Our Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, made his first major public policy speech today at the Cattle Industry Convention. Thanks to Andy Vance, Buckeye Ag Network, for snapping a picture for me. It was a pleasure for the ag media to get to meet Schafer. For many of us, it’s our first opportunity and I’m sure not our last. I’m …
Passionate About Beef
The Beef Ambassadors sure do a good job of getting out and promoting beef. I know passion about the product is necessary to be chosen and Jennifer Rassler, Kempton, PA is one of them. She decided to get involved since there are so many people in her area who are not educated about where their food comes from. She says …
Andy Groseta Talks At LPC Lunch
The Livestock Publications Council held their annual lunch today and the featured speaker was Andy Groseta, incoming NCBA President. Andy welcomed everyone and told the group how import their efforts were in delivering information vital to American cattlemen. The luncheon is actually still going on. I had to leave to attend a different one and am posting this in between. …
Taking the Oath to Serve the Beef Board
I attended my first swearing-in ceremony today of the new Beef Board members. Representing the Sec. of Agriculture was Craig Morris, USDA Deputy Administrator of AMS’ Livestock and Seed Program. Here you can see them taking the oath. I spoke with Craig prior to the swearing in and he says this is one of the highlights of his job. He …
Hearing From Matthew McConaughey
I’m sure there are some people here at the Cattle Industry Convention who wish Matthew McConaughey was attending but he’s not. That doesn’t mean we didn’t get to hear from him though. At the opening general session we not only got to listen to the new radio ads but also hear a message from Matthew. You can listen to Matthew’s …
Producer’s Perspective of Beef Checkoff
I did some very random interviews with cattle producers as they were getting registered this afternoon about what they think of the Beef Checkoff. I think it’s always interesting to hear their perspective. We’re actively involved in helping communicate the Checkoff activities to cattle producers so you like to think that the message is getting out. Judging from these 4 …
Cattle Industry Convention Preview
Things were very relaxed here in Reno last night so I sat down with Beef Board CEO, Tom Ramey (l), Cheri Delgado, Senior Executive Assistant and Executive Dir. of Communications, Lynn Heinze to get a preview of what will be going on. Tom says that this is the beginning of the annual planning cycle for the Beef Board. He says …
Commenting On Corn
Hello on Super Bowl Sunday. I’m trying to get ready to hit the road to Reno early in the morning but am planning on cooking some brats and watching the annual big game in high def. This week you can listen in on a discussion I had last week with Mimi Ricketts, Communications Director for the National Corn Growers Association. …
Baxter Speaks Out For Ag Census
You sure know Baxter Black is more than just a pretty face. He’s also a recognizable voice. I’m sure that’s why USDA had him voice a couple of psa’s for their current Census of Agriculture. I realize these are meant for “broadcast” use but dare I post them on the web? Baxter PSA Number One (:60): ag-census-baxter-1.mp3 Baxter PSA Number …
Cellulosic Ethanol is Real and In American LeMans Racing
We keep hearing about cellulosic ethanol and how close some companies are to actually producing it. Well for KL Process Design Group that day is here. Today they made a major announcement in Sebring, FL (which we’re helping get out to farm media) in conjunction with the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council and the American LeMans Series. Pictured are (l-r) …