It’s official. The ribbon has been cut and Commodity Classic is underway in the Big Easy. Just before noon today, leaders of the groups that make up Commodity Classic made welcoming remarks before cutting the ribbon. According to the most current statistics another record crowd is on hand at 9,509. More will probably walk in. 2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album
What’s On America’s Plate? Bayer #AgVocate
This year Bayer CropScience has tweaked their annual pre-Commodity Classic forum. It is now the Bayer AgVocacy Forum. Just keep your eye on #AgVocate on Twitter. Cindy and I will be participating and hearing from numerous speakers on topics like challenges to food, agriculture and consumers needs. Our moderator once again is Frank Sesno. First up on the program is …
Ceva Launches U.S. Swine Division
Agrimarketing entrepreneurs, you might be interested to learn about how Ceva has come to the launch point for their new U.S. swine division. Instead of just starting a new company and assuming they know what their customers want they’ve taken a couple of years to “listen” as the U.S. CEO, Craig Wallace says. I had a great conversation with Craig …
Overview of 2016 AASV Meeting
Tom Burkgren, DVM, Exec. Dir., American Association of Swine Veterinarians, sure seems to love his job. In the middle of an annual meeting with about 1,200 people attending and over 160 speakers you’d think the stress would be showing. But nooo. He’s smiling and tonight he’ll be one of the auctioneers at the AASV Foundation live fundraiser. So even with …
Issues Facing Swine Producers in 2016
I met Neil Dierks, CEO, National Pork Producers Council, in New Orleans and got to talk with him about issues facing swine producers this year. A big one has to do with food security. He says, “The world is shrinking. Globalization is real which means pathogens can cross borders very rapidly which can raise questions on health in the herds.” …
Senators Cochran & Thune Honored by Ag Retailers
The Agricultural Retailers Association recently recognized two legislators who have lead efforts to defend the industry’s freedom to operate: Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). Both were named ARA’s 2015 Legislator of the Year. ARA recognized Sen. Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for his determined efforts on behalf of the agricultural industry during his years …
Passing of Jack Farmakis
We just learned that Jack Farmakis has passed away and are saddened to hear it. Once upon a time his company represented the first company that Cindy, Gary Cooper and I started in Florida. And his company now represents Gary’s Southeast AgNet and AgNet West. Jack was an active member of NAFB since 1974 and left his mark on the …
New Holland Launches Marketing Technology Platform
The AgNerd in me was very interested in the announcement by New Holland about launching a new dealer marketing services platform created by SproutLoud. The cutting-edge new platform features a highly-advanced tool loaded with preapproved messaging and images to ensure brand consistency—which equips its US and Canada dealers with expanded options for advertising and marketing and increases the agility and …
More Bayer LibertyLink Real Yield Game Winners
Thanks to social media we can share a picture of one of the second round of winners in the Bayer CropScience LibertyLink Real Yield Game. Here’s Bill Graff who won a year’s supply of LibertyLink Soybeans and Liberty herbicide. He’s also going to Commodity Classic! So here’s the list of final winners: Winner #4 William Graff, Illinois Year’s supply Winner …
Don’t Let Sauce Slip From Your Chili Dog
Have you ever eaten a chili dog with a fork and knife? I hope not. It’s just not proper etiquette or necessary. But then how do you eat one without dripping the sauce all over the place. With the help of the Queen of Wein, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and Washington D.C. landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl we learn …