The annual Student Marketing Competition held in conjunction with the NAMA Agri-Marketing Conference brought students from NAMA chapters all over the country to Kansas City this week. NAMA President Marvin Kokes, NCBA, remarked during the student awards ceremony that this year’s competition offered perhaps the highest caliber of teams, marketing plans, and product presentations than any year prior. Students are …
House Votes to Kill Death Tax
By a vote of 240-179 largely along party lines, the U.S. House voted Thursday to repeal the federal estate tax, better known by opponents as the “death tax.” Co-sponsor Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) told his colleagues that repealing the tax is a top priority for farmers and ranchers in his state and around the nation. “Agriculture, particularly raising cattle and …
NAMA Marketer of the Year Paul Redhage
Have to admit to being surprised that former NAMA president and life-long agri-marketing professional Paul Redhage had never been named Marketer of the Year – but he is now! Paul just retired from a long and distinguished career in January and has been taking some well deserved grandpa time after 30 years in the business, starting with Kenrick Advertising in …
#TractorTweet120 at #NAMA15
New Holland is spending the entire year celebrating 120 years for the next generation. At this year’s Agri-Marketing Conference, they have once again equipped all attendees with little tractors challenging us all to tweet pictures using the #TractTweet120. The contest ends tomorrow and the most creative will win a New Holland branded iPad. I caught up with New Holland’s Rebecca …
Congress Moves on Fast Track
Bipartisan, bicameral Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation was introduced today in Congress that would put negotiations for new trade agreements that could benefit agriculture on the fast track. The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan …
Agri-Marketers Flock to Connection Point
The 2015 Agri-Marketing Conference is in full swing and last night attendees flocked to the Connection Point for some key networking. Agri-marketers young and old took the opportunity to interact with dozens with of decision-makers and influences in the ag media community. The Connection Point also runs through today ending with a reception tonight before the notorious Brownfield After Party. …
‘Big Tractors’ Makes Modern Farming Hero in Kids Book
The latest childrens books makes modern farming the hero. Octane Press has released the second in the series of its “Casey & Friends” books with “Big Tractors,” an educational and entertaining look at how tractors, combines and tillage equipment operate together on the farm, featuring CASE IH equipment in real farming situations. Holly Dufek, a seasoned educator and national curriculum …
Rural America Keeps Growing Thanks to Community Banks
April is Community Banking Month, and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) is celebrating the nation’s community banks for their unparalleled role in helping America grow by lending to local farmers, ranchers and agricultural enterprises and serving as financial first responders to the agricultural economy. “Community banks are essential to the overall health and financial success of rural America …
USDA: Number of Organic Producers Hits Record
The number of organic producers in the U.S. has hit a record. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says there are 19,474 certified organic operations in the United States and a total of 27,814 certified organic operations around the world. According to data released by the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), the number …
Farmers and Ethanol Supporters Meet With Hillary
During her visit to Iowa this week, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton discussed issues important to agriculture with a group of farmer leaders, including former National Corn Growers Association president Pam Johnson (pictured) and former Iowa agriculture secretary Patty Judge. “We had about an hour with her and had a very good discussion with her,” said Judge who is co-chair …