Tractors and other farm equipment can be a challenge to start in cold weather, so many farmers install block heaters to preheat their engines. However, using a timer on a block heater can save up to 85 percent on energy costs. A simple 24-hour clock timer can automatically turn the heater on so it’s ready when needed. The energy savings …
Mac ‘n Cheese Expertise Earns Mississippi Woman $5,000
Tillamook County Creamery Association has named Lorie Roach of Buckatunna, Mississippi the winner of the National Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Contest. The title of best mac n’ cheese chef earned Lorie $5,000. Who knew cooking mac n’ cheese could be so lucrative? Lorie Roach of Buckatunna, took home $5,000 and the title of Grand Prize Winner last week, in the …
Energy Bill Pleases and Disappoints
The farm bill isn’t the only legislation of interest to ag groups right now. In fact, I think I’ve had more email over the energy bill lately. Of course it’s now on it’s way to the President to sign tomorrow morning and who knows when that will happen with the farm bill. Here’s a sample of comments just sent out …
Reminiscing With Brenda Curtis-Heiken
This week the ZimmCast hits a milestone with episode number 150. Hard to believe I’ve been podcasting for almost 3 years. It has been a blast though as we pioneer new ways to communicate to farmers and consumers. That’s why it’s kind of fitting that this week’s program contains an interview with my good friend Brenda Curtis-Heiken, USDA Radio. Brenda …
Get Ready For IFAJ Congress 2008
Let’s see an even bigger group of United States agricultural journalists and communicators at the 2008 Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. Next year it’s in Austria/Slovenia and the program looks like it will be great. Here’s the welcome message from the Congress President: I would like to invite you to the 52nd IFAJ Congress “From the mountains …
Teens Nationwide Donate Food to Needy
America’s Second Harvest is using the popular online social networking site, Facebook, to rally teens nationwide in the effort to feed the hungry. The effort aims to collect one million cans of food by New Year’s Day. Food Banks across America are experiencing a food shortage emergency as the holidays approach and millions of Americans seek help feeding their families. …
NAMA Needs Feedback on Rural Lifestyle Forum
Hey NAMA members. In case you didn’t catch it in your email box the organization would like some feedback on the possibility of putting on a 1 day rural lifestyle forum. Here’s the link where you can take the survey. It’s short and only takes a minute.
2007 National Corn Yield Contest Winners
The National Corn Growers Association has announced the Corn Yield Contest winners. Not only was the number of entries higher than ever before, but several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated average. The 27 winners in nine production categories had verified yields averaging more than 298 bushels per acre, compared to the estimated national average of 153 …
AAEA Byline Sponsorships Available
There are a few issues of the American Agricultural Editors’ Association newsletter, The Byline, available for sponsorship in 2008. Companies will receive numerous benefits through this sponsorship. Those include: Company name on the right hand side of the front page of the ByLine. An opportunity to provide product or service information to the nearly 400 members of AAEA, including all …
MarComm Changes at John Deere
The ag equipment division of John Deere has realigned it’s advertising and marketing communications jobs in the Lenexa, KS office. Here’s a list of the changes which take effect immediately. David Pauli is Division Manager, Large Ag Equipment, including large frame 7000, 8000 and 9000 series tractors, combines, cotton harvesters, seeding equipment, tillage and spray equipment, as well as John …