Here’s an end of the day post from Indianapolis. We’re heading out to the track early tomorrow. I understand that there are some restrictions on what we can take pictures of but I’ll find out more when I get there. It’s all in the name of ethanol promotion since Indy cars will be fueled by ethanol by 2007. Tomorrow we’ll get to see car #91 do laps with an ethanol/methanol fuel mix.
Kite To Drive Ethanol Car Friday
I’ll be leaving today for Indianapolis! It’s off to the races. As a start to the news I’ll bring you, here’s the latest from the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council:
Getting The Beef Message To Young People
In this week’s Missouri Beef Industry Council Report (MBIC), now that the question of the future of the national checkoff has been answered, committees can forge ahead with important promotion programs. MBIC Region 2 board member Dean Carroll from Clarence, MO talks about programs to reach young people.
Mid Missouri Energy Grand Opening Subject of CornTalk
In this week’s CornTalk, I interview Ryland Utlaut, President of Mid Missouri Energy. Ryland discusses the ethanol plant’s grand opening which is scheduled for Friday, June 3. He also talks about the event and how important the facility –and ethanol – is for the state of Missouri.
Get Your Suit Biopolished
Although I live in Missouri, I’m from Florida so I didn’t grow up wearing wool. I came to love it during about 5 months out of the year though after moving here to the great white north. I thought this story was interesting mainly because of the process described in the release. It’s “biopolishing.” At first you might think that means taking a very tiny buffing machine and applying it to some new genetically enhanced micro-organism or something. Not so. Read about it in the release from the American Sheep Industry Association.
Show Me The Angus Future
I think one of the most interesting things about the announcement for the upcoming National Angus Conference & Tour is the logo. I had to look at it a few minutes to get it. Of course it’s been a long day and I’m tired but I was thinking “Where’s the beef?”. Then I thought it was an old Jimi Hendrix or Santana album cover but finally I can see that it’s someone staring into a crystal ball, duh.
The Indy Car Excitement Is Building
In just a few days it’ll be time to listen to the roar of the Indy Cars, especially #91, Team Ethanol, driven by Paul Dana. 
I’ll be there for the media event on Friday and through the weekend for the race! The whole media coordination is being done by the Ethanol Promotion Information Council and their agency, The Integer Group. I can tell you that Tom Slunecka and Joanna Schroeder have been putting in overtime on this one.
Beef Checkoff Continuation Topic of Special MBIC Report
As I posted earlier, the U. S. Supreme Court decided today to continue the Beef Checkoff. Therefore it was time for a special edition of the Missouri Beef Industry Council Report. I spoke to MBIC Chairman David Dick of Sedalia, MO. David also serves on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board operating committee at the national level.
Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Beef Checkoff
I know there’s a big sigh of relief at the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and some disappointment at the Livestock Marketing Association but at least the drama is over for now. 
Although I don’t have a release yet from the Beef Board directly, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has already distributed one.
What In The Wild Blue Yonder In This Week’s ZimmCast
Although I interview Harry Thibedeau with the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), we talk about Wild Blue, the satellite internet access company that says it will be available by the end of June. It’s a long-anticipated service launch and Harry says NRTC has put in a bunch of money so I know they’re anxious to get it going. Wild Blue is just one more reason why you’ll be seeing high speed access, even in the country! Just think of all the blog reading those new high speed customers will be doing.