Agvocating on Ag Day

Chuck Zimmerman

There were lots of agvocates in Washington, DC last week for National Ag Day activities. They included some great young people and we’ll hear from a few of them in this week’s program. Let’s start with Troy and Bobbie Uglem, North Dakota. They are 2012 National Outstanding Young Farmers. During the lunch program on Ag Day Troy addressed those attending. …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, ZimmCast

Farmers Telling Personal Stories Important to Consumers

Chuck Zimmerman

This week during Ag Day activities the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance held an educational session which was moderated by Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Communications for the National Milk Producers Federation. He also sits on the board of USFRA. Chris says Ag Day provided a great opportunity to speak with Capitol Hill staffers and legislators about the latest research …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, USFRA

National Ag Day Contest Winners

Chuck Zimmerman

At the National Ag Day banquet in Washington, DC, the winner of the written essay contest read her essay to us. She’s Whitney Bowman, Mount Jackson, VA. Here’s where you can find her essay titled “American Agriculture: Nourishing Opportunities.” Other winners include Lebo Molefe, Naperville, IL – Video Essay Contest – see below and April Fox, Wayne State University – …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, Video

BCS Communications Celebrating Ten Years

Chuck Zimmerman

Here are a couple of farm kids doing good in the big city. Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe of BCS Communications (our sponsor) attended National Ag Day Activities and we visited about what’s new with the agency. BCS Communications supports National Ag Day because it’s “second nature to us” says Kelly. Additionally, most of their clients are involved in …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Agencies

Secretary of Ag Tom Vilsack at Ag Day

Chuck Zimmerman

Our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke at the annual National Ag Day banquet in the USDA Whitten Bldg. First up in his remarks was a sales pitch for moderator, The Big O, Orion Samuelson’s book, “You Can’t Dream Big Enough.” I’ll bet that didn’t hurt sales! If you like Orion’s Ole and Lena jokes then you’ll really enjoy …

Ag Day, Audio, USDA

James Wesley Thanks a Farmer

Chuck Zimmerman

From an #AgDay @Reply to me this afternoon comes a link to a new single by James Wesley, Thank a Farmer. Thought it would be good to share before I head to this afternoon’s National Ag Day banquet at USDA. You can find Jame’s song on YouTube and purchase it in iTunes. I’ve got it. So, go get it. 2013 …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Video

Congressman Lucas Encourages Ag Day Attendees

Chuck Zimmerman

During our Mix and Mingle Lunch today as part of the 2013 National Ag Day activities we heard from Chairman for the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK), who praised America’s farmers and ranchers. I was held up by the President’s motorcade and missed most of his message but he agreed to a quick hallway interview. He wants …

Ag Day, Audio

Celebrating National Ag Day 2013 in Nebraska

Talia Goes

Besides the activities Chuck is covering in Washington, DC, this week there are localized events throughout the country. This morning, Nebraska kicked off Ag Day in Tecumseh, Omaha and Wayne. The crowds got to listen to some key Nebraska agriculture influencers and supporters such as Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, State Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach, Agriculture Committee …

Ag Day, Agribusiness, Audio

USFRA Ag Day Educational Session

Chuck Zimmerman

This morning the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance celebrated the 40th anniversary of National Agriculture Day with a breakfast on Capitol Hill and educational briefing on “The New Language of Food and Modern Agriculture.” More than 150 people — including Ag Day participants, members of the food industry, and Congressional staff — joined USFRA at the event to hear about …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, USFRA

Insider Look at 2013 for Food & Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman

How about some Farm to Fork Politics? That’s what we got to kick off 2013 National Ag Day activities in Washington, DC. Here are the panelists for the session that was sponsored by Agri-Pulse just prior to their annual reception. Seated l-r are Dr. Keith Collins, former USDA Chief Economist, B. Hudson Riehle, Senior VP of the Research & Information …

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Agri-Pulse, Audio, Farm Policy, John Deere