Ethanol Goes Open Road With New Ad

Chuck Zimmerman

A new ethanol ad has debuted that focuses on the fact that ethanol is saving consumers at the pump.

Following on the success of its long-running “Right Here, Right Now” ads, the Renewable Fuels Association is debuting a new ad which focuses on ethanol’s ability to lower gas prices at the pump and offer consumers relief in a difficult economy.

The “Open Road” campaign is the first of its kind, focusing on ethanol saving consumers money at the pump and improving overall engine performance. In 2011, the ad points out, the use of ethanol helped reduce the average price of gas by $1.09, saving American families $1,200 over the year. Additionally, as a high octane additive, ethanol helps car engines run cleaner and reduces engine knock and pinging.

Ag Groups, Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA, Video

Ag Media Summit Great Debate

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s called The Great Debate and this morning at the Ag Media Summit we got Part II. Former Congressman Charlie Stenholm and Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, former ag economist at Kansas State University agree to disagree. With a new farm bill in the making and major crop impacts due to the drought it makes for a lively conversation.

I’ve got it recorded for you listening pleasure.

You can listen to the Great Debate here: AMS Great Debate

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, Audio, Media

Monsanto Announces Rural Community Support

Chuck Zimmerman

The drought is the main topic of discussion at any event I’ve attended lately. It’s going to be a tough year for some. Monsanto has announced new commitments to support these farmers.

To support rural communities, the Monsanto Fund is doubling its America’s Farmers Grow Communities funding in counties that have been declared a disaster area by the USDA.

To support farmers who have been financially impacted by the drought, Monsanto is offering additional prepay options and financing assistance for the purchase of their seed. Farmers in impacted areas can call 1-855-379-1212 to discuss their individual situation and explore options with a Monsanto representative.

“Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. corn crop is in regions impacted by drought,” said Mike Stern, U.S. row crops business lead, Monsanto Company. “Monsanto understands that when farmers face crop losses, it makes it more difficult to invest in their business for the following year. We want to help ease the minds of our farmer customers who have been hit hard by this year’s drought. We also recognize the economic impact that a devastating drought can have on communities where farmers live and work. This is why we’re providing disaster relief through additional funding of our America’s Farmers Grow Communities program that will directly assist those drought stricken counties.”

Agribusiness

Famous Ag Media Summit Welcome Party

Chuck Zimmerman

The Famous Welcome Party at the Ag Media Summit was made possible tonight by sponsors, John Deere, Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Monsanto. The very busy drink station was sponsored by the Southwest, Rocky Mountain and Desert Southwest National Agri-Marketing Association Chapters. Thank you to them for a great and famous party.

I’ve got lots of photos to share which are in the process of uploading right now. This event is just one of the many reasons the Ag Media Summit is growing since it’s where you can just relax and visit with friends and make new ones. I know I made several tonight.

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, Media

Colbert Makes PSA for Produce

Cindy Zimmerman

Stephen Colbert is always hilarious, but his parody PSA for the “People for the Ethical Treatment of Produce (PeTOP)” is priceless!

Food

Ag Communicators of Tomorrow at AMS

Chuck Zimmerman

Let’s get an update on the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow at the Ag Media Summit. There are 75 student members attending this year and we’re glad to see them. Here are the officers and advisers right before their welcome session that features Ashley Collins, AgCareers.com, talking about personal branding. Our Jamie Johansen will see Ashley again this week at the AgCareers HR Roundtable.

I talked with ACT President Krista Anderson who is a graduate student at Oklahoma State University. Krista says ACT now has over 440 members and 25 different chapters. They will attend sessions with other speakers and have lots of time for networking with other students and the professionals attending here. Krista says she’d like have a career in public relations on the youth side of a breed or other association.

You can listen to my interview with Krista here: Interview with Krista Anderson

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, Education

AAEA Board Update

Chuck Zimmerman

We’ve heard how things are going with the Livestock Publications Council. Now let’s hear how things are going with the American Agricultural Editors’ Association. To get that update I visited with Greg Horstmeier, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, President of AAEA. Here’s the board on a break during their board meeting today.

Greg says AAEA has created a new contest to bring in a focus on social media work, created more interest and member participation at the Ag Media Summit and has a record number of members, approaching the 500 mark. He says challenges with situations like the drought show how important it is for members to do their jobs and do them well. He says they also hope to increase member opportunities like the regional workshop in the coming year.

You can listen to my interview with Greg here: Interview with Greg Horstmeier

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
ACN, Ag Media Summit, Media

Ag Media Boards Meet

Chuck Zimmerman

Sunday is meeting day for various organizations here at the Ag Media Summit. First up is the Livestock Publications Council board meeting. I hope to get an update on the organization to add to this post a little later this morning.

Post Update: After the LPC board meeting I visited with current President Scott Vernon, Cal Poly, pictured in the center. Scott says things are going very well right now for LPC. The focus continues to be on member benefits and additional professional development and helping some of the younger members be able to participate. So membership and finances are in great shape.

You can listen to my interview with Scott here: Interview with Scott Vernon

Next will be the American Agricultural Editors’ Association board and then the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow this afternoon. After that it’s reception time with a new members and first timers reception and then the Famous Welcome Party.

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, LPC, Media

Registration Time for Ag Media Summit

Chuck Zimmerman

Registration is open now for the Ag Media Summit. These happy smiling faces will get you taken care of and can answer all your questions. Well, most of them anyway.

We’ve got a day of meetings like the boards of AAEA and LPC and ACT. I’ll be visiting them and seeing how things are going with these agricultural media organizations that band together to put on this event. I think we need some more ag media groups to join in. What do you think?

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, Media

Ag Media Photographers

Chuck Zimmerman

The day before the start of the Ag Media Summit farm journalists got to sharpen their photography skills with a “Photography in Action” workshop. Attendees went outside to shoot photos and then came back into the classroom to work on them and have them critiqued by professionals.

I always enjoy taking photos of photographers. This one and more are in my 2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album which is available for your viewing pleasure. Feel free to download, use and share.

AgWired coverage of the 2012 Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
Ag Media Summit, Media