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

Hearing From Matthew McConaughey

Chuck Zimmerman

Matthew McConaugheyI’m sure there are some people here at the Cattle Industry Convention who wish Matthew McConaughey was attending but he’s not. That doesn’t mean we didn’t get to hear from him though.

At the opening general session we not only got to listen to the new radio ads but also hear a message from Matthew.

You can listen to Matthew’s message here: cic-08-mcconaughey.mp3

To find out a little anecdotal evidence of how well received his voice is on the beef radio spots check out this website. Here’s part of the post that caught my eye.

Well a commercial came on for “Beef — it’s what’s for dinner” — I could not concentrate on my book. I was in heaven… sexy voice talking to me about lean beef and how good and juicy it is for you.

The voice belonged to my Barbie-Dream-Date… Matthew McConaughey.

I think that’s the kind of feeling they’re trying to create!

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Audio, Beef

AgriTalking Again

Chuck Zimmerman

AgriTalkingCindy saw them in Orlando and now they’re here in Reno with me. The AgriTalk boys are on the move.

Here’s host Mike Adams interviewing CBB member Tom Jones, no relation to the singer, but better looking.

Just so you know, I’m not getting paid to put these posts on here. It’s just out of the goodness of my heart.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Media

Going To Classes and Sessions

Chuck Zimmerman

Cattle Convention HallwayThe Cattle Industry Convention is now in full swing. It’s a busy place here at the convention center. I sure wish the internet access was better. My AT&T card in my hotel room is much faster. Oh well.

I’ve been back and forth to the Grand Sierra Resort for CBB activities and have quite a few interviews and pics to post. The first general session takes place in a little while so I’m hoping to get a few items posted before going there and then to the trade show opening.

Right now the Cattlemen’s College is taking place in rooms all around the news center. It’s a very school like atmosphere.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Uncategorized

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • FCS Financial’s Board of Directors announced that they will return $3.7 million to their member-owners in cash patronage for the 2007 calendar year. Patronage payments will be based on a member’s loan business activity with the association. All eligible members will receive a minimum of $20. Each eligible member’s patronage check will be available at his or her local FCS Financial office beginning Feb. 25. Each branch office will host a Customer Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 to distribute patronage checks. Those checks not picked up or delivered by the end of business on March 10 will be mailed to the respective members. For more information, contact a local FCS Financial office at 1-800-444-3276 or click here to find a link to the 2007 Patronage Program under Information.
  • The Hoyt Report is the new go-to report for hay growers in the West. This weekly report offers readers insights and analysis on the western hay market. The Hoyt Report is authored by Seth Hoyt of Ione, Calif. Hoyt has over 35 years of agricultural marketing experience, plus hands on cattle and hay marketing experience. Hoyt recently retired from his position as a Senior Agricultural Economist with the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service in Sacramento, Calif. Interested subscribers can contact The Hoyt Report at (209) 274-9945 or E-mail aginfo@thehoytreport.com. A sample report can be found here. Subscriptions will be $119 for 47 weeks of report or $230 for two years.
  • Comcast Cable Communications LLC and RFD-TV LLC announced a multi-year affiliation and distribution agreement which set forth the terms and conditions for carriage of RFD-TV and RFD HD on Comcast systems nationwide. RFD-TV has been on a year-long campaign to add high-profile, proven favorites to its popular lineup of productions with a unique rural-lifestyle flavor.
Zimfo Bytes

Beef Was For Lunch

Chuck Zimmerman

Melissa and SteveI hope you enjoy our Zimfo Bytes. Helping put them together and post them on AgWired is Melissa Slagle, pictured here with Steve Barratt, CBB Collections Compliance, after a nice beef burger lunch at Johnny Rocket’s inside our hotel in Reno. Melissa works for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board as Manager of Trade Media.

The staff at the restaurant asked when all the cattlemen were going to be here since they had heard they may be “swamped.” I’m thinking that will be tomorrow since today was when most people were arriving.

It’s going to be fun working along side Melissa at the Cattle Industry Convention this year.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Beef