NASS Using iPads in 2011 To Collect Data

Chuck Zimmerman

Straight from the USDA Blog we find out that the National Agricultural Statistics Service will begin using iPads to collect data in 2011. Now how cool is that? There are benefits as you’ll read in the post. It looks like they’re already employing them since in the photo you can see Don Phillips, NASS interviewer, using an iPad for data collection for the September Agricultural Survey.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will take a technological leap forward in 2011 by using Apple’s new iPad as the data entry device to collect survey responses. This is an exciting step forward from the old pencil to paper method, still in use today. The iPad, coupled with NASS’s unique approach to computer assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), will revolutionize the NASS survey process and will open the door for future innovative opportunities.

To improve response rates and increase accuracy of survey results, NASS contracts field enumerators to make personal contact with selected survey participants. Historically, face to face interviews were conducted using paper questionnaires, but the diminishing cost of personal enumeration devices and the increased capabilities of broadband technology enabled NASS to explore data collection using iPads and personal Wi-Fi devices.

The iPad contributes significant benefits to the process. The size of the screen, the ability to select landscape or portrait mode and the fonts resizing option allow enumerators to control how much of a survey page they see at one time. The portability of the device is also an important asset. Producers are extremely busy and mobile and the iPad, weighing only 1.5 pounds, can be easily carried and used in corn fields, feedlots and back roads. The producer doesn’t even have to leave the tractor to answer the survey.

The iPad’s unique operating system allows NASS to maintain a high level of security on the device. Through the use of cloud computing technology, no data are stored on the device. If the device is broken, lost or stolen, data are not compromised.

Technology, USDA

Time For An International AgChat Foundation?

Chuck Zimmerman

The emcee for the Global Farmer to Farmer Roundtable conducted by Truth About Trade & Technology was Bob Thomson once again. He says the participating farmers were looking at what it’s going to take to thrive in the next several years. High on their list is modern technology. He says they realize that to feed the projected population equivalent of two more countries the size of China in the next forty years it will take very high productivity agriculture. The alternative will be massive destruction of forests and that will lead to a lot of undesirable results.

A real concern and frustration expressed, especially by European participants, was the extent that some activist organizations have dominated the debate and how little their governments are doing to help them. It’s hard to be competitive when you’re overburdened by regulations. Participants from countries like India said that biotechnology products will be critical for them. They weren’t so much interested in subsidies as being on a level playing field. A need to communicate their stories was also expressed. Of course, I hope they’ll look to social media and networking to help that. Maybe it’s time for an International AgChat Foundation!

You can listen to my interview with Bob here: Bob Thompson Interview

Thanks again to the National Corn Growers Association for making my participation possible.

TATT Global Farmer To Farmer Roundtable Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Biotech, International, Sustainability, Technology

Robert Dasher is Southeastern Farmer of the Year

Chuck Zimmerman

I sure wish I was in Georgia where the sun is shining on the Sunbelt Ag Expo. The winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year was announced today.

He’s Robert Dasher of G&R Farms in Glennville, GA. He’s a pioneer in the Vidalia sweet onion industry.

Dasher was announced as winner during the Willie B. Withers Luncheon at the 2010 Sunbelt Ag Expo farm show in Moultrie, Ga. The award honors excellence in agricultural production and management and leadership in community and farm organizations. The award also recognizes family contributions in producing safe and abundant supplies of food, fiber and shelter for U.S. consumers.

Farming, Sunbelt Ag Expo

Missouri Prop B Video Captures Essence of Supporters

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s so sad but so true. All the supporters of the HSUS sponsored ballot initiative can see is the word “puppy” and they assume it’s good. It doesn’t take much effort to look into it and see that this is completely unnecessary and only meant as a way to wreak more havoc on everyone involved in animal agriculture. We don’t need this thing but anyone want to bet on the outcome? What percentage of urban voters do you think will be like the clueless animal in this video?

BTW. Anyone who mistreats animals should be prosecuted. However, unlicensed and non-inspected dog breeders in Missouri are the problem and this ballot initiative will do nothing to change the situation we have. How about just better enforcing the laws we have?

Ag Groups, Animal Activists, Video, Wackos

NAFB Banquet Goes Formal

Cindy Zimmerman

With a Hollywood theme this year, the NAFB President’s Banquet on Saturday Friday night will be a formal affair, according to convention coordinator and president-elect Lindsay Hill of ABN Radio Network. (Shows my age! Used to be on Saturday night…once upon a time…)

“While the general dress code for the convention is business casual, this year’s President Banquet will be a black-tie optional affair. Suits with jackets and tie are suggested for men, and cocktail dress for the ladies,” says Lindsay.

They have even arranged for a vendor for guys to order a tux for the event – Sir Knight Formal Wear in Kansas City. That’s where the photo comes from as an example of the many styles they have to offer. Sorry girls, it’s only the tuxedos for rent, not the hot guy in the photo!

Find out more about the NAFB convention program here.

NAFB

Did you Miss World Dairy Expo?

Cindy Zimmerman

world dairy expo 2010If you missed the 2010 World Dairy Expo, you missed a lot!

Here’s some of the posts we did on World Dairy Diary – including audio, video and photos that you are welcome to download or link to.

Amazing Results in Boosting Milk Fat Levels – interview with Dr. Scott Bascom, a nutritionist with Cooperative Plus in Wisconsin.

How Lower Protein Rations Can Increase the Bottom Line – interviews with Dr. Larry Chase with Cornell University and Dr. Bob Stoltzfus with Lancaster Veterinary Associates.

Five Star Dairy Wins Environmental Award – first ever award by Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.

RFID at the Speed of Commerce – using ultra high radio frequency (UHF) to tag identify large groups of moving animals.

Interviews with Dairyman and Dairy Woman of the Year – Don Bennink of Florida and Liz Doornink of Wisconsin.

Precision Feeding of Dairy Replacement Heifers – interview with Pat Hoffman from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Award Winning Dairy Credit Scours Protection – Interview with Dave Hartford of Oakridge-Bahler Farm, Connecticut.


Using a Brix Refractometer to Measure Colostrum Quality – $50 investment can be a big help for producers.

Robotic Post-Milking Spray System – See a video of how it works.

New Robotic Feedpusher Video – kinda looks like R2D2!

Thanks to our sponsors this year:
Alpharma Arm & Hammer Charleston-Orwig Novartis Animal Health and Novus

Dairy, Novus International, World Dairy Expo

Testing and Conditioning Seeds

Chuck Zimmerman

I was fascinated to see the Iowa State University Seed Science Center which was a tour stop for the TATT Global Farmer to Farmer Roundtable. One of our hosts was Michael Stahr, Seed Laboratory Manager.

The first thing that really got my attention was their herbarium which contains over 6,000 vials of seeds that date back to when George Washington Carver was doing work there. These are used primarily to compare and identify seed samples. It is of course in a locked cabinet! Michael says they test seeds for a variety of things. In fact, they’re the largest public seed lab in the country doing over 40,000 tests/year. Besides testing they also do seed conditioning. They conduct workshops for seed company personnel to improve the quality of their seed.

You can listen to my interview with Michael here: Michael Stahr Interview

Thanks again to the National Corn Growers Association for making my participation possible.

TATT Global Farmer To Farmer Roundtable Photo Album

Audio, Education, Seed, Technology, University

Getting Geeky At NAFB Convention

Chuck Zimmerman

The annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention is only a few weeks away. I hope you’re registered. If you’ve got your geek on then plan to attend my session on Wed. afternoon from 1:15 to 2:00 pm. I’m doing, “Tech Savvy – The Latest and Greatest Tools for Broadcasters.” I’m pretty sure we’ll be going beyond the microphone.

Technology has changed. Did you know that? LOL. So, as part of the overall professional improvement content for the convention I’ll be showcasing some of the latest tools of the trade. We will undoubtedly have some you’ve never seen. As an added bonus, these items and product literature will be on display during the convention in the news room. And as an even bigger bonus, most of these items will be given away as door prizes at different times and we may even have some in the NAFB Foundation auction!

This is a first time effort so I’ve got some questions for you. Can you forward me any particular brand/model/contact info you may have to send a product request to? I’ve already sent many of them but I’m sure I haven’t covered all companies out there. What type of equipment are you most interested in? What equipment would help you do your job better? Just send me an email if you can. Thanks.

NAFB

LPC Royal Gala Fundraiser

Chuck Zimmerman

It is time once again for the Livestock Publications Council, American Royal Gala Fundraiser. The event will be held at American Royal Heaquarters on Friday, October 29 from 6-10pm. There will be food and beverage and the unveiling of the 2011 Hall of Honor Inductees (Bob Funk, Express Ranch, OK – Headliner; Lionel Chambers, Editor Emeritus, The Cattleman, TX – Hall of Fame).

Funds raised are used for the ongoing improvement of the LPC Heritage Center at the American Royal. The Center was introduced in 2005 and includes portraits of the distinguished Hall of Honor and Headliner honorees. A second phase of the Center is the Hall of History which will display the evolution of livestock publishing.

Attire is Flappers and Gangsters. Contact Diane at LPC to find out what that means and get registered.

LPC