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?
Amy Cowan Promoted At American Hereford Association
Guess which one is Amy Cowen? I caught these two in the media room at the Cattle Industry Convention. Hint: I got the release from Angie Denton.
Well, let’s say congratulations to Amy since she’s now the new Director of Youth Activities and Foundation for the American Hereford Association.
Cowan has served the Association in various capacities since she graduated college in 1998. Most recently she worked as the marketing and national shows coordinator, where she worked closely with Chris Stephens, former youth activities director.
AHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines says, “I can’t tell you how excited I am that Amy accepted the job. I don’t think we’ll skip a beat with the growth and excitement in our Hereford youth program.”
As director of youth activities, Cowan will oversee the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA), which is one of the largest youth organizations in the country with more than 2,000 members, and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). HYFA is a not-for-profit organization, which financially supports youth education, scholarship and research.
AgDay Invite
The picture says it all:
Pfizer Animal Health Partners With Michigan State
At the Cattle Industry Convention I attended a Pfizer Animal Health breakfast and interviewed Dr. Dale Grotelueschen. In the picture he’s getting the same treatment from Evan Slack.
Dr. Grotelueschen was there to talk about a partnership between Pfizer and Michigan State University to eradicate BVD (that’s bovine viral diarrhea in case you don’t know). Basically, they’re starting with a regional area which is the upper peninsula in Michigan. It provides a relatively easy area to control for the project. This is a pretty significant disease which costs the cattle industry millions of dollars every year. Hopefully, if the project is successful it can be replicated in other areas.
You can listen to my interview with Dr. Grotelueschen here: cic-09-pfizer.mp3