encouraging growers to keep an eye out for some pesky critters that can damage their corn. You can read about it and listen to what they have to say in their latest Talking News Release.

You can download the full release here: Monsanto Release (Word doc)

Early Planting May Increase Corn Rootworm Pressure

ST. LOUIS, May 26, 2005 – Growers who took advantage of good weather to plant early this spring may want to be on the lookout for rootworm pressure. Evidence from several recent studies show the earlier corn is planted, the better the survival of rootworm larvae because of more food and less competition among larvae. When corn is planted late, hatching larvae may be forced to compete for limited food from smaller root systems.

John Obermeyer, extension entomologist from Purdue University says earlier planting means a bigger root system which increases the survivability of corn rootworms. “We can also increase not only the survivability but also the damage because we have more surviving rootworm to then feed not only on the smaller roots but eventually they will make their way to the nodal root which is very important for anchoring the plant throughout ear development and stabilizing the plant to keep it there throughout harvest.”

For more information contact Lee Quarles.

Global Animal Management Sends Talking News Release

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ZimmComm’s newest Talking News Release client is Global Animal Management (Schering-Plough) and their agency, Morgan & Myers. Here’s the latest news on a proposed mandatory animal ID system.

You can download the complete release here: Global Animal Management Release (Word Doc)

Global Animal Management LogoPROPOSED MANDATORY ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
HAS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS

-Industry leaders say data may help make U.S. livestock producers more competitive globally-

KENILWORTH, N.J. May 26, 2005 – The proposed mandatory National Animal Identification System (NAIS), recently unveiled by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, provides an opportunity for U.S. livestock producers to become more competitive globally.
Jim Heinle (Hine-lee), president of Global Animal Management, Inc., says that by tracking animal movements, the proposed system would allow officials to quickly identify potentially infected animals in case of a major disease outbreak.
“I think the national animal ID system is the right activity at the right time, and I think it will help further people’s confidence in the nation’s food supply and I applaud USDA’s move in this direction.”

For more information contact Julie Lux at (908) 298-4774.

Tracking News Releases Chapter 1

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This is the first in a series of articles I’m writing on the issue of tracking news releases. It’s a big issue and I’m hoping for some feedback on it. The primary income source for ZimmComm is our Talking News Release service so it’s very important to us as well as our clients.

Chapter 1 ZimmComm Logo

How many reporters used my news release? What kind of pickup do you get? Can I have a list of the stations that used my release?

These are a few of the questions we get asked all the time. However, while we would dearly love to provide a detailed listing of the reporters, stations and airtimes of the stories that included our client’s news releases, that’s just not possible or practical with broadcast radio news. It never has been, and even with the most sophisticated e-mail tracking system (which we have yet to find) we might be able to find out who takes a look, but not who actually uses it on the air.

However, there are some things we can control that will increase usage. Let’s start with the most basic factor that affects media use of a news release. Is the content of the release newsworthy? This is the most important reason why news releases get used or ignored by reporters. If you write a commercial then your release is probably going to be sent to the sales manager at the station or network who should contact you with rate information to purchase advertising. If the release is extremely complicated, long and filled with technical terms that can’t even be pronounced by the average person then it is likely to be ignored. However, if it’s newsworthy, well written, and pertinent to the reporter’s coverage area then it stands a much better chance of seeing airtime. . .(full article).

Time To Fire Up The Barby

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MBIC LogoThe latest Talking News Release from the Missouri Beef Industry Council focuses on that essential part of summer loved by those of us who love the smell of smoke. In fact, I just finished a supper with the family that was cooked over hot coals. Later this week, I’ll be smoking a brisket for an end of the week meal!

MEMORIAL DAY
KICKS OFF SUMMER
GRILLING SEASON

(Columbia, MO) Summertime is upon us and that means it’s time to fire up the backyard grill for hamburgers and steaks.

Missouri Beef Industry Council Marketing Director Dawn Thurnau (turn-HOUR) says the end of May marks the beginning of beef grilling season.

“Memorial Day is actually the biggest beef buying day of the year. Lots of people are in their backyards grilling with their family and friends.” (:07) ( mbic-summergrill-thurnau-cut1)

Beef checkoff funded advertising has already started to generate excitement for the summer grilling season with a new campaign that started the beginning of May that stresses the enjoyment of beef on the grill.

The campaign is expected to reach 94 percent of the beef industry’s target audience with messages like the “Why Man Invented Fire” print ad featuring a strip steak over a camp fire.

You can download the complete release here: Summer Grilling

For more information contact Dawn Thurnau.

WEBS News Director Wins Zen Micro

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Last month we asked reporters from our database of U. S. radio stations to provide us with feedback about our Talking News Release service. We did this separately to traditional farm broadcasters as I posted earlier. We told them that if they emailed us with their thoughts they’d be entered into a contest to win a digital audio player (Zen Micro). Today we are happy to announce the winner. He’s Kevin Casey, News/Operations Director for WEBS-AM, Calhoun, GA. Congratulations Kevin!

Kevin Casey

Here’s Kevin’s remarks:

Dear Chuck & Cindy, I think you have a great idea and hope you reap in it’s rewards. As you do expand I would suggest getting clips from various athletes in all sports, I have noticed ESPN has done quite well with there line up of stations. I would also do quick feeds from celebs and maybe offer some kind of entertainment weekly or daily feed. Well that’s my two cents, if it’s worth it! Have a great day and thanks for your offerings.

Kevin Casey

Thanks Kevin. We hope to expand our service beyond agribusiness in the future!

I’ve just started on my series of articles which I’m going to categorize under “Tracking News Releases” which will include remarks from people like Kevin so keep reading.

WFMB Ag Director Wins Ipod Shuffle

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Last month we asked farm radio reporters to send us feedback about our Talking News Release service. We told them that if they emailed us with their thoughts they’d be entered into a contest to win a digital audio player (Ipod Shuffle). Today we are happy to announce the winner. She’s Leah Guffey, ag director for WFMB-FM in Springfield, IL.

Leah Guffey

Leah was very kind with her remarks:

Chuck and Cindy,

Congratulations for making it with a new business venture! I appreciate getting the “Talking News Releases” from you.

Much continued success,

leah

Thank you Leah. Ironically, Leah’s station is running a contest for listeners who can win an Ipod Shuffle. She says the staff was just talking about how they’re ineligible to win one and she got our email letting her know she won one in our drawing!

I’m going to write a series of articles about news releases and how reporters use them in coming days which will feature the feedback we’ve received from people like Leah. Stay tuned!