Argentina Meat on the Grill

Chuck Zimmerman

Argentina Beef on GrillHere in Argentina they like to eat meat. I’ve learned a few things from grilling done gaucho style. This is one of the grills for our lunch yesterday on the livestock tour. It was excellent with all the trimmings that include what I’m now calling the official beverages of the Congress, Malbec and Quilmes. I really wasn’t expecting to eat good beef but it has mostly been flavorful and tender. These big leg on roasts over an open fire were excellent.

Cindy and I are still experiencing a lack of good wifi but we’ve been collecting lots of photos, videos and interviews to share. Most will probably have to wait until we get back stateside. This morning Cindy is covering activities at the Rosario Chamber of Commerce while I’m uploading photos back at the hotel and getting some other online work done.


2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Food, IFAJ, International, Meat

Monsanto’s Ground Breaker Growers

Jamie Johansen

monsanto-media-fps-13-27-editedMonsanto hosted a Ground Breakers Media Event right before the 2013 Farm Progress Show kicked off last week. Media gathered for dinner and then headed out into the field to see first hand the results from Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybean Ground Breakers.

Tony White is the Soybean Technology Development Manager for Monsanto. His main responsibilities are managing the trait with Roundup Xtend soybeans. At his station he hit on the highlights of their Roundup Xtend Crop System and on the application requirements. He also shed some light on the feed back they have received from the Ground Breaker Growers who have used this system in their own fields.

“This is really the first time we will come to market with a trait and chemistry package. So we will have Roundup Xtend which will be resistant to dicamba and we will also have chemistry we can spray over the top of that. This is really an important tool for growers who are battling weed resistance and who need tools in the tool box to help control weeds.”

Listen to my interview with Tony here: Interview with Tony White

monsanto-media-fps-13-45-editedDuring the event we also had the chance to hear from some of the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Ground Breaker Growers. Jim Hild from Illiopolis, IL. farms just 25 miles from the Farm Progress Show location. He specializes in corn, soybeans and seed corn and has been very pleased with the results. Jim also shared how straight forward the application requirements are and how simple they are to follow.

“We sprayed the beans three to four weeks after planting wuth Roundup Xtend, which is a mixture of Roundup and dicamba. And cleaned up the weeds. I was very pleased. Probably two to three weeks of residual from that product. I’d like to use it on every acre, it’s a very good program.”

Listen to my interview with Jim here: Interview with Jim Hild

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Monsanto Ground Breakers Media Event Photo Album

Audio, Crop Protection, Farm Progress Show, weed management

Herbicide Application Done Right

Jamie Johansen

fps-13-137-editedConsultant for BASF, Dr. Bob Wolf, spoke at the BASF press conference during last week’s Farm Progress Show. Their On Target Application Academy was the topic of discussion and how it’s three goals of increasing efficiency, minimizing off-target movement and safety are their focal point. Dr. Wolf also stressed the importance of the nozzle size, lowering the boom and labeling.

“Those are basic goals that any person applying a crop protection product should follow. There job is to and control the pests and they need to do that without drifting the product into an area that might cause damage. Either crop damage or damage to animals or people. With the size of farms people have today, they have a lot of acres to spray and they need to do it efficiently and they need to remember the safety aspects when working with crop chemicals.”

The On Target Application Academy is a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity that provides growers extensive hands-on training for better awareness of herbicide application.

Looking into 2014, both BASF and Dr. Wolf are looking to hold more workshops to increase the awareness of the correct and more efficient application process. For more information on an academy in your area click here.

Listen to my interview with Dr. Wolf here: Interview with Dr. Bob Wolf

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland
Audio, BASF, Farm Progress Show

What’s New in Crop Production at Case IH

Jamie Johansen

fps-13-709-editedA stream of red was easy to spot walking the streets of the 2013 Farm Progress Show. Case IH made quite the impression on attendees during the recent event, where they launched a few new products in their crop production line.

The Marketing Manager for Crop Production Equipment, Rob Zemenchik, talked what’s new at Case IH and when growers can take them home.

“There are three machines we are featuring on the lot in the area of crop production that we are introducing. The Ecolo-Tiger 875 Mulch Ripper, new Precision Disk Drill 500T and the 5 Series Planter.”

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An entire team of Case IH representatives were on hand to share information, answer questions and give advice on which equipment would fit different farming needs. Attendees also took advantage of the Case IH apparel shop located at the center of their endless exhibit.

Listen to my interview with Rob here: Interview with Rob Zemenchik

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland
Audio, Case IH, Equipment, Farm Progress Show

Find Soil & Fertility Solutions at Calcium Products

Jamie Johansen

fps-13-725-editedExhibits large and small flooded the 2013 Farm Progress Show in Illinois last week. Calcium Products was one of those booths you could visit and quickly have all your soil and fertility questions answered.

After talking with Craig Dick, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Calcium Products, I learned why they come to the largest out-door farm show and how they are helping farmers improve yields and solve their fertilizer needs.

“Calcium Products is a 26 year-old company. We produce the countries purest, most efficient pelletized gypsum and lime products, SuperCal S04 and SuperCal 98G. And we distribute the products all across North America.”

Calcium Products has recently redesigned their website, www.calciumproducts.com. Now it is easier to find resources to help you optimize your soil and raise your bottom line. Find product information and custom calculators, agronomy research, stories of real results and much more.

Listen to my interview with Craig here: Interview with Craig Dick

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland
Audio, Farm Progress Show, Fertilizer

Going Gaucho in Argentina

Chuck Zimmerman

IFAJ Congress GauchosThe IFAJ Congress attendees have moved from Buenos Aires to Rosario now. Today is a day of farm and city tours. I will be on a livestock tour while Cindy takes off for a grains farm tour.

Yesterday at our lunch stop we had a show put on by a group of gauchos. These cowboys could do rodeo with the best of them. Besides trying to stay on a bucking bronco they also had a race being pulled by a horse/rider while riding on a cow skin. We’ve got video but it will have to wait until we have time and better internet access. Speaking of which, we have lots of photos to share but those will have to wait as well.


2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
IFAJ, International

Visiting La Campiña in Argentina

Chuck Zimmerman

ifaj-13-3On our way from Buenos Aires to Rosario today, the 2013 IFAJ Congress stopped by a delightful little farm that specializes in citrus, peaches, grains and tourism.

La Campiña is owned by Cesar and Mónica Cahen D’Anvers, who were anchors on the top television station in Buenos Aires for 40 years. About 20 years ago they bought the farm as an investment, growing oranges on 12 hectares for export. Then they moved into processing jams and juices and ultimately agri-tourism.

“We feel that we are very privileged,” Monica says. “I think people who earn their living doing what they like are very privileged.” Because they were such popular television personalities, their farm is very popular. In addition, Monica and Cesar still do a daily, three hour radio program which is syndicated nationwide.

I had the great pleasure of getting to talk to this entertaining and wonderful lady who is loving life on the farm and on the air as she nears her 80th birthday. Enjoy my conversation and watch the video of her welcome below.Interview with Mónica Cahen D'Anvers, Argentina Farmer and Journalist


2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Agribusiness, Audio, Farming, IFAJ, International, Video

Dupont Pioneers Local & Global Presence

Jamie Johansen

fps-13-803-editedIf you missed the Dupont Pioneer pavilion during the 2013 Farm Progress Show then you had your blinders on. The huge exhibit brought attendees into an air-conditioned environment to view their state-of-the-art technology for growers to take advantage of globally.

Senior Marketing Manager, Luke Davies, talked with me in their exhibit to shed some light on their growing product line and give a glimpse of what those who strolled through their booth during the Farm Progress Show were able to take in. Beyond that Luke was excited to share what is coming down the line in terms of technology.

“As soon as you come into our booth you are greeted by an option that really intrigues our families and our younger generation and that is the giant corn field that serves as a backdrop were we snap a picture. As you progress from there a big highlight for the crowd has been Pioneer Field 360, which is really our new precision agronomy tool working with growers to develop better productivity through better relationships.”

Listen to my interview with Luke here: Interview with Luke Davies

Jerry Harrington works with the agriculture trade media and publishes the Growing Point magazine for Dupont Pioneer customers. Also during the Farm Progress Show I spoke with him about how the companies focus on global relations has brought them to be long-time sponsors of Chuck & Cindy’s travels to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists conference. Currently the duo is in Argentina taking in all that the country has to offer when it comes to agriculture.

“We are an international company. It makes all the sense in the world to help enhance the communications among journalists, not only those who cover within the US but in international boarders as well. It’s been our pleasure to sponsor Chuck Zimmerman’s trips to the international ag journalist conventions and we intend to do so long into the future.”

Listen to my interview with Jerry here: Interview with Jerry Harrington

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland
Audio, Farm Progress Show, International, Pioneer

An On The Farm Full Service Provider

Jamie Johansen

fps-13-673-editedGROWMARK, along with FS had a strong presence at the recent Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. No matter where you went it was hard to escape the view of an FS flag waving high in the sky. Not only were they again sponsors of fuel used throughout the grounds, but they also gave a hands-on view of all the companies product divisions.

On the coolest day of the Farm Progress Show I visited the FS booth and spoke with Jenny Haycraft, who works in marketing and communications for the company. She shared what attendees were able to take in during the event and how FS is a full line service provider on the farm. This includes needs in energy, lubricants, propane, agronomy, seed and in precision farming.

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“Throughout the exhibit we have designated areas for primary product divisions. We’ve got agronomy, seed, grain systems and energy. There are interactive games for attendees to play and learn a little bit about our products and services we offer in each area. And then once they play the game we can interact with them as much as possible and see if they are current customers or potential prospects.”

Listen to my interview with Jenny here: Interview with Jenny Haycraft

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland
Audio, Cooperatives, Energy, Farm Progress Show, GROWMARK, Seed

Educating Ag Journalists in Argentina

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 410The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress not only provides for great networking with colleagues from all over the world but is also an opportunity to learn about agriculture in a new country.

Cristian Mira IFAJThis year we’re in Argentina and during this afternoon’s opening program we heard from several people who talked about some of the issues facing not only farmers but agricultural journalists as well. Introducing some of our speakers was Cristian Mira who edits the agricultural supplement to the La Nación newspaper.

I visited with Cristian about this first Latin American Seminar which brought in attendees from the IFAJ Congress and other area journalists. The idea is to learn from the information and ideas presented. I think you’ll find my conversation with Christian interesting.

Listen to this week’s ZimmCast here: Educating Ag Journalists


2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong and Monsanto, Roundup Ready Plus, for their support.

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Audio, IFAJ, International, ZimmCast