MyWay RTK Introduces Andy Hill as GM

Melissa Sandfort

MyWay RTK LLC – a precision farming technologies company that specializes in open-technology RTK (Real Time Kinematic) – introduced industry veteran, Andy Hill, as the new General Manager. Hill comes from Premier Technologies, Inc., bringing with him 20 years industry experience in precision farming and agriculture.

With its territory already blanketing the entire state of Illinois and quickly expanding in states like Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, MyWay RTK executives sought a proven industry expert to oversee the company’s continued growth.

As General Manager, Hill’s primary role will be facilitating the expansion of the MyWay RTK territory and working with industry representatives to implement the latest MyWay RTK offerings.

Precision Agriculture

Picture A Better American Farm

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s a photo contest for you to consider entering. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the I Make America campaign have launched the Picture a Better America Photo Contest. Their goal is to, “demonstrate the urgent need to invest in America’s crumbling infrastructure.”

The contest will showcase the hard-working men and women who “make” America. The Picture a Better America Photo Contest aims to greatly amplify the voices of I Make America’s grassroots supporters and others committed to demonstrating the real cost of Congressional inaction on infrastructure investment and who are pushing for passage of a fully-funded six-year highway bill by September 30th of this year.

“We’re calling on all Americans to send in their photos to the Picture a Better America Photo Contest. We need to show our elected officials that our roads, bridges and highways are crumbling and America needs Congress to pass a fully-funded highway investment bill this year,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “The time is now for Congress to invest taxpayer dollars in projects that will create meaningful jobs and will make our roads safer.”

I think you’ll be especially interested in the America Grows Here Category. You’ve got until July 15 to enter and you can get full details on the website.

Have you ever eaten corn on the cob? Are you wearing a cotton shirt? America is a world leading provider of these products and more. Without investment in American infrastructure, our products, crops, and the machines that harvest them, will sit idle in our fields instead of feeding and clothing the world. Show the natural beauty of America’s farms and fields, by submitting a photo today!

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AEM

The Number 15

Melissa Sandfort

Grab your #2 pencil. Or wait – was it the #15 pen? Either way, I think I’ve forgotten how to write and I think I’ve forgotten what it really means to “pen a letter.” Grandma used to tell me to pay more attention in penmanship class, and I believe that’s almost gone the wayside as penmanship class has morphed into typing class.

What happened to the eloquent love letters, the sprawling beauty of a letter written with ink on a piece of paper? What happened to the days when the ink pen seemed to produce such words, such passion, such conviction. The text was thoughtful, melodically written … it was poetry. Each letter, each word, captured greatness and elegance. Simple written words closed the miles between lovers, ended wars, saved families.

I feel almost guilty as I “pen” this blog post on the computer. (Although, I know it’s much faster.)

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

GROWMARK Illinois Essay Contest Winner Announced

Chuck Zimmerman

GROWMARK has announced the Illinois state winner of their essay contest for FFA members. The theme this year was “The Importance of Agriculture in Everyday Life” and the winner is Keirra DeCamp of Pleasant Hill.

In her contest entry, DeCamp said: “So, the real question here is: ‘Where would you be without agriculture?’ Without agriculture, you would be inconvenienced, naked, malnourished, unprotected, and, most importantly, hungry.”

DeCamp is a student at Pleasant Hill High School and a member of the Pleasant Hill FFA chapter. Her FFA advisor is Beth Arnold.

As the contest winner, DeCamp will receive a $500 scholarship from GROWMARK at the Illinois FFA State Convention, held in Springfield during June. The Pleasant Hill FFA chapter will also receive a $300 award in honor of her accomplishment to help future students.

Four state runners-up will each receive a $125 scholarship. The runners-up and their FFA chapters are, in alphabetical order: Jacob Day, Lincoln FFA, Lawndale, Ill., Jonathan Drover, Technology Center of DuPage FFA, Westmont, Ill., Lucas Frye, Illini Central FFA, Easton, Ill., and Sarah Higgins, Mercer County FFA, Joy, Ill.

This is the eighteenth year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

Agribusiness, Education, GROWMARK

Alltech is Calling All Farming Filmmakers

Cindy Zimmerman

Alltech is looking for videos that tell the story of how game changing innovations are helping farmers feed the world.

The Kentucky-based animal health and nutrition company has announced the first ever “Farming Film Festival,” offering a $2,000 grand prize. Following the theme of the Alltech 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, The Game Changers, video submissions should focus on an idea or technology that helps farmers meet the tough challenges in their career.

“Emerging new media such as YouTube and other social media outlets have been game changers for many in the agriculture industry,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “Sharing these game changing stories with others ignites a new wave of hope and innovation, and that’s what we hope to do with the Farming Film Festival.”

The rules are pretty simple. The video may be up to 2 minutes in length (including credits), it must tell the story of a farmer’s game changer and it must include footage of the farmer on the farm. That’s all there is to it. First prize is $2000, second is $500 and third is $250. First and Second Place Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of science and agriculture journalists. Third Place Winner will be the finalist with the largest number of online votes.

Participants in the Farming Film Festival may enter by uploading their video to YouTube and emailing the link to contest@alltech.com. Winners will be chosen by a panel of science and agriculture journalists based on creativity, quality of video, story interest and number of views and will be awarded up to $2,000 cash. The deadline for submission is May 13.

For official rules and how to participate, visit www.alltech.com/farmingfilmfestival.

Alltech

Essex, It’s What’s for Ketchum

Chuck Zimmerman

Congratulations to Kim Essex who we’ve known as the NCBA consumer marketing guru.

Ketchum, one of the world’s leading public relations agencies, named Kim Essex as senior vice president and senior client director for the Ketchum Midwest Brand and Food Practice. In addition to leading brand work on key Ketchum accounts, Essex will serve as a senior strategist to clients for Ketchum Midwest, which comprises Ketchum’s Chicago and Pittsburgh offices, and will lead business development in the agriculture and food sectors.

Essex most recently served as senior vice president of consumer marketing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) for nine years. She led a team that executed the “Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner” program, including advertising, public and influencer relations, retail and foodservice marketing, and digital strategy.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kim as both a colleague and a client, and I have seen her successfully tackle tremendous challenges in the food and commodity space,” said Bill Zucker, director of Ketchum Midwest. “A common thread in all of her work is that Kim truly owns the challenge, embracing the client or the brand on both a professional and personal level.”

Essex will report to Pamela Von Lehmden, senior vice president and director of the Midwest Brand and Food Practice. She will also work closely with Linda Eatherton, director of Ketchum’s Global Food & Nutrition Practice.

Ag Groups, Agencies

Supporting The Agri-Business Educational Foundation

Chuck Zimmerman

Russ ParkerThe Agri-Business Educational Foundation is made possible by volunteer leaders like Russ Parker (left), J.L. Farmakis, and all the people who support it with their financial contributions. I am going to start a series of posts with these folks over the coming months to find out why they support the ABEF.

Russ is a board member of the ABEF and I visited with him at the recent Agri-Marketing Conference. He says he got involved because he was a student NAMA member and got hired right away into the job he still holds today. He sees the ABEF as a way to give something back for having such a rewarding career. He is a judge for the student NAMA marketing competition and that allows him an opportunity to see prospective new hires for not only his company but perhaps recommendations he can make to other agrimarketing professionals and clients.

Russ also points to the Vision2020 project which was launched earlier this year:

Named ‘Vision2020,’ the new initiative seeks to raise up to $4 million over the next 10 years for college student scholarships, student and young professional development programs, and support of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Student Program. Funding may also be made available for outreach to high school juniors and seniors, promoting careers in Ag business, marketing and communications.

Listen to Russ give you some good reasons to support the ABEF: Russ Parker Interview

Audio, Education, NAMA

Students See Science in Action

Cindy Zimmerman

There were a total of nine Missouri college students, four professors, and three representatives of the National FFA, including two students, who took part in the third annual Novus International Science in Action day.

NovusThe science scholarship students from Missouri colleges included: Jacob Cook, Southwest Baptist University; Jania Billups, Avila University; Rebecca Brehe, Central Methodist University; Gina Osburn, Culver Stockton College; A. J. Exner, Southwest Baptist University; Joshua Kling, Westminster College; Andrea Weed, William Woods University; Kristen Bailey, Central Methodist University; and Hannah Crain, Hannibal-LaGrange College. The professors who were able to attend were Dr. Bob Powell, Avila University; Dr. Perry Tompkins, Dean, Southwest Baptist University; Dr. Angela Bowzer, Westminster College and Dr. Katricia Pierson, William Woods University. We already met the FFA representatives Christopher Bell, FFA Regional Director and National Officers Shannon Norris and Landan Schaffert.

Yesterday, I featured some of the career possibilities these participants heard about during the Science in Action day. Today, we hear from the students and the professors about their experience.

Dr. Powell says it was a valuable education for the students to see science-based careers in the private sector. “That’s where many of the jobs are, and the best paying jobs,” he said. Dr. Pierson, who is chair of science and humanities at William Woods, says she learned a lot at the event. “What I found most interesting is that people with science backgrounds don’t get stuck in labs, they do a lot of other things.”

Andrea, a double major in English Literature and Biology, liked meeting the people in different departments at Novus. “It’s been really interesting seeing how passionate they all are,” she said. A.J., who has done mission trips to other countries, was fascinated by the important part that agriculture and companies like Novus play in helping to feed the world. “I’ve seen hunger firsthand, seen the kids on the streets, starving and asking for food,” he said. “And I see the hope in a company like Novus.”

“I learned more about how science really connects with business,” said Gina, who is majoring in biology and chemistry. Jacob, a biology major who hopes to become a teacher, was impressed by the variety of career opportunities. “I enjoyed learning about different things that I can do with science,” he said.

For most of the students, this was their first time taking part in the event and learning more about Novus International, but it was the third time that Hannah attended. “Every year it just gets better,” she told me. “It’s just so interesting to see how Novus is broadening their horizons.”

You can listen to comments from Science in Action participants here: Science in Action Participants

See more photos from the event here: Novus Science in Action Day 2011 Photos

Audio, Education, Novus International

Are Farmers Really Behind On Social Media Use

Chuck Zimmerman

The results of our latest ZimmPoll suggest that you think farmers are behind the curve on social media adoption from the general public. A whopping majority of 61% chose Less than average in answer to the question, “How do farmers compare in social media use?” That’s followed by 27% who chose Same as general public and 12% who chose More than average. This really surprises me. Is this because of the average age of a farmer do you think? This response opens the door for a lot more questions. I’ll bet you have some. Does it suggest that we’re all wasting our time developing social media channels for farmer information and engagement? What are your thoughts? Please add a coment.

Our next ZimmPoll is now live and as planting season gets underway (in some places) we thought we’d pose one about the technology going into the crops of tomorrow. So the question is, “What should the next seed traits focus on?” Let us know what you think and thank you for participating.

And if you have any questions you want to suggest for future ZimmPolls please let us know.

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

ZimmPoll

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Developed by climatologist and meteorologist Mike Sandstrom, the Insect Migration Risk Forecast monitors the daily migration of damaging pests, such as corn earworm, from May through September.
  • Members of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture elected five members to their first three-year term on its Board of Directors and re-elected three to their second term.
  • The Mosaic Company has created a new website with resources for growers looking to maximize cotton yields in 2011.
  • USDA’s child nutrition programs are implementing new rules designed to encourage use of local farm products in school meals.
    Uncategorized