We are getting ready to head out to Anaheim next week for the 2010 Commodity Classic and I got in the mood this week by attending the Missouri Corn Growers Association annual meeting in Jefferson City where I interviewed two of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) leaders. On the left is Mike Geske, former president of the Missouri Corn …
Consumer Messaging Via Agricenter International
The first presentation at the Agricultural Relations Council annual meeting in Memphis was on consumer messaging. Our presenter was John Charles Wilson, Agricenter International. Agricenter International is a self-sustaining, non profit that provides economic development by facilitating agricultural research, educational programs, environmental conservation, natural area preservation and recreational opportunities. John’s presentation focused on their efforts to better inform and educate …
Plant and Animal Genome Conference Success For Fluidigm
The 18th International Plant and Animal Genome Conference was a big success for AgWired sponsor Fluidigm. I spoke with product manager, Yong Yi, about his participation and what his take-aways were. Yong says the key one for him was seeing the pace at which people are doing plant and animal research and picking up new technologies. He says it was …
Boomer 8N is Booming
The New Holland Boomer 8N made its debut at the National Farm Machinery Show last year – but it was just as popular with young and old alike at this year’s show. Some of you might recognize our tractor model, Mr. Gene Hemphill, who is not too young and not too old either (even though he is supposedly retired) – …
Syngenta Resistance Fighters
The term “resistance fighter” was coined in World War II to describe the underground guerrilla movement that actively fought against Nazi occupation, particularly in Yugoslavia, Poland and France. Today, resistance fighters are targeting a different enemy in the ground – glyphosate-resistant weeds. I talked with one of Syngenta’s Resistance Fighters of the Year at the National Farm Machinery Show. Paul …
Pfizer Bovine Externship Program
During the recent Cattle Industry Convention, Pfizer Animal Health held it’s annual breakfast for the media. Dr. Mike Nichols, Senior Veterinarian Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Operations, was on hand to talk about how the company is helping veterinary students. A year ago they made a decision to support the veterinary profession by creating an externship program for students to encourage …
New Holland Loves Biodiesel
When it comes to biodiesel in farm machinery, New Holland is outstanding in the field. At the National Farm Machinery Show, most of the New Holland equipment on display proudly displayed soybean biodiesel signage, and company representatives wore buttons proclaiming their support for the domestically-produced fuel. “New Holland has a strong commitment to not only be a part of biodiesel, …
Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation
It’s okay to talk about Mark Bloom. I think he’s actually in Brazil right now with an Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation group. Mark is one of the staff members of IALF and he was exhibiting at the recent Chicago Farmers Farmland Investment Fair. Mark says it’s a great time for IALF since they’ve got an overlap in last year’s leadership …
All About the Blue
Green farm equipment apparel has gone pretty mainstream in the past several years, but if you see someone sporting a New Holland blue shirt or cap, you can be fairly certain they are a real farmer. I talked with Glenn Brumley who was staffing the New Holland toys and merchandise display at the National Farm Machinery Show about some of …
Virtual Wrench Speeds Precision Service
Virtual Wrench is a service offered by Leica Geosystems. For growers using precision applications it’s like having a technical support person in the cab with them. This remote service and support system uses built-in cell data modems and even incorporates Google Earth! To learn more about it I spoke with Darren Herstedt, Leica Geosystems service and support manager for North …