Joining the ranks of the Farm Podcasters is Cathryn Wojcicki Dixson, NCGA Communications Manager. I met Cathryn here at Commodity Classic and talked with her about her job and the new audio program she’s producing for NCGA. The program is called “Off The Cob.” Welcome to “Off the Cob”, an original podcast series produced by the National Corn Growers Association. …
WTF Is Your T-Shirt
Today was the first day I’ve worn my WTF shirt. That is Where’s The Food, Without The Farmer? of course. It was fun seeing the reaction from people in the airport, on the plane and in the hotel today traveling to Commodity Classic. I can’t tell you how many people have said, “I saw that on Twitter today.” Thank you …
Missourians For Animal Care Launched
A new coalition has been formed to protect the rights of animal owners in Missouri. It’s called Missourians for Animal Care. Here are representatives of some of the organizations that support the coalition who were meeting today in the Missouri State Capitol. The group is supporting a bill titled HCS/HJR 86 that would protect the right to raise animals in …
Consumer Messaging Via Agricenter International
The first presentation at the Agricultural Relations Council annual meeting in Memphis was on consumer messaging. Our presenter was John Charles Wilson, Agricenter International. Agricenter International is a self-sustaining, non profit that provides economic development by facilitating agricultural research, educational programs, environmental conservation, natural area preservation and recreational opportunities. John’s presentation focused on their efforts to better inform and educate …
Potato Expo 2010 Big Success
I probably would have overdosed on a healthy product if I’d attended Potato Expo 2010. It’s hard to say no to chips/dip or a nicely baked potato with the extras. It would be fun to blog. Maybe someday. Anyway, it sounds like the potato business is doing okay. Nearly 1,200 people attended POTATO EXPO 2010, along with a trade show …
Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation
It’s okay to talk about Mark Bloom. I think he’s actually in Brazil right now with an Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation group. Mark is one of the staff members of IALF and he was exhibiting at the recent Chicago Farmers Farmland Investment Fair. Mark says it’s a great time for IALF since they’ve got an overlap in last year’s leadership …
Land Values
Farmland values was a very important topic of discussion at the Farmland Investment Fair put on by the Chicago Farmers. One of the educational sessions on the topic was conducted by Mike Shane, First Farm Credit Services. Mike told me they focused on what land values are now and what drives them. They can’t predict them of course. He says …
Need For More Exports
The new U.S. Grains Council senior vice president of operations and industry relations is Keith Heffernan, pictured in the middle here. He was chief of staff for the Farm Credit Administration. Keith was also the first executive director for the Iowa Corn Growers Association; director of public affairs for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; assistant director for the Center of …
Learn About Trade With Mexico
Here at the U.S. Grains Council International Marketing Conference n this morning’s general session we had a panel discussion on trade with Mexico. In the discussion attendees were able to ask questions and answers. In fact, it was mostly a Q&A session. Allan Mustard, Minister Counselor, Office of Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy, Mexico City, introduced our panel. Our panelists and …
Live From USGC International Marketing Conference
We’re going to be broadcasting the final general session from the U.S. Grains Council Marketing Conference. Post Update We were live. Now we’re recorded. The Chairman for the U.S. Grains Council is Rick Fruth. Rich took the stage today to speak to attendees of the International Marketing Conference and Membership Meeting. I have recorded his comments for you in video …