The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2005 is getting closer. In this week’s ZimmCast I interview one of the organizers. He’s Markus Rediger, Agricultural Information Center, from Switzerland. I met Markus at the Ag Media Summit and he clued me in on what we have to look forward to and why he thinks any ag journalist should consider attending.
Subscribing and listening to podcasts is getting even easier. Research Projects Funded By Beef Checkoff
The beef checkoff funds research in addition to promotional projects. In this week’s MBIC Report from the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Cindy interviews Bob Weaber, University of Missouri Extension, about some of the projects being funded by checkoff dollars.
Podshow Obtains $8.85 Million
I know this is a blog about agricultural marketing and you’re wondering why Chuck keeps pushing podcasting. It’s because I can see how valuable this tool is! Besides our very own ZimmCast, you can listen to the MBIC Report or CornTalk (see our sidebar to the left). These are weekly programs that open-minded agricultural organization leaders are having us produce. Doubt they have listener? Don’t. Their files are structured so that I can measure how many times they’re downloaded by the people who use the standard MP3 file link and there are additional downloads from subscribers who are using podcasting software. They have listeners. It’s not big numbers yet but the people who listen “want” to listen! That’s important. They can also listen whenever and wherever they want to.
Promoting Ethanol At The MO State Fair
First it was hot and dry and now it’s cool and wet. That’s the way it goes at the Missouri State Fair. In the Missouri Corn Growers Association CornTalk program this week, summer intern Rachel Nivens talks about what the organization is doing, including promoting ethanol and displaying their flex fuel Chevrolet Tahoe. They plan to present Missouri Senator Jim Talent with an appreciation award on Thursday as well.
The Art of Dairy On The ZimmCast
How much do you know about the World Dairy Expo? Now you can learn more by listening to this week’s ZimmCast. I interviewed World Dairy Expo, general manager, Tom McKittrick in his office recently. Tom describes the history, mission, purpose, theme and structure of the Expo. Many of you probably already know this but we’re also operating a weblog called “World Dairy Diary” in cooperation with World Dairy Expo. Look for more on the Expo in coming months. AgWired will be there blogging the show!
Podcasts From The White House
Now even W is podcasting by gosh! If the President of the United States is podcasting then this just ain’t a strange sounding word and if you’re in public relations and communications you’d better be paying attention. We keep telling you that it’s time to “think outside the box” (I’m sick of that phrase) but at least in this case I’m talking about a box that lets you tune into a regular radio station. Times they are a changing.
Even Cities Are Podcasting
In case you’re wondering what that logo is on AgWired that says we’re a member then I’ll tell you. We’re a charter member of the International Nanocasting Alliance. This is a group that has been created to promote standards for commercial podcasting. So we said, “Why not join up?” I haven’t seen much activity yet but we’re right at the beginning of this whole podcasting revolution. If you listen to our ZimmCast then you’re listening to a podcast. It’s in an MP3 file format and except for the host (me) sounds pretty good I think. I don’t know what the standards are yet but I’m sure we’ll be working on them.
State Fair Beef Promotion In Missouri
It’s state fair time in Missouri and in this week’s Missouri Beef Industry Council Report, we learn about what the organization is doing to promote beef in Sedalia, MO. Cindy interviews MBIC marketing director, Dawn Thurnau.
Missouri Drought Subject of CornTalk
MO Governor Matt Blunt has requested a disaster declaration for farmers in over 100 counties in Missouri due to drought conditions. In this week’s CornTalk, the weekly interview program of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, our guest is Judy Grundler with the Missouri Department of Agriculture who discusses the crop conditions around the state, what the crop losses mean for Missouri, and the details of the crop disaster declaration.