BCS Communications has changed its name to Sage, A Creative Marketing Agency. The name change reflects a new strategic direction and personality of the agency nearly 13 years after it was founded by company partners Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe. Last night the team celebrated the change and I took the opportunity to chat with them both. Leigh Ann …
Agritechnica Awards New Holland Machine of the Year
At Agritechnica 2015, New Holland Agriculture’s new T7.315 tractor was crowned with the coveted “Machine of the Year” 2016 in the large tractor category. The title is bestowed by a jury of 19 journalists representing leading European agricultural publications. The machine was rewarded for its technical innovation and the benefits it brings to customers, with selection criteria focusing on innovative …
Does EPA Biofuels Rule Measure Up?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Does your agribusiness/operation have a crisis communications plan?” There is no doubt agribusinesses, farms/ranches and agriculture organizations need to be proactive in communicating our products to our consumers. I was a little shocked that a small majority believe they have no need for a crisis communications plan. In my opinion, you can never be …
Updates from Case IH at #NAFB15
The Case IH team was out in full force for the 2015 NAFB Trade Talk in Kansas City. One highlight for the well-known equipment company is their 20-year anniversary of tracks on their Steiger tractor. Mitch Kaiser, marketing manager for the Steiger tractor line, said the 2016 enhancements set the bar for high performance, operator experience and all around improvements. …
AMSA Launches TheMeatWeEat.com
The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) has debuted their new website, TheMeatWeEat.com. The consumer focused site provides accurate, fact-based information from U.S. meat scientists to help consumers make informed decisions regarding the meat their families enjoy. “TheMeatWeEat.com is the perfect avenue to relay the research of countless meat scientists into digestible information our consumers are looking for. Targeting our audience …
Crisis Communications – Are You Prepared?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s mass media’s impact on consumer food opinion?” This poll made it clear that mass media does impact the opinions consumers have on food. Is this a good thing or bad? It seems good news doesn’t make front page. How do we get consumers to look at the science behind the food they eat? …
FCC Update from #NAFB15
Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) commissioner, Ajit Pai, made a trip to Kansas City, MO to address attendees of the 2015 National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s (NAFB) annual convention. Commissioner Pai’s has been focused on creating a regulatory environment in which competition and innovation will benefit the American consumer. The FCC is committed to adopting policies that will give private firms …
LPC’s Vision Event Tackles Food Issues
The Livestock Publications Council’s Vision event took place in Kansas City, MO where they brought thought leaders together for a panel discussion on agriculture. Panelists included Ryan Goodman, ag advocate, Karen Hanson, registered dietician for Hy-Vee and Margaret Zeigler, executive director of Global Harvest Initiative. The panel explored the importance of the safety of our food supply and looked at …
Merck’s Commitment to Future of Ag
For Merck Animal Health, the 88th National FFA Convention wasn’t about teaching students about their products, they focused on where students get their information about science, food and agriculture. I spoke with Merck’s Jim Miles, marketing manager for the fed cattle business, in their booth to learn more about their commitment to the future of agriculture. “It’s making them realize …
The FFA Hunger Games
Inspiring young people to take action was the central theme of the National FFA Organization’s Food For All booth at the 88th National FFA Convention. As students entered the FFA Hunger Games they were challenged to a number of optical courses and educated on two program’s they can take part in at home to help fight hunger. I spoke with …