After it was announced today that Tom Vilsack has agreed to serve a second term as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture he addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. He started out talking about the challenges in rural America and “urged farmers and producers take advantage of innovation, job creation partnerships and to share their story of a modern, innovative, …
Agriculture To Be On Display at Smithsonian
Think about putting your farm on display in a museum. You can. The American Farm Bureau Federation is working with the Smithsonian to create a new exhibit focused on agriculture. This spring, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is reaching out to farmers, ranchers and American agri-business to build a collection that reflects modern agricultural practices. Curators are seeking …
Dupont Pioneer Invests in My American Farm
My American Farm, the American Farm Bureau Foundation’s online interactive education program, received a huge investment from Dupont Pioneer that was announced at the beginning of the annual meeting here in Nashville. It is a $250,000 investment that will support new games and resources, increased outreach to K-12 stakeholders and a mobile application. I learned more about it by speaking …
American Farm Bureau Foundation Book of the Year
The American Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded its sixth annual “Book of the Year” award to Cat Urbigkit for her book “The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo.” Cat is being interviewed in the photo by farm broadcaster Bob Middendorf. Cat is a western Wyoming sheep rancher who raises livestock protection dogs and burros. Her award winning …
AFBF President Meets the Press
Following the morning opening session of the American Farm Bureau Federation convention, President Bob Stallman held a press conference. Lots of good questions on just about every issue including labor, budget, farm bill, political climate and more. I asked him about measuring the success of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance which he chairs and mentioned in his speech today. …
AFBF President Opens Annual Meeting
American Farm Bureau Federation President, Bob Stallman, welcomed everyone to the 94th Annual Meeting. I will update this post soon after the opening session for you to listen to if you missed it or need it for a broadcast or report. Stallman reviewed accomplishments made by AFBF during the last year. He urged members to be in contact with their …
Many Voices One Vision at AFBF Annual Mtg.
It’s time for the 2013 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and I’m on my way. Cruising above 10,000 feet right now and thank you GoGo InFlight wifi. Listen to AFBF President, Bob Stallman, talk about the importance of this meeting here (.mp3). There are an estimated 6,000 farmers and ranchers expected to attend AFBF’s 94th annual meeting. Here’s the purpose …
NAMA Executive Committee Meeting
The executive committee of the National Agri-Marketing Association is hard at work on the business of the organization. At this quarterly meeting we review financials, committee reports, updates on the annual meetings, awards program and more. We’re also making sure we’re on the path laid out by the strategic plan. I’ll have an update from our new President, Paul Redhage, …
Juice Up Your Gadget
I’m betting that many of you are in the learning stage with your new gadget you got for Christmas. Maybe that’s an iPhone, iPad or some sort of Android device. There are others, I know. If you can power it up via a usb cable connection then here’s my choice of a very useful device to stick in your bag …
Become a Master of Social Media at UF
Think you’re a master of social media? If not, you can become one at the University of Florida, College of Journalism & Communications, my alma mater. I wonder if they’d like a guest lecturer? Think I’ll pursue that idea. The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications is pleased to announce the launch of our online Master of Arts …