New York Hosts Veal/Dairy Tour

Melissa Sandfort

The New York Beef Industry Council (NYBIC) once again invited more than 50 industry influencers to an educational veal/dairy tour of New York State. The dynamics of this year’s tour was different than the tour of 2010 as this year’s attendees were a mix of chef educators and their students. Six different culinary schools, along with food service, retail, dietitians and media, were present for a farm-to-fork look at the veal and dairy industries.

The tour discussed how the dairy industry impacts the veal industry, the aspects of group housing and feeding, veal nutrition, Veal Quality Assurance, Veal Issues Management, and Packer Processing, including inspection and grading. Center-of-the-Plate expert Steve Olson and Executive Chef Dave Zino conducted a 90-minute veal cutting and cooking clinic. After the lectures, attendees were sent to the “hands-on kitchen”, tied on aprons and cooked up a veal storm creating eight culinary dishes to be served for lunch.

Tours such as the one hosted by the NYBIC are a way for farmers and ag groups to showcase the transparency of the industry on a local level. It gives industry influencers (such as bloggers, media, foodservice reps, chefs and dietitians) a chance to freely ask questions and express their concerns over myths and misconceptions that are often portrayed about agriculture, which enables them to then communicate the FACTS with the consuming public.

Beef, Dairy, Events

Got Raw Milk?

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Should raw milk be allowed for sale?” The question was prompted by one of the panelists at the 2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. She is a reporter with a food safety publication who says that this issue is the one that gets the most comments and response of any other. This question generated the most comments of any ZimmPoll to date so I understand what she was saying. Actually, most comments wanted a 4th response option to allow the sale of raw milk but with sufficient regulation and testing to ensure it is safe. I saw the comments too late to make that change so I don’t know if these results would have been different. So the answer, Absolutely with no regulation received 66%; On a very limited and regulated basis received 20% and Definitely not, too many health concerns received 14%. Surprised? I’m thinking that we not only have a lot of raw milk lovers in the ZimmComm News Network community but they are very active at getting others to vote! This poll also had one of the highest number of responses we’ve had so far. Why do you think that is?

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “When was the last time you talked to a journalist about agriculture?” The question is inspired by last night’s AgChat Twitter conversation and a question that had been submitted by @BASFAgro! We’re supposed to stand up for our industry and livelihoods that are threatened by lots of misinformation that gets spread by the media. What are we doing about it? How are we speaking out? Are we willing to develop a relationship with the reporters at our local mainstream media outlets (newspaper/radio/tv/web)? More questions I know but there is a lot we can all do to help educate the ultimate consumers of the products we produce. Keep it up. It does make a difference!

Let your friends and neighbors know they can participate by sharing this link.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

Dairy, Media, ZimmPoll

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Kathy Simmons, D.V.M., started a new role May 7, 2012, as chief veterinarian for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
  • Growers Edge has introduced a new basis tracking tool to help farmers find, track and evaluate basis at hundreds of grain elevators.
  • FMC Corporation announces the Farming with Authority Sweepstakes. Growers are invited to go online and share their experiences with Authority herbicides for the chance to win one of five $1,000 Tractor Supply Company gift cards.
  • Online registration is now open for the U.S. Grains Council 2012 Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, which will be held July 30-Aug. 1 in Vancouver, Wash.
    Zimfo Bytes

    GROWMARK Keeps IT Growing

    Cindy Zimmerman

    As a multi-state agricultural co-operative system with over 6000 employees and numerous brands, information technology (IT) is a vital aspect of GROWMARK‘s ability to communicate on a number of levels.

    "growmark IT award"

    GROWMARK was honored with the first CropLife America and AgGateway Information Technology Innovation Award for CropNAtion

    That keeps GROWMARK Manager of Network Services Scott Bross busy keeping up with the latest on-line communications tools – from improved websites to blogs and all the various social networking platforms. Last year, Scott and his team launched the redesigned GROWMARK.com, with all new functionality. “We’re continuing to add new functionality as we go,” Scott said, noting that the Media Center was one of the most exciting to develop. “To be able to provide multi-media formats, to be able to do video and audio and bring in news releases in pdf and Spirit Magazine.”

    The new design won GROWMARK first place in the Heartland region NAMA competition this year and GoFurtherWithFS.com won the Merit award in the same category. CropNAtion.com was selected by CropLife America (CLA) and AgGateway to receive the first annual CLA Information Technology Innovation Award. “It’s neat to be able bring these technologies together and then get recognition and positive feedback,” Scott said. “That’s really strong affirmation.”

    CropNAtion has been a very ambitious project for GROWMARK to create a social media platform that serves as a 21st century “coffee shop” for today’s farmers. “It’s about what they want to talk about, not what someone else is putting in front of them to talk about,” he said.

    Scott says they have new projects in the works, such as designing a new website platform for member cooperatives, but just staying on the cutting edge of communications technology keep them busy. “Technology and social media are moving so quickly these days that by the time you begin to evolve something there’s three other things out there,” he said. Tell us about it!

    Listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Bross Interview

    Audio, GROWMARK, Social Networking, Technology

    SmartTrax Boost New Holland Tractor Productivity

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The New Holland T9 Series Tractors with SmartTrax have been getting a lot of attention at farm machinery shows since last fall and High Horsepower Tractor Marketing Manager Sean Dorosz says there are good reasons for that.

    “SmartTrax tracks boost the productivity and pulling efficiency of our T9 Series tractors,” Sean said at the recent New Holland media event, where journalists had a chance to test drive one of these bad boys. “Producers using this track option will increase traction and reduce soil compaction and slippage, which translates into less surface damage and a smoother ride.”

    Sean says there are two types of SmartTrax modules available – High Idler and Standard. The track modules can be used on the tractor for spring planting and then installed on the combine for fall harvest. The simple installation allows you to go from wheels to tracks in less than a day – and then back again.

    The first of the SmartTrax equipped tractors are starting to arrive at dealerships and Doug Roquet with SS Equipment in the Pacific Northwest says they had the first T9 SmartTrax machine available to the public and have been getting great response from farmers in the region.

    “The 4-track system provides greater ground contact than tires or 2-track systems. This results in the best overall tractor balance, better traction, reduced slippage and reduced compaction,” Doug says. “In addition, the SmartTrax system from New Holland is built with advantages over other 4-track machines with thicker belts, heavier duty idler & bogey wheels with 50% thicker rubber and larger bearings, much larger drive wheels providing contact with 11 to 13 drive lugs verses 2 to 3 lugs on competitive models, and long track life for use on multiple generations of tractors.”

    Take a look at some video Doug shot recently on a farm in southeast Washington.

    Equipment, New Holland, Tractor, Video

    Inaugural Women in Agribusiness Summit

    Melissa Sandfort

    Women in the agribusiness and food sectors are relatively few, and it is a challenge to convince career-minded women to consider these industries. However, this group is one of great talent, drive and success – an important assembly that if brought together could grow in strength, knowledge and number.

    HighQuest Partners is bringing this opportunity to life with the inaugural Women in Agribusiness Summit, to be held Sept. 16-17, 2012, in New Orleans. This event will encourage the sharing of industry ideas in a comfortable networking environment that fosters learning, growth and business development while helping to mentor the next generation of successful women in the agribusiness. In intimate town-hall style gatherings, women from all levels across the agricultural value chain will participate in dynamic dialogue, designed to advance their knowledge and professional network within the industry through positive and productive interactions.

    And, join the Women in Agribusiness LinkedIn discussion group. Periodic polls will be posted to this group as input is sought in shaping the dialogue for this event!

    The early registration rate ends June 29. Save an additional 5% off the current registration rate by using Promo Code: WIAEM3. Register here.

    Agribusiness, Novus International, Soybean

    TeeJet SraySelect App

    Chuck Zimmerman

    It’s ag app day I guess. TeeJet Technologies just announced their SraySelect App.

    TeeJet Technologies is pleased to offer growers and custom applicators a new tool for simplifying their spraying operations. The SpraySelect mobile app allows the user to quickly and easily choose the proper spray tip for a given application. Just enter speed, tip spacing and target rate, select your droplet size category and a list of recommended tips is provided. Specific gravity input is also included to for use when applying liquid fertilizers.

    SpraySelect supports US and Metric units along with six languages – English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Russian. It is available at no cost for both Apple® and Android™ devices. To download, visit the app store and search for “TeeJet,” or go to the following links:
    Android: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=teejet&c=apps
    Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/app/sprayselect/id520882606?mt=8

    Apps, Irrigation

    Re-Locating ZimmComm World Headquarters

    Chuck Zimmerman

    This is a view to get used to. Pensacola Beach on a pretty weekend day.

    In case you didn’t already know, the ZimmComm team selected this area to re-locate ZimmComm World Headquarters. We’ll actually be at a Cantonment address which is a north side burb of Pensacola. It’s just a short drive to this photo location though!

    So, over the next two weeks the ZimmComm team will be very busy getting the move completed. Pardon our “dust” in the meantime although we’ll be online every day. We’re from the Sunshine State and love the Show Me State but it’s time to get back “home.” And in case you’re wondering, this doesn’t mean any changes to ZimmComm New Media as you know it. We’ll just be closer to the beach and to an airport!

    ZimmComm Announcement

    Ethanol Rocks

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Okay, I think most of us will agree that a little ethanol on the rocks, rocks. Sorry, couldn’t help it :). Ethanol Rocks is actually a National Corn Growers Association video contest.

    NCGA is conducting a nationwide competition to promote the advantages of ethanol in motor vehicles. The NCGA “Ethanol Rocks” Video Contest invites high school and college students to produce a promotional video that highlights the benefits of this fuel. NCGA acknowledges the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association for sharing its success with the “Fuel the Future” video competition.

    Eligibility

    Active high school (grades 9-12) and college students, individually or collectively, are eligible to submit entries. One $1,500 first place award and one $500 second place award will be issued in both the high school and the college level categories. Each award will be issued as one lump-sum payment, i.e., no multiple distributions of winnings. Students from all scholastic backgrounds/majors are eligible to enter, individually or through organizations, e.g., A/V classes, Ag Clubs, FFA, Science Clubs, Art Classes. Appropriate tax on the awards will be the responsibility of the winners.

    Get more information here and entry form/rules here.

    Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, NCGA

    Pioneer Corn Replant Calculator

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The apps for ag just keep coming. Here’s a new one from Pioneer that gives corn growers a way to make a difficult decision on replanting. It’s the Replant Calculator.

    The tool helps producers decide whether to keep their current stand or replant where their crops have been impacted by weather, pests or other issues.

    The calculator is available on Mobile Pioneer.com via the tools section, which can be accessed through the main navigation menu. It takes into account the original date for planting, original stand target and resulting plant population, and the possible replanting date. Growers are asked to consider their own likely replanting seed and input costs. The calculator presents both scenarios, current stand and replant stand, and provides estimates associated with each choice.

    The timing of a replant decision means growers could evaluate different aspects of crop production. Early decisions often are based on plant stand and plant distribution. As the season moves on, the calendar becomes the key factor because yields decline with delayed planting. That said, replanting might not necessarily guarantee a grower will achieve the expected yield if the date is delayed enough.

    The replant calculator is based on a long-standing chart developed by Dr. Emerson Nafziger of the University of Illinois and widely used across the Corn Belt, which illustrates the effects of planting date and plant population of grain yield for the central Corn Belt. The new calculator also takes into account the current shift to higher populations, as suggested by Pioneer research and data.

    Mobile Pioneer.com is optimized for iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Blackberry and feature phones. It uses technology that provides geography-specific content, reducing the steps required to reach useful information.

    Apps, Corn, Pioneer