RFA Ethanol Podcast

GROWMARK Updates Member Resource Platform

Cindy Zimmerman

Keeping all of the different divisions and the 35 FS member cooperatives of the GROWMARK system connected is a constantly evolving process, according to Amy Bradford, corporate communications manager – pictured here with NAMA CEO Jenny Pickett and Chuck at the NAMA fall conference. “My IT likes to call it an evolution because it’s never over,” she told Chuck during …

Audio, GROWMARK, NAMA

The Business Side of IFAJ

Jamie Johansen

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalist’s Congress in Argentina wasn’t all fun and games. Business had to take place too. During the business meeting delegates met to vote on issues and discuss changes within the industry. Here is an excerpt from the delegate meeting to let IFAJ members who were unable to attend and future members gather a better understanding …

Agribusiness, Audio, IFAJ

A Boat Captain’s Tale

Jamie Johansen

A highlight to Chuck’s recent trip to Argentina for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalist (IFAJ) Congress, was during the livestock tour where he witnessed gauchos drive horses and cattle across a local river. Unable to turn down the opportunity for a unique interview, Chuck chatted with the Argentinian boat captain while he guided the tour boat across high waters. …

Audio, Beef, Horses, IFAJ

What Partnerships Mean to New Holland

Jamie Johansen

New Holland has continued to develop their support for the ethanol industry. Their relationships with other leaders in agriculture and beyond has added growth and partnerships to their brand. Director of Growth Initiative Institutional & Speciality Sales, Ron Shaffer, shared that the New Holland brand is focused on growth and his job revolves around anything that will grow revenue for …

Audio, Ethanol, Farm Progress Show, NASCAR, New Holland

Policy Panel at NAMA Fall Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

The NAMA Fall Conference featured a policy panel moderated by Sara “Legs” Wyant of Agri-Pulse, and featuring Mike Deering with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Garrett Hawkins with Missouri Farm Bureau, and Steve Censky with the American Soybean Association. The need for a new farm bill was the major topic of discussion. “We’re all kind of waiting to see what happens …

Audio, Beef, Livestock, NAMA

The #FoodD Conversation

Jamie Johansen

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) & Missouri Farmers Care brought the Food Dialogues to Columbia, Missouri. Expert panelists discussed animal welfare, livestock handling, conventional vs. non-conventional farming and much more. The purpose was to simply start conversations with consumers about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Dan Kleinsorge, Executive Director for Missouri Farmers Care, spoke …

Audio, Food, USFRA

Nutrition Bill Passes House

Cindy Zimmerman

All Democrats voted against the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, but nearly all Republicans voted for it, enough to pass the bill that finally completes the House work on a farm bill. “This has been an unusual process, but it remains my goal to get a five-year farm bill enacted,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “It …

Audio, Farm Bill

2013 NAMA PDA Winners

Chuck Zimmerman

During our concluding lunch to the 2013 NAMA Fall Conference we celebrated with our new Professional Development Awards of Excellence. Let’s start with Gary Sakin, Monsanto, for Marketing Communications. Gary joined Monsanto in November of 2006, and has made impactful changes to how Monsanto approaches branding, measures marcom impact, and engages with its audiences. Currently, Gary is a key member …

Ag Groups, Audio, Marketing, NAMA, Public Relations

Country Financial at Farm Progress Show

Cindy Zimmerman

At the Farm Progress Show last month, we learned more about the services Country Financial offers for farmers and ranchers from Kristin Kramer and Julie Walters. Kristin says Country Financial realizes that farming is a risky business and there are many ways to limit further issues and protect your farm.  “I like to think of everybody like my dad,” Kristin …

Audio, Farm Progress Show, Insurance

Foro PAIS Promotes Argentina’s Soy Complex

Cindy Zimmerman

Foro PAIS – Productores Agro Industriales de Soja – was born in 2011 with the purpose of promoting the Argentine soy agro-industry and we learned more about it during the IFAJ 2013 Congress. Foro PAIS Communications and Institutional Relations Director Dr. Adrián Figueroa says soybean production is a huge industry for Argentina. “Soybean production in Argentina in the last ten …

Audio, IFAJ, International, Soybean