Secretary Tom Vilsack, Chairman Frank Lucas to Speak at Commodity Classic

Joanna Schroeder

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is returning to the Commodity Classic and will be joined this year by U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas. The two will deliver keynote addresses during the General Session on March 4th in Tampa, Florida.

“We are honored to welcome two of the most respected and influential men in Washington on agriculture issues to Commodity Classic,” National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott said. “With a new farm bill and election year looming, our growers will value their attendance and appreciate hearing about their positions on future farm policy.”

This is the 16th year for the Commodity Classic, where the U.S. corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum industries join forces. This year’s trade show will host nearly 900 booths showcasing the latest agricultural equipment, technology, products and services, and more than 4,500 are expected to attend. In addition to walking the trade show floor, participants will also have numerous opportunities to take part in policy discussions, view demonstrations and attend learning sessions.

American Soybean Association President Alan Kemper added, “It will be a pleasure to have both the Secretary and the new House Ag Chairman join us in Tampa. I am looking forward to hearing how the Administration and Congress are going to work together to support the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) goal of doubling exports in the next five years.”

ASA, Commodity Classic, NCGA

ZimmPoll Says All Biofuel Feedstocks In Play

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s hard to believe we’ve been conducting a weekly poll for agrimarketers and everyone involved in the agribusiness industry, farmers included, for almost 3 months now! We’re always looking for question ideas so please feel free to use comments here to suggest one or just email me. These polls are all archived so that you can easily review them anytime by clicking on the ZimmPoll Category. Over time they will become a good historical resource and we can’t thank Rhea + Kaiser enough for helping make it possible.

In the last couple weeks we’ve been very involved in two of the main biofuels events of the year, the National Biodiesel Conference and National Ethanol Conference. Last week’s question was very timely and received the most activity of any ZimmPoll to date.

We asked the question, “Which biofuel feedstock do you think has best future?” This is a very important question that is hotly debated and the answer will have a major impact in the biofuels industry and agribusiness as well. So what did you say? Energy Crops (Switchgrass, etc.) received the most votes at 26% followed by, Waste Material 24%, Corn 23%, Other 13%, Woody Biomass 10% and Soybean 4%. I really would not have predicted these results. If you clicked on “Other” what was on your mind? Something yet to be discovered? Feel free to post your comments.

Our next ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Is agricultural marketing and communications a profession?” Let us know what you think and thank you for participating.

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

ZimmPoll

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Select Sires is offering for the first time a Select Sires photo contest. Select Sires is looking for new, exciting photos of Select-sired offspring and customers to use in promotions such as calendars, posters, brochures, on the website and much more.
  • Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, has been named president of the World Apple and Pear Association.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance is proud to announce that the number of participants in its College Aggies Online scholarship competition has grown from 350 to 577 students.
  • Byron Keelin has joined the American Soybean Association staff permanently as Leadership & Policy Education Manager.
Zimfo Bytes

FMC Exerts Some Authority

Chuck Zimmerman

FMC at NFMSFMC has just announced an addition to the Authority line and at the National Farm Machinery Show I learned more about it from Darrin Kert.

FMC Corporation announces the introduction of Authority® XL herbicide, part of the Authority® herbicide line of products for soybeans. This new product offers best-in-class pre-emerge and burndown chemistries to control a broad spectrum of summer and winter annuals.

Darrin says that pre-emerge foundation programs is very important for farmers to consider when they want to maximize the value of every acre. He says that early weed pressure can reduce soybean yield and pre-emerge control can help add bushels to final yield. He also mentions Cadet as a good post-emerge product that growers can consider as well.

You can listen to my interview with Darrin here: Darrin Kert Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

Agribusiness, Audio, National Farm Machinery Show

New Holland Precision

Chuck Zimmerman

Bruce RistauThere was a lot of precision ag on display at this year’s National Farm Machinery Show. Bruce Ristau, Precision Farming Sales Mgr., New Holland, took time to tell me what the company is doing in this sector.

Bruce says their displays are the high point of the latest products they’re showcasing at winter shows like NFMS. New Holland works closely with Trimble on precision products. Bruce says New Holland is now doing more company branding though, like on the new FM 750 Display. He says that farmers visiting the show can come by for a personal walk through.

You can listen to my interview with Bruce here: Bruce Ristau Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

Audio, National Farm Machinery Show, New Holland, Precision Agriculture

Ethanol Sunset in Arizona

Cindy Zimmerman

At the National Ethanol Conference here in Phoenix, AZ last night we were blessed with one of the famous desert sunsets.

We have been covering the 16th annual conference, which also marks the 30th anniversary of the Renewable Fuels Association, on our sister website energy.agwired.com. This is the fifth year we have covered the conference and we enjoy it more every year!

Check out more photos from the NEC here:

2011 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

Ethanol, RFA

LPC Contest and Critique Entry Time

Chuck Zimmerman

lpc-logo-smallIt’s time for entries for this year’s Livestock Publications Council contest and critiques. Here’s what the difference is:

LPC Contest:

· This is the standard contest the LPC has conducted for years. The only difference: No critiques are provided.

· This is your opportunity to compete against other LPC members for awards in 54 categories.

· These awards will be presented during the LPC Contest Awards presentation at the Ag Media Summit in New Orleans, La.

LPC Critique:

· This is not a contest. This is your opportunity to meet with a professional who has reviewed your submitted portfolio for one of five categories.

· You can ask questions and receive an in-depth critique of your work on Sunday, July 24, at the Ag Media Summit in New Orleans, La.

· This critique will be recorded, so that you may take the information back to your staff. And, if you’re not available that day, we will provide the recorded critique to you.

You can find forms here.

LPC

John Deere Launches 1 Series Subcompact Utility Tractors

Chuck Zimmerman

John Deere Subcompact 1 SeriesAt the National Farm Machinery Show John Deere unveiled a new line of subcompact tractors – the 1 Series Subcompact Utility tractors. The media got a preview before the show opened one morning. You can see the presentation by Kevin Branstetter, John Deere Product Manager, in the video clip below. I also interviewed Kevin.

Kevin says their are two models, the 1023E and 1026R. He says they’re customer designed and will accept a full range of implements. One of those is a mid mount mower deck that allows the operator to drive over it and auto connect! Also important is an auxiliary power outlet so you can keep your mobile phone charged while you’re mowing or working. They’ll be available in John Deere dealers soon.

You can listen to my interview with Kevin here: Kevin Branstetter Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Equipment, John Deere, National Farm Machinery Show

State of the Ethanol Industry Live

Chuck Zimmerman

Good morning from Phoenix, AZ and the National Ethanol Conference. We’re going to stream the opening remarks and state of the industry speech for you starting at 8am MST. On the stage will be Renewable Fuels Association Chairman, Chuck Woodside and President/CEO Bob Dinneen. After their remarks I’ll post the audio and recorded video for you as soon as I can.

So, feel free to send a link to this post to your friends and neighbors who are interested in ethanol for a look at what’s ahead for the industry. Just click on the player below to begin the feed.

Post Update: Here’s the recorded version of our live feed from this morning.

Audio, Ethanol, RFA, Video

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

Zimfo Bytes