A lot of announcements will be made at Commodity Classic this week, or at least timed for the event. Here’s one we’ve been expecting since last week’s Pioneer Science of Solutions event.
Student Bloggers Sponsor Interview
Kicking off our coverage of Commodity Classic 2006 is an interview with Tami Craig Schilling, Monsanto Public Affairs Director, about their Future Ag Journalist Fellowship program which is sponsoring our student bloggers, Mary Irelan and Margy Fischer. Tami explains how the program came about, why they picked Mary and Margy and what the objectives of the program are. She said that if this works well it might be something they’ll do again. If so, AgWired is ready, willing and able to do our part to help.
This Quasimojo Member Won’t Be Forgotten
Here’s a post I really wish I didn’t have to do. I received an email a little while ago that Andy Markwart, the editor of John Deere’s “The Furrow” magazine just passed away. I only just got to know Andy in the last year or so since I’ve become involved with AAEA and IFAJ. Andy was one of the members of the popular Quasimojo band that played at their events. I know I will join many people in missing Andy. The news was a shock and he and his family will be remembered in our prayers.
Listen To Michael, Mary and Margy
It’s Commodity Classic week here on AgWired. That means you must enter our contest to win a video iPod, which is being sponsored by New Holland and watch for event coverage that includes student bloggers Mary Irelan and Margy Fischer, sponsored by Monsanto. This week’s ZimmCast is a little different. No one on one interview. You can hear some of the music from Michael Peterson’s new CD, “Down on the Farm” and I interviewed both Mary and Margy to find out what they want to accomplish at Classic and what they think about blogging it.
Quick Link Stories
I’ve got quite a backlog of stories that I’ve been meaning to mention. So in the interests of time and my sanity here’s some quick links:
Want To Run SLAC
The St. Louis Agri Business Club has issued an RFP for management services. (PDF File)
Make Sure You Enter Our iPod Contest
This is just a friendly reminder to enter our New Holland “Down on the Farm” Classic iPod Keepsake Contest. You don’t have to be a farmer to enter. As long as you don’t work for New Holland or me you’re eligible. Tell your neighbors, your family and your friends. Maybe they want to know about AgWired anyway.
College Students To Blog Commodity Classic
Meet Mary Irelan, University of Illinois student and about to become, AgWired blogger. Actually, she’ll just be blogging her experiences as a first time visitor to Commodity Classic next week. Her trip is being sponsored by Monsanto as part of it’s Future Ag Journalists Fellowship program. Monsanto wants to make sure the future agricultural communicators get some “new media” training.
Protecting That Intellectual Property
Our last session of the day involves a discussion on intellectual property rights and how they benefit society.
More High Speed Internet Access To Farmers
When we got to precision farming it was time for a tag team approach again. Getting this session started was Tom Doerge, Agronomy Research Scientist. Tom talked about using yield monitors and doing on-farm testing. He had some great photos of fields in which different treatments were applied side-by-side and in other patters. I will ask if these presentations are available.