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

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