Top Producer magazine has published it’s annual Top 25 list of people, issues and trends. “A Top Producer Staff Report…It’s difficult to predict who or what will shake out as agriculture’s biggest influences and influencers in the coming years, but we identify some that will surely have an impact on your business.” Yours truly is mentioned in the item titled, “Internet pundits and critics.” Here’s an excerpt:

“The conversation is taking place already, and agriculture needs to join it,” says Zimmerman, who runs several Web sites for a variety of clients, including his own AgWired. “There is no question public opinion about agriculture is swayed by people who are not directly involved in the industry. And it’s not just bloggers, either. I think you’re seeing a lot of reporting from more of the traditional media today that is opinionated reporting. I think that’s being driven by how blogging has changed the industry.”

Basically this is about people in agriculture getting involved in the online conversation that’s going to take place with our without us. This goes for companies and member organizations. You have no control over the message anymore. However, you can make sure that your side is told!