Consumer Demand Drives Poultry Processing

Cindy Zimmerman

ippe-14-chikinA large Chick-fil-A sign welcomes attendees to the 2014 International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, claiming the city to be the “chicken eating capitol of the world” in cow speak. That may or may not be entirely true, but it is certainly the center of the poultry processing world this week.

To kick off the event, Novus International hosted a luncheon for over 150 attendees from around the world featuring remarks by Dr. Shelly McKee of Auburn University on how consumer preferences are driving innovation in poultry processing. “In the United States, poultry consumption is around 82.5 pound per person on an annual basis,” she said, which is higher than beef, pork or turkey. McKee says that’s because it is an economical source of protein that is viewed as healthy and “less intimidating” for young people in particular to prepare.

Good consumer demand for poultry in all forms has led to increased bird size in just the past few years. “Our industry has changed to meet consumer demands for further processed products,” said McKee. “We can take those bigger birds and break those down – we may have a breast fillet and portion it for a smaller serving and then cut fajita strips out of that same breast fillet.”

ippe-14-novus-mckeeMcKee is quick to point out that the industry has achieved these bigger birds through genetics, nutrition and management practices – not hormones since they are illegal in poultry. “We do not use hormones in the poultry but we have other programs that support the growth rate,” she said.

Ten years ago, Auburn developed a two-day “Poultry 101” workshop with Texas A&M and the University of Arkansas which focuses on poultry processing, industry information, and safety. “We also make products. We take chickens through a processing plant, take the meat and make hot dogs, deli loaves, sausages, smoked birds,” she said. “So the last day the people get to eat the product they made.” Novus is one of the sponsors of the workshop, which rotates between the three universities and attracts a wide variety of attendees including processors, marketers and chefs.

Shelly has recently accepted a new position with USA Poultry and Egg Export Council as director of technical services but she will continue to be involved in the field of poultry promotion and education.

Listen to my interview with Shelly here: Dr. Shelly McKee, Auburn University
International Production and Processing Expo Photos

Sponsored by Novus International Inc

Agribusiness, Audio, IPPE, Novus International, Poultry, Poultry Expo

Get Registered for 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

2014 Agri-Marketing ConferenceHave you registered for the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference? Come down to the Sunshine State, relax, network and learn. Sounding pretty good right now, eh?

I’m on my way to Austin, TX for our quarterly Executive Committee Mtg. of the National Agri-Marketing Association. I’m sure we’ll get an update on what’s being planned for Jacksonville, FL in April.

Let me know if you’ve got questions about NAMA or the Conference. I’ll do my best to answer and if I can’t I know someone who can!

Ag Groups, Marketing, NAMA

Novus at Production and Processing Expo

Cindy Zimmerman

novus-ippeOnce again we are pleased to bring you coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, courtesy of our friends at Novus International.

IPPE is the new name for the combination of International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo, and International Meat Expo, which all integrated together in 2013. The 2014 IPPE will bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors and over 25,000 attendees in Atlanta this week.

As part of the event, Novus is hosting a full week of events and educational opportunities for the industry, starting with the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF) today which precedes the IPPE tradeshow. Kicking it off will be a luncheon to discuss “How Consumer Preference Drives Poultry Processing” by Dr. Shelly Mckee of Auburn University.

Sponsored by Novus International Inc

IPPE, Livestock, Meat, Novus International, Pork, Poultry, Poultry Expo

CommonGround Iowa

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 424In this week’s program we’ll meet Sara Ross, Iowa farmer and part of CommonGround Iowa. I visited with Sara in the media room at the National Biodiesel Conference and we spoke via ZimmGlass. Here’s what CommonGround Iowa is:

We’re a group of Iowa farm women working to dispel myths about modern agriculture and build trust in farming communities and farm families. We want to answer questions and share facts as well as our personal stories of farm life. Please join us in finding our CommonGround. – See more at: http://findourcommonground.com/your-community/iowa/#sthash.Z5B7HU8X.dpuf.

Sara and her husband Kevin operate a diversified farm near Minden, IA. She loves the volunteer work through CommonGround and talks about how it is helping her engage with non-farm folks about where their food comes from.

You can listen to this week’s program here. Iowa Common Ground

I recorded my conversation with Sara using ZimmGlass so you can see the video of it here:

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

Ag Groups, Audio, National Biodiesel Conference, Social Networking, ZimmCast

Tech Support Excels During Busy Spring Season

Melissa Sandfort

Insights WeeklyThis week we caught up with Scott Andrews, Ag Leader Customer Support Manager, who tells us a little more about what Ag Leader tech support is doing to gear up for the busy upcoming spring season.

1. With the spring rush almost upon us, what is Ag Leader doing to prepare to be ready to answer grower calls?

Ag Leader support is continuously reviewing how we can better help our customers. We continually train our staff on our products so that we are able to support our customers. We are tweaking our staffing so that we have the right resources in place to handle the types of calls we receive during planting season, and then we’ll re-tweak for applications over the summer and harvest in the fall.

2. What do you believe makes Ag Leader stand out above the competition when it comes to tech support?

Our helpful staff is what makes the difference. Every tech support representative is here because they want to help our customers.

3. When growers purchase precision Ag equipment, it comes along with tech support. They’re purchasing peace of mind. Why is this so important for their investment?

Farming can be challenging enough when equipment functions properly and weather cooperates. Knowing these aren’t guaranteed for our customers, we strive to provide quality, timely support so that customers can focus on their operations.

4. Tell me about the tech support team. Who are the people behind the product?

There are about 50 tech support staff who either grew up in ag or decided to pursue ag as a career. They are men and women from around the country ready to help our customers have a successful year.

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Ag Leader, Agribusiness

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

EU Agriculture Commercial for CAP

Chuck Zimmerman

EU CAP VideoThe European Union is trying to sell the public on their Common Agriculture Policy while promoting agriculture with a campaign, “Taking Care of Our Roots.”

Designed to be greener, fairer and more efficient, the CAP reform aims to reinforce the partnership between Europe and its farmers and deliver real benefits to more than 500 million EU consumers. It also provides an excellent opportunity to bring together EU citizens, farmers, NGOs, other rural actors, national, regional, local authorities, and the European Commission to better understand and debate the importance of agriculture in our lives – and those of future generations.

Here’s a video that delivers the message, Our Life, Our Roots. What do you think? Should USDA run a campaign like this?

Farm Policy, International, Video

HSUS and Missouri Agriculture

Jamie Johansen

The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) has been forming “Ag Councils” around the country, most recently in Missouri, with the stated purpose of fostering “better animal welfare and environmental stewardship.” The councils – which have also been been formed in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio – are made up of farmers, ranchers and conservationists, but some are understandably skeptical.

Wes Shoemyer, former state senator and “sustainable” farmer from Monroe County, MO., is one of the new Missouri Agriculture Council members. “Over the last few decades farmers have been driven off of the land by industrialized agriculture and it has drained our rural economies,” he said. “We need to reinvest in these communities by promoting independent farmers and sustainable agriculture, and I’m happy to work with the HSUS to do that.”

mo-farmersSince Shoemyer has just formed a PAC called “Missouri Food For America” opposing the state’s Farming Rights constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this fall, the Missouri Farmers Care agriculture coalition is suspicious of his intentions. “HSUS can’t be trusted,” said coalition chairman Don Nikodim. “Even a failed politician like Wes Shoemyer should be ashamed of selling out Missouri farmers.”

“The Missouri Farming Rights Amendment, is a common-sense way to protect Missouri family farmers from those who want to destroy our way of life,” Nikodim continued. “So, it’s no surprise that HSUS, the number one threat to Missouri farmers, would create this Trojan Horse in an attempt to deceive voters and stop this essential effort.”

This week’s ZimmPoll touches on the topic. What are the true intentions of these ag councils? Do the farmers on them really have the best interests of agriculture in mind or are they simply orchestrating the agenda of HSUS? As a member of the agriculture community, I can’t trust anything that has the mark of HSUS. As a Missourian, I fear these front groups could have a serious impact on farming and the livelihood of my family, friends and other fellow agriculturists across the state. Let us know what you think!

Ag Groups, Animal Activists, Animal Agriculture, Farming

Truth Behind the Star of Every Big Game – BACON

Jamie Johansen

As millions of Americans gather around their televisions on the first Sunday in February, there’s one star that’s already a winner even before the kickoff. Whether it’s a main ingredient, an appetizer or simply a garnish, bacon is the standout star of any dish. But, there’s a side of the bacon story that most Americans aren’t so familiar with.

Just like a conditioned star athlete, a lot of hard work, dedication and countless hours go into making sure the bacon found in fan-favorite recipes is top quality.

Modern animal housing provides a well ventilated, warm (a must-have for those cold, snowy days) and clean home where the pigs receive a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. And these are just a few of the ways that pig farmers across the country are dedicated to making sure the bacon on your table, and theirs, is a top pick.

“Our pigs are our highest priority on our farm,” says Jennifer Debnam, a pig farmer from Kennedyville, Md. “We constantly have to be at the top of our game, using the latest technologies and advancements in animal health. No matter the weather, time of day or time of year, we make sure that our pigs are healthy and well taken care of – not only for the well-being of the pig, but so that you never have to worry about bacon being available at the grocery store.”

This video from the United Soybean Board, titled “The Truth Behind Bacon,” shows that from the farm field to the football field, hard work is part of the recipe to bring home a winner.

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Pork, USB

Farm Progress Show Will Reap International Exports

Jamie Johansen

FPS14-flagThe nation’s largest outdoor farm show, Farm Progress Show, has been selected to participate in the 2014 International Buyer Program (IBP). This year’s event takes place in Boone, IA, August 26-28.

The IBP is an export program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. companies exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

“We are honored to be selected to be among this elite group of trade shows,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events manager. “The IBP program will bring a new level of international attention to those companies who participate in the Farm Progress Show.”

The goal of the IBP is to connect U.S. companies with overseas buyers to produce U.S. export sales. The program promotes their approved events to over 170 countries worldwide, to attract international buyers interested in the latest and most advanced agriculture technologies and products.

The IBP also will be offering unique matchmaking services at the Farm Progress Show, matching overseas buyers with U.S. exhibitors. U.S. exhibitors at the Farm Progress Show, through the IBP’s Showtime Program, will have excellent opportunities to meet with U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. State Department delegation leaders and export partners to discuss overseas market-entry strategies and potential markets and sales for their products/services.

For companies new to exporting or even more experienced exporters, seeking to export to additional target markets, the IBP offers export market advice and counseling. The IBP Team can also provide expert strategic advice and guidance to U.S. companies on which overseas trade show to participate in, what market entry strategies to use in their target markets, and how to locate and qualify overseas distributors and sales representatives.

“The U.S. Department of Commerce is committed to assisting U.S. companies at the Farm Progress Show establish export connections that lead to U.S. export sales. Behind every U.S. export, is a job, a family. That’s the heart of why we support U.S. domestic trade shows, like the Farm Progress Show. It doesn’t get any more important than that.” Mark Wells, IBP project officer, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Events, Exports, Farm Progress Show, Farm Shows