The NAMA Fall Conference held breakout sessions to help educate agri-marketers from across the country about the ever changing world of agriculture. Presenter for one of the breakout sessions, Rodger Getz, AWIS Weather Services, Inc., spoke with Chuck following his presentation on, “Climate Change and Agriculture – What it Means to Agri-Marketers.” “Agriculture like many industries is affected by weather …
GROWMARK Updates Member Resource Platform
Keeping all of the different divisions and the 35 FS member cooperatives of the GROWMARK system connected is a constantly evolving process, according to Amy Bradford, corporate communications manager – pictured here with NAMA CEO Jenny Pickett and Chuck at the NAMA fall conference. “My IT likes to call it an evolution because it’s never over,” she told Chuck during …
The Business Side of IFAJ
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalist’s Congress in Argentina wasn’t all fun and games. Business had to take place too. During the business meeting delegates met to vote on issues and discuss changes within the industry. Here is an excerpt from the delegate meeting to let IFAJ members who were unable to attend and future members gather a better understanding …
A Boat Captain’s Tale
A highlight to Chuck’s recent trip to Argentina for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalist (IFAJ) Congress, was during the livestock tour where he witnessed gauchos drive horses and cattle across a local river. Unable to turn down the opportunity for a unique interview, Chuck chatted with the Argentinian boat captain while he guided the tour boat across high waters. …
BASF to Acquire Verenium
BASF Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire biotechnology company Verenium Corporation. The agreement, in which BASF will purchase all of the outstanding shares of Verenium’s common stock for US$4.00 per share, has been unanimously approved by both Verenium’s and BASF’s Boards of Directors. Based on all outstanding shares and including all net financial liabilities, the enterprise value would …
What Partnerships Mean to New Holland
New Holland has continued to develop their support for the ethanol industry. Their relationships with other leaders in agriculture and beyond has added growth and partnerships to their brand. Director of Growth Initiative Institutional & Speciality Sales, Ron Shaffer, shared that the New Holland brand is focused on growth and his job revolves around anything that will grow revenue for …
First Annual National Eat Local Day
Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, IL and Cindy Kurman of Kurman Communications, Inc. in Chicago have founded National Eat Local Day to be held annually on the Fall Equinox, which this year is on September 22. “Our hope is that leading chefs across the country can work together to raise awareness of the importance of supporting …
Zimfo Bytes
University of Georgia mycologists in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences found one Macrocybe titans—a species that produces the largest mushrooms in the Western Hemisphere—in the lawn of an abandoned Athens home last October. The iPhoneography webinar on September 30th is designed for anyone who wants to enhance their cell phone photography and be inspired to be more creative. …
Policy Panel at NAMA Fall Conference
The NAMA Fall Conference featured a policy panel moderated by Sara “Legs” Wyant of Agri-Pulse, and featuring Mike Deering with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Garrett Hawkins with Missouri Farm Bureau, and Steve Censky with the American Soybean Association. The need for a new farm bill was the major topic of discussion. “We’re all kind of waiting to see what happens …
The #FoodD Conversation
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) & Missouri Farmers Care brought the Food Dialogues to Columbia, Missouri. Expert panelists discussed animal welfare, livestock handling, conventional vs. non-conventional farming and much more. The purpose was to simply start conversations with consumers about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Dan Kleinsorge, Executive Director for Missouri Farmers Care, spoke …