The Samsung Galaxy Phablet is Fabulous

Chuck Zimmerman

AgWired App on Galaxy Note IIIt’s a phone. It’s a small tablet. It’s a phablet. Actually, it’s the Samsung GALAXY Note II seen here sporting the AgWired App (Got it on your device yet?). I know my Android buddies are wondering about me now. Saying nice thing about an Android device. But I do have an open mind!

After enjoying a Droid Razr as my backup phone and hotspot for a while I’ve upgraded to one of these bad boys. We’re talking serious agvocating tool. It’s not going to replace my iPhone 5 which is number one in my gadget arsenal but I’m having fun with it so far. The screen is huge and beautiful. I’ve set up and tested the hotspot once and it works great. I’ve got it on Verizon and with their backup app it was as simple as moving my sim card and turning the device on to get things started with all my apps, contacts, etc. showing up. Of course I have had to re-populate my home screens but that’s simple.

Galaxy Note IIThe battery life on this thing seems excellent so far. I have used it off and on for almost three days (very little phone calling) and haven’t had to charge it yet. That is a good thing. I’m also a fan of the hidden pull out S Pen that comes with the device. I like using a stylus and this reminds me of ones I used to use on the old Palm Pilot. Remember them?

So, that’s just a quick look at a device you might consider for your ag applications work. However, as you’ll see in the ad below, there’s still the iPad mini that takes current top honors as my favorite in the tablet arena. We like it so much that we’re giving one away to one lucky farmer on our Precision Pays website. In fact, the contest is open for several more weeks so enter now!

Apps, Farming

Imperative to Showcase Diversity of Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

For the past two years, Gary Haer has held three jobs: Chair of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Renewable Energy Group (REG), the largest producer of biodiesel in the nbb-13-haerU.S. and soybean and corn producer – he farms on his family farm in Northwest Missouri.

During his presentation at the 10th Annual NBB Conference, Haer noted that it was hard for him to believe this industry was celebrating it’s 20th anniversary (as Joe Jobe said, the industry has reached its teenage years).

Haer described several parallels between the rollercoaster ride that America’s farmers face every season (Haer and his family virtually lost all their crops to flooding two years in a row) and the market uncertainty battled by the biodiesel industry. He also said that because very few people understand what it really takes to produce food, feed, fiber and fuel, “The biodiesel industry must be even louder in our rallying cries to showcase the diversity of our advanced biofuel.”

Listen to Haer’s full remarks here: Raise the Rally Cry

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Soybean

Here’s to a Great 20 Years!

Joanna Schroeder

The 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo wrapped up in Las Vegas last week but the industry is still a buzz with the great things that have been achieved over the past 20 years to successfully promote biodiesel. During the first general session that officially kicked of the conference, Kenlon Johannes, CEO of the Kansas Soybean Commission reminisced about the start of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB officially turned “20” this year).

Kenlon Johannes Kenlon says it has been an interesting 20 years and 10 years. He says there were only a few involved at the start with most of the action happening in Missouri. The first five years were the fast growth years when the industry really started to take off.

When it comes to looking back he says there are four phases to how the industry has developed. The first one was trying to figure things out, then convincing the industry itself that an organization was needed, then at the federal level work was done and markets developed and then in the last five years a very concise legislative, research and promotion program has been developed.

You can listen to Chuck’s interview with Kenlon here: Interview with Kenlon Johannes

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Soybean

USB Honored with “Eye on Biodiesel” Award

Joanna Schroeder

NBB Influncer Award to USBThe 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference: Momentum, was a huge success last week as the biodiesel industry celebrated the great things that have occurred during the past 20 years in Las Vegas. The session focused on the both the history and future of biodiesel and included the announcement of several “Eye on Biodiesel” awards.

The winner of the “Influencer” category was the United Soybean Board (USB) who helped to make the success of the industry possible through its leadership and financial commitment through the soybean checkoff dating back to 1992. NBB’s CEO Joe Jobe noted that their continued support is instrumental in the growth of the biodiesel industry.

“Biodiesel, America’s advanced biofuel, would not be what it is today without champions and supporters like these Eye on Biodiesel honorees,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “It is very fitting that as we reflect on 20 years of our industry that we honor our past and the enormous impact these biodiesel pioneers had on the early development of the biodiesel industry. We did our homework, and then some, to make sure biodiesel would be received as a technically credible fuel and that is a process that continues today.”

Listen to my interview with Jim Stillman, Vice Chair of USB who accepted the award on the organization’s behalf: USB's Eye on Biodiesel

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Soybean, USB

What’s Your Dream Career in Agriculture?

Cindy Zimmerman

dream-careerAgCareers.com wants to know – what is your dream career in agriculture?

During 2013 visit AgCareers.com at different industry events we’re attending and tell us what ‘Your Dream Career in Agriculture” is. Help us educate the public about the millions of exciting careers that exist in agriculture!

Those careers include teacher, dairy consultant, engineer, loan officer, welder, rancher, vet, microbiologist, nutritionist, aerial applicator, meat inspector, plant manager, viticulturist, mechanic, and family farmer – just to name a few! Oh – and Secretary of Agriculture.

Check it out on the AgCareers Facebook page.

AgCareers, Agribusiness, Education

Agri-Pulse Hires New Associate Editor

Melissa Sandfort

AarianMarshallAgri-Pulse Communications Inc. has named Aarian Marshall to serve as Associate Editor, based in Washington, D.C.

“Aarian initially joined us as an intern last fall to assist with our election coverage, but she has quickly grasped a wide variety of the farm, food and rural issues that we cover. We are delighted to have her join our growing team of reporters on Capitol Hill,” explained Editor Sara Wyant.

Prior to joining Agri-Pulse, she served as communications intern for Faith in Public Life, a faith advocacy group in Washington, DC, and as an editorial intern for Moment Magazine, a publication focusing on Jewish culture, politics and religion. Marshall graduated from Princeton University in 2012 with concentrations in Religion and Urban Studies. While at Princeton, Marshall won a number of awards for her writing.

Agri-Pulse, Agribusiness

One Stop for Event Audio and Photos

Cindy Zimmerman

2013 has already been a busy year for ZimmComm – the last couple of weeks especially. We already have 12 new photo albums for this year!

agnewswire-logoBecause our events may be posted on different websites, and just because of the sheer volume of content we are generating that we want to share, we are working on consolidating event content on our AgNewsWire.AgWired.com site. We have a couple of events already posted there – with links to photo albums, posts, categories, audio and even video. We want to make it easier for media, or anyone interested, to be able to locate and utilize the content we create.

2013 National Ethanol Conference
2013 National Biodiesel Conference
2013 Cattle Industry Conference and NCBA Trade Show

It’s a work in progress – what do you think? Useful or not?

Biodiesel, Cattle Industry Conference, Ethanol, Media, NCBA, ZimmComm Announcement

Novus’ Commitment to Sustainability

Jamie Johansen

ippe-13-10-editedThe vision at Novus International is to feed the world affordable, wholesome food. They have adopted a three pillar stance of solution, service and sustainability all tied in to thinking globally, but acting locally.

Sustainability is the cornerstone of their vision to improve the quality of life for people around the world. During the recent International Production and Processing Expo, I talked with Alex Pierroutsakos, who works in quality assurance in sustainability and environmental safety, about how Novus brings sustainability into their everyday lives.

“Novus has done a really good job at looking into what sustainability is all about and focusing on that is part of our mission statement. How are we going to feed a growing population over the next 40 years? Once you transcend that back to what we can do to help that process and help to make our own customers more sustainable. [We ask] how do we provide product on time, how do we help make sure the supply chain and distribution is there for us to support them. These are the things we are looking at.”

Novus believes being sustainable starts at home. There 90,000-square foot headquarters is platinum LEED-certified. This is the highest energy and environmental design available in the United States. It is one of four in Missouri and one of 150 in the entire United States.

Check out my complete interview with Alex: Interview with Alex Pierroutsakos

You can find photos from the event here:International Production & Processing Expo Photo Album

Sponsored by Novus International Inc

Audio, Environment, IPPE, Novus International, Poultry Expo, Sustainability

MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year

Jamie Johansen

QRT_3988The Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) just announced their 2013 MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year. Congratulations to Charlie Johnson of Johnson Farms in Madison, SD.

Charlie farms with his brother, Allan and cousin, Aaron. The trio operates a organic crop and beef farm on 2800 acres.

Johnson’s organic process begins with his six-year crop rotation, which includes two years of hay, one each of soybeans, corn, again with soybeans, and finally oats planted along with alfalfa. This attention to detail has led to Johnson Farms being certified organic by the International Certification Service (FVO/ICS). Johnson’s crops are sold to National Farmer’s Organization (NFO) Organics.

Johnson’s care for the land does not stop at crops. He keeps his 200 head of Black Angus Gelbvieh hydrated with rural water, which keeps the cattle out of creeks and dugout ponds, thus preventing soil erosion and water contamination. Johnson also maintains the tree-belts, sloughs, meadows and grass waterways on his property. This land stewardship led to the farm being honored by the South Dakota Soil and Water Conservation Society in 1996.

The award has been presented since 2003 at the annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference. The non-profit organization works to promote sustainable and organic agriculture through trainings, workshops, educational initiatives and by providing free resources to farmers.

Beef, Organic

Commodity Classic Launches App

Jamie Johansen

comm-classic-appThe 18th Annual Commodity Classic has launched their first-ever mobile app for this year’s event in Kissimmee, Fl. The app will allow attendees to access information, receive messages and engage in social media from their smart phones and tablets. You can even make your own schedules, take notes, lookup session and event times and navigate with maps.

Visit www.commondityclassic.com/app to download it now or check out the App Store on your mobile device and search Commodity Classic. I just did and can’t wait to attend my first ever Commodity Classic. And the best part about it is it’s free!

In less than two weeks, soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum growers will be traveling to the far Southeast from across the county to take in the sights of Kissimmee, Fl. Producers will be educated about important agricultural issues, enlightened by new product rollouts and entertained by all the events coordinators have planned.

“The innovation you’ll witness and information you’ll gather at Commodity Classic will absolutely change the way you farm,” said Commodity Classic co-Chair Bob Worth. “Agriculture faces new challenges every year, and Commodity Classic’s educational sessions and opportunities to speak with other growers and industry leaders will arm attendees with the tools they need to overcome these challenges and increase the profitability of their farming operation.”

The 2013 Commodity Classic takes place February 28-March 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center and the Orlando World Center Marriott in Kissimmee, Fla., and is presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers.

Apps, Commodity Classic, Corn, Events, Grains, Social Media, sorghum, Soybean, Wheat