2012 is likely to be a very interesting year for agricultural policy as we face the writing of a new Farm Bill during a presidential election year with a huge federal deficit. Since the GROWMARK cooperative system represents the interests of farmers on the federal level, I talked with GROWMARK government affairs director Chuck Spencer to get his perspective on …
Farmer Christmas Present
I’ll bet you can come up with lots of ideas for the perfect gift for the farmer. How about a brick? A brick to be placed on the Farmer’s Walk of Fame at the Ag Hall of Fame? Gift bricks come in two sizes. The National Agricultural Hall of Fame serves to educate the public about the past, present, and …
The ZimmComm Ag Events Calendar
One day I was thinking to myself, “I wish there was a calendar that had all the ag events for the year on it.” I had never seen such a thing, so I decided to make one. This was not an easy task. It took me about a month to get it the way I wanted it, including photos from …
PRRS Surveillance
Dr. Jim Branstad, Keota Veterinary Clinic, spoke about PRRS Surveillance in area regional control projects during the Boehringer Ingelheim PRRS Seminar. He should know all about pig surveillance since as he says, “I spend about 90 percent of my time with pigs.” The message he had included the need to talk individually with producers in the project area. That one …
Sled Driver Inspires Ag Aviators
Last week I attended the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) convention in Las Vegas. It was the third time we have had the opportunity to find out more about these “unsung heroes of agriculture,” thanks to our friends with BASF. Among the many ways BASF supports NAAA is by sponsoring the convention kick off breakfast, which always features a speaker …
Zimfo Bytes
The U.S. Potato Board Nutrition Campaign Signature Regulations are official and ready for the industry’s use. A new case study released by BiOWiSH Technologies finds BiOWiSH Manure & Odor Treatment quickly and significantly reduces ammonia levels in poultry bedding. Learfield Communications, Inc. announced the closing of a strategic investment by Shamrock Capital Growth Fund III, a key component in the …
The Magic of BASF
There was magic in the air at the BASF booth during the National Agricultural Aviation Association NAAA convention and trade show this past week in Las Vegas. Those of you who visited with BASF at the 2011 Commodity Classic may have gotten a chance to see corporate magician Jon Petz perform there. BASF liked him so much that they brought …
Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists Commemorates 50 Years
The Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists has just released a 50th Anniversary document (pdf) that includes historical information and photos. Here are a couple of samples: In 1961 we had a visit from John Hayhurst, President of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, London. He was editor of a weekly called The Smallholder. He was exploring Ireland’s potential for membership. He …
Zimfo Bytes
The 2012 Great Plains Growers Conference is set for Jan. 5-7 at the Fulkerson Center on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo. Everyone is welcome to attend the International Agri-Center’s annual Brunch with Santa in Tulare on Sunday, December 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wilbur-Ellis has developed a recruitment and leadership program called …
Small PRRS Projects Seeing Success
Dr. Jim Lowe is an independent veterinarian and one of the attendees at the Boehringer Ingelheim PRRS ARC&E Seminar. He’s the guy on the Mac. I asked him why he attends this seminar. Jim says that he spends a lot of time dealing with PRRS and this program allows him time to visit with colleagues and share information. He’s involved …