National ACT at AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-actAbout 60 students representing eight different universities across the country are attending the Ag Media Summit this week as part of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. The officers are pictured here in Gatsby garb at the welcome party and they are Breanne Brammer, Hannah Miller, Andy Barth, Jennifer Ray, and Faith Jurek.

ams13-andyI got a chance to chat with Andy this morning about the importance of NACT being a part of AMS. “Ag Communicators of Tomorrow is a student organization at the collegiate level, preparing students for a career in ag communications and being involved in Ag Media Summit is such a wonderful experience because they get to work and interact with industry professionals,” said Andy.

The organization began actually holding its annual business meeting at AMS a few years ago, presenting awards and electing new officers, while at the same time having the opportunity to network with those in the industry.

Listen to my interview with Andy here: Interview with Andy Barth, NACT president
2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, Audio, Events

Center-Pivot Discbine Mower-Conditioners

Jamie Johansen

new-holland-ag-13-064-editedOne of the six checkpoints we traveled through during New Holland Agriculture’s First in the Field Media Event was on their new discbines. New Holland has taken discbines to a whole new level with even more durability and functionality with their two new center-pivot models. Discbine 313 and 316 are designed for cleaner cutting, more efficient crop flow and smoother, more effective conditioning.

  • The MowMax II cutter bar offers improved durability and the ShockPRO fail safe system.
  • The WideDry conditioning system is 22.5% wider than New Holland’s previous models.
  • These models offer simplified drivelines with single drive shaft and advanced shielding with high density, bi-fold upper shielding, reducing the weight by 75%.
  • A two-speed conditioning system is adjustable for the perfect hay quality.
  • The LeaningEdge flail conditioning allows for even faster drying.
  • Those working in energy crops like cane and corn stover might be interested in the new BioMass Kit.

new-holland-ag-13-059-editedDuring the media event I spoke with Brand Marketing Manager for Hay & Forage Crop Preparation Products, Seth Doman. Not only did he share more insight into these proven technologies, but also when farmers can find them at their local New Holland dealership.

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, Hay, New Holland

Why Farm Broadcasters Should Attend AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-mediaEvery time I attend the Ag Media Summit I am disappointed that there are few, if any, farm broadcasters here. It’s really sad because this is such a great event and there is so much to offer for broadcasters in this day and age.

Here’s just a few reasons why farm broadcasters should be a part of AMS, either by NAFB becoming part of the meeting as an organization, or by individuals joining AAEA.

1. Professional Improvement – with most farm broadcasters now carrying cameras, shooting video and writing for online content, this is a terrific opportunity to learn more about how to do all of that. Numerous writing and photography sessions at AMS provide an education that you just can’t get without going back to school.

2. New Venues – AMS changes location every year and offers pre-conference farm tours to visit new areas of the country like farm broadcasters used to be able to do with the regional and summer meetings back in the day. This year in Buffalo, they toured a dairy farm, apple orchard and winery.

3. Networking – Besides our friends in the “print media” world, most of our company, organization and agency clients are at this event as well.

4. Student connection – Student members of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) meet at AMS each year, which provides a great opportunity to connect with future industry professionals.

5. International opportunities – Being a part of AAEA also allows broadcasters to be part of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and the opportunity to attend the organization’s annual summit. This year we are going to Argentina. It’s a global community in so many ways and this is such a great way to make contacts with our peers in other countries.

Bottom line is farm broadcasters are ag media and should be part of the Ag Media Summit.

2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

ACN, Ag Media Summit, Media, NAFB

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Ed Rhodes will serve as the NFI Crab Council’s Executive Director.
  • Dawson Tire & Wheel, North America’s leading supplier of tires, wheels and assemblies to the agricultural marketplace, has announced the establishment of a sales and distribution center at 5360 West 84th Street in Indianapolis, IN.
  • The Biotechnology Industry Organization announced the launch of BIO Jobs, an online resource for biotechnology employment opportunities.
  • POET Founder and Executive Chairman, Jeff Broin, was honored by Top Producer Magazine readers as the top brave thinker in agriculture over the last 30 years.
Zimfo Bytes

Farm Bureau Buys Farm Shows/Publications

Chuck Zimmerman

American Farm Bureau FederationI don’t know about you but this caught me by surprise. What do you think about what Farm Bureau’s big announcement today?

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced today the acquisition of Cygnus Business Media’s agricultural events and publications. The purchase includes five IDEAg branded farm shows – Minnesota Farmfest, Dakotafest, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Northern Illinois Farm Show and the IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference. The business also publishes Feed & Grain Magazine and Case IH’s Farm Forum magazine.

IdeAg“This acquisition is the union of very strong brands that are deeply-rooted in agriculture,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “By joining the Farm Bureau family, these publications and events create additional opportunities for us to serve farmers, ranchers and the stakeholders looking to connect with them.”

The events and publications will operate as part of IDEAg Group, LLC, which is wholly owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation. All of the current managers and staff of the events and publications agreed to continue in their positions.

AFBF, Ag Groups, Media

Ag Media Summit is Wet and Wild

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-fallsA trip to Niagara Falls and a Roaring 20s welcome party kicked off the 15th annual Ag Media Summit on Sunday.

Lots of us got a chance to see one of the wonders of the world up close and personal on the Maid of the Mist boat tour that lets you “Explore the Roar” of the falls. It was a gorgeous day and we had a great time!

ams13-danceThe Famous Welcome Party featured a “Great Gatsby” theme and the flappers were out in force. You must check out the photo album to see all the great costumes. Some of these folks were meant to be in that era!

I think we should have an online vote for best costumes of the night – check out the album and comment here to let us know who you think rocked the Gatsby look best.

Today we get down to work with professional improvement seminars, so I have to run. Thanks again to FMC for letting us bring AMS to you.

2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit

Winging It at Ag Media Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

ams-1The 15th annual Ag Media Summit is breaking records in Buffalo, according to steering committee chairman Greg Horstmeier with DTN/The Progressive Farmer.

“We’ve broken records on attendance this year, we’ve broken or met some records on the InfoExpo for number of exhibitors that we have, we’ve broken records on sponsorships,” said Greg. “So it’s a big sign that the Ag Media Summit continues to be a very successful event.”

ams13-gregBuffalo, New York is a unique venue for the event and a place that many of us never get to visit in our agricultural travels. “We’ve not been this far north or east since the summit was created,” Greg said. “I think members like to get around a little bit.” Many of the attendees participated in the agricultural tour on Saturday that included a dairy farm, apple orchard and winery. Sunday included an outing to Niagara Falls, which was very cool!

The summit is a joint meeting of the American Agricultural Editors’ Association (AAEA), the Livestock Publications Council (LPC) and the American Business Media Agri-Council (ABM) and it is also a meeting for members of the Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, which Greg says is a great opportunity for both the professionals and the students. “It’s fantastic for us (the professionals) because we get a chance to see the new crop of journalists,” Greg said. “It’s impressive the class of students that come to this event.”

Listen to my interview with Greg here: Interview with Greg Horstmeier

Thanks to FMC Corporation for helping us bring the Ag Media Summit to you this year.

Check out the photo album already started and we’ll be adding more as they happen!

2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, Audio, Events

Honoring Marsha Purcell

Chuck Zimmerman

Marsha Purcell and Gene HemphillA big thank you to our good friend Gene Hemphill for sharing a photo of Marsha Purcell who has just retired from a career of service to agriculture. He went further though in also providing us with these fantastic comments:

Email Dateline: Friday, Aug. 2, 2013 – “Wow! The day has finally come and I can’t believe it – it’s retirement day!“

And there it is, the final public message launched into cyber space from her American Farm Bureau Federation e-mail address. It was a farewell to professional relationships across the country – all who were touched and inspired by her dedication, expertise, dependability and humor – all laced into a tremendous work ethic that spanned throughout her 35-year career.

Marsha Purcell was and indeed remains a reluctant trailblazer – reluctance enhanced by her inherent sense of humility; I do not believe she ever fully recognized the footprints she was implanting thus far through her journey. Those footprints include raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and ag literacy … revitalizing safety programs … continued refocusing efforts of the Women’s Leadership Committee … managing the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for 13 years … working diligently with Ag in the Classroom, where she earned the USDA Distinguished Service to Ag in the Classroom award . She also earned the Centennial Laureate Award from her alma mater (University of Kentucky)… the Management Executive Achievement Award from the Association Forum of Chicagoland, and the list indeed really goes on. All of this and more from a lady who began her career with the Kentucky Farm Bureau and eventually became the first female member of the AFBF’s management team. Beyond the doors of Farm Bureau she has also served on, among many others, the boards of organizations such as the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health and the National Farm-City Council (NFCC). As past chair on the National Farm-City Council and current board member, I had the honor of presenting Marsha with a special plaque which offered tribute to her more than 30 years of dedication to the organization. During that presentation I recited words from a letter directed toward Marsha from current NFCC chairman Hugh Whaley:

“This letter is not intended to recall memories. Rather, it is intended to celebrate the future, your future and the future of the goals to which you have endeared yourself. From all of us on the National Farm-City Board, we wish for you safe travels as you journey forward exploring new highways. It is a comfort knowing that one of those roads will always carry your never-fading spirit as a steward of agriculture.”

AFBF, Ag Groups

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Ethanol Fuel

Chuck Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Association at SturgisOn my way to Sturgis, SD this weekend for my second trip to the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground and the 73rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I’ll be working with our good friends at the Renewable Fuels Association. They are partnered with the event and venue to promote the use of ethanol fuel to motorcycle enthusiasts. And having been there once, let me tell you, these are motorcycle enthusiasts!

RFA has produced promotional and educational materials, banners and merchandise including koozies and t-shirts (featured above) exclusively for this event that will be handed out at various locations during the week. The RFA’s promotional trailer will be featured at The Crossroads, a gathering area for riders. The Sturgis Rally offers an opportunity for attendees to be educated on ethanol-blended fuel as it is often mischaracterized as a problem fuel for engines found in motorcycles.

New this year, campers at the Buffalo Chip will see more ethanol promotional efforts on the jumbotrons during the day and concerts at night as videos play 144 times each day. Banners will now also wrap the jumbotrons.

Returning this year is the opportunity for riders to fuel their motorcycles for free. The “Free Fuel Happy Hours” promotion will allow motorcyclists to fill their tank, free of charge, with 93 octane E10 (10 percent ethanol). This high octane fuel is not available in the area, and will be brought in specifically for this event. To fill up, riders must have a Buffalo Chip wristband and no fuel containers will be allowed. The Free Fuel Happy Hours will be on Tuesday, August 6, Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 8 at The Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

“We’re very pleased to have the Renewable Fuels Association at the Chip and offer our campers some education and free ethanol-blended fuel,” said Rod Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “The RFA will be here to address some of the loose talk we all hear about motorcycles and ethanol. Personally, I’ve used home-grown American ethanol-blended fuel in my motorcycle for years. Naturally, I’m looking forward to getting a free fill at the Buffalo Chip’s CrossRoads during the RFA’s ‘Free Fuel Happy Hours’ and, hopefully, even get some free ‘Fueled with Pride’ stuff.”

Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA

Historical Ag Data Online

Cindy Zimmerman

If you want to amaze friend and family or just have some stimulating cocktail party icebreakers, check out the fun facts you can find in 77 years of historical data now available online from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Here are a few examples:

U.S. egg exports skyrocketed from 5 million dozen in 1940 to 153 million dozen in 1941 and by 1944, that number was nearly 700 million dozen.

Iowa harvested 2.36 billion bushels of corn in 2011, more than the entire U.S. corn harvest of 1935.

Horse and mule populations fell from 18.7 million in 1930 to 3.1 million in 1960, after which the statistic was discontinued.

NASS just recently completed the digital compilation of data since 1936. In the past, this information, published in the annual bulletin Agricultural Statistics, was available in print form only. The volumes detail U.S. farming for much of the 20th century, including the Dust Bowl and World War II.

“U.S. agriculture continues to progress by learning from our past, which is why it is imperative to have historic data easily available,” said Dr. Cynthia Clark, NASS Administrator. “By publishing this information online we are simplifying the research process and further enhancing access to this important and interesting information.”

It is pretty interesting stuff. Check it out!

Farming, USDA