No Request For Soybean Checkoff Referendum

Chuck Zimmerman

It looks like there was very little interest on the part of soybean growers to request a new referendum according to the results of the latest opportunity as announced by USDA. USDA received only 759 request for referendum forms at county Farm Service Agency Offices, which reflects approximately one tenth of one percent of all eligible U.S. soybean farmers. Had …

Ag Groups, Soybean, USB, USDA

Remembering Jack Eberspacher

Chuck Zimmerman

I was very saddened to learn of the passing away of Jack Eberspacher, Ag Retailers Association. Cindy and I knew Jack first when he led what is now the National Sorghum Producers. We’ve had the opportunity to interview him and share good times and fellowship many times and he will be sorely missed. Here’s a statement by ARA: Jack Eberspacher, …

Ag Groups, sorghum

Social Media and Illinois Ag Leadership Program

Chuck Zimmerman

Today the current class of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program will be having a Media Relations Seminar in Chicago. Yours truly was supposed to be presenting a session on “Social Media From The Ag Perspective” but pneumonia canceled that. However, good friend and social media man Andy Vance, ABN, is on the scene for me. So to help him out …

Ag Groups, Social Networking

Happy Independence Day

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmComm New Media would like to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July celebration. I thought it would be a good opportunity to borrow some prose from Rick Tolman, NCGA, about energy independence and the role ethanol is playing. Here are some excerpts from his most recent Our View: Another Fourth of July is upon us and as we prepare …

Ag Groups, Corn, Ethanol

Tricia Braid-Terry New Dir. of Comm. for IL Corn Growers

Chuck Zimmerman

According to AgNews on Twitter (yes I’m reporting Twitter news), Tricia Braid-Terry is the new Director of Communications for Illinois Corn Growers. She’s much better looking than Mark Lambert her predecessor who is now with NCGA. I’ll bet Mark would like to be in this picture though. This is from when Tricia was in Guatemala the U. S. Grains Council. …

Ag Groups

Carlos Fraga Joins California Strawberry Commission

Chuck Zimmerman

The California Strawberry Commission has a new Manager of Grower Communications and Education. He’s Carlos Fraga. His primary role is to develop strategy and implement tactical training solutions for food safety, occupational safety, production and organizational leadership. “Grower communications and education is integral to building and maintaining an industry-leading food safety program,” said Mark Murai, President of the California Strawberry …

Ag Groups

Voting Open In AFT Favorite Farmers Market Contest

Chuck Zimmerman

You should check to see if your local farmers market is signed up for the American Farmland Trust, “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” contest. Voting is active. AFT is looking for three top vote getters and is using this contest to promote “the connection between fresh local food and the local farms and farmland that supply it.” “Farmers markets not only …

Ag Groups, Food

Faber To Help Hereford Association With New Media

Chuck Zimmerman

The American Hereford Association has hired Sara Faber to work on new media projects. Oh, and she’ll also have other duties as Marketing and Shows Coordinator. Faber, originally from Sioux Center, Iowa, graduated in May from Oklahoma State University summa cum laude with a master’s degree in agricultural communications. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public service and administration in …

Ag Groups

Ethanol From Sorghum

Chuck Zimmerman

In case you didn’t know it, ethanol can be made from sorghum and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program was on location at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop to promote that fact. I met with Tim Lust and Florentino Lopez, USCP, during the trade show yesterday to find out more about what they’re doing in the area of fuel ethanol. You can …

Ag Groups, Audio, Ethanol, sorghum, ZimmCast

Ken Colombini New Director of Communications for NCGA

Chuck Zimmerman

He’s become a master Twitterist and blogger. He’s Ken Colombini, the new Director of Communications for the National Corn Growers Association. Please join us in welcoming Ken to his new position. “Ken has been a valuable member of the award-winning NCGA Communications team during the past two years,” said NCGA Vice President for Marketing Fred Stemme. “He has a great …

Ag Groups, Corn, NCGA