National Grange Releases Third e-Book

Chuck Zimmerman

The National Grange just released their third e-Book. They’re using my e-book store of preference, the Kindle Store.

On Oct. 12, the National Grange released “Notes and Quotes: On the Origin of the Ritual and Early Years of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry” as a Kindle download available through Amazon’s Kindle Store.

The text, written by author C. Jerome Davis, delves into the early history of the Grange as well as the meaning of many of the ritualistic aspects of the organization.

The digital version of the 1974 text has 121 pages, including index, introduction and footnotes.

“‘Notes and Quotes’ provides an unprecedented amount of insight into the founding of our Order,” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said. “C. Jerome Davis spent years researching and collecting the information that shaped this book. Not many people were able to read it when it was first published, due to a small run of printed copies, so I’m glad that people will finally get the opportunity to get their hands on this excellent book.”

The National Grange has signed a 90-day exclusivity deal for “Notes and Quotes: On the Origin of the Ritual and Early Years of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry” with Amazon and the Amazon Kindle Store. The e-book will be added to the Barnes and Noble Nook Store after the exclusivity deal expires. Read More

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture

Discussing the Future of Hi-Tech Farming

Melissa Sandfort

The U.S. agriculture industry is facing a serious problem with being able to feed a rapidly expanding global population, as well as responding to climatic changes much like the recent drought that hit the United States. Technology is now playing an ever increasing role on the farm, allowing farmers to make the most out of every acre and to prepare against future climatic changes.

Over 200 of the most advanced farms, agribusinesses, dealers and technology businesses will be meeting in San Francisco on October 24-25 at the Future Farm Americas conference. The very latest case studies will feature key speakers include Village Farms International, Trimble, PepsiCo, Blair Farms, SLC Agricola Farms, Netafim, Olam Americas, Lindsay Irrigation, Pittman Farms and the USDA.

This event is designed to help farmers and agribusinesses learn about the latest technologies and on-farm strategies that help drive yields and keep costs down. Hearing from all parts of the Ag-value chain, including top investors, the event focuses on SMART Farming, irrigation, sustainability and hi-tech agriculture.

This year’s conference will take place alongside the 3rd annual Agriculture Investment Summit Americas, providing additional access to investors, funds and VCs.

Agribusiness, Events, Precision Agriculture

Monsanto Commits to Invest An Acre Program

Melissa Sandfort

In keeping with the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and improving lives, Monsanto Company is partnering in Invest an Acre, which is focused on addressing rural hunger in America.

In partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Feeding America and Archer Daniels Midland Company, Monsanto is proud to be the first seed company to join the program and match the contributions of U.S. farmers who are working to fight hunger in their own communities.

The Invest an Acre program is the first effort of its kind to mobilize farmers, agri-business and a nonprofit on a national scale to support rural hunger relief. Through the program, participating farmers can go to an ADM elevator to invest a portion of the proceeds from their harvest to support their local food bank connected with Feeding America.

Monsanto will support Invest an Acre through a $3 million contribution, in which the company will match the contributions of U.S. farmers, dollar for dollar.

Agribusiness

Agricultural Cooperatives Key to Feeding the World

Chuck Zimmerman

We have now gone from Blog Action Day to World Food Day 2012. The FAO says that agricultural cooperatives are the “key to feeding the world.” They are the focus of this World Food Day.

The official World Food Day theme, announced each spring by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), gives focus to World Food Day observances and raises awareness and understanding of approaches to ending hunger.

“Agricultural cooperatives – key to feeding the world” is the formal wording of the 2012 theme. It has been chosen to highlight the role of cooperatives in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger.

Interest in cooperatives and rural organizations is also reflected in the decision of the UN General Assembly to designate 2012 “International Year of Cooperatives.”

Learn a little bit more about how cooperatives are accomplishing this goal of feeding the world in an interview Cindy did with GROWMARK President Dan Kelley.

Ag Groups, GROWMARK, International

The Agricultural Power of We

Chuck Zimmerman

Today is Blog Action Day. The topic is “The Power of We.” I am going to take that to mean the power of the agricultural community. It is made up of all the farmers who grow the crops and raise the livestock we need to feed ourselves. It is also made up of everyone else in the food chain from agribusiness companies and processors to transportation and grocery stores and restaurants. That’s a big community with a lot of Power of We!

It’s also a very diverse community that includes what a lot of people refer to as conventional farmers and those who specialize in organic farming of different types. All of them share common concerns and challenges. All of them want and need to help the non-farm community understand where the food is coming from. That’s where organizations like the AgChat Foundation, USFRA and National Ag Day are playing a role today and there are many more.

I’m writing this in the hopes of continuing to urge and encourage farmers to join the online conversation. So many of you already are. We’re going to see communications technology continue to change as new mobile devices allow us to be constantly in touch. Let’s use that technology to help everyone understand that today’s farmers love and care for their land, for their animals and want to do all they can to become more productive while maintaining a sustainable business.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts as Blog Action Day develops today. Thank you.

Ag Day, USFRA

Paying Homage to Peanut Farmers

Melissa Sandfort

The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with the Georgia Bankers Association, kicks off its annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week this week, Oct. 15-19, 2012. This year marks the 36th anniversary of Georgia Peanut Bank Week, and banks and financial businesses across the state will pay homage to peanut farmers’ contributions to the state and local economies. The famous “little red bags” of peanuts, one of the world’s most nutritious foods, will be given away to help aid in telling the peanut farmers’ story.

This year’s theme is “Peanuts and Banking, Here We Grow Again,” to show the relationship and growth between peanut farmers, bankers and the peanut industry. The bond between banking organizations and peanut farmers has always been firm and continues to grow. Georgia leads the nation in the production of peanuts with more than 475,000 planted acres. Gross income from Georgia growers contributes approximately $1 billion impact to South Georgia’s economy. Value added processing adds approximately $1 billion to the state’s economy, also.

The Georgia Peanut Commission invites everyone to visit a participating local bank to support peanut farmers and the banking industry. Peanuts, recipes and other promotional items will be available the week of Oct. 15-19 at participating organizations.

Agribusiness, Peanuts

What does a SoyCow do?

Melissa Sandfort

See the power of soy through a light-hearted, short YouTube video “What Does a SoyCow Do? She Can’t Moo.” Inspired by a Dr. Seuss story, the upbeat video showcases how the World Soy Foundation helps children grow, learn, play and become leaders in their communities. Stainless steel processors, called SoyCows, are one of the multiple tools that the World Soy Foundation uses to reduce malnutrition through the power of soy.

See this video and support the World Soy Foundation.

Agribusiness, Dairy, Social Networking, Video

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • The Future of the U.S Egg Industry Conference is returning to the education schedule at the 2013 IPPE.
  • FDAImports.com has launched 5 new labeling websites that allow companies with products that are regulated by the U.S. FDA to receive a label review in order to identify any compliance issues with their product label.
  • Paul Kindinger, President and CEO of NAEDA, announced his departure effective Oct. 4, 2012.
  • Wheat Growers’ commitment to offering internship opportunities for students pursuing agricultural careers was recognized with the Bridge Builder award from the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and Absolutely Aberdeen (ABBY).
    Zimfo Bytes

    The School Lunch Parodies

    Melissa Sandfort

    Who has seen The Hunger Games – or read the books? You’ll get a laugh out of the comparisons drawn in this video. Kids these days may have some “out there” ideas (at least that’s what some of us ‘old’ folks think) but one thing they have right is that they stand up for what they believe, and speak out about it too. The school lunch program changes have students up in arms, and hungry. In a recent ZimmPoll, nearly HALF of respondents gave school lunches an ‘F’.

    Student distaste for the program has gone viral. Enjoy. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

    Agribusiness, Food, USDA

    PowerSuite Nominated for Technology Award

    Melissa Sandfort

    PowerSuite for Retailers is the first and only cloud-based sales and customer management tool designed specifically for U.S. Ag retailers. XS’ PowerSuite application was one of 11 products recently nominated for the ARA/AgGateway Technology Award. The winner will be featured during the ARA Annual Conference & Expo in November and will receive $1,000 to a charity of choice. The contest runs through October 18.

    PowerSuite was created due to an expressed need from field reps and managers of U.S. Ag retailers for on-demand access to their customer’s sales information for reports and analysis.

    You can vote for PowerSuite here.

    Agribusiness, Technology