In this week’s program we get a wrap-up of the AgChat Foundation’s Agvocacy 2.0 Conference. I spoke with Michele Payn-Knoper, founder of the weekly AgChat conversation on Twitter and an AgChat Foundation board member and also Amanda Sollman, who took on the project this summer of helping us put on the conference. Michele says we had 115 attendees which is …
Farm Foundation Reports on What’s Driving Food Prices
The agricultural policy organization Farm Foundation, NFP released a new report today on What’s Driving Food Prices for 2011. Foundation president Neil Conklin says the report is a follow up to similar studies they commissioned when prices were up in 2008 and 2009. “The purpose of the report this time is to provide both policy makers in the public sector …
Catering To Chefs Specialty Needs
The oldest family farm in Livingston County, IL is Spence Farm. I met Marty and Kris Travis, seventh generation farmers, on this unique farming operation during the CTIC Indian Creek Watershed Project field tour. The farm specializes in a lot of heirloom vegetables among other products. You can see a list of their products on their website. Marty says the …
Watermelon Pig
Yesterday I posted grilling ideas but let’s not forget some other holiday foods. There are too many to mention. So I’ll keep it simple. How about a watermelon pig? No cooking required. Materials 1 Round seedless watermelon 1 Pipe cleaner 1 Piece of pink foam craft sheet 3 Buttons (one large pink and two blue or substitute blueberries) Melon baller …
4th of July Grilling
Grilling. It’s what will be done this weekend at ZimmComm. This is a photo of a recent grilled meal of mine. With the 4th of July weekend upon us and I’m guessing many of you are already on vacation, it’s time to think about what you’re going to grill. If you are looking for ideas I thought I’d share some …
Food Bloggers Get Out On The Farm
Would you be surprised to know that many food bloggers aren’t real familiar with where the food they write about comes from? Probably not. Most people today do not understand how food is produced and have no real connection to the farm regardless of what kind of food or farm you’re talking about. The Iowa Corn Growers have done something …
G-20 Agricultural Ministers Make Action Plan
Agriculture Ministers from the G20 nations reached agreement this week on a plan to reduce world food price volatility. “The consensus reached today by the G-20 Agricultural Ministers marks an historic union of resolve in combating the pressing challenges of hunger and food price volatility confronting our world with greater regularity,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement from …
The Future of Food Business
Dr. Marcos Fava Neves, Professor, University of Sao Paulo, is the author of “The Future of Food Business.” He autographed books following the stage celebration last week at Novus International headquarters. I spoke with Dr. Neves while he was signing books. He says his book analyzes the major effects that are happening in the world that we can’t control. He …
Whole Hog Courtesy of Novus International
The crowd formed early and eagerly awaited the Novus International hog cooked by Lynch BBQ. Just before slicing and picking the pig the team gathered for a photo. It only took a few minutes to get this hog into trays and ready for serving. I sampled and can’t say enough about how tender, juicy and tasty this pork was. It …
Lynch BBQ Going Whole Hog at World Pork Expo
BBQ is what’s cooking at World Pork Expo. This is the best smelling show I’ve been to this year! Here’s Scott Beaton, Lynch BBQ. He’s been cooking this hog since about six o’clock this morning. I visited with him but all I got on the spices side was, “our secret seasonings.” Okay. This pig will be served this afternoon at …