One of the main events at the Potato Expo in Las Vegas this week was the first SPUD NATION THROWDOWN COOK-OFF. The live competition featured the top three finalists of a nationwide recipe contest for food truck chefs and the winner was named Top Spud and with a prize of $5000. Congratulations to Bridgett Blough (pictured on the right) from …
Zimfo Bytes
The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Sarah Doese, who joins the organization as the legislative assistant for the Washington office. The National Pork Board announced that Kincannon & Reed will conduct a national search for the organization’s open position of chief executive officer. Bayer is pleased to announce Gaylon Morgan, Ph.D., Extension cotton specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, …
China Opens DDGS Anti-Dumping Investigation
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has initiated, again, an anti-dumping countervailing duty investigations into U.S. produced distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) exported to the country. This is not the first time that China has been down this road. Back in 2011 China began an investigation into DDGs but then in 2012, they dropped it. Now, in 2015, they have …
Presidential Election Might be Top Ag Issue in 2016
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What do you expect to be the top ag issue of 2016?” We have been discussing the 2016 presidential elections for nearly a year already and it will only increase. When it comes to agriculture it should be one of the most talked about issues. So, I am not surprised to see it top …
USDA Outlook Forum Panel Announced
USDA has announced the members of the 92nd annual Agricultural Outlook Forum Plenary Panel on “Providing Leadership for Present and Future Generations in the Transformation of Agriculture.” This year’s panelists include Elizabeth Garrett, President of Cornell University; Ilene Gordon, CEO of Ingredion; Pamela Hess, Executive Director of the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture; and Pam Johnson, an Iowa …
NAFB Emeritus Rankin Passes Away
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting announced this week that Emeritus NAFB member Charlie Rankin has passed away. Charlie was an NAFB member for 61 years. Rankin “retired” from broadcasting in 1990, but remained on the air for several years. In addition to broadcasting, Charlie was passionate about Texas A&M and rodeo and was a founding president of the National …
Spud Nation Food Truck Unveiled
The United States Potato Board unveiled a new program today that’s taking after the finalists of the Spud Nation Throwdown Recipe Cook-off. They all operate food trucks. Now the Potato Board does too and it’s called Spud Nation. I will get more information about the vehicle when I talk with USPB CEO Blair Richardson this afternoon. In the meantime you …
Apple Co-Founder to Keynote Alltech Ideas Conference
Experts and industry leaders from around the world will convene in Lexington, Ky., USA from May 22-25 for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference. Alltech will welcome Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, to its main stage on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, an event dedicated to inspiring innovation. The annual international conference, now in its 32nd year, …
2015 Issues for National Potato Council
The outgoing President of the National Potato Council is Dan Lake, Ronan, Montana. I visited with him during Potato Expo to learn what the big issues were in 2015 for the organization. Dan says there were four main issues. One is pollinator health and he says farmers are using technology now that is designed to keep bee health in mind. …
Farm Foundation Forum Set for Jan. 20
The Farm Foundation Forum will take place January 20, 2016 and focus on the issue of antibiotic use in both humans and animals. If you have an interest in agricultural, food and rural policy, including members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, industry representatives, NGO representatives, academics and members of the media, the Farm Foundation encourages you to attend. …