Sending Animal Agriculture Offshore Would Increase Food Costs

Chuck Zimmerman

Leading off a press conference during Commodity Classic for the United Soybean Board was Vanessa Kummer, Chair. The topic was Consumer and Food Safety Costs of Offshoring Animal Agriculture (pdf). This is a Soybean Checkoff funded study. Also pictured on stage are Lewis Bainbridge, USB Director (seated) and André Williamson, Agralytica, (standing) the company that conducted the study. Paying more …

Ag Groups, Audio, Commodity Classic, Food, Soybean, USB

Visiting With American Seed Trade Association

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s time to look forward to the 2012 National Agriculture Day activities in Washington, DC. Things kick off on Thursday morning and I’ll be there again this year courtesy of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and Agriculture Council of America. In a look ahead to this week’s activities I visited with Julie Douglas, Communications Director, ASTA, during Commodity Classic …

Ag Groups, ASTA, Audio, Commodity Classic, ZimmCast

2012 Farm Bill Priorities From Commodity Classic Groups

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s almost like a tradition now. The Presidents of the farm organizations that participate in Commodity Classic take the stage for a few minutes of lighthearted discussion about their priorities. Emceeing the general session with them this year again was Mark Mayfield. You can listen to their interaction below. All of the organizations released a joint statement yesterday about their …

Ag Groups, ASA, Audio, Commodity Classic, NAWG, NCGA, NSP

Ready For Record Commodity Classic

Chuck Zimmerman

I’d like to thank New Holland for sponsoring the media room at Commodity Classic once again this year. And I’d especially like to thank them for being one of our sponsors for AgWired coverage of the event again this year. New Holland was one of the first companies to support our unique brand of “live” event blogging. This is the …

Ag Groups, ASA, Audio, Commodity Classic, NCGA, ZimmCast

Sec. Vilsack Applauds Ethanol Producers

Chuck Zimmerman

This morning Ag Secretary Vilsack spoke to the 2012 National Ethanol Conference. I’m sharing Cindy’s story that is also posted over on our sister site, Domestic Fuel: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed his personal strong support and gratitude for the ethanol industry during an address at the National Ethanol Conference on Friday. “We owe ethanol producers in this country a …

Ag Groups, Audio, Energy, Ethanol, RFA, USDA

State of the Ethanol Industry Broadcast

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello from the 2012 National Ethanol Conference. At approximately 8:10am eastern time we’ll be broadcasting live the State of the Industry Address from Bob Dinneen, President/CEO or the Renewable Fuels Association. Just click on the player below to start the broadcast in your browser. We will record the address and post the recorded version afterward. Post Update: Thanks to all …

Ag Groups, Ethanol, RFA, Video

National Ethanol Conference Kicks Off

Chuck Zimmerman

I’m back, back in the Gaylord again. Almost sounds like a line from an Aerosmith song. Now I’m not going to get that out of my head. But I am back in a Gaylord hotel again. This time it’s the 2012 National Ethanol Conference. Cindy will be joining me tomorrow as we provide full coverage on our Domestic Fuel website. …

Ag Groups, Biofuels, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

ANCW President Addresses Cattle Industry Convention

Chuck Zimmerman

Jill Ginn of Texas addressed the general session of the Cattle Industry Convention last week as one of her last acts as the 60th president of the American National Cattlewomen (ANCW). “I’m proud to say that this national voice has had a major impact with consumers, politicians and other cattle producers for 60 amazing years,” Jill said. “In 2011, nearly …

Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Livestock

Media Reception Features Joey+Rory

Chuck Zimmerman

The Cattle Industry Summer Convention Media Reception had a special appearance this year. Joey+Rory performed for us and then stayed around to visit. They’re sponsored by Roper Boots and are pictured with Cindy and yours truly. I visited with them briefly after they were done and learned just how much they love farming and beef! I also shot a video …

Ag Groups, Audio, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

Beef Board Chairman Welcomes Convention Attendees

Chuck Zimmerman

The opening general session of the Cattle Industry Convention featured welcoming remarks from the Bill Donald, President of NCBA, as well as Wesley Grau, Chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Wesley quoted CBB CEO, Polly Ruhland, from last summer’s meeting saying, “We are truly blessed.” He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of all the opportunities this convention provides. He …

Ag Groups, Audio, Cattle Industry Conference