Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

    Biosecurity, Vaccination, Tracking Keys to PRRS Control

    John Davis

    Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome … better known as PRRS … has changed the way farmers raise hogs, and attendees of the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) seminars at the recent World Pork Expo were able to hear how biosecurity, vaccination and tracking of PRRS are keys to controlling the disease.

    At the session I was able to attend, Dr. John Waddell of the Sutton Veterinary Clinic in Sutton, Nebraska, told the group that biosecurity needed to be addressed on a daily basis.

    “You’ve got your risks of direct introduction, and you’ve got lots of ways you can indirectly introduce virus or disease into a herd.” He said you have to believe that you can track the disease and then use discipline and accountability to keep from introducing disease into swine herds. Dr. John Waddell Interview

    Dr. Michael Murtaugh, a noted professor of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Minnesota explained to the people attending the session there are certain indirect benefits to vaccinating a swine herd.

    “Vaccination can reduce the amount of PRRS virus in an area, which would reduce the risks of infection.” And mass vaccinations can help drive out a variety of PRRS viruses. With fewer overall viruses, the better the chances of overall PRRS control. But Murtaugh also cautioned the audience that there are limited diagnostic capabilities. “You need to understand the strengths and limitations of your tools to use them the best way possible.” Dr. Michael Murtaugh

    One tool is producers’ arsenals is a system actually developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and donated to veterinarians called PADRAP … Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program, an online risk assessment. Dr. Derald Holtkamp, an assistant professor at Iowa State University, explained vets have been able to use PADRAP as a communication tool to ensure a coordinated approach to controlling PRRS is used.

    “A number of these things veterinarians have been talking to their clients about for years. But what PADRAP does is give them a more systematic way to do it.” Holtkamp said PADRAP also helps producers decide what method they need to use to eliminate PRRS in their herds.
    Dr. John Waddell interview wpx10-bi-holtkamp.mp3

    All three agree that PRRS has changed the way swine production and biosecurity is handled, and it is a costly disease. “But I think we’re going to win this battle,” said Waddell.

    World Pork Expo 2010 Photo Album

    AgWired coverage of the World Pork Expo 2010 is sponsored by:
    Novus and boehringer-ingelheim.

    Audio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pork, Swine, World Pork Expo

    Ag Media Summit Early Registration Deadline Approaching

    Chuck Zimmerman

    This is a friendly reminder to register for the Agricultural Media Summit by June 30 if you want an early registration price break. I got mine in and am looking forward to it since I missed last year.

    Ag Media Summit is getting more social this year btw. Actually it was always social, as in a very social affair!

    Check out the new AMS blog — it’s the social media hub for Ag Media Summit. Find information about free live video streaming of sessions, following @AgMediaSummit on Twitter and more.

    Ag Media Summit

    Sanani Coffee Gets Thumbs Up

    Chuck Zimmerman

    I introduced you to Sanani Coffee recently after interviewing company President, Tarif Ausaf. Since then I was sent a box to sample and I’m happy to report that I can recommend it. The coffee is excellent and Cindy told me she liked it too after trying it this morning for the first time.

    Here are a few newsworthy facts that makeup Sanani’s captivating story:

    * The term “mocha” originates from the port city of Mocha in Yemen. This is the city where the history of coffee trading began.
    * Our coffee beans are grown naturally, without pesticides, using cultivation methods that haven’t changed for over 400 years.
    * We use the freshest coffee harvests. The beans that are roasted for Sanani have not been lying around in storage for months.
    * We air-ship our coffee beans from Yemen to avoid flavor-robbing sea moisture (something that no other coffee company does!).
    * We won’t grind the beans until someone orders them.
    * Each 250-gram (8.8 oz) bag retails for $24 and is packaged in an elegantly designed box.

    Food

    Truth About Modern Pork Production on YouTube

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Probably many of you have heard about the problem hog farmer, Chris Chinn, had with a YouTube video she had produced to “help the public understand modern agriculture.” The problem was it got flagged as inappropriate content. That got changed this week. You can read more about this situation on the FBlog.

    My faith in YouTube was restored yesterday when I discovered my video had been returned to it’s “G” rating. I was not notified by YouTube that this happened, and I am not sure when or how it happened. What I do know is last week there were several articles about my video being flagged inappropriate and tweets were flying on Twitter about my video being blocked. Thank you YouTube for returning my video to a “G” rating, I just wish it hadn’t taken 6 months!

    Pork, Video

    Iowa Corn Growers Tour Indy Garages

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Iowa Corn Growers on Garage TourOne of the cool things to do at an Indy race is tour the garages where the technicians work on the engines in preparation of race day. The Iowa Corn Growers conducted multiple tours of the garages during race weekend for the Iowa Corn Indy 250.

    I followed one group and interviewed several grower participants.

    First up was Tim Recker, Iowa Corn Growers Association Director from Fayette County. He came out to the track to see the “power and performance of ethanol powered vehicles.” Like other corn growers I’ve spoken with, he has a feeling of pride to see the cars running on American made ethanol from the corn he produces.

    You can listen to my interview with Tim here: Tim Recker Interview

    Next up was Dean Taylor, President-Elect, Iowa Corn Growers Association. Dean said that everything was going fine and it was a great event. He says the race is getting the message out about what ethanol is. He says fuel security is going to become increasingly important.

    You can listen to my interview with Dean here: Dean Taylor Interview

    Finally, I interviewed Roger Zylstra, Iowa Corn Growers Association Director, Jasper County. Since he serves on the animal ag and environment committee I asked him about the importance of animal agriculture to corn growers. He says the livestock industry is very important to Iowa corn growers. You’ll hear some of the cars being tuned up in our conversation.

    You can listen to my interview with Roger here: Roger Zylstra Interview

    Iowa Corn Indy 250 Photo Album.

    Ag Groups, Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Indy Racing

    Zimfo Bytes

    Melissa Sandfort

      Zimfo Bytes

      iPhone 4 Changing Everything Again

      Chuck Zimmerman

      The iPhone 4 has landed in the AgriBlogger’s lap and is fully activated and ready for action. This photo was the first one I took with the phone. You can see it and others from a Katy Trail bike ride today in an online photo album

      iPhone 4 First Photos

      My first impressions include:

      Sleek and solid. Not as prone to finger smudges.

      Major difference in photos. Nice to have some quality and zoom in the camera!

      I’m still getting used to the new iOS 4 software but liking the improvements such as being able to put apps into homescreen folders, one email inbox for multiple accounts, etc.

      I’m making less mistakes typing. Not sure why but it just is.

      Do I recommend it? Yes. But I’ll post more about it after I’ve had time to work with it and some of the new apps that have come out.

      Uncategorized

      Do You Have A Social Media Strategy?

      Chuck Zimmerman

      That question is one I rarely get a yes answer to. In fact, after saying no the question I get back is “How do we create one?” or “Can you provide an example of one?” If you’re wondering about this then today’s eMarketer report is a good read. Recent research has shown that most companies don’t have a strategy or are only part way to having one. Part of the problem is probably the silo effect of internal company departments like sales, marketing, public relations, legal, human resources, etc. It’s difficult to prepare and implement a strategy when people in different departments don’t communicate! This point is made in the report.

      “Companies that have held back on adopting social media throughout their organizations would benefit from starting with a cohesive plan that involves all of the key groups within the organization,” said the report, while those that have already adopted the social channel should get all departments and employees on board with a complete strategy.

      Not surprisingly one of the top concerns companies (mostly attorneys I think) have is this one: “how to respond to comments on social sites.” I see that as a mostly irrational fear but understandable. But why should you let that keep you from creating a strategy and especially one that provides employees with guidelines for how to handle it? For example, if you assign an individual to create and maintain your company Twitter account then let them know what they can and can’t say in reply to messages received from followers. You can’t ignore them or you might as well not have a Twitter account. Social media is about engagement. It’s not just another way to force your message on people. But keep in mind that if you choose not to participate in social media you can’t complain about what others are saying about you. I think it’s best to join the online conversation and tell your story and let your voice be heard even if it is scary and requires an investment of resources. I’d be happy to help if you would like to discuss.

      Social Networking

      IRL Ministers To Race Congregation

      Chuck Zimmerman

      Fr. Phil DeReaOn Father’s Day I really enjoyed myself working at the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in Newton, IA as you know. It was Sunday and traveling with the “moving city” are several ministers and a priest.

      So once again IRL Ministry took care of us spiritually. Fr. Phil DeRea celebrated Mass in the Driver’s Mtg. Room at the Media Center. One of the drivers, Helio Castroneves, attended along with team members, media and other people involved in race day activities.

      As a special treat, Fr. DeRea brought a number of rosaries to give away. He was in Rome on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and had them blessed by Pope Benedict. I was lucky to receive one.

      After Mass I spoke with Fr. DeRea. He says that Father’s Day is an emotional day, especially when you think of the wonderful memories of our fathers. He calls IRL Ministry a “Parish on wheels.” Besides saying Mass he also performs other services like weddings and baptisms for drivers and their families. He says IRL Ministry has permission from the Vatican through Pastoral Care For People On The Move.

      You can listen to my interview with Fr. DeRea here: Fr. DeRea Interview
      IRL Ministry is a 501c3 not-for-profit, non-denominational organization, which was developed to help the racing community. We exist because of the donations we receive from the racing community and great partners that join with us to reach out to the people that are part of this great sport. Our financial records are available for review by contacting our office. We desire to be good stewards of the blessings we are given.

      Iowa Corn Indy 250 Photo Album.

      Audio, Indy Racing