First Annual NAFB Lake Girls Retreat

Cindy Zimmerman

lake girlsThe 1st Annual NAFB Lake Girls Retreat was held this past weekend at the lovely home of the incomparable Sara Wyant and Al Johnson of Agri-Pulse.

Some of you may remember that a group of gals who are NAFB old-timers got together and bought the weekend at Al and Sara’s up for bid at the NAFB Foundation auction last fall. That included myself, Cyndi Young and Anita Vanderwert (both with Brownfield), Cindy Cunningham (Pork Board), Sally Behringer (Nicholson-Kovac), Janet Adkinson (KMZU-Carrollton, Mo.), and Robin Loftin (Southeast Agnet).

Unfortunately, Cindy C and Robin were unable to make it at the last minute, but we invited Meghan Grebner with WIRL in Peoria to join us and we all had a fabulous time — even without any sunshine. The weather was crappy, but the company was wonderful.

lake girlsSara and Al were very gracious hosts and showed us a great time at the Lake. We were able to take the boat out on Saturday and have lunch at Shorty Pants, a drink in Paradise and dinner at The Fish. It was all quite marvelous and only the weather could have been better.

There are more photos posted on Facebook pages of those who were there. We’d love to do it again, if Sara and Al put it up for NAFB auction again, but there are lots of others who have already said they want to go with us next year (girls only! Sorry guys… although Al would like some company). Sally says, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

Thanks Al and Sara for a wonderful weekend and for your support of the NAFB Foundation!

NAFB

Wet Weather Slows Planting Progress

Cindy Zimmerman

cornCool, wet weather slowed down corn and soybean planting last week, but didn’t stop it.

USDA reports that 38 percent of the soybean crop is now planted and 87 percent of the corn – which is way ahead of last year in both cases and a comfortable amount above normal. Both crops are emerging ahead of normal – corn at 55 percent and soybeans. The rain especially put the brakes on planting in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri and there are concerns that a little replanting may be necessary in some areas that got a little flooding or have standing water.

This photo was taken in a field right next to the Missouri River where it flows past Jefferson City. The river was expected to crest higher than it did over the weekend, which spared this field all but a few rows on the edges.

Corn, Soybean, USDA

Alltech Great Debate

Chuck Zimmerman

Great Debate PanelThe third Great Debate is underway at the Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium. This panel answers questions posed by a moderator and these guys don’t hold anything back. This year they’re talking about “People, Profits and Planet: Views from around the world.”

Pictured are (l-r) Trent Loos, Loos Tales, Nebraska, USA, Osler Desouzart, Managing Director, OD Consulting Planning and Strategy, Brazil, Gordon Butland, Director, G&S Agriconsultants.Co. Ltd., Patrick Wall, Associate Professor of Public Health, University College Dublin, Ireland

I’m going to share some selected comments from them when I have time later. We’ve got a reception following immediately and then multiple dinners organized by animal species preference. The photo album is up to date.

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech

Alltech Young Scientist Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

Lee-Anne HuberThe Alltech Young Scientist winners have been announced. Maybe you had a chance to see it live but if not here are the winners. First up in the Undergraduate Category is Lee-Anne Huber, University of Guelph, Canada.

For the fifth year, and with more than 5000 applicants, global animal nutrition company, Alltech has focused in on their 2010 Young Scientist local winners. The Alltech Young Scientist Award brings together the world’s brightest scientific thinkers from colleges and universities across the globe. Alltech, celebrating being 30 years old, has a history of supporting education initiatives as this is the fifth year Alltech has put on their Young Scientist program.

Michael SteeleThe other big winner in the Graduate Category is Michael Steele, also University of Guelph, Canada.

So Canada has a clean sweep in the competition this year. As you can see above, getting 5,000 entries is big but Dr. Pearse Lyons has made a challenge to get that number up to 50,000!

They’re both pictured in between Inge Russell, Alltech and Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech. You can see a list of the 10 finalists on the Alltech website.

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech

Looking Forward To Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Pearse LyonsHere’s Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech, facing his adoring paparazzi. The founder of Alltech is looking forward to the upcoming World Equestrian Games which will be held in Kentucky. He should be after investing millions of dollars in the event. According to Dr. Lyons the games may never be held here again so there’s a lot of pressure to make these the best games ever.

I spoke to him at the Kentucky Night celebration during the Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium. He says there are 61 countries participating in the games and that gives Kentucky a great opportunity to welcome the world. An economic impact study shows that the event will have a $167 million impact on the region but that doesn’t take into account the facilities that have been built and are already being used to host other events.

The World Equestrian Games is a wholesome family oriented event that is free to children under 12 yrs. old and $25 for children over 12 yrs. old (that includes me). Dr. Lyons says, “Y’all come to see us in September, y’hear?”

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech, Audio

Groundbreaking for Pioneer Soybean Plant in Missouri

Cindy Zimmerman

pioneerMissouri Governor Jay Nixon joined DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred executives for yesterday’s groundbreaking on a $55 million parent and commercial soybean seed production plant in New Madrid County, Mo.

“Missouri’s economic recovery continues to strengthen; and to maintain that momentum, it is vitally important that high-tech, 21st-century companies such as Pioneer Hi-Bred invest in Missouri and create new jobs for our work force,” said Nixon. “Pioneer’s investment in New Madrid County through its new soybean production facility further demonstrates how the strategic use of state tax incentive programs can serve as a powerful tool to help draw quality companies to Missouri, creating solid, high-paying jobs, and moving our economy forward.”

As the first Pioneer seed production facility in Missouri, the new plant will primarily serve soybean growers in more southern geographies in the United States. Pioneer also has a research facility in Miami, Mo., selling corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat seed in the state.

Pictured from left to right are: New Madrid commissioner Clyde Hawes, Pioneer President Paul E. Schickler, Governor Nixon, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, and Alejandro Munoz, Pioneer vice president and regional director, North America. See more photos here.

Read more from Pioneer here.

Pioneer, Soybean

BASF Receives Approval for New Fungicide Seed Treatment

Cindy Zimmerman

basfCharter® F2 fungicide seed treatment has received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency, according to BASF Crop Protection.

basf“Charter F2 combines the benefits of Charter® fungicide seed treatment and AcquireTM fungicide seed treatment for convenience of use and excellent seed safety whether applied on-farm or commercially,” said Chris Exton, Marketing Manager, Seed Treatments for BASF Crop Protection. “Charter F2 is a ready-to-use formulation that controls a broad spectrum of the toughest diseases to help barley and wheat seedlings get a strong start.”

Charter F2 controls many of the most common disease threats in grains, including Fusarium seed rot and seedling blight, damping-off, wheat common bunt, and wheat and barley loose smut. It also provides suppression of Rhizoctonia root rot, common root rot and dry seed decay.

Charter F2 can be mixed with Stamina® fungicide seed treatment for a broader and enhanced spectrum of disease control, as well as Axcess™ insecticide seed treatment for insect control.

BASF, Wheat

Alltech Species Sessions

Chuck Zimmerman

Alltech SymposiumRight now there a number of “species sessions” taking place. With so many people here they’re very well attended. You can choose from dairy, beef, pork, poultry, pets and aqua.

For a detailed summary of these sessions from yesterday the Alltech Symposium Blog has a great write-up.

Besides the sessions participants are finding a lot of other activities to occupy themselves in the hallway (avenue) of the convention center. Take a look.

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech, Video

Alltech Symposium Continues

Chuck Zimmerman

Alltech SymposiumThere is some serious business being conducted here at the Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium. We’re also learning a lot. But it’s not all work. Alltech knows how to throw a party and did so once again at the site of the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We bused out to the Kentucky Horse Park and enjoyed some Kentucky Ale, find food, good music and great fellowship. I’ve been attending these events courtesy of Alltech for several years now and have made friends with a growing number of people in the animal health industry that includes many countries besides the U.S. Everyone seems to be in good mood. Lots of smiles and laughing going on here. Maybe it’s the “Bounce Back Effect.”

Today we have continuing educational sessions that are species specific before this afternoon’s general sessions. After lunch you will be able to see a live video stream from the Alltech Young Scientist Award presentation. That will start at 2:30pm.

Then starting at 3:30pm we’ll have a live stream of The Great Debate. The topic is, “People, Profits and Planet: Views from around the world.”

In bouncing back, companies are focused on the top line of sales growth and the bottom line of profits. How should we address what UNICEF has called the triple bottom line, being profitable, respecting our customers and employees while sustaining the needs of our planet?

Moderator:
Aidan Connolly, Vice President, Alltech

Panelists:
Gordon Butland, Director, G&S Agriconsultants.Co. Ltd., Thailand
Osler Desouzart, Managing Director, OD Consulting Planning and Strategy, Brazil
Trent Loos, Loos Tales, Nebraska, USA
Patrick Wall, Associate Professor of Public Health, University College Dublin, Ireland

The live stream can be found on the Alltech website.

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech

Chinese Think KFC Is Yum!my

Chuck Zimmerman

Joaquin PelaezWe heard a fascinating branding story yesterday here at the Alltech Symposium. Joaquin Pelaez is the Senior Vice President for Product Excellence at Yum! Brands, Inc. which owns KFC. He told us how the brand is now the most recognizable one in China. He told us that Chinese consumers love the brand and in general prefer western brands because they are highly trusted.

I’ve included an interesting excerpt from his speech below in which he describes what the Chinese think about drive through restaurants and eating in your car. You might be surprised. You can read more about his comments on the Alltech Symposium Blog. I’ve also got a short video clip from the Alltech YouTube Channel too.

2010 Alltech Symposium Photo Album

Alltech, Audio, Video