Dr. Lyons Provides Glimpse of Future

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Pearse LyonsToday we heard several glimpses of the future. The big one here at the Alltech International Symposium was given by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Founder, Alltech. As he always does he challenged us. At the beginning of his speech Dr. Lyons played the God Made a Farmer, Dodge Ram Trucks Super Bowl commercial. That phrase became a key part of his message to our audience. Dr. Lyons was introduced by another Dr. Lyons, Dr. Mark Lyons, his son.

You can listen to Dr. Lyons talk about his glimpse of the future here: Dr. Lyons Welcome Speech

2013 Alltech International Symposium Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio

House Ag Ranking Member Comments on Farm Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

petersonThe full Senate is expected to begin work on a new farm bill today, but the question is will the House ever do the same?

In a telephone press conference on Friday, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN) admitted they will have challenges facing us when whenever they do get the bill to the floor, but he is hopeful that will happen by mid-June. “At the end of the day, this bill’s going to be written in conference, we just need to figure out to get it to conference, that’s the trick,” he said. “If we can get to the floor by the middle of June and the Senate can move their bill, we can get this thing done by the August recess.”

Listen to or download press conference here: Rep. Collin Peterson press conference

Audio, Farm Bill

Intern present and reporting at Symposium

Maggie Seiler

Alltech-Symposium-13-1 I’m jumping in and getting my hands dirty right away. The Alltech International Symposium is my first event as the summer ZimmComm intern. Chuck hasn’t wasted any time putting me to work taking photos, tweeting and now blogging.

It has been pretty incredible to see the amount of influence Alltech has on agriculture as well as how it is truly an international business. The symposium has drawn around 2,400 attendees from 76 countries. I am enjoying getting to meet and talk with a large number and variety of people. Stay tuned for more from me.

2013 Alltech International Symposium Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Syngenta and DuPont announced technology licensing agreements that will broaden each company’s crop protection product portfolio and enable both to bring new products to market more efficiently.
  • New Holland has fully met the demand with two New Holland-engineered and manufactured draper headers specifically designed to maximize the high-capacity performance of New Holland’s CR Series Twin Rotor and CX8000 Series Super-Conventional combines.
  • Country music artist Chris Cagle will perform in concert on Wednesday, Aug. 28, following the second day of the 2013 Farm Progress Show.
  • The Asgrow brand is excited to offer a proven roster of high-performing, Rock Star products, along with an expansive range of soybean advancements that farmers can rely on for many seasons to come.
Zimfo Bytes

Alltech Fun Run

Chuck Zimmerman

Alltech Fun RunIt was not easy but it was worth it. It was getting up early this morning for the annual Alltech Fun Run which is very much a part of the Alltech International Symposium experience. Here’s Dr. Pearse Lyons coming across the finish line. I’m proud to say I beat Pearse and was able to get my iPhone up in time for this photo. The Fun Run is two laps around Transylvania University.

We had a big crowd today as you’ll be able to see from this video clip.

2013 Alltech International Symposium Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech

Alltech Streaming Live

Chuck Zimmerman

Alltech Streaming LiveThe 2013 Alltech International Symposium is getting into full swing here in Lexington, Ky. The Alltech Ag Network is streaming live starting with commentary from Trent Loos and Damien O’Reilly. You can find the live stream here.

Maggie and I are all set up in the press room and this morning at the plenary session room to provide you coverage of all the activities as we experience them.

2013 Alltech International Symposium Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech

Senate to Consider Farm Bill Today

Cindy Zimmerman

nafb-heitkampThe full Senate is slated to begin consideration today of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 passed last week by the agriculture committee.

“This is the biggest jobs bill we will pass in any Congress,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) meeting with farm broadcasters last week. “It’s time to get it done.”

Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) also met with farm broadcasters last week. “Wouldn’t it be great if the United States Senate and the House of Representatives actually went to conference and passed a farm bill not moments before the expiration of the extension, but months before the expiration?” she asked.

Regarding amendments from the floor to the bill, Heitkamp expects to see a challenge to the sugar program, attempts to reduce crop insurance, and more on the nutrition program.

Listen to or download full comments here: Senator Heidi Heitkamp

nafb-johannsSen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) voted against the bill in committee because he believes it is a step backward in farm policy. “It’s a step not beyond 2013, it’s a step more toward 1980 in farm policy,” he told farm broadcasters. “I just don’t think it serves agriculture in the long term.”

While attempts to restore cuts to the nutrition program are expected on the floor of the Senate, Johanns thinks it will have to be increased from the $4 billion passed out of his committee. “I just think in order to get a bill with the House, it’s going to have to be north of that $4 billion,” he said. What that “magic number” is, however, Johanns is not sure.

Listen to or download full comments here: Senator Mike Johanns

2013 NAFB Washington Watch Photo Album

Find more NAFB Washington Watch audio on AgNewsWire.AgWired.com.com

Audio, Farm Bill, NAFB

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Rep. Steve King

Cindy Zimmerman

New on Agri-Pulse this week:

open-micCongressman Steve King is an outspoken conservative member of the House Agriculture Committee. He is in line to be the chairman when the next farm bill comes up in 2018. King put through an egg amendment that may keep states from imposing standards that restrict commerce with other states. He also wants to cut the cost of SNAP and reduce other expenditures as well.

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

Agri-Pulse

Alltech International Welcome Reception & Dinner

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Pearse LyonsThe Alltech International Welcome & Reception featured world class entertainment again this year with musical performances by students involved in the University of Kentucky, Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. Our musical performances were announced by Dr. Everett McCorvey. However, a favorite each year is having all the dinner attendees led in the singing of the song of Dublin, Molly Malone. The song was led by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech Founder and President. How many company owners do you see willing to do this and do it so well?

The Symposium kicks into high gear in the morning after an early Fun Run which I’m planning to participate in. So we’ll see you then.

You can listen to Molly Malone here: Dr. Lyons Sings Molly Malone

I’ve got a photo album started for the Symposium: 2013 Alltech International Symposium Photo Album

Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio

Alltech Will Glimpse The Future in 2020

Chuck Zimmerman

Alltech Symposium 2013It’s time for one of the best shows of the year, the 2013 Alltech International Symposium. Maggie Seiler, ZimmComm summer intern, and I are on our way. This is a fantastic event for a (perhaps) future agriblogger to jump right into the waters.

We’ll kick off our Symposium adventure this evening at the International Welcome Reception and Dinner, featuring world class entertainment. It’s a social activity where many people now catch up since the last Symposium. I’ve made many international friends at this event and hope to see them in Lexington, KY.

Alltech Symposium AppIf you’re attending the Symposium then you should consider downloading the Symposium App. Just scan the QR code to get started. Here’s what it will let you do.

During the Symposium

Use the app to manage your schedule, find meeting rooms, get updates on sessions, research speakers, and exchange contact information with other attendees.

After the Symposium

Use the app to stay connected with people you meet and to review session papers and product information.

To follow the Symposium action on Twitter we’re using the hashtag #Glimpse.

Agribusiness, Alltech