Zachary Larson Begins Borlaug Summer Internship

Chuck Zimmerman

Here is the first in a series of posts from Zachary Larson, Borlaug Summer Intern at Nanjing Agricultural University in China:

It has almost been a week since I came here to China, and it has been quite an incredible week. I have experienced enough in this city in just five days to easily make this the most memorable trip I have been on, but I still have almost three months more of activity here in China. I was expecting to be welcomed with a streak of hot weather much more comparable to Texas or Louisiana, but my first initial day here was also the day of a large cold rainy spell.

Beyond the weather, I was pleasantly surprised when I was finally able to see Nanjing Agricultural University. This university, while still perhaps lacking in some areas compared to our own agricultural universities, is still quite good. The campus scenery in and around Nanjing is quite incredible. While the buildings around here range from incredibly old to just constructed, the hodge-podge scenery of this place gives it a certain character that every university seems to develop.

I quickly got used to walking around and saw many unique places in and around the university. Just like any university, this place has a gigantic library, several incredibly scenic student buildings, cafeterias, surrounding restaurants, and plenty of sketchy (but yet very tasty eateries). But, compared to American universities, the landscape is obviously different, and this shapes the students lives in and around the university. Read More

Education, International, University

John Deere To Build Tractor Museum

Chuck Zimmerman

How about another John Deere story? The company is going to build a museum in Waterloo, IA to focus on the history of the tractor and engine design manufacturing.

Construction on the John Deere Waterloo Tractor and Engine History Museum will begin in late 2010 with opening of the facility scheduled for late 2011. The museum will be an addition to John Deere attractions in Iowa, Illinois and Germany as well as visitor centers at John Deere factories around the world.

“The public is interested in learning more about the company’s past, present and future,” said Bill Becker, director, global brand management. “This new museum will complement other John Deere-branded properties by amplifying the tractor and engine history of the company and enabling visitors to explore the development and capabilities of these products more in-depth.”

The tractor and engine museum will include artifacts and interactive exhibits to celebrate the rich history and dynamic growth of the tractor business at John Deere, which today is the world’s leading provider of agricultural equipment.

Deere currently operates a historic site in Grand Detour, Illinois, where John Deere started his business in 1837. In addition, Deere offers the John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store in Moline; the John Deere Harvester Works visitors’ center in East Moline, Illinois; the John Deere Forum in Mannheim, Germany; and visitor centers in other John Deere’s facilities.

Agribusiness, John Deere, Tractor

Deere Renews Marketing Center Building Plans

Chuck Zimmerman

John Deere is renewing its plan to build a marketing and sales center in northwest Olathe, KS.

This 126,150 square-foot facility will house up to 500 marketing professionals who will provide support and service to John Deere sales branches and agriculture and turf dealerships in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

“The decision to resume construction reaffirms our commitment to the ag and turf equipment business and to the local area,” said John Lagemann, vice president of agriculture and turf equipment, sales and marketing. “The building will feature new construction technology to support efforts to build according to greener, cleaner environmental standards.”

As originally intended, this state-of-the art facility will meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certification, Gold Level.

The new single-building facility will have expanded meeting and training rooms, new technology for digital communications and information systems, and an open-office atmosphere to facilitate teamwork in strategic and tactical marketing initiatives. There will be unimpeded visibility to the outside and excellent utilization of natural light.

Construction for the new building will begin this June and is expected to be completed in August 2011.

John Deere

Meet AgChat Foundation Board Member Ray Prock, Jr.

Chuck Zimmerman

What better timing could there be to meet a dairy farmer from California? You know what I’m talking about. Let’s meet Ray Prock, Ray-Lin Dairy. Ray serves with me on the board of the AgChat Foundation. We got together on the phone today to talk about the Foundation and farmer use of social media. He’s one of the ones who’s walking the talk.

Ray is a second generation dairy farmer in Central CA working to secure a future for the third and future generations to one day help feed the world as farmers. Ray sees social media as a great way to connect with others and to have conversations about what, why and how farmers feed, clothe and fuel today’s ever growing population. He says, “The Agchat Foundation is a way to focus social media efforts across all segments of Agriculture in one coordinated effort whether farmers or ranchers, veterinarians or Extension agents, salespeople or bankers.” You can follow Ray on his blog, on Twitter or on Facebook.

If you’d like to support the AgChat Foundation you can now make a donation on the website or at this link. We’re also seeking sponsoring companies and organizations. Feel free to contact me, Ray or any board member for more information.

You can listen to my interview with Ray below and also watch a video from the AgChat Foundation YouTube Channel of him talking about our plan for technology scholarships.

Audio, Dairy, Video

Happy National Hamburger Day

Chuck Zimmerman

Happy National Hamburger Day. At least I think it is National Hamburger Day. I have found some conflicting information about this online. However, I’ve seen enough pointing to today to make it official enough for me. So, when you’re planning your grill schedule today or anytime this holiday weekend don’t forget the burgers!

Here’s an excerpt from National Beef Ambassador Malorie’s post on the Beef Ambassador blog about today.

My dad makes a GREAT stuffed burger, which he invented himself, and I’m not sure if he’d want me to disclose the recipe to you all quite yet. But I found a few interesting recipes that you might be willing to attempt! This one sounds really easy to make and enjoy. Click here to discover the instructions for a stuffed bacon burger! Or try these cheese stuffed burger logs. And even more interesting these burger stuffed peppers! It all sounds so yummy! If you end up trying these new recipes, let me know what you think!

You can also find some good info here and here and here.

Beef, Food

Müller Dairy Says Thank You Cows

Chuck Zimmerman

OK. While I’m in a YouTube mood and tired of the whole Ohio dairy animal abuse story, let’s watch something a little more lighthearted. Müller Dairy says, Thank You Cows. Here’s their mission.

“To bring sustainable dairy goodness from the heart of Shropshire for the good of everyone.” And over the last 18 years we’ve been doing just that. We believe that this effort has led to stronger relationships with our local farmers, better quality Müller products and happier customers.

So while we thank dairy farmers everywhere for all their hard work, dedication and care for their cows, let’s remember to Thank The Cows!

Dairy, Video

Dale Peterson For AL Commissioner of Ag Is Viral

Chuck Zimmerman

I saw a statistic yesterday that this Dale Peterson for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture spot was the most watched news video on Google last week. I think I can understand why. I don’t know anything about the man but I’ve contributed to the almost 1.3 million times this video has been viewed. Why can’t we have more people speak openly like this? It’s amazing how many are so afraid to say what they believe. Yes. I do like the message and I love the imagery and I’m not afraid to say so.

Dale Peterson, Alabama Agriculture Commission, ICAUCUS endorsed candidate fighting the fight to save our country. Some people recognize the enemies from within & without. We need fighters today, people that are not afraid to stand & tell the Government NO!!! Help Dale Stand & Defend our Country, it starts 1 state at a time.

There are some great comments posted too. Here’s a sample:

I normally hate republicans, but Dale is the badass Steven Seagal of republicans.

Hahaha! Wow! Is this guy related to Chuck Norris by any chance?

By Jeebuz! After watching this video – I was able to skip my testosterone supplement!

Most EPIC political ad EVER.

I’m moving to Alabama so I can vote for this guy.

Video

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • The People’s Choice BBQ Contest at World Pork Expo, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, features three of Iowa’s top competing Pit Masters. The two-day event will occur June 9 and 10, near the Pfizer tent, #60, north of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
  • Exploring both the benefits and adversities of farming in the diverse lands of Galilee, the Jesreel Valley, and lands bordering the Dead Sea, the 2011 Eckert AgriTour will escort as many as 50 U.S. and Canadian farmers through the land of Israel, Jan. 4-13, 2011.
  • CNH and OJSC KAMAZ, the newly formed industrial joint venture, has started the assembly of the New Holland Agriculture new tractor models T9060, T9040, T8050, with 535, 435 and 325 hp respectively, as well as the 300hp CSX7080 and the 272 hp CSX7060 combine harvesters at its Naberezhnye Chelny plant in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.
  • Haybuster and DuraTech Industries are pleased to announce the release of the CMF-1000 Vertical Mixer.
    Zimfo Bytes

    BASF to Host Sustainability Summit

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Sustainability is the buzz word for agriculture these days, but what it really means on the ground is a matter of perspective. That’s why BASF Crop Protection is bringing agricultural thought leaders and media together in Chicago June 8-10 to discuss a grounded approach to agricultural sustainability.

    basfParticipants will focus on collaboration between producers and industry stakeholders to improve agricultural sustainability, differing industry and public perception, and continuous improvements shaping the future of sustainable productivity in the U.S. and globally.

    The event will feature discussions with BASF senior agricultural leaders, including Stefan Marcinowski, member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors; Markus Heldt, President of BASF Crop Protection; and Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science, along with representatives from multiple agricultural perspectives. BASF will also share its in-house analysis tool, which can measure the sustainability of products and production processes.

    “BASF is creating a forum to discuss agricultural sustainability and practical solutions to help growers,” said Stefan Marcinowski. “Farmers have a tremendous responsibility to produce more than ever while continuing to protect the environment for future generations. Our conversations with representatives from stakeholders throughout the value chain will help to bring together the many visions of agricultural sustainability to a practical point of what growers need from all of us.”

    In addition to focused discussions on the scientific and practical aspects of agricultural sustainability, BASF will present a U.S.-based example of its sustainability analysis tool. This scientific model compares the social, economic and environmental profiles of products and production methods. The tool can help provide tailored solutions to help growers run their businesses profitably while keeping the environmental impact of farming to a minimum and meeting the needs of society.

    Panelists from throughout the agricultural value chain representing growers, economists, manufacturers, and consumer interests will share their views on sustainability and what it means to farmers. Featured speaker, Roger Thurow, former correspondent of The Wall Street Journal and co-author of “Enough: Why the World’s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty,” also will share his perspective.

    Agwired will be there to share the thoughts and opinions of presenters and panelists, including photos, video and audio interviews. Next best thing to being there!

    BASF, Sustainability

    Ugly Dairy Video Stirs Emotions

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The alleged dairy cow abuser has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, but the emotional storm stirred up yesterday after a video depicting animal abuse on an Ohio dairy released by activist organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) is far from over.

    Notice use of the word “alleged.” No one has been found guilty of anything yet. However, the owner of the dairy farm (not the star of the video who was arrested) has been receiving death threats and has not even received the benefit of the doubt from many ag industry commentators.

    The video is disturbing on many levels. Many people are unable to watch it even once, let alone more than once. Which is why I question how anyone who cares deeply about “mercy for animals” could have endured recording that for four weeks. If it were me, it would have only taken one incident to immediately contact the local authorities. The people shown in the video punching, kicking, stabbing, and viciously attacking these defenseless animals are clearly sick human beings who should be held liable for their individual actions.

    What is also disturbing is that most of the videotaped abuse appears to be for the enjoyment of the abuser, which is just sick and demented. The worker who was arrested talks about how much he enjoys abusing the animals. This is not normal behavior for decent human beings, who make up the vast majority of dairy farmers (and hopefully humanity in general!). As Ohio Farm Bureau Federation spokesman Joe Cornely pointed out during an interview yesterday with Buckeye Ag Radio Network, using this video to tar an entire industry is basically like using a situation where someone abuses a pet to draw the conclusion that “all pet owners abuse their pets.” Since MFA tags this horrible video “ditch cruelty – ditch dairy,” should we ditch pets as well so no animal will ever be abused again?

    It is also important to note that even the experts that MFA quotes on it’s own website indicate that this is extremely unusual. “The video depicts calculated, deliberate cruelty, based not on momentary rage but on taking pleasure through causing pain to cows and calves who are defenseless. In my opinion, the individuals shown are twisted and dangerous,” said Colorado State University animal science professor Bernard Rollin. Veterinarian Dr. Geoff Ball points out, “This footage should be seen as a red flag for child, spousal and other forms of violence.” Read More

    Animal Activists, Dairy