The mango industry isn’t the only fruit getting some new representation. Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner has appointed six producer members, including one first handler and alternates to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. The members will each serve three-year terms of office beginning Jan. 1, 2008 and ending Dec. 31, 2010. Newly appointed producer members are: H. Neil Moore of …
New Members for National Mango Board
The acting Agriculture Secretary is swiftly exercising his authority. Ag Secretary Chuck Conner has named six new officials to the 20-member National Mango Board. These six appointees were nominated by the Board to fill three importer positions and three foreign producer positions. The members will start their three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2008 and ending Dec. 31, 2010. Newly …
Tomato King Will Receive World Food Prize
Although it was announced in June, Dr. Philip Nelson will formally receive his World Food Prize tomorrow at the Iowa State Capitol as part of the World Food Prize’s Norman E. Borlaug International Symposium. The theme of it is “Biofuels and Biofood: The Global Challenges of Emerging Technologies.” Is there anyone not holding a conference with biofuels and food as …
Mike Wagner is BRFA’ing a New Baby
When I ran into Mike Wagner here at the Cellulosic Ethanol Summit I was with a group and got introduced to him. I said “I bought a water bed from you in 1983.” He blinked and said that I sure did. That’s been 24 years ago. At the time he was leaving Florida Farm Bureau Federation and I had just …
American Farmland Trust Says “Pick up the Phone”
Speaking of viral campaigns, Jimmy Daukas at American Farmland Trust wants you to pick up the phone today and call your Senator. Today thousands of people representing 30 conservation and environmental organizations are contacting their Senators demanding funding for conservation in the 2007 Farm Bill. Take 1-minute to call your Senators now! Thanks for your commitment! Please forward to at …
Florida Ag Journalists Honored
Florida Farm Bureau Federation honored Southeast Agnet founders Gary Cooper and Robin Loftin-Cooper during the 66th annual meeting last week in Daytona Beach. They are pictured here with FFBF president John Hoblick. The Coopers received the “Ag Journalists of the Year” award for outstanding coverage of agriculture. Gary and Robin are our former business partners in Florida. I also do …
A Country Living Conversation
I like living the country life. That’s why the ZimmComm office compound sits on a couple acres outside Jefferson City, MO. It’s nice to watch the birds, squirrels, deer, etc. and not have a neighbor’s house right on top of you. A lot of people feel the same way and that’s why there’s a Country Living Association. This week on …
Florida Farm Bureau Leader Blogs
The President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation is blogging. He’s John Hoblick and you can find him here. Here’s an excerpt: In this first post, I will focus on the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Hilton in Daytona Beach. I am looking forward to it. You are planning to be there, aren’t you? Our 66th annual meeting will …
International Forum for Women in Dairying
It’s the final day of World Dairy Expo and things are getting more relaxed for the agriblogger. It’s also a lot quieter here in the media room. We’re down to the die-hards I guess. During our media talk session Kathy LaScala wanted to talk about the International Forum for Women in Dairying. I asked her what this is all about. …
Monsanto Steps Up its Role in Ethanol Production
Monsanto Company prides itself on being an industry leader when it comes to remaining on the cutting edge of agricultural technology. Now, Monsanto has announced it will be collaborating with Perten Instruments to ensure the company maintains its leadership in the emerging ethanol industry. Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and Perten Instruments today announced a collaboration to develop advanced process analytical …