Do you have your AgHaven account created yet? If not, what are you waiting for? AgHaven is still seeking feedback as it works to improve and finalize different elements of this new agricultural “community.” AgHaven is a sponsor of my coverage of this year’s Ag Media Summit and they were giving a lot of tours to journalists here during InfoExpo. …
Not Your Typical Tractor Show
Looking for a tractor show that is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll? Than look no further than the upcoming 2011 Cambridge Tractor Show and Ag Day that will be held on Saturday, August 6 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Cambridge, Illinois. There are not only lots of tractors “through the ages” to …
Koch Agronomic Services to Acquire AGROTAIN International
AGROTAIN International had some big news to talk about today at the Ag Media Summit Info Expo – the company has signed an agreement to sell its assets to Koch Agronomic Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer, LLC. AGROTAIN VP of Global Marketing Jeff Whetstine, pictured here with Dr. Harold Reetz of Reetz Agronomics, gave Chuck the lowdown in …
Ag Media Summit, Xbox 360 and BASF
The Ag Media Summit, Xbox 360 and BASF adds up to something fun for one lucky ag journalist attending this year’s event. BASF, our conference coverage sponsor, has a drawing in their InfoExpo booth. While you’re there you can also take their Innovation Quotient quiz to find out if you’re Techie, Wired or Traditional. If you’re Techie you get a …
Retail and Acquisitions Put the GROW in GROWMARK
Retail businesses and acquisitions really put the “Grow” in the GROWMARK system. Shelly Kruse is GROWMARK vice president of retail and acquisitions and I spoke with her earlier this year about her job. “I work a lot with our retail divisions, which are member cooperatives that have actually merged into GROWMARK,” Shelly said. Three of those retail divisions are located …
MPK Teaches Peanut Industry Some New Moves
I had the opportunity to see the lovely and talented advocate for agriculture Michele Payn-Knoper in action last week at the 2011 Southern Peanut Growers Conference where she was the keynote luncheon speaker. “We have to engage with the 98 and a half percent of the population who are not farmers,” she said, encouraging the peanut growers to use the …
Ag Media Summit Friends
It is lunch time at the Ag Media Summit. I’ve been collecting interviews at the InfoExpo and will start posting them after lunch. This is a busy conference. We’ve got so many friends and clients here that it’s like old home week. Speaking of InfoExpo, there is a record number of exhibitors this year. I’m trying to visit them all …
Country Living Association Says Farewell
The Country Living Association (CLA) has decided to discontinue operations effective today. In an email to readers, members, stakeholders and friends, CLA director Courtney Yuskis wrote that economic conditions forced them to make this difficult decision. It’s with some sadness that I am writing to you this week. The Country Living Association has decided to discontinue operations effective today. The …
Ag Media Summit Update From USFRA
One of our sessions at the Ag Media Summit is titled, “Of course our food is safe,” says modern ag – But is anybody listening? The presentation was made by leadership members of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. The Chairman is Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau Federation, seen at the podium. I visited with him before the session started. …
Jill Johnson, University of IL, Receives Forrest Bassford Award
During the Ag Media Summit Student Awards and Recognition Luncheon Bob Giblin, Merck Animal Health, presented the Forrest Bassford Award to Jill Johnson, University of Illinois. This award recognizes and rewards excellence, leadership and encourages professionalism among students. This opportunity provides the recipient face-to-face exchanges with leaders in livestock publishing. Forrest Bassford’s name was appended to the LPC Student Award …