Increased demand for sustainable meat has the bison industry poised to grow significantly this year, and the industry recently announced the “Bison One Million” campaign, which sets sights on helping the North American bison population grow to one million strong this year. North America’s bison population, once on the verge of extinction in the 1880’s with less than 700 bison, …
ZimmCast with NCGA Communications
In this week’s episode of the ZimmCast I talk with Mary Hagan, Vice President of Communications, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Although Mary didn’t imagine a career working in agricultural communications she has become a farm lover after the opportunity to work for NCGA came about. Mary’s background has suited her well to work on some of the challenges facing …
Zimfo Bites 7/3
Five county Farm Bureaus were selected from a competitive pool of applicants to each receive a $500 grant from the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program to help fund “Our Food Link” projects. The new Potato Expo Innovation Hub is now open and accepting abstract submissions for the Potato Expo 2018, which takes place January 10-12, 2018 at the Rosen …
ZimmCast with ASTA Communications
A new week, a new ZimmCast episode, with Bethany Shively, Director of Communications, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Cindy spoke with Bethany at the recent ASTA annual meeting. First up in the discussion is the Better Seed, Better Life program, an educational communications effort. Another project they talk about is one involving the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with …
USDA & NCBA Celebrate U.S. Beef to China
U.S. Secretary of Ag Sonny Perdue joined National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Craig Uden for a ceremonial “Cutting of the Prime Rib.” The Nebraska prime rib formally marked the return of U.S. beef to the Chinese market after a 13-year hiatus as part of the U.S.-China 100-Day Action Plan announced by the Trump Administration. The first shipment of U.S. …
Quarterly Hogs & Pigs Report
The Pork Checkoff hosted the USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report on Thursday, June 29, 2017. This quarterly teleconference featured three agricultural economists and their reactions to the report. Panelists included: Dr. Lee Schulz, Extension Livestock Economist, Iowa State University Dr. Scott Brown, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Missouri-Columbia Joe Kerns, President, Kerns & Associates, Ames, IA Reports seemed to …
The BEEFabulous App
Need beef recipes? The California Beef Council has you covered. Does this sound familiar? You’re in the grocery store and you see a special on Chuck Roast, but you’re not sure what to do with a Chuck Roast–Slow-cook? Braise? (What’s “braise,” anyway?) Or you need meal options that are fast, satisfying and nutritious. Or you know that if you’re tired …
Prices for a July 4th Cookout Down Slightly
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says we can cookout for a little less this year. Favorite foods for a Fourth of July meal will run about $6 per person according to an informal survey conducted by AFBF. The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $55.70, or $5.57 per person. One reason for this is competition …
ZimmCast with NGFA Communications
With this week’s program I’m starting a series of podcasts with the communications directors of agricultural organizations. I thought it would be interesting and hopefully entertaining to talk with the people who are helping communicate their organization’s message to various audiences, which includes their own members. I hope they will share some of the methods they are employing to get …
ASTA Honors Dr. Stephen Smith
Dr. Stephen Smith was honored last week at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Smith was made a Lifetime Honorary Member during the Gala Banquet in recognition of his leadership, vision, and service to the seed industry. “Dr. Smith has been an ardent supporter of ASTA’s activities on the domestic and international levels for …