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

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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

Love Old Tractors? New App Celebrates Vintage Iron

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mobileNow vintage tractor enthusiasts can test their tractor trivia skills, enjoy stories of classic machines and more, on the go, with a new free smartphone and tablet app from nationally known farm broadcaster Max Armstrong.

The interactive “Max Armstrong’s Tractor App” is available for iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. Users will hear Armstrong’s distinctive voice inviting them to the app version of his popular TV segment “Max’s Tractor Shed,” to play “Tractor Trivia” and “What Engine is This?” games, and tune in to his daily Midwest Digest reports on Farm Progress America Radio. They can also download ringtones featuring Armstrong’s voice.

Armstrong, who owns a pair of restored vintage Farmall tractors, is excited to share his passion for iron old and new through the app. He has reported often on the technology agricultural producers use to help them farm more efficiently, to better market their crops and to care for our environment. Providing the free tractor app to growers adds a little levity to the mix.
Read More

Agribusiness, Apps, Tractor

Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders

Joanna Schroeder

One topic that has been top of mind this year during AgCareers.com Food & Ag HR Roundtable – how to recruit and retain top notch talent into the ag industry. The “Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders session focused on how and when to begin working with youth and students to introduce both agriculture, but also introduce your company to them. Another untapped market: veterans.

Ashley Collins AgCareersThe panel was moderated by Ashley Collins, AgCareers.com. She manages student outreach initiatives including student professional development in the workplace as well as corporate initiatives to help companies develop stronger student recruitment programs.

Dr Constance Hargrave Iowa State UShe was joined by Rod Hamilton, Christensen Farms; Dr. Constance Hargrave, Iowa State University who is the director of the SCIENCE BOUND program aimed at encouraging pre-college minority students to pursue degrees in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math); and Dr. Pamala Morris with Purdue University.

Dr Pamala Morris Purdue UniversityDr. Morris focuses on reaching out to youth and adults, especially minorities and those living in urban environments. She noted that it’s hard to sell “ag” but if you introduce the industry in another, hip way, such as through the environment, youth are not only open to learning about the industry, but excited about it. She is working on a pilot program called the “Environmental Revolution” that she hopes to launch throughout Indiana aimed at middle-school aged kids.

Rod Hamilton Christensen FarmsHamilton stressed that states need to commit to keeping and adding ag classes and in Minnesota, they can now be used to fulfill science requirements.

One thing that all the panelists agreed upon: the industry really needs to step up its sizzle and showcase to youth why ag is hip.

Visit the AgCareers.com Ag & Food HR Roundtable photo album.

AgCareers, Agribusiness, Audio

Zimfo Bytes

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    Zimfo Bytes

  • Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) invites you to visit their member farms and ranches on National Alpaca Farm Days on September 28th and 29h.
  • The Center for Dairy Excellence and Penn State Extension Dairy Team will host a special statewide Dairy PROS meeting on Thursday, August 15, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. in the Learning Center Tent at Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, Pa.
  • Industry veteran and longtime John Deere equipment dealer Pat Happe has joined Iron Solutions, the company that specializes in providing data, intelligence, and technology tools for equipment dealer profitability.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed three members and three alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board.
Zimfo Bytes

AAEA Honors at AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

ams13-pitzerDuring the closing awards banquet at Ag Media Summit, AAEA honors many who have made a significant impact on the industry – both in the long term and in the present.

The AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by CHS, honors those who have made significant contributions toward improvement of the viability and value of the organization. One of the two honorees this year was Jack Pitzer who had an extensive career with the National FFA Organization, as a publication director and editor, leader of the convention’s popular career fair and other activities.

ams13-swegleThe second award winner was Wayne Swegle who has had a long and diverse career, from his early career with Successful Farming, to serving as assistant to the secretary at USDA, to president of the National Millers Federation in the 1980s, to his work with Winrock International in the 1990s and beyond. As a past president, Wayne remains actively in involved in AAEA and serves on two committees.

ams13-duffyThe 2013 AAEA Distinguished Service Award recipient is Michael Duffy, PhD, professor of agricultural economics at Iowa State University. Dr. Duffy’s leadership in helping beginning farmers for nearly 20 years has helped to facilitate the transfer and transition of farm operations between multiple generations. The award is sponsored by Archer Daniels Midland.

ams13-ceeThe Andy Markwart Horizon Award, presented by the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF) and John Deere in a matching grant partnership, is an annual award given to an AAEA member who embodies the youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity shown by Andy in his volunteer work for AAEA for many years. The 2013 winner is Christy Couch Lee, founder of Cee Lee Communications of Illinois, which provides feature and news writing, photography and copy editing for agricultural publications and groups.

See the full list of AAEA awards on the ageditors.com website and check out all the photos in the
2013 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

ACN, Ag Media Summit, Audio