Farm Broadcasters at AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-cassidyRight after I did a post this week about why farm broadcasters should attend Ag Media Summit I did run into a couple of farm broadcasters there, including Tom Cassidy with New York-based Ag Radio Network, who was able to visit with some of the InfoExpo exhibitors like Kerry Overton with Koch Agronomics.

Also in attendance to represent the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) was Kyle Bauer, general manager of KFRM radio in Kansas, pictured below chatting with Lynn Henderson of AgriMarketing Magazine.

ams13-kyle-lynnNAFB has several members who are also members of the AMS ag media organizations, but as Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) also pointed out in a comment, Kyle notes that the annual summit falls during a pretty busy time for farm broadcasters. “You’ve got a budget issue of traveling but you also have the time of year when farm broadcasters are covering other events, county fairs and that sort of things,” Kyle said. “And many of our members are one person departments.”

But Kyle says AMS does have much to offer for broadcasters. “A farm broadcaster nowadays is just as likely to have a camera along with his recorder and absolutely everybody is expected to deliver on multiple sources and somehow you have to get that training and certainly here is a good place to get that training.”

Listen to my interview with Kyle from AMS here: Interview with Kyle Bauer, KFRM radio
2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, Audio, Media, NAFB

American Soybean Association at AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-asaSoybean farmers were well represented at the Ag Media Summit this week in Buffalo by American Soybean Association Communications Director Patrick Delaney and president Danny Murphy.

Since I do a daily audio report for Agri-Pulse, I was happy to get to chat with Danny about the policy issues on ASA’s plate at the moment, which start with the ongoing farm bill saga. “It’s really been frustrating, disappointing, I don’t know how many adjectives you can use to describe it,” he said. “It’s really time and I guess it’s easy to question whether the House is really committed to passing a farm bill. They don’t really appear to be.”

The Mississippi farmer says the House is holding up other legislation important to agriculture, like the transportation bill. “Funding bills have to originate in the House so even though the Senate seemed really interested in maybe increasing the barge fuel tax as a source of revenue to get some of the improvements done on the Mississippi on the locks and dams,” said Danny. “The House has been reluctant to have any kind of tax increase … even though the barge owners would really like to see it.”

ASA is encouraging producers to make their views known to their representatives during this August recess and urge them to get to work.

Listen to my interview with Danny from AMS here: Interview with ASA president Danny Murphy
2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Groups, Ag Media Summit, ASA, Audio, Soybean

The Minute from FMC

Cindy Zimmerman

Like an artist who becomes known by one name only, FMC’s Authority Minute will soon become simply The Minute.

ams13-paulI chatted with our good friend Paul Redhage of FMC Corporation at the Ag Media Summit this week, first of all thanking them for sponsoring our coverage from this great event. Chuck usually is the one to cover AMS but since he went with the ethanol motorcycle gang to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it was my great pleasure and privilege to attend this year, thanks to FMC.

FMC’s video podcast series The Authority Minute was the topic of a ZimmCast back in February and Paul tells us that it has become very popular. “For the last year we’ve had this opportunity for growers and retailers to learn more about weed management in soybeans and the Authority line of products,” Paul said. “With the following we’ve had this year, we’ve decided to expand that program.”

That evolution to simply “The Minute” this fall means the program will soon cover corn-related issues on weed management and insect-related issues. “So it’s broadening and we’ll be talking with lots of researchers and growers around the country,” said Paul.

Not only do growers get a chance to learn something new by watching the series, they also get a chance to win prizes. “Anytime a person registers and goes online and watches one of these … 18 digital videos posted on the web, they get credit for it and each week we have a drawing for gift cards…and then a grand prize drawing,” he said.

Listen to my interview with Paul from AMS here: Interview with Paul Redhage, FMC
2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, Agribusiness, Audio, FMC

Summer Insights Magazine Now Available

Melissa Sandfort

Insights WeeklyInsights magazine is a magazine entirely devoted to precision farming. Designed to give you more in-depth information about what’s happening today in precision agriculture, this publication will show you how you can capitalize on the technologies now available to make your operation more successful and profitable.

The Summer 2013 issue is now available!

In addition to precision ag information, we will also introduce you to folks who can tell you firsthand just how beneficial precision farming practices have been to their operation. In addition, we’ll share valuable agronomic information from experts across the country so you can use to make informed decisions in the field. And we will take you inside Ag Leader so you can meet the people responsible for developing Ag Leader’s line of innovative precision farming products. As always, you’ll be the first to know about new products, local training opportunities and much more!

Sign up for a free subscription or download the Insights magazine here. Currently Insights magazine is only available for subscription in the United States and Canada.

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

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins

Cindy Zimmerman

New on Agri-Pulse this week:

open-micLynn Jenkins is the second district U.S. Representative from Kansas. She grew up on a dairy farm near Holton. She is in her third term and has risen to vice-chair of the Republican house conference. Jenkins speaks out about federal agencies and their heavy handed approach in regulating business and industry. She has co-sponsored legislation to allow citizens to have a stronger defense against a government agency by recording phone calls and holding government personnel accountable. Jenkins is also working to determine what federal nutrition policy will be most effective in addressing citizen needs in the future. /em>

Listen to the Agri-Pulse Open Mic interview with Rep. Lynn Jenkins here.

Agri-Pulse

50 Years of Federation of State Beef Councils

Chuck Zimmerman

John HustonThis is the 50 year celebration of the Federation of State Beef Councils. No one has more knowledge of the history of the Beef Checkoff and the evolution of the industry groups than John Huston. John gave us a look back over the years at the people involved in the start of the first agricultural industry checkoff which was 5 cents per load of cattle (25 head) matched by packers way back when to today.

I recorded his comments for you and hope you enjoy listening to them. Comments from John Huston
2013 Cattle Industry Summer Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

Welcome to Cattle Industry Summer Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

Cattle Industry Summer ConferenceHello and welcome from the Cattle Industry Summer Conference. I’m Beef Board Blogging over at MyBeefCheckoffMeeting.com but sharing with you here when I can.

Let’s get started with thanking Merial for sponsoring the news room once again. We sure appreciate their support and the wonderful place to work out of.

I did an early morning interview with NCBA’s Chase Adams to get a preview of this year’s summer conference. There are 650 registered for the conference and it is a very working meeting for all the committees of the ANCW, NCBA and CBB. Listen in and learn: Interview with Chase Adams

And photos are being uploaded for your viewing and sharing pleasure: 2013 Cattle Industry Summer Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

Ag Industries Growing Demand for Workers

Talia Goes

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Do you think cellulosic ethanol can be commercialized?”

Our poll results:

· Almost There 33%
· It Already Is 26%
· Could Be Someday 25%
· Just A Fantasy 11%
· No Clue 3%
· Other 2%

According to our latest ZimmPoll results, most people believe that cellulosic ethanol, which can be made from agricultural waste or non-food crops, is already or soon to be commercialized.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What is the biggest growth area for ag jobs?” The agriculture industry continues to grow creating thousands of new jobs. Which ag area do you feel supplies the most jobs? Let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by New Holland Agriculture.

ZimmPoll

I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff…

Melissa Sandfort

image4This week Aunt Jeanette (thankfully!) writes:

…and I’ll blow your machinery storage shed down…and another storage shed…and your augers…and the trees in your front yard…and the power lines…and your pivots. I will rip the brand new doors off of the building that were installed ten days ago. Then I will put a huge dent in your grain bin and blow a couple of windows out of your house. I will ruin your gorgeous flower beds…and last and most importantly, I will strip your beautiful corn and soybean fields, mow them down, and turn them into a smelly mess…
Yours truly,
The Big Bad Wolf (aka Mother Nature)

Exactly two months after the Memorial Day tornado, we were hit again! This time I didn’t quite make it to the basement. The power had gone out, plunging us into a loud, scary darkness. I was going to the basement, cut the corner too short, and ran into an antique trunk. The pain in my toes literally dropped me to my knees. Not being one to waste time, I thought that was a convenient time to pray.

After I recovered, Dan and I went outside to survey the damage – again. This is getting to be a not-so-fun habit. We immediately saw this machine shed slanting sideways with our two combines and the drill holding it up. After that, we decided it would be best to wait until morning to see the rest.

Now the clean-up starts. My optimistic side says things could have been much worse. We are so fortunate nobody got hurt – either time. We will get things back in order and go on. Why do we stay here? This is home.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

New Holland’s New Speedrower Line

Jamie Johansen

new-holland-ag-13-125-editedNew Holland Agriculture’s Speedrower Self-Propelled Windrowers was another stop during their First in the Field Media Event. The Speedrower allows for producers to travel faster and increase efficiency. Yet still provides the industry-leading power, control, comfort and performance New Holland customers expect.

  • Integrated IntelliSteer auto-guidance eliminates pass-to-pass overlap.
  • Improved steering control gives for smooth, responsive handling.
  • Hydrostatic transmission allows for 24-mph, high-speed, foward-looking transport.
  • Prairie Special and draper-ready upgrades.
  • Upgraded rear support and tire options.

new-holland-ag-13-124-editedSeth Doman, Brand Marketing Manager for Hay & Forage Preparation Products, explained each new addition and shared dealer feedback after they participated in the First in the Field event.

“We have three new models in the Speedrower line replacing the H8000 series that will be new for 2014. Dealers can order this producer across North American today and are ordering. We have a pre-sale program that is going on through the end of the month.”

Listen to my interview with Seth from here: Interview with Seth Doman

View photos from the event here: 2013 New Holland Ag Media Event Photo Album

Audio, Beef, Dairy, Forage, Hay, New Holland