Preview of the NAFB Convention

Chuck Zimmerman October 30, 2007

In this week’s ZimmCast Cindy interviews Randy Koenen, Red River Farm Network, who is President-Elect of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Randy’s big job this year is being the main coordinator for the NAFB convention. So if you want to know what to expect in Kansas City then give the show a listen.

The program concludes this week with music from the Podsafe Music Network. This week’s song is “Dancing in November” by the Monika Herzig. We’re moving into November and if you’ve attended an NAFB convention then you know there is opportunity for a little dancing.

You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 143 (15 min MP3)

Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:zimmcast143-10-30-07.mp3

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

Audio, NAFB

‘Tis the Season for Cranberries

Laura McNamara October 30, 2007

Fall is well underway and winter is fast approaching. Although various regions of the country seem to be staving off Old Man Frost for the most part, the Cranberry Marketing Committee doesn’t want you to forget about their favorite fruit of the season, and adds the fruit is available year-long.

Cranberries grow on low-lying vines in watertight beds layered with sand, peat, gravel and clay. These beds, commonly known as bogs or marshes, were originally created by glacial deposits. Commercial bogs/marshes use a system of wetlands, uplands, ditches, flumes, ponds and other water bodies to provide a natural habitat for the cranberry vines.

The cranberry season begins in winter, when growers flood the bogs/marshes with water that freezes and insulates the vines from frost. During spring, the bogs/marshes are drained, blossoms begin to appear, and through the summer, the cranberries become red, ripe and ready to gather. Cranberries are typically harvested in September and October.

Not only are cranberries extremely tasty and versatile in culinary applications, they’re also a mighty healthy fruit with the unique power to fight bacteria. What’s more, cranberries have been shown to have more antioxidant phenols than 19 commonly eaten fruits. These antioxidants can help aid a healthy immune system, maintain heart health, protect healthy cells from damage, and promote successful aging.
Read More

Ag Groups, Food

American Chestnut Foundation Book to Save Chestnuts from Roasted Identity

Laura McNamara October 30, 2007

The chestnut is teetering on the brink of extinction. At least, that’s what the American Chestnut Foundation fears. In an effort to save chestnuts from nonexistence, the foundation has released Mighty Giants: An American Chestnut Anthology, a book the foundations says offers an inspiring story of an American symbol.

The book offers up a saga of a unique and exceptional tree that supported a way of life, that fed and sheltered our ancestors, and “touched almost every phase of our existence.”

From Indians and early explorers, to colonists, naturalists, loggers, industrialists, and beyond, from presidents, poets, and artists, including Jefferson, Lincoln, Carter, Thoreau, Frost, Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and many more, the story of our once mighty, towering native chestnut tree is a lesson for our times.

The book tells, in images and words, the story of the once mighty monarch of the eastern forests and the scientists who engaged in the struggle against “one of the greatest natural disasters in the history of forest biology” — perhaps the deadliest plant blight ever encountered. It is the story of the dedicated few who refused to give up: the fearless plant explorer who tracked down the blight in war-torn China, the plant pathologists and geneticists who labored long and valiantly to understand the blight and find a way to thwart it. It is also a story of hope, of small but vital triumphs, as the secrets of the American chestnut and its deadly nemesis are gradually revealed.

Notable contributors to the book include former President Jimmy Carter, author Barbara Kingsolver, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug and Bill McKibben, author of “The End of Nature.”

I have to admit, the first time I ever tried a chestnut was just about a year ago. Though I delighted in the classic treat, I haven’t encountered one since. I hope we’ll still be able to sing “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” ten years from now and still have the option of eating one. A paperback version of the book is available on Amazon.com.
The American Chestnut Foundation also offers the 296-page full color book in hardback.

Ag Groups, Food

World Leaders to Speak on Food and Sustainability in New Orleans

Laura McNamara October 30, 2007

The Presidents of Iceland and Bangladesh, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Norman Borlaug and soil and crop experts are all slated to speak at the 2007 International Annual Meetings in New Orleans Next month. The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are hosting the international forum on food and sustainability, where more than 4,000 scientists are expected to attend.

What was the impact of Hurricane Katrina on agriculture? What’s the connection between soil and climate change? What types of biofuel will help America’s energy crisis? These topics and more will be discussed at the International Annual Meetings, Nov. 4-8 at the Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. The event marks the 100th anniversary of ASA.

Highlighted Speakers
— Nobel Peace Prize recipient Norman Borlaug, is joined by Rob Horsch, Gates Foundation, to discuss agricultural technologies to fight world hunger.
— Iceland President Olafur Grimsson comments via video on how Iceland can be a laboratory for climate change solutions.
— Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed presents a look at problems of global warming and Arsenic Poisoning.” A Q&A will follow.
— Henry Thompson, Cancer Prevention Lab, Colorado State University, presents ways to make crops healthier in the fight against chronic diseases.
— Mike Palmer, University of Oklahoma, and Ken Cassman, University of Nebraska, presents contrasting points of view on biofuels.
— Charles Groat, University of Texas; William Jenkins, Louisiana State University; and other speakers will review the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on soil and agriculture.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Environment, Farming, International

ABA, Farmer Mac Renew Banking Options for Agricultural Real Estate

Laura McNamara October 30, 2007

The pricing discounts agricultural borrowers are enjoying through the alliance between the American Bankers Assocation (ABA) and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) can count on receiving continued discount options. The ABA and Farmer Mac have renewed their exclusive agreement where ABA member banks are eligible for selected Farmer Mac products and customized loan packages through AgPower(SM).

“Agricultural real estate lending is one of the fastest growing business areas for ABA member banks,” said Ed Yingling, ABA President and CEO. “The renewal of our unique members-only alliance with Farmer Mac is a way that we can help our members meet their business challenges. The special pricing, customer assistance, and other benefits of the alliance will give ABA member banks a competitive edge they can use to meet the real estate financing needs of farmers and ranchers.”

“Our list of active banker-participants has grown, and these lenders are telling us they are very happy with our programs and the advantages those programs bring to their institutions,” said Henry Edelman, Farmer Mac President and CEO. “They especially appreciate the ability to build loyalty from their farm and ranch customers through expanded and competitively-priced product offerings.”

ABA members that participate in the alliance have the freedom to choose not only from the special discounted products, but also the usual Farmer Mac products, including:

— Competitively-priced long-term fixed-rate mortgages, up to 20 years;
— Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), including those with reset periods of
one, three and five years; and
— Long-term fixed-rate mortgages featuring both open and partial open
prepayment options.

Farmer Mac is a stockholder-owned instrumentality of the United States chartered by Congress to establish a secondary market for agricultural real estate and rural housing mortgage loans and to facilitate capital market funding for USDA-guaranteed farm program and rural development loans.

Agencies, Agribusiness, Farming

Haas Avocado Board Gets Fresh Direction

Laura McNamara October 30, 2007

Two new producer members, one new importer member and new alternates for each position are joining the Haas Avocado Board. Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner authorized the new appointees who will serve three-year terms beginning November 1, 2007.

Reappointed to the board are: Charley Wolk, Fallbrook, Calif. and Donald W.
Reeder, Ventura, Calif., producer members; Ed Figueroa, Massapeque, N.Y.
importer member and Giovanni Cavaletto, Redland, Calif., alternate importer
member.

Newly appointed to the board are: Daniel J. Sanders and Alvin W. Gebhart,
both from Fallbrook, Calif., alternate producer members.

Authorized under the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Act of
2000, the board administers a national promotion, research and consumer
information program to maintain and expand markets for Hass avocados. USDA’s
Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the board.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

Most Americans Want Renewable Fuels Now

Chuck Zimmerman October 30, 2007

A new coalition that supports increased use of domestically produced renewable fuels says nearly three out of four Americans want renewable fuels.

According to a new national poll released today by the Renewable Fuels Now coalition, 74 percent of Americans believe we should increase our use of domestically produced renewable fuels like ethanol.

In addition, 87 percent of Americans maintain the federal government should actively support the development of a renewable fuels industry in this country, and 77 percent think Congress should encourage oil refiners to blend more ethanol into their gasoline products.

Renewable Fuels Now is a coalition representing the ethanol, biodiesel, agriculture and other industries that support increased use of domestically produced renewable fuels as part of a balanced energy policy for America. The Coalition’s members include the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), 20/20 Vision, Wisconsin BioIndustry Alliance, Ethanol Producers and Consumers (EPAC), Kansas Association of Ethanol, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, IndyCar Series, Buckeye Renewable Fuels Association, Ohio Corn Growers Association, Clean Fuels Development Coalition, and Northwest Renewable Fuels Association.

ZimmComm New Media is assisting the new coalition with internal member communications and media outreach.

Biodiesel, Ethanol

UN Whacko Mouths Off About Biofuels

Chuck Zimmerman October 30, 2007

I was going to try to ignore Jean Ziegler the ignoramus from the United Nations when he came out and said that making biofuels from food crops is a “crime against humanity” but . . . it does make me mad and I think it should piss off all American farmers at least. Of course there’s not much about the UN that I think highly of anyway. Here’s a link to the story on AP.

NCGA is rightly incensed by this and their CEO, Rick Tolman has some appropriate words on the issue.

“It is a travesty when an official makes public statements that are so irresponsible, so inaccurate and so inappropriately damning,” he added. “The statements ‘crime against humanity’ and ‘catastrophe of the massacre (by) hunger in the world’ are not to be used lightly or in such an irresponsible manner. If this is an example of how Mr. Ziegler carries out his responsibilities, he should resign his post immediately. Hunger is not something to trifle with and those in positions of responsibility need to be accountable in their statements.”

If you’d like to listen to the whacko in the United Nations own words then here you go: un-biofuels-crime.mp3

Audio, Biodiesel, Ethanol, International, Wackos

Donate an Item to NAFB Foundation Auction

Chuck Zimmerman October 29, 2007

If you’d like to make a contribution to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation fundraising auction time is running out. NAFB is making a last minute pitch for more items.

We realize that many of you have generously donated items in past years for the silent/live auction, and for that we are very appreciative. Your past support has not only helped to make each auction a success, but more importantly it has helped the Foundation in its continuing educational support through internship and scholarship grants; funded research that helps us better understand the changing demographics in rural America; and built a curriculum to assist students, teachers and young media professionals in learning how to utilize the power of Farm Broadcasting in a media marketing plan.

This year the auction is again being conducted during the Thursday night reception on November 15 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City. The event will be “back upstairs” where it had been held for many years. If you have not already, please help us keep the list of auction items growing. Please e-mail Rose Marie at the NAFB office with a description of your contribution by November 1, so we can get it in the NAFB Foundation Auction Booklet which will be distributed prior to and during the auction.

NAFB

Corn Power Museum Exhibit Coming

Chuck Zimmerman October 29, 2007

Indiana State Museum will have a new exhibit in 2009 titled, “Corn: Powering the World.” Thanks to the heads up from contributing sponsor Case IH. Pictured in front of a Case IH Puma 210 tractor is Terry Snack (right), Case IH product specialist, presenting a ceremonial check to Barry Dressel (left), president of the Indiana State Museum.

The exhibit will showcase all things corn — demonstrating how this versatile crop feeds and fuels the world’s population. Opening at the Indianapolis museum in August 2009, the exhibit will continue through January 2010 before traveling to other venues nationwide.

Visitors will be able to view archeological artifacts, discover how popcorn pops and calculate how much corn it takes to power an Indy racecar. A modern lab built into the exhibit will allow visitors to experience genetic engineering first-hand. “Corn: Powering the World” will shape public opinion about critical issues and help visitors understand how corn is rapidly becoming the most important plant-breeding achievement of all time.

The announcement comes at a time when corn literally is a hot commodity. Farmers across the U.S. planted a record 93 million acres of corn in 2007 — responding to demand from ethanol production plants that boosted prices paid to corn growers. As demand continues to grow, farmers will be under increasing pressure to achieve higher yields.

The exhibit is presented by Dow AgroSciences through the Dow Chemical Company Foundation and Ford Motor Company, with contributing national support from Case IH and National Starch Food Innovation.

Corn, Tractor

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