Roy Isom, California Ag Network, has a new website and he’s beginning to podcast and according to last week’s USDA Farm Broadcaster’s Letter, he’ll start doing video clips too. Now we just need to get Roy on Twitter, eh? Roy also broadcasts on KMJ, Fresno.
Here, you will find agri-business and farming news, information, or agriculture related resources, equipment, and supplies. If you’re involved in cultivating the land, fruit production, or raising livestock, if you’re a processor, packer, exporter, or researcher California Ag Net is your business and community center.
You can hear Roy here (mp3).
This Will Be A Classic Week
How many of you will be attending Commodity Classic this week? No, don’t reply because I know a lot of you will. If you’re twittering from there then use this hashtag: #cclassic. What’s a hashtag? Follow this link. If you’re not a Twitterer but want to keep up with the conversation then you can use the Twitter Search Engine like this.
Cindy, Joanna and I will arrive on Wednesday which is when the games really begin. We’ll be doing some significant event blogging here so feel free to check in often.
Netbooking It With A Mini
I know I’m a Mac guy but I thought I’d try out one of the new netbooks which so far are only in the PC world. So today I’m trying out an HP Mini. Just got it set up.
This is a photo from the built in camera. Not great quality but . . . given the subject matter. So, why a mini? Well, after researching and thinking about it for a while I think it’s a convenience thing.
Let’s say my Mac is tied up doing a live video stream (it will be at the National Ethanol Conference next week) and yet I still want to be live blogging or tweeting. I’ve got my iPhone of course but these things are so small and they are a full computer that I thought I’d try it out. Plus we’re talking less than $400. So, we’ll see. Hopefully, Cindy will like it and let me keep it.
The Monsanto Classic Blogger
Monsanto is sponsoring a Commodity Classic blogger once again this year. Thanks to Tyne Morgan, former Classic blogger herself, for the heads up. This year Brooke Hoelscher will be providing her perspective on the Classic happenings in Grapevine, TX. Here’s a little bit about Brooke.
I am a junior Agriculture Communications and Journalism major at Texas A&M University. I study the principals of professional writing, editing, public relations, and advertising in the agriculture industry. I plan to graduate in December 2009 and pursue a career in marketing and public relations.
Some Crop Scientists Are Frustrated
There’s an interesting story in yesterday’s N.Y. Times titled, “Crop Scientists Say Biotechnology Seed Companies Are Thwarting Research.” Apparently a group of university scientists has filed this statement to the EPA which the story says will be holding meetings next week on biotech crops and was seeking public comments.
“Technology/stewardship agreements required for the purchase of genetically modified seed explicitly prohibit research. These agreements inhibit public scientists from pursuing their mandated role on behalf of the public good unless the research is approved by industry. As a result of restricted access, no truly independent research can be legally conducted on many critical questions regarding the technology, its performance, its management implications, IRM, and its interactions with insect biology. Consequently, data flowing to an EPA Scientific Advisory Panel from the public sector is unduly limited.”
The seed companies require contracts to purchase their genetically modified seed and therein lies the concerns and frustrations apparently. It makes a good read just prior to Commodity Classic next week when seed companies will be exhibiting while the EPA is meeting.
Ervin Group Awards iPod Nano
Still wondering about social networking? How about this, from Ken Wurdeman’s Twitter account, which points to a note in the Ervin Group Facebook page.
Congratulations to Jack Moyle Jr. of Moyle Irrigation, Enterprise, Utah, winner of this iPod Nano, courtesy of Ervin Group.
Jack submitted the winning story idea for Lindsay Corporation’s “Irrigation Advances” magazine, which is written and designed by Ervin Group. Ervin Group sponsored the story idea contest as part of Lindsay’s recent dealer meeting. Jack suggested a story about how his grower-customers are using precision technology to increase profitability.
Moyle Irrigation has been a Zimmatic dealer for nearly three decades.
Flip Ultra Captures Video Clips with Ease
When my professor in my class, Digital Media Production, told us that we were required to purchase a Flip Ultra Video Recorder for class, I was disgusted. Great, this is just what I need…buying a junky piece of equipment that I will never use after this class.
However, my bad attitude didn’t last for long. As I started to use the video equipment, along with Apple’s Final Cut Express for editing, I realized that this handy gadget may extend to the start of my career as a journalist in May. Although this tiny camera doesn’t look like the traditional video equipment used by professionals, it’s a convenient to use on the run. Its small size fits in my pocket, making it easier to carry my notebook and photography equipment on an assignment. The best part is that it films in HD, so the picture is high quality and the sound works great without the use of a microphone.
To say the least, after only a few uses, I’m a fan of this equipment, and I’m glad I made the purchase. Check out the links I provided above to learn more about the editing program and this video camera. They are pretty affordable and a lot of fun to use. Let me know if you decide to make the purchase. I want to hear about your future video projects!
Zimfo Bytes
- Cooperatives Working Together has now finished the farm audits of its sixth herd retirement round since the program was started in 2003, removing 50,630 cows that produced almost one billion pounds of milk (186 herds in 33 states).
- Join us on March 12, as the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) hosts two major events in Washington, DC: the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Click here to sign up for the luncheon. Dinner tickets can be purchased here.
- In response to food price inflation and the worldwide economic crisis, Cargill has made an unprecedented gift of $1 million to The Global FoodBanking Network.
- AgCareers.com is hosting a Webinar for human resources professionals: “Improve On-Boarding — Impact Employee Retention”, March 13, at 11:00 am (EST).
Miller Coliseum Remote Studio
The professional agriblogger has to be able to work in any environment. This was my Murfreesboro studio setup at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum for today’s John Deere Drive Green event. It’s a very nice facility too.
I’m set up on the upper level about 40 feet from the top of the bleachers. A very nice facility representative got me a table and a chair and set me up next to power outlets. The best news is open wireless internet access.
So, although the show is over for the day, my Mac is keeping me company while I get some photos uploaded along with some posting. I’ll be back out on location again tomorrow morning before returning to ZimmComm World Headquarters.
Cattle Rancher Utilizes Power of Newsletters
I recently signed up for a newsletter hosted by Pharo Cattle Company (PCC). With tens of thousands of readers, I figured I could learn something from Kit Pharo and his crew that puts together this newsletter and marketing tool for his cattle operation.
These PCC updates arrive in my inbox and include: a welcome letter, quotes, guest editorial pieces, reader letters, PCC speaking engagement dates and more. I’m amazed at the content of these newsletters, and I’m impressed about the marketing approach this cattle operation is taking. It seems to be an effective way to reach livestock enthusiasts, potential cattle buyers and those interested in agriculture.
Today, I wanted to ask everybody what they think about newsletters? Is this a good tool to reach an audience that might not otherwise come to your site on a normal basis? What separates a good newsletter from a flop?