From Alice To Bader Rutter

Chuck Zimmerman

Sometimes it pays to be Alice in Dairyland. Betsy Francoeur has joined Bader Rutter & Associates as an account executive in the agency’s Public Relations Group. Prior to joining the agency, Francoeur was a marketing communications manager for Landmark Services Cooperative. She was also named Wisconsin’s 2004 “Alice in Dairyland.” A Merrill, Wis., native, Francoeur earned her bachelor of science …

Agencies

Gary Schulz Is All WET

Chuck Zimmerman

It looks like Gary Schulz is keeping busy these days after so many years with World Ag Expo. I just hope he can stay dry. Central Valley Business Incubator CEO Craig Scharton has announced the hiring of Gary Schulz as Program Director for the new Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology (WET) Incubator program located on the campus of California …

Agribusiness

IRON Solutions Has Canadian Agreement

Chuck Zimmerman

It looks like IRON Solutions is making inroads in Canada. IRON Solutions, LLC, Wheel & Deal and The Big Dealer have signed an agreement to work together to bring one-step marketing solutions to Western Canadian equipment dealers. This new partnership takes the next step in used equipment marketing, which is the combination of software systems, internet technology, and print media. …

Agribusiness

Wrapping Things Up in Nashville

Chuck Zimmerman

Things are wrapping up here at the Cattle Industry Convention. It’s on to the National Biodiesel Conference tomorrow where we will kick things off at their Super Bowl Party. I wanted to remind you that there is an online photo album of all the pictures I’ve taken here which you may feel free to visit. You can find it using …

Cattle Industry Conference

Meet The New Beef Board Chairman

Chuck Zimmerman

The new chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board is Ken Stielow. Ken is a cattleman from Kansas. Ken took over at this morning’s business meeting. I interviewed him afterward. Ken says that making sure the money invested in the Checkoff is goal number one and he’s going to make sure that’s done successfully again this year. Ken says increasing demand …

Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

Beef Backer Award Winners

Chuck Zimmerman

One of the annual Beef Backer Award winners is Buckhorn Steak and Roadhouse and attending the convention are John and Melanie Pickeral, proprietors. They won their award for the independent category. I interviewed them about what this award means to them and their restaurant. Listen to my interview with Melanie and John here: Buckhorn Interview (4 min. MP3 File) Or …

Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

Honoring Monte Reese

Chuck Zimmerman

At the joint business meetings this morning, retiring Beef Board COO, Monte Reese was presented with a plaque in appreciation for his service to the organization. Presenting the award are Ken Stielow, new chairman of the Beef Board and Vice chairman, David Bateman and immediate past chairman, Jay O’Brien. I’m sure Monte will be receiving some more awards. In fact, …

Ag Groups, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

NCBA Media Room Mania

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s near the end of the Cattle Industry Convention here in Nashville. Grace (Yard-O-Beef Spokesmodel) and Joe Schuele are starting to pack things up. To see how much progress they’ve made you’ll need to watch the video. We may not have been able to sample Grace’s Yard-O-Beef but it’s not like we haven’t been well fed here in the media …

Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Video

Showing the Blog to the Secretary

Chuck Zimmerman

Before he got started with the speech and press conference, Secretary Johanns toured through the media room. I figured that since he’s the head of USDA and it oversees the Beef Checkoff that he should know about the Beef Board Meeting.com blog. So when he got over to my work area we took a little tour of the website and …

Ag Groups, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, USDA

Mike Johanns Press Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

After Secretary Johanns gave his speech during this morning’s general session here at the Cattle Industry Convention he held a press conference. My recording starts while he’s talking about the issue of ethanol and high feed prices. He describes how the administration is working to promote and develop alternative sources of biomass to create ethanol. He also answers questions on …

Audio, Cattle Industry Conference, USDA