SMS Basic/Advanced v12.5 and SMS Mobile v6.5 released!

Melissa Sandfort

Insights WeeklyAg Leader is pleased to announce the release of SMS Basic/Advanced v12.5 and SMS Mobile v6.5. With this new release, SMS Basic, SMS Advanced, and SMS Mobile PC now support Windows 8 and gesture control for touchscreens running Windows 7 and 8. We have also added enhanced support for the following precision ag companies: Ag Leader Technology, CNH, Gradient, John Deere, Mid-Tech, Precision Planting and Trimble. Changes have also been made for Legends and the Legends Utility for SMS Basic/Advanced.

With the release of v12.5, Ag Leader is adding two new modules to SMS Advanced: Water Management and Plot Prescription. The new Water Management module includes a tile plan editor where users can map out and plan where tile lines should be installed on their farm. The Plot Prescription module allows you to strategically place and define in-field research plots in the office and then use these plot prescriptions to plant in the field. Click here to learn more about the modules for SMS Advanced.

Before updating to the latest version of the SMS Software, here are a few things you should do first:
• Check In Projects – If you are an SMS Advanced user, all projects that have been “Checked Out” need to be checked back in. This can be done by going to the File menu and clicking Projects.
• Create a backup of your data – Creating backups ensures that you have a good starting point in the event in that you have issues during migration or if you have other computer issues, such as a bad hard drive, down the road. Backups can be created by going to the Services menu and clicking Backup/Restore Project(s)
• Plug devices into the wall – If you’re using a laptop, Ag Leader MESA, Ag Leader Field PC, or other pda device, make sure that you have it plugged into the wall. This will ensure that your device does not loose power while installing the update or migrating data.

If you have SMS Mobile for PDAs or have unlocked your software via phone, you will be sent a CD in the mail. Otherwise, if you would like to install the software sooner, see the release notes, or download a demo version for one of our other SMS products, click here.

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Ag Leader

OMG GMO!

Cindy Zimmerman

One of the positive outcomes of the 2012 election was that Californians actually voted against Proposition 37, which would have required the labeling of foods containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). However, those opposed to GMOs continue to attack the technology that increases safe, affordable and abundant food by stepping up their scare tactics.

GMOinside, for example, is urging people to “Celebrate a Non-GMO Thanksgiving!” Check this out:

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating around the dinner table with family and friends. But, is there an unwanted guest at your table? You may not realize that many common Thanksgiving foods contain genetically engineered ingredients!

The website proceeds to provide a chart to help people “identify the GMOs in popular holiday foods” and urging them to “keep a look out for foods from companies that opposed Prop 37, such as Campbell’s, Coke, General Mills, Kraft, Nestle, Pepsi, Hershey, Unilever.” Oddly enough, turkey is not mentioned on the list, despite the fact that the majority of commercial turkey production uses corn for feed – and most feed corn is genetically-modified.

What really bugs me about the non-GMO movement is that the people who are most against modifying crops to prevent disease or tolerate drought are very much in favor of attempts to genetically-modify humans to prevent or eliminate diseases or increase life spans. What’s wrong with that picture?

One of the main reasons that Thanksgiving is celebrated during this time of the year is to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest. Instead of demonizing GMOs, we should be giving thanks for the scientific breakthroughs that continue to allow us to produce more bountiful harvests every year.

Biotech, Food

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Mark Clarke, General Manager of World Dairy Expo, has submitted his resignation to the WDE Executive Committee.
  • Paradowski Creative and Monsanto received a first place Silver Inkwell Award from the International Association of Business Communicators DC Metro chapter for Monsanto’s sustainable agriculture campaign.
  • DuPont Pioneer and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation announced a donation from the business to double the number of student internship grants available to NAFB member radio and television stations and networks.
  • DuPont Pioneer and Cargill announced they will work with farmers near Cargill’s facility in Sidney, Ohio, to grow Plenish high oleic soybeans in 2013.
Zimfo Bytes

Giving #FoodThanks Time

Cindy Zimmerman

This week marks the third annual AgChat #Foodthanks celebration, a time to reflect on the blessing of all the food choices we have in this nation. Farmers, ranchers, processors, butchers, bakers, chefs, grocers, truckers and more all make it possible for us to have healthy food on plates.

Today and tomorrow in particular, AgChat encourages you to show your #Foodthanks via social media.

Twitter – Join our monthly #FoodChat twitter conversation Tuesday, November 20 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm ET. We will be talking #Foodthanks and of course the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration. Direct message @Foodchat any questions you would like to have included in the conversation.

On Wednesday, November 21st, continue the #Foodthanks conversation. Tweet your favorite recipe, farm blog or tell us why you are giving #Foodthanks. Show the Twitter world your #Foodthanks story.

Facebook – On Tuesday, November 20th, we will be hosting our first ever Facebook Party from 8:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. ET! Similar to our traditional Twitter conversations, we will be engaging in a conversation that focuses on #Foodthanks. Make sure to join the community and show your #Foodthanks.

On Wednesday, November 21st, we will be asking you to share with us your #Foodthanks story. Share your pictures, blog posts and thoughts on your own personal #Foodthanks.

Pinterest – Join us now as we are pinning our #Foodthanks. Follow our #Foodthanks board and we will ask you to join our community and pin your #Foodthanks. Do you have a favorite food blog? How about grandma’s secret pumpkin pie recipe? Pin a picture showing how your family farm makes #Foodthanks possible. Join us on Pinterest now.

What makes you give #Foodthanks?

Food

Pork Checkoff – Promotes & Educates

Jamie Johansen

Pork Checkoff dollars were hard at work during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk. I met up with Conley Nelson, President of the National Pork Board, and he expressed his concern with the rising cost of feed and other impacts to the pork industry due to the drought. But more importantly he shared how the National Pork Board is using checkoff dollars towards international and domestic marketing efforts promoting the other white meat.

“One of our biggest items we put checkoff dollars to is domestic marketing of pork. About a year and a half or two years ago we launched a new pork ‘Be Inspired’ ad campaign. That campaign was targeted towards consumers that already like pork and we just want to get them to eat pork two or three more times a month. What’s cool about these people is they are the consumer that enjoys life and likes to entertain and they love pork.”

“‘We Care’ is very important. It’s sort of the foundation of what we expect out of all our pork producers. It starts with Pork Quality Assurance training we provide for all producers and their employees. We also have a Pork Quality Assurance site assessment where we come in with a 3rd party and assess the sites. We try and hit all those food safety factors, environmental and animal care, which is a big one. We strongly believe the pork producer is the best person to know how to care for the animals and we want to make sure that choice remains with the pork producer.”

Listen to my complete interview with Conley here: Conley Nelson - National Pork Board

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, BASF, Education, NAFB, Pork

Schools Receive Ag in a Growing World Grants

Melissa Sandfort

Twenty-five schools were recently selected as grant recipients for the Agriculture in a Growing World program, made possible by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture with partnership from the Nutrients for Life Foundation. Grant recipients represent the following states: Ariz., Calif., Colo., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kan., Ky., La., Md., Mich., Neb., N.J., N.M., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Wash, and Wis.

Grant recipients will receive a class set of “The Man Who Fed the World,” by Leon Hesser. This book brings to life the story of Norman Borlaug, a man who came from a one-room schoolhouse in Iowa and became one of the 100 most influential persons of the 20th Century.

The Agriculture in a Growing World Essay Contest is a national competition, open to 9th-12th grade students who have explored the book “The Man Who Fed the World.” The book, which comes with supporting educator resources, can be purchased at www.agfoundation.org. Contest details are available online. Essays and accompanying entry form must be emailed to foundation@fb.org or faxed to 202.314.5121 by April 1, 2013.

Also, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is celebrating the release of “Feeding Minds – Cultivating Growth,” the latest educator resource to be developed by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The guide and accompanying books can be purchased online starting early next week at www.agfoundation.org. “Feeding Minds – Cultivating Growth” teaches young people to care for others, build healthy relationships and learn from their elders while living vicariously through the narratives of young farmers and ranchers.

AFBF, Education

GROWMARK Cookbook Helps Feed the World

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK cooked up a great way to help farmers feed the world this year by compiling a cookbook filled with recipes contributed by GROWMARK employees and selling it to raise money for the an important charity.

“We wanted to do something special this year to promote the International Year of Cooperatives and GROWMARK’s 85th anniversary,” said Karen Jones, GROWMARK’s Publications and News Specialist, who explained that they came up with the idea for the cookbook as a way to allow everyone in the system to participate. “We decided it would be really neat if we could sponsor a charity with the proceeds from the cookbook and we decided on Farmers Feeding the World.”

There are over 1100 recipes in the cookbook, which was sold for $20 each. “We are going to be making a donation of $1500 to Farmers Feeding the World in the next few weeks,” Karen said. “The organizations that Farmers Feeding the World helps out are organizations that we really believe it.”

Karen says there are no plans at the moment to do a second printing of the sold out cookbook, but the recipes are being made available through social media. “On our FS Pintrest boards, we do have a recipe board and we are posting recipes on there occasionally, so even if you didn’t get a chance to buy a book you can still get a few of the best recipes that way,” she said. To find those recipes, go to Pinterest.com/FSservices.

Listen to my interview with Karen here: GROWMARK's Karen Jones

GROWMARK Iowa Media Tour Photos

Audio, Cooperatives, Food, GROWMARK, Social Networking

Census of Agriculture Forms to Go Out Soon

John Davis

The USDA wants to get a better idea of what’s happening on America’s farms. That’s why the 2012 Census of Agriculture forms will be hitting producers’ mailboxes very soon.

“The Census of Agriculture will be dropped in the mail December 14th, so farmers should expect it in their mailboxes by the end of the year,” says Renee Picanso, Director of the USDA’s Census and Survey Division, asking that those surveyed return their census by Feb. 4, 2013. During an interview at Trade Talk at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention, she added that they’ll be asking some new questions this year, including some on agriforestry and renewable energy. Also new this year will be the opportunity to fill out the survey over the internet, something they believe will help response rates. “I hope so, because it leads you through the questions, and if you go on the internet, it will skip through the questions [not relevant to your operation].”

Picanso stresses that it’s very important for producers to respond because the survey helps USDA determine policy, as well as how it helps rural communities and agribusinesses. Results should be released in February 2014.

Listen to Cindy’s interview with Renee here: Interview with Renee Picanso, Director of the USDA's Census and Survey Division

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, NAFB, USDA

GROWMARK Marks Record Sales

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK has officially reported record sales for the last fiscal year, according to recently released complete financial results.

Higher commodity prices and solid volume growth in most GROWMARK business units produced record sales for GROWMARK, as officials reported audited financial results for the fiscal year which ended August 31, 2012.

Marshall Bohbrink, vice president, finance, risk management, and chief financial officer, reported net sales of $10 billion for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the highest in company history. Net income attributable to GROWMARK was $243 million, the second highest level in history. Total patronage in the amount of $158 million was returned to GROWMARK member-owners, also a company record.

GROWMARK also shared a good amount of that income with an important program for education about agriculture.

GROWMARK and its FS member cooperatives recently renewed its commitment to Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom programs with $75,000 in support. At a recent meeting of the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors, GROWMARK CEO Jeff Solberg shared thoughts on the GROWMARK System’s ongoing efforts to support agriculture and agriculture education and literacy.

“GROWMARK and Illinois Farm Bureau have an 85-plus year relationship of mutual respect and support. Teaching young people about agriculture has been a common bond throughout our historic relationship. As more Americans are further removed from the farm, bringing the facts about farming to students at an early age is vital,” Solberg said. “We are proud to support Illinois Farm Bureau’s Ag Literacy efforts, as they are at the forefront of bringing that message to students, who in turn share their new-found knowledge with their parents.”

Cooperatives, GROWMARK

Career & Technical Education Threatened in Missouri

Jamie Johansen

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as the Missouri FFA strive to teach students valuable skills through leadership opportunities & hands-on learning in high school vocational classes. There is a proposal sent out by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) removing the priority for organizations like the FFA from a students high school education.

CTE is not limited to just the FFA. It also encompasses Family & Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Business & Marketing Education, Trade & Technical, Technology & Special Needs. Can you imagine high school without these programs?

Supporters of CTE need to be aware of the changes that have been proposed that may erode the CTE delivery system in Missouri. Interested groups and individuals would include business and industry along with their trade associations, community leaders, legislators, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and STUDENTS, both current and former. Think about whom in your community should be alerted and asked to take action.

DESE has proposed MSIP 5. This will replace MSIP 4, which has effectively been suspended by the DESE. The MSIP 5 proposal appears to remove the weight given to CTE programs in a school evaluation process and no longer specifically requires 4 program areas to be available with a minimum of 12 credit hours and 20 credit hours as the desirable standard for CTE.

Generate letters objecting to the proposed rule in it’s current form and ask for changes. Send your letters to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Attention: Margie Vandeven, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Quality Schools, P.O. Box480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480. Be sure to reference the appropriate code of state regulation citation of 5 CSR 20-100.255. Send a copy of your letter to your legislator and follow up with a conversation regarding what is at stake. Comments must be received by Nov. 30, 2012.

For more information check out these resources:
Missouri ACTE Outreach 2012
Proposed MSIP 5 Information

If you have questions about this issue please contact:
Jon Wilson
Legislative Chair – MOACTE
Gainesville FFA
417-679-4200 – jwilson@gainesville.k12.mo.us

Education, FFA, politics