Boot Shine

Chuck Zimmerman

Baxter BlackBaxter Black has nothing to do with shining boots. He was just signing books at the booth next door while I got by boots shined.

I got that done today at the Zinpro booth.

While there I learned a lot about the art of shining boots from Mary Sawyers who is a professional and has been doing this for a number of years, 28 to be exact. As you’ll see she doesn’t need to go to the gym to work out.

She says the first step in shining boots is to clean them. If you don’t it’s kind of like waxing your car without washing it first.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Video

On The Trade Show Floor With Mehlhaff

Chuck Zimmerman

NCBA Trade ShowThis morning I got together with Dave Mehlhaff, American Hereford Association, and we took a tour of the NCBA Trade Show. Actually we didn’t make it very far but we found a few friends you may know as we made our way down the aisles.

You might want to follow along as we explore some of the booths starting out with Dave’s.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Video

Andy Groseta Talks At LPC Lunch

Chuck Zimmerman

Andy GrosetaThe 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: cic-08-groseta.mp3

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Audio, LPC

NCBA Trade Show

Chuck Zimmerman

CABThe NCBA Trade Show kicked off yesterday. There was some beef sampling going on. That was tough for this Catholic boy since it was Ash Wednesday. I could only enjoy the sites and smells. I thought it was interesting to hear from a Beef Board member who’s in the meat business say that it’s one of the most important days in the beef business, a day when millions of people abstain from eating meat. I never thought of it that way.

I’ve heard we’ve got a little under 5,000 people attending this year’s convention which is a strong showing. Not as big as last year in Nashville but I’m sure location has something to do with that.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Beef

Pequea Spreads a Little Manure Love

Chuck Zimmerman

Pequea is helping prove that sometimes you’ve got to use video and in this case YouTube. Gotta love a company that’s willing to put the manure on the line in online communications and use some of the new media tools out there!

I love the comments that are already being posted. Thanks to Lorena at Schubert Communications for sharing.

Agribusiness, Video

Doan’s Got an Agri-Pulse

Chuck Zimmerman

Agri-PulseCongratulations to Stewart Doan for landing a gig with our good friend Sara Wyant.

Veteran journalist and farm broadcaster Stewart Doan is joining Agri-Pulse in the new position of senior editor, further expanding the communications firm’s cutting edge coverage of farm and rural policy issues. Doan will contribute to the weekly e-newsletter and provide audio coverage for the company’s expanding web site at www.Agri-Pulse.com

“I’ve long admired Stewart’s ability to provide succinct coverage and analysis of complex issues facing today’s agricultural producers and partners,” says Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. “We are very excited about tapping into his talent and experience, and providing our subscribers with his valuable insights into farm policy, market activity and rural trends.”

I highlighted “audio coverage” to make sure you don’t miss that point!

Publication

Strawberries and Pregnancy

Laura McNamara

strawberry.gifStrawberries are being promoted as an excellent source of folate for pregnant women. The California Strawberry Commission says a new study links folic acid to reduced premature births and that means consumers should be shopping more produce.

The Today Show recently reported about a study that shows folic acid supplements greatly reduced the risk of premature birth. Meanwhile, federal health officials say not enough women are taking those supplements.

Now, a study from researchers at the University of Texas that followed 35,000 pregnant women over four years, found it drastically reduced the chance of premature births, as well.

Folic acid, or folate, helps the body make healthy new cells. Besides occurring naturally in foods like strawberries, it is often used to enrich breads and cereals. But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that the majority of child-bearing aged women were not meeting their daily requirements.

A commission representative says a serving of eight medium berries offers nearly 9 percent of the daily requirement of folate.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

Mac Product Placement

Chuck Zimmerman

Mac on StageI couldn’t let this opportunity to promote Apple Computers go by. Not getting paid for this either.

Here’s a picture from the opening general session today. Nice product placement I’d say. That lit up Apple icon sure stands out.

I also saw more Macs in the news center than I’ve ever seen before and Evan Slack isn’t even here yet.

I think that the more I use my Mac the more I’m convinced that I won’t go back (to a pc).

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Uncategorized

Sheriff Rod Smith

Chuck Zimmerman

Rod SmithI knew the news center was complete when Sheriff Rod Smith, Feedstuffs, walked in.

We can all rest knowing that we’re safe under his watchful eye.

Yes it was an active media room today.

I can only imagine that it will be even busier tomorrow.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Uncategorized

Taking the Oath to Serve the Beef Board

Chuck Zimmerman

Swearing In New MembersI attended my first swearing-in ceremony today of the new Beef Board members. Representing the Sec. of Agriculture was Craig Morris, USDA Deputy Administrator of AMS’ Livestock and Seed Program.

Here you can see them taking the oath. I spoke with Craig prior to the swearing in and he says this is one of the highlights of his job. He says that USDA partners with the Board to make sure all the rules of the Act and the Order are followed properly. He sees a strong future for the beef industry.

You can listen to Craig administer the oath here: cic-08-swearing-in.mp3

You can also listen to an interview I did with Craig today as well: cic-08-morris.mp3

I also shot a video clip of the new member introductions and oath taking if you’d like to watch:

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Audio, Beef, Video