Talking Social Media at Farm Bureau Convention

Chuck Zimmerman

Social Media SessionSocial media showed up on the program at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting program a number of times. One of the sessions, “Social Agriculture: Social Media’s Role in the Industry,” featured Zach Hunnicutt, AFBF YF&R Committee; Katie Pinke, PinkePost.com; Ryan Goodman, AgricultureProud.com and Janice Person, Monsanto.

I visited with Janice about their session which was moderated by Melissa Burniston, Tennessee Farm Bureau. Janice says they talked about how they each approach social media including their goals and tactics. One of the questions that came up was about how to know if your Twitter followers are urban or rural people and how to handle dealing with them from a messaging standpoint. Janice also found that people of all ages are looking for help and direction on how they can get involved in social media.

You can listen to my interview with Janice here: Interview with Janice Person

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Agribusiness, Audio

Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Concludes

Chuck Zimmerman

AFBF Bob StallmanThe members of the American Farm Bureau Federation held their voting delegates meeting today to set policy for the coming year. The meeting was presided over by President Bob Stallman who then met with the press one final time for questions. Bob says that although there were a number of language changes in existing policies most of the day was spent re-affirming existing policies. He says that each year they start with a clean slate and get right to work in Washington, DC working on behalf of their members.

Although most members will be heading home the board of directors of AFBF will still be here working in the morning when they hold their meeting. That will be the final duties performed here in Nashville. It’s off to San Antonio next year!

You can listen to or download the press conference here: Bob Stallman Closing Press Conference

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

BASF Opens Fields of Opportunity for Growers

Cindy Zimmerman

About 275 growers from all over the nation have been learning about new “Fields of Opportunity” from BASF Crop Protection this week while getting a break from winter weather on Ft. Lauderdale beach.

basf-13-rea“We’ve got growers as far away as the Pacific northwest,” says BASF Vice President for Crop Protection Paul Rea. “The universal theme from all those growers is they want to increase their yields and do it more efficiently.”

Paul says it is important for BASF to communicate with growers and find out their needs, which is why they have a grower advisory panel. “It’s a program we’ve had now for about four years,” he said. “We actually invite about 25 growers from across the country to tell us what’s on top of their minds, what are they seeing as their production challenges as they move forward.” Paul says it’s very beneficial for BASF to help them shape strategy to serve the needs of farmers.

BASF invests about $2 million a day in research and development for farmers, and Paul says BASF has also heavily invested in people to connect with those farmers. “You can have the best technology in the world, but if you don’t have great people committed to helping the farmer, you’re not going to succeed,” said Paul. That’s why BASF has expanded its field force team to include great folks they call “innovation specialists” to work closely with growers on their farms.

listen to my interview with Paul from the BASF grower innovation symposium: Interview with Paul Rea, BASF

BASF Grower Symposium Photo Album

Audio, BASF, Crop Protection, Farming

Should We Sit Down with HSUS in Common Cause

Chuck Zimmerman

Ag Sec VilsackMany eyebrows were raised during Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s speech at the AFBF convention yesterday. It was really a stand out moment in an otherwise pretty good speech and I wonder what you think about it. The photo is from his press conference following the closing session.

Sec. Vilsack was talking about creating strategic alliances and reaching out to groups that we may not agree with. He used several examples. But this is the one that stood out.

And frankly those who are engaged in constructive engagement They shouldn’t be faulted for doing so. Now I know that there are not too many fans of the Humane Society in this room. But egg producers thought it was in their best interest to avoid fifty different referendums, fifty different sets of rules. So they sat down with folks and they reached common ground. After all, isn’t that what we’re asking our Congress to do? Isn’t that what we’re asking our political leaders to do? To sit down and make common cause? I think the egg producers have the right idea. Now, the issues may be different for different types of producers. But we need to be constructively engaged at all times and conversations. We may not find agreement. But I think we will substantially reduce those who oppose farming and substantially reduce the reach of those and hopefully be able to get enough proactive activity that results in a five year bill.

I can’t agree with him on this. My reason is that when it comes to an organization like the HSUS which has a well known desire to end animal agriculture there is no “common cause.” I see efforts to do so as admitting defeat and just hoping to buy some time before losing the game. And we’re not talking about a game. We’re talking about people’s livelihoods and one of the most promising and productive sources of food to feed a growing population.

So, what do you think Sec. Vilsack meant by using this example and stating that he thought it was a good idea? Is it a portent of things to come? Should we expect to see our USDA sitting down with HSUS in common cause?

You can listen to Sec. Vilsack’s remark here: Sec. Vilsack Remark on HSUS

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Animal Activists, Audio, USDA, Wackos

Farm Bureau Distinguished Service to Agriculture Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Richard CrowderDuring the closing session of the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting the organization presented its highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, to Ambassadors Dr. Richard Crowder and Dr. Kenneth Quinn.

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving agriculture.

With more than 40 years of experience in the agriculture and food sector, Crowder has dedicated his career to advancing the farming and ranching industry. He served as the U.S. chief agriculture negotiator from January 2006 to May 2007, with the rank of ambassador, and as a senior advisor to the U.S. trade representative from May 2007 to April 2008. Prior, he served as the chief executive officer of the American Seed Trade Association.

Dr. Kenneth QuinnDr. Quinn, former U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, has served as president of the World Food Prize Foundation since January 2000. Under Dr. Quinn’s direction, the stature of the annual $250,000 World Food Prize award has helped significantly expand the size and scope of World Food Day, the World Food Prize Laureate Award, the “Borlaug Dialogue” international symposium and the Global Youth Institute.

Prior to his work at the World Food Prize Foundation, Quinn served at the State Department for 32 years in the Foreign Service. He served in such positions as a rural development advisor in the Mekong Delta, on the National Security Council staff at the White House and as director of Iowa SHARES, the humanitarian campaign that sent Iowa doctors, nurses, medical supplies and food to starving Cambodian refugees. He is one of the most decorated Foreign Service officers of his generation, recognized for the important role he’s played in humanitarian endeavors.

I was able to record Dr. Quinn’s remarks after accepting his award. Love his energy!

You can listen to Dr. Quinn’s remarks here: Dr. Kenneth Quinn Remarks

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

Ryan & Misty BivensThe winners of the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee awards and competitions were announced yesterday. Here are Ryan and Misty Bivens of Kentucky. They won the Achievement Award. They are the winners of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM. The Bivens will also receive paid registration to attend the 2013 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., in February. The presentations were made by Mark Gilbert of General Motors. Thanks to AFBF staff for these photos.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

afbf-13-kjerstadDillon Kjerstad (pictured with wife Courtney) of Arizona won the Discussion Meet. He will have his choice of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, plus free registration to the 2013 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference.

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.

Dana Allen FisherDana Allen Fisher of Virginia won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. He will receive his choice of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, plus free registration to the 2013 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups

Captain Mark Kelly Inspires Farm Bureau Members

Chuck Zimmerman

Captain Mark KellyKeynote speaker Captain Mark Kelly, retired astronaut, gave an inspiring speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. He was funny while also providing uplifting stories from his career and life with his wife Gabrielle Giffords, former member of Congress.

One of his key messages was to have a goal, plan hard and then work hard to accomplish it. Prior to his speech he visited with the press and answered questions.

You can listen to Captain Kelly’s press conference here: Captain Mark Kelly Press Conference

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

AFBF Shows How to Handle General Session Press

Chuck Zimmerman

AFBF PressI go to a lot of shows, events, conventions and American Farm Bureau Federation is right at the top of my list of those groups who really know how to help the press do their job. They get it. Provide resources, assistance and you’re much more likely to have coverage.

Let’s take this photo from the opening general session here in Nashville. The press have their own seating area that includes tables, chairs, lamps and many power outlets situated on the tops of the tables. In addition, there are several mult boxes (allows us to record session audio) and good internet wifi. This is a big group of ag journalists here. They are all working more efficiently thanks to AFBF. This is all located at the front of the room, on the side. We have quick access to get up and take photos and then sit back down without having to walk all the way to the back of the room. That may not sound important unless you’re the one having to walk back and forth 15 times during a session!

Now, let’s go back to the media rooms. They have tables, chairs, both wifi and internet cables as well as a extra computers for those who did not bring one (hard to imagine anymore but . . .). They made sure the internet access was beefed up to handle the volume of data that is being transferred. I have not experienced a slow down. I can’t tell you how many times I get to a media room and the internet access just is not capable of handling the traffic. I blame a lot of that on hotel facilities that are trying to scrimp on what they are providing but I think groups need to proactively check it. Use a service like Speedtest.net to see what your speed is for example.

So, if your association or company wants to know how to set up to handle the press I recommend giving the AFBF communications staff a call. Or I would be happy to consult with you too.

I also have to mention food. Like other groups AFBF provides meals for the working press. Many groups many not think this is important but when you’ve got tight deadlines and especially if you’re not staying in the main hotel this can be extremely beneficial.

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Media

ABFB General Session Organist Retiring

Chuck Zimmerman

Nancy FaustFor twenty six years Nancy Faust has been playing the organ for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting general sessions. She plays before during and after keeping everyone entertained and adding to the whole experience.

I spoke with her briefly just before the closing session of this year’s meeting. She has made a decision to retire now because she “felt the time was right.” Playing here for AFBF has been a thrill for her because she feels like she’s surrounded by people who are the salt of the earth. I think she’s right.

You can listen to my interview with Nancy here: Interview with Nancy Faust

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

American Farm Bureau Gets Down to Business

Chuck Zimmerman

American Farm Bureau Annual Delegates Mtg.It’s the next to final day for the 2013 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Nashville. Today is the meeting of the voting delegates when the organization gets down the grass roots in setting policy. Tomorrow things will conclude with a morning board of directors meeting.

I’ve got some more interviews to share today and will have some concluding information later today after AFBF President Bob Stallman holds his ending press conference.

2013 American Farm Bureau Convention Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Groups