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

    Washington Post Future of Food Conference Needs More Farmers

    Chuck Zimmerman

    This morning I was sent an announcement from the Washington Post about “The Future of Food Conference.” According to their website the conference will answer the question: “How is American and international food production changing to respond to growing demand from consumers for healthier and more natural food? Experts from some of world’s biggest food companies, academia and nonprofits discuss trends in agriculture and consumer behavior that is shaping the future of food.” I was immediately interested until I saw that there is no one on the program involved in production agriculture of a type that is going to feed a growing world population in a sustainable manner, although Sen. Tester might qualify. By sustainable I mean environmentally and financially. It looks like there’s a real scarcity of “farmers” on the list. The conference does have some very interesting sounding speakers that includes His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Others include:

    Wendell Berry, the novelist, poet and pioneer of the organic movement; Eric Schlosser, author of “Fast Food Nation”; Sam Kass, White House Chef; U.S. Senator Jon Tester; Michael Taylor, Deputy Commissioner, FDA; Gary Hirschberg, the CEO of Stonyfield Farms; Dan Barber, the chef at Blue Hill; Will Allen, the founder of Growing Power; Susan Crockett, vice president and senior technology officer for health and nutrition at General Mills; and many other leading figures in the food and sustainability movement.

    You can probably guess the tone of the conference and therefore the “reporting” that will happen as a result. So I started an email exchange with the Washington Post representative who sent me the announcement. First I pointed out the lack of farmers on their list. She replied that there were some on the program that “focus on farms” like Growing Power, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Stone Barns, Land Institute, National Farm to School Network, Navdanya and IAASTD. Here’s how I replied to that:

    I understand program limitations. However, you really don’t have anyone involved with the type of production agriculture that has the best promise of feeding a growing world population. I wouldn’t really put any of those you mentioned in that category. Therefore, I think you could potentially have a very misleading slant on the information presented. You really ought to consider farmers who are members of organizations like the National Corn Growers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Soybean Association and there are many more. These are family farmers who are using modern farming techniques to be sustainable both environmentally and financially. I’m copying this reply to representatives from these groups who you can look to as a resource as you put this conference together. I would be happy to point you to others if you’d like. I think that if you made your panel of speakers more inclusive you would really have an interesting mix of viewpoints.

    I was thanked for my input and told it would be passed along to the organizers. I wonder if they would approve me as credentialed media to cover the event. I actually will be going to Washington, DC that day for another conference that starts the following day. I could apply for credentials if anyone would like to sponsor my coverage. I would do it. What do you think? If we can’t have a balanced program it would be nice to have some balanced reporting. But even if I can’t attend and you can’t either then you still have the option to watch it:

    The conference will be live-streamed on washingtonpostlive.com/conferences/food from Georgetown University’s Gaston Hall. An agenda will also be listed on the site the week of the conference. Following the conference, video highlights will be available online.

    Farming, Food, Media

    Novus Shows Students Careers in Science

    Cindy Zimmerman

    College students pursuing degrees in science had the opportunity to find out about all kinds of career options during the recent “Science in Action: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers” sponsored by Novus International and the Missouri Colleges Fund.

    NovusNovus’ Senior Manager of Biology Research Jim Richards gave the students a glimpse into how Novus is using science to develop nutrition solutions to help feed a growing world population. “The thing that’s been been really interesting about being here is learning how I can apply my skills in cellular and molecular biology to very important problems in agriculture,” he said.

    NovusResearch engineer Oriana Obiri-Ampomah told the students about growing up in Ghana and deciding to become a chemical engineer. “My vision has been to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and growing up in Africa, I know what it means for people to not necessarily have three square meals a day,” Oriana said. “So, to know that everyday the little work I do here will help change someone’s life is so important.”

    escobarThe students learned about a non-traditional veterinarian job from Dr. Miguel Escobar, Global Director of Animal Utilization with the US Soybean Export Council, who appreciated the effort by Novus to expose science-minded college students to a variety of potential career paths. “I talked about what a veterinarian can do in his or her life,” he said. “It was a learning experience for me because it was the first time I thought about how I can help young people to go to the sciences in the future.”

    You can listen to Jim, Orianna and Miquel’s comments here: Jim, Orianna and Miguel

    novusThe Novus “Science in Action” day also included a trip to the St. Louis Science Center, where the students heard from five staff members with a variety of different backgrounds in science and responsibilities at the center.

    Life Sciences Gallery Lead Beth Prakash (pictured) showed off one of the center’s axolotl, a Mexican salamander. “We’ve got a project called ‘Axolotls in the Classroom’ where we loan these axolotls out to teachers and we provide them with care instructions and lessons plans on a variety of subjects,” she said.

    Sarah Schoenlaub, Gallery Leader Physical Science, was a science education major with an emphasis on biology and now has a really fun job. “This has probably been the most fun job I’ve ever had,” she said. “I usually have to stop in the middle of meetings and say ‘Sorry guys, I have to go blow something up on a stage in front of a bunch of kids.”

    The students also heard from Ecology and Environment Gallery Leader Kat Golden, who majored in environmental studies at Truman State; David Ritchey, associate director of the planetarium, who always had a love for astronomy even though his first career was in communications; and Jarel Loveless, manager of Annual Giving, who started as a journalist and now is a grant writer for the center.

    You can listen to comments from Sarah, Kat, David, Jarel and Beth here: St. Louis Science Center

    Next we’ll here from the participants of the 3rd annual “Science in Action” day.

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

    Education, Novus International

    AdFarm St. Louis Welcomed Jay Baer

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Here’s an event I wish I had been able to attend. It was the AdFarm St. Louis office “get to know us” party. While there guests heard from Jay Baer, pictured on the right with 2010 NAMA Marketer of the Year and AdFarm CEO, Roger Reierson. Here’s what you missed if you weren’t there.

    Jay is a social media strategist, author, speaker and the founder of five companies. His blog Convince & Convert is ranked among the world’s top marketing resources.

    At the event, he’ll talk about the seven shifts to make your businesses faster, smarter and more social.

    The first 100 people who attended received a copy of Jay’s book, The Now Revolution.

    Thanks to Neil Neumeyer for the photo.

    Agencies

    WillowTree Makes Mobile Beautiful

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCast 301Mobile apps are where it’s at. That’s kind of the theme of this week’s program. I’ve been asked many times who developed the AgWired App? The answer is WillowTree Apps. In this week’s program you can listen to my conversation with Tobias Dengel, CEO.

    Tobias says the company was started in 2007 by Michael Prichard and has grown significantly. That’s because they say, “We Make Mobile Beautiful.” They also make it functional and just plain rock solid. WillowTree built one of the first iPhone apps and they’ve had several featured in Apple advertising and even in by Steve Jobs in the iPad 2 launch!

    Besides talking about WillowTree Apps we also discuss considerations for creating a mobile app and the growing need to make sure your own website is mobile enabled. AgWired has been mobile enabled for years and I’ve had lots of positive feedback on it so I know how important this is becoming. So if you’re interested in mobile app development I really think you need to give Tobias or Michael a call. Just tell ’em Chuck sent you. The company has already published over 70 apps and they do work for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile 7, Blackberry and Web apps/optimization. Follow their blog, The WillowTree Wire, or follow them on Twitter.

    Listen in on our converstation in this week’s program: WillowTree Apps ZimmCast

    This week’s program ends with some music from Music Alley. It’s called “Weeping Willow” by The Shinkickers.

    Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

    The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page

    Apps, Audio, ZimmCast