2013 CIC – Education, Engagement & Entertainment

Jamie Johansen

cic-tradeshow-crowdEducation, engagement and entertainment were the focus to this year’s Cattle Industry Convention in sunny Tampa, Fl. Cattlemen and women gathered to gain knowledge, network with fellow producers and take in some sights along the way.

Forrest Roberts, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, shared with me highlights for members who attended this year’s convention, NCBA’s priorities for 2013 and what the future holds for beef producers across the country.

“When you look at it from a consumer prospective we here in this country are trying to make sure we understand more about what the millennial generation thinks about beef, not in terms of just why they should choose beef for their source of protein, not about the nutritional story. It’s about the image story. Telling the story of the beef community to consumer influencers all across the country. That is a big area of focus because as you all know the millennial generation is the future of the industry in terms of demand here in the next two or three decades.”

Check out my complete interview with the Forrest: Interview with Forrest Roberts

You can find photos from the event here:Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

God Made Farmer Spoofs

Cindy Zimmerman

The Dodge Ram Truck “God Made a Farmer” Super Bowl commercial has already topped 10 million views and spawned more than a dozen parodies.

This one is funny – “So God Made Farmville.”

Another “spoof” on the commercial was not so funny. “God Made a Factory Farmer” posted on “Funny or Die” was kind of snarky, actually – and so were some people who wrote about it, saying that it “pokes holes in the myths of the hardworking American farmer.” Riiiight. I’m pretty darn sure that every single farmer that I know works harder than any “factory farm” critic on the planet.

However, there are a few truths in the words to the spoof.

“And back when America was founded, 90% of the population were farmers. But now it’s less than 1%. So God made a factory farm.” Ignoring the negative connotation of the term “factory farm” this is a true statement. A factory farm is a “large industrialized” farm, which means an operation based on producing as much as possible – to feed the other 99% non-farmers.

“And then God wanted to maximize yield, so he made pesticides and herbicides. And he made genetically modified seeds that are resistant to those chemicals. And God let Monsanto patent those seeds.” It’s nice to see God getting the credit for a change! I would have to agree with that statement.

You can read the rest of the lyrics and watch the video here.

Farming, Social Media, Video

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

New Beef Board Leadership

Chuck Zimmerman

Wesley and WeldonThe 2013 Cattle Industry Convention is coming to a close but we’ll have more stories to share over the next several days. Today was business meeting day for the CBB, Federation and NCBA.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board now has a new Chairman, Weldon Wynn. Here’s now past Chairman, Wesley Grau, passing the gavel to Weldon.

Other officers elected were Kim Brackett, Vice Chair and Jimmy Maxey, Secretary/Treasurer. The members of the CBB Executive Committee were also announced and they are as follows.

The 12-member CBB Executive Committee includes the Board’s three officers and eight members elected at large. The CBB elected the following members to its 2013 Executive committee: CBB Vice Chairman Kim Brackett, who will serve as chairman of the Executive Committee; and members Weldon Wynn (CBB chairman); Jimmy Maxey (CBB secretary/ treasurer); Anne Anderson of Texas; Dean Black of Iowa; Laurie Bryant, an importer; Steve Irsik of Kansas; Hank Maxey of Virginia; Sugie Sartwelle of Texas; Gary Sharp of South Dakota; and Eric Smith of Alabama.

Before leaving the convention today I visited with Weldon to find out his thoughts on being elected and what he sees ahead in the coming year.

You can listen to my interview with Weldon here: Interview with Weldon Wynn

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

Stuart Varney on Stage

Chuck Zimmerman

Stuart VarneyDuring the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention attendees got to hear from Stuart Varney who serves as a business contributor and substitute host for FOX News Channel’s (FNC) “Your World with Neil Cavuto” as well as the host of FOX Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” He was a very entertaining and informative speaker.

To get a taste of what you missed you can listen to a few minutes from the start of his presentation here: Stuart Varney on Stage

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Cattle Industry Conference

Masters & Mavericks Discuss Future at AG CONNECT

John Davis

agconnect-13-tolman-tomOne of the highlights of the recent AG CONNECT Expo was the Masters and Mavericks Producer Panel Discussion that took center stage at the show. Chuck caught up with a couple of guys taking part in that panel: master Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, and “maverick” Indiana farmer Kip Tom (who likes to say he’s a little bit of both). They talked about the future of the ag industry.

“We talked about public policy [and] some of the drivers in industry trying to make us more efficient like utilizing technology to understand how we can feed that growing global population,” said Kip.

Rick echoed those sentiments, telling producers to be prepared for more volatility. “Last year we had a drought that really changed the landscape of what we were doing… two years ago, we had a flood. So what will this year bring?” He recommended that farmers make and keep a long-term plan because that volatility gives them a chance to be more than just a producer… to be a marketer.

Kip added that a show like AG CONNECT is really important as a venue to get information to keep producers competitive. “This show is obvious that farmers are looking to reinvest in their businesses to make sure they remain efficient and are prepared for the future.”

You can listen to Chuck’s interviews with Kip and Rick here: Interview with Kip Tom Interview with Rick Tolman

2013 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Sponsored by JohnDeere

Agribusiness, Audio, John Deere, NCGA

More B for Me Please

Joanna Schroeder

More B For MeMore biodiesel please. If you were on the look out for biodiesel it could definitely be seen during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. Last year was a roller coaster year for the industry but some good things happened, one of which was the $1 per gallon tax credit coming back. Another – increasing the volume of biodiesel as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Biodiesel can be a good tool in a farm business but Alicia Clancy, Manager of Corporate Affairs for the Renewable Energy Group (REG) said that biodiesel can play a bigger role than it currently is. What does she mean? Biodiesel can be used in farm equipment such as tractors and trucks and many use B2 blends. But, said Clancy, equipment and many trucks are approved to use up to B20.

Choose BiodieselIt is this fact that spurred the biodiesel promotion, More B for Me. Clancy said the goal of the promotion is to increase awareness of biodiesel use in farming equipment. As part of the campaign, farmers (or consumers) are encouraged go to their local co-op or gas station and ask them to offer higher blends of biodiesel and then use blends up to B20.

Here is how it works. Go to www.morebforme.com to register. You must be a farmer in Iowa (although everyone should ask for more biodiesel). REG, along with all the sponsors of the program including the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff, Iowa Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, is giving away 10 – $1,000 dollar certificates at the end of March, just in time for planting season.

Listen to my interview with Alicia here: More B For Me

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference

USDA Releases Climate Change & Ag Report

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a comprehensive report that synthesize the scientific literature on climate change effects and adaptation strategies for U.S. agriculture. The report, “Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation,” was created a an input to the National Climate Assessment with scientists from the federal service, universities, non-governmental organizations, industry, tribal lands and private sectors contributing to the peer-reviewed study. It is open for public comment until

“These reports present the challenges that U.S. agriculture and forests will face in this century from global climate change,” said William Hohenstein, director of the Climate Change Program Office in USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist. “They give us a framework for understanding the implications of climate change, in order to meet our future demands for food, feed, fiber, and fuel.”

The reports indicate how climate change is affecting U.S. farms, forests, grasslands, and rural communities. The report finds that while U.S. agriculture and resource management have long histories of successful adaptation to climate variability, the accelerating pace and intensity of climate change presents new challenges to be addressed.

nbb-13-vilsack1For example, the report indicates increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns will affect agricultural productivity. Climate change will exacerbate the stresses already occurring from weeds, insects, and disease. The report finds that increases in the incidence of extreme weather events will have a greater influence on agricultural productivity. 

In addition the report finds that over the next 25 years, the effects of climate change on agricultural production and economic outcomes for both producers and consumers in the United States are expected to be mixed, depending on regional conditions. Beyond 2050, changes are expected to include shifts in crop production areas, increases in pest control expenses, and greater disease prevalence.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack gave a few remarks about the study during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo. Listen to his remarks on climate change here: USDA Climate Change & Ag Study

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, National Biodiesel Conference

Rod Smith Honored at Media Reception

Chuck Zimmerman

Rod SmithLegendary agricultural media icon Rod Smith, Staff Editor, Livestock & Poultry, Feedstuffs, was honored for his years of service to the livestock industry during the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention. Rod is seen here receiving a gift from Kendal Frazier, Senior VP of Planning, Governance and Leadership Development, NCBA, during last evening’s media reception.

Rod is retiring on June 30th this year after 35 years with the publication. For years now he and I have opened and closed the media rooms of many conventions like this one. We’ll miss him and his incisive questions and reporting.

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Cattle Industry Conference, Media

Joann Smith Looks Back at Start of Beef Checkoff

Chuck Zimmerman

Joann SmithOne of my favorite people from Wacahoota, FL is Joann Smith. I am proud to say that I have been to Wacahoota! Joann was the first woman president of the National Cattlemen’s Assocation, now NCBA. During the Cattlemen’s Beef Board luncheon yesterday Joann was asked to take a look back at how the Beef Checkoff was started and to offer some encouraging words to current members moving forward. Joann played a key role in bringing about the Checkoff after two previous efforts had failed. She says she learned a lot from those first efforts. I think you’ll enjoy her look back.

Joann is very proud of the job the members of the Beef Board are doing and also to all who have served over the years since the Beef Checkoff started. She encouraged members to “keep an open mind” especially when it comes to understanding what today’s consumer wants and needs.

You can listen to Joann’s remarks here: Joann Smith Remarks

Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference