Urban Farm Helps Homeless, Named Social Innovator

Laura McNamara

Victory Programs‘ ReVision Urban Farm has been chosen as 2008 Boston Social Innovator. The program, which serves the homeless in surrounding areas, is set to receive financial support from Boston-area venture philanthropists. Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm, a farm serving families facing homelessness in Dorchester, is among six area nonprofits selected as a 2008 Social Innovator by the Cambridge-based Social …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Corn, Farming, Pioneer

Organic Scandal

Laura McNamara

A handful of the nation’s largest grocery retailers have been accused of organic fraud. Wal-Mart, Costco, Target, Safeway, and Wild Oats have been accused of selling organic milk that might not be so “organic.” The legal filings in federal courts in Seattle, Denver, and in Minneapolis, against the retailers, come on the heels of class action lawsuits against Aurora Dairy …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Animal Health, Dairy, Food, Organic, Wackos

Corn Refiners Clear Up Myths About High Fructose Corn Syrup

Laura McNamara

Apparently, the public doesn’t have it straight when it comes to high fructose corn syrup. The Corn Refiners Association has released a list of its “Top Published Myths about High Fructose Corn Syrup.” Myth: High fructose corn syrup is solely to blame for obesity and diabetes. Reality: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that high fructose corn syrup is …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Education, Food

Merry Christmas Trees

Chuck Zimmerman

Merry Christmas Trees from the National Christmas Tree Association. This week’s program is about NCTA and I want to thank them for having audio available on their website. Here’s a good example of why we encourage multi media content on your site. In the program you’ll hear from NCTA President, Beth Walterscheidt, Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees, Elgin, TX. She’s going …

Ag Groups, Audio, Video, ZimmCast

Farm Fresh News From American Farmland Trust

Chuck Zimmerman

We’re on a roll with the holiday greetings. I like this one from American Farmland Trust’s latest email. Best wishes for the holidays from American Farmland Trust and the Farm Fresh News team! Take a few minutes to watch a video about farmers helping the urban poor, learn a few ways to celebrate the holidays in a greener, farm-friendly way …

Ag Groups

Energy Bill Pleases and Disappoints

Chuck Zimmerman

The farm bill isn’t the only legislation of interest to ag groups right now. In fact, I think I’ve had more email over the energy bill lately. Of course it’s now on it’s way to the President to sign tomorrow morning and who knows when that will happen with the farm bill. Here’s a sample of comments just sent out …

Ag Groups, Farm Policy

2007 National Corn Yield Contest Winners

Chuck Zimmerman

The National Corn Growers Association has announced the Corn Yield Contest winners. Not only was the number of entries higher than ever before, but several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated average. The 27 winners in nine production categories had verified yields averaging more than 298 bushels per acre, compared to the estimated national average of 153 …

Ag Groups, Corn, Farming

Ag Dept Reaches Children Through Disney and Video

Laura McNamara

The latest ploy from the USDA to teach kids about nutrition features characters from Walt Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book.’ The Ag Department is working with Partners with Ad Council and Collaborates with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment in an effort to promote nutrition education to children and families. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services and …

Ag Groups, Education, Food

Michael Walter Named President of CMC and TEGMA

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s a couple of groups I’m not familiar with. But I do know they have a new leader. I’ll bet we could all learn a lot more if they would have me blog their annual meeting. The Commodity Markets Council (CMC), a competitive markets association, announced today that Michael D. Walter has been named President of the organization. Walter, who …

Ag Groups

Media Interviewing Suggestions

Chuck Zimmerman

I was waiting to hear what Steve Leer, Purdue University would have to say in his presentation this morning. His topic is “Interviewing with the Media: Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say.” Instead of the interactive TurningPoint clicker he’s having us write our answers to questions on a notepad he handed out to us. The notepads promote Ag Answers, …

Ag Groups