USDA is almost podcasting on its MyPyramid website. I say almost because of this line on their podcast page: “Check back every month for a new video podcast.” Oops. That completely misses the point of podcasting which is about me watching when/where I want and being able to subscribe so I don’t have to go back to a certain web …
Reminiscing With Brenda Curtis-Heiken
This week the ZimmCast hits a milestone with episode number 150. Hard to believe I’ve been podcasting for almost 3 years. It has been a blast though as we pioneer new ways to communicate to farmers and consumers. That’s why it’s kind of fitting that this week’s program contains an interview with my good friend Brenda Curtis-Heiken, USDA Radio. Brenda …
Ice Storm Affecting Livestock Producers
Parts of the midwest got a break from the ice storm today but others had it hit them. Locally we got lots of rain today with temperatures above freezing. The USDA radio news line had a good story about how it’s affecting livestock producers who still have chores to do even when the power goes out. For example, we’ve got …
USDA/Ad Council PSA To Prevent Obese Kids
In this public service announcement produced by USDA and the Ad Council eating an apple keeps the ceiling from falling on you and turns it into a world map. Well, that’s not really the message. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services and the Ad Council announce today the launch of a multi-media public service advertising …
Fight Stress with Wild Blueberries
Just a handful of wild blueberries at each meal is the ticket to natural stress-relief. At least, that´s what the USDA has concluded. USDA scientists recently concluded that eating Wild Blueberries and other antioxidant-rich foods at every meal helps prevent oxidative stress. (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 26, No. 2, 170-181, 2007) This study advances antioxidant research …
Beef Promotion Board Appointments Made
Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced 39 appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning Feb. 3, 2008. Appointed members representing cattle producers by state are: Max Bozeman, Jr., Alabama; Weldon D. Wynn, Arkansas; Manuel Rodrigues, California; Harold A. Wick, Colorado; Sidney L. Sumner, Florida; Dan D. Hinman, Idaho; Paul L. Kent, …
Carl Winter’s Food Safety Music
How about a little food safety music to start your day? This is from Carl Winter at the University of California – Davis. He’s got several food safety themed songs available including lyrics and a powerpoint presentation. I thought you’d enjoy the USDA song. People, there’s no need to despair If you’re worried ‘bout your food, land, and air I …
Chris Connelly New USDA Comm Director
The USDA has a new Director of Communications and he’s Chris Connelly. Connelly replaces Terri Teuber Moore, who has been named the Deputy Director of Communications for Policy and Planning at the White House. “Chris Connelly brings broad experience in management and public policy communications, a shared belief in the importance of transparency and a commitment to continuing this department’s …
Watermelon Promotion Board Members Appointed
Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner appointed six producer and six handler members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Two producer members have been reappointed for a second term, and four new producer and six new handler members have been appointed to serve on the board for the next three-year term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2008, and ending …
Acting Secretary Conner Visits NAFB
The NAFB Convention is underway and the Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Chuck Conner, started things off with remarks in a press conference. Here he’s being introduced by NAFB President, Pam Fretwell, WTAD/WKAN. Acting Secretary Conner had a lot to say about the farm bill which is really the main issue the administration is working on right now. As we’ve heard …