People from all walks of life, as World Trade Center Illinois Agribusiness Director Chuck Hartke puts it, are gathering in a first-of-its-kind forum in Chicago this week in an effort to grow agricultural exchange and commerce between the U.S. and Africa. Chuck says the 300 participants of the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum have come together to explore how America …
From African Farm to American Fork
The Corporate Council on Africa wants U.S. investors to realize their potential in African agribusiness opportunities. That’s why the CCA is showcasing the African food value-chain at the 2008 U.S. Africa Agribusiness Forum. The CCA wants public and private sectors alike to cross borders and bring “farm to fork.” I’ll be covering the forum here at the Hyatt Regency in …
Chewing Some Argentina Cud
This agriblogger is getting a taste of life in Argentina this summer. Mandy Nolz publishes, Chewing The Cud. Here’s what she’s doing down south, “For the month of June, I will explore the city of Buenos Aires to attend Spanish classes, live with a host family, and complete my goal of studying abroad during my college career.” She’s already had …
Connie Siemes Secretary for IFAJ
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists continues to develop. Now they’ve got a part time secretary, Connie Siemes, Netherlands. The IFAJ has appointed Connie Siemes from The Netherlands as part-time secretary to assist the Presidium and the Executive Committee for two days a week. Eleven people from eight countries applied for the new position, which will involve providing a range …
A Sunny Announcement From BASF and Nidera
It looks like a morning of “joint-development” announcements. This first one is from BASF and Nidera. BASF and Nidera today announced the introduction of CLHA-Plus – a new genetic trait for the CLEARFIELD Production System for Sunflowers – at the 17th International Sunflower Conference held in Cordoba, Spain. CLHA-Plus is the result of a long-term joint development program between BASF …
New Holland Encourages the Great Outdoors
New Holland is sharing its booth at the CMA Country Music Festival this year. New Holland is a corporate sponsor of The National Wild Turkey Federation and visitors can find NWTF representatives, including Tom Turkey, at the Sports Zone. Brian Dowler is the public relations manager for NWTF and he says NWTF talks more than just Turkey. In fact, the …
Chuck Leavell Promotes Forest Management
Chuck Leavell, Rolling Stones Keyboardist, has become an outspoken proponent of sound forestry management. He’s got a tree plantation, Charlane Plantation, near Macon, GA. He just played for a UN biodiversity convention in Germany and is touring there with the German Forest Owners Association. I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Chuck and I like how he’s trying to pull …
New Media in Ag Journalism
The latest edition of the IFAJ E-News has some interesting information. Liz Kellaway is doing a great job with it and it’s got more information than ever. Here’s a couple of tidbits. 1. The last newsletter posed a member survey question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” Although not many responded here’s …
Cookbook Targets Nutrition for Children
The Wheat Food Council is celebrating its 35th anniversary and wants to use the milestone to help promote nutrition for children. That’s why the council is releasing a cookbook that’s meant to benefit a non-profit organization dedicated to influencing children’s eating habits through education. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Wheat Foods Council today unveiled Food for Thought from …
Ethanol Makes a Stand at Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300
Team Ethanol is at it again. This time at the Kansas Speedway. The Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 is underway and, prior to the race, Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay talked about wanting to make this “home” race a top finishing race. Team Ethanol is hoping to make a big impact on and off the track though. The Ethanol Promotion and …