Blogging Southern BBQ

Chuck Zimmerman

Southern BBQ BoysThose southern boys know their bbq, and they got credit for learning. Besides learning about bbq I think these guys might now be qualified to become social media specialists. What do you think? I think I would go back to school to take this class.

We are four average college students from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, AL and we are embarking on a trip of our lifetime. Through the Interim program, we are embarking on a 17-day academic journey across the South to eat, analyze, and blog about Southern barbecue. Yes, we get college credit to eat and write about barbecue! Our project will focus on the cultural origins, differences in style, and significance of Southern pork barbecue through the framework of food and travel writing. Primary project output will be an interactive group blog (updated daily throughout the month…Check out our blog at bbqboys.blogspot.com.) and individual research papers (submitted at the conclusion of the Interim term). We appreciate all of your time and support.

Here’s an example of their critique of one of the stops on the tour.


Thanks to MeatingPlace.com for the heads up.

Education

Communicating Weed Science Information

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast-208 - Weed Science CommunicationsLast week I presented a session on agricultural communications in the new media world at the Weed Science Society of America annual meeting. My contact was Chad Brommer, Emory University, who is a champion for new media channels in the organization.

If you don’t know much about WSSA then listen to my interview with him in this week’s program and get caught up. These folks really need new channels to distribute their information and perhaps the world wide web is making that possible.

HISTORY:
The Weed Science Society of America was founded in 1956. The Society was established to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment.

MISSION:
The Weed Science Society of America, a non-profit professional society, promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds; provides science-based information to the public and policy makers; and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems.

This week’s program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network. It’s called, “Dead Weeds,” by Blame It On Society. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: Listen To ZimmCastZimmCast 208 (21 min MP3)

Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:Interview with Chad Brommer - ZimmCast 208

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes

Ag Groups, Audio, University, ZimmCast

Truth In Advertising Applies To New Media

Chuck Zimmerman

I recently consulted with an ag group that wants to start using new media, specifically a blog and podcast. During the discussion I heard that someone would, “ghost write for . . .” That immediately set off the warning signal in my mind. I encouraged them to reconsider this. To start with, there are plenty of examples of a company or organization that has done this and been caught publicly. The result is complete loss of credibility. I’ve been asked to ghost write on blogs and I refuse. I hope no one reading would either.

Besides credibility there are other issues of liability. One of the factors that drive the success of a personal or company or product blog is open, honest transparency. Interestingly, this issue came up when my upcoming NAMA panel had a conference call. We were pointed to the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed “Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” (pdf). The comment period on this has been extended to March 2. It was originally supposed to close on January 31.

In it you’ll find specific references to blogging and bloggers: 1. Bloggers personal liability (see page 13); and 2. Examples of bloggers in the proposed changes to the Guides (see page 69-70, example #5; pages 84-86, examples #7, 8, and 9). Thanks to Courtney Yuskis, Country Living Association, for the heads up.

I think the bottom line is to be honest and open. That’s one way to win your audience over.

Advertising

Rural Broadband Debate

Chuck Zimmerman

I’m not sure where you would come down on the idea of stimulus money being spent on the continuing development of rural broadband but I’m all for it. Thanks to rural_broadband’s heads up on Twitter I thought you’d be interested in these two stories.

The first one is from NPR, “Stimulus Stirs Debate Over Rural Broadband Access.” In it they quote former FCC Economist, Michael Katz. He’s obviously a city boy who doesn’t have a clue. Here’s an example of what I mean.

But he also spoke of rural places as environmentally hostile, energy inefficient and even weak in innovation, simply because rural people are spread out across the landscape.

Dude, could you possibly show more of your arrogance and ignorance? Fortunately this is a pretty well-balanced story as the following shows.

Rural advocates say high-speed access is a necessity in a global economy, and a critical part of economic revival and survival for rural places. Obama agreed during his campaign for president. His rural platform included this plank:

“Barack Obama will ensure that our rural Americans have access to modern communications infrastructure. He will … [promote] affordable broadband coverage across rural America as well.”

Let’s hope he keeps that pledge.

Then there’s another story pointed to in this article which is on the Daily Yonder titled, “Broadband Connection Highs and Lows Across Rural America.” The article pulls data from the Census of Agriculture and PEW Internet surveys. We’ve pointed to them before but this article has some nice charts and summaries of the data like the following.

Over 2.2 million farms were included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, which is conducted every five years. In 2002, the Census found that half the farms in the country were connected to the Internet in some way (broadband or dial-up). By 2007, the percentage of farms with some kind of Internet connection inched up to 56.5%.

However, only 33% of farms in 2007 had broadband connections.

In a chart showing internet and broadband percentage for farmers by state it was interesting to see that Connecticut had the highest percentage of farmers with broadband and Mississippi had the lowest. We need to get some of that broadband stimulus money going in the deep south!

Internet

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • The Camelina Company announces that camelina meal will be available for use as broiler chicken feed. The FDA approved camelina in rations for broiler chickens and with this action the FDA allows Great Plains to state that camelina has GRAS (“generally recognized as safe”) status.
  • According to new research conducted by the National Veterinary Institute in Uppsala, Sweden, hens housed in modern cage systems are at a lesser risk of mortality, cannibalism and disease than hens housed in free-range and cage-free systems.
  • Two professional speakers, Jolene Brown and Michele Payn-Knoper, with a shared mission for building collaborative partnerships in agriculture, have joined forces to offer a new day-long program. “Pyramids, Pigs and Passports” is designed to give agriculturists tools to prosper in changing times.
  • New Holland announces the introduction of the new Boomer 8N, a compact tractor that combines vintage design with modern, innovative amenities.
    Zimfo Bytes

    Looking Ahead To A Classic Time in Texas

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Commodity Classic 2009In just over a week corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers will be getting together in Grapevine, TX for Commodity Classic and you’ll find Cindy and myself there once again. I hope you’ve got your reservations in since this looks to be a big one. Actually, it’ll be just like “family” as an expected 4,500+ growers and their families and industry representatives are expected to attend.

    Here’s some of the highlights to expect:

    • • A Texas-sized General Session featuring emcee Mark Mayfield, better known as “the Corporate Comedian,” a discussion with the four association presidents and entertainment from Sam Glenn, one of the nation’s top motivational speakers and author of “A Kick in the Attitude”
    • • The largest trade show in Commodity Classic history with more than 940 booths representing more than 230 companies, featuring equipment, technology, products and services of today’s leading agricultural businesses and organizations
    • • A star-studded Evening of Entertainment with performances by two Grammy award-winning acts—singer, songwriter and actress Pam Tillis and comedic flair from Riders In The Sky, the classic cowboy quartet
    • • NCGA, ASA, NAWG and NSP policy-making sessions
    • •The opportunity to enjoy Grapevine’s exciting attractions and activities

    You are of course invited to attend: commodity-classic-psa.mp3

    We’ll be posting audio in downloadable format for all our media friends to take advantage of with our full permission. We also want to thank BASF and New Holland in advance for once again sponsoring our coverage of this year’s Commodity Classic!

    BASF, Commodity Classic, New Holland

    Last Look at Farm Machinery Show

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Here are a few parting shots and thoughts from the National Farm Machinery Show.

    First up, this cute little pup (I think his name was Mitchell) hopped up on the New Holland Boomer 8N for a great photo op. He did get tired of the attention pretty quickly, but not before his owners and several by-standers snapped him sitting in the seat of the revised classic tractor.

    Then we have the “Greenberry,” Barry Nelson’s John Deere green-skinned Blackberry. Not a custom skin – Barry says he bought it at an airport.

    Of course we have the obligatory AgriTalk photo, which I also took but neglected to post from the National Biodiesel Conference. Between AgriTalk and AgWired, we covered pretty much every color tractor in the rainbow at NFMS. They did the show from the Case exhibit Wednesday and the AGCO exhibit on Thursday.

    Finally, Agri-Talk host Mike Adams’ new iPhone, which he went out and bought in Louisville after seeing our friend Gene Hemphill of New Holland use his. Mike said that if Gene could do it, he certainly could! He bought it Thursday evening and said Friday that he already loved it. Chuck will be very proud to see another iPhone convert!

    It was great to see everyone at the NFMS – we’ll see you again in just a week or so at either the National Ethanol Conference, Commodity Classic – or both!
    NFMS 09 Photo Album

    John Deere, Media, National Farm Machinery Show, New Holland, NFMS, Technology

    Zimfo Bytes

    Melissa Sandfort

      Zimfo Bytes

    • Michael Oleykowski has joined United Phosphorus, Inc., as northern account manager responsible for Turf-Ornamental-PCO markets in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
    • Iowa Corn launches the Iowa Corn Fed Sweepstakes, including the giveaway of a souped-up 2009 black Chevy FFV Silverado. The truck will be on tour from January 15 to May 22 throughout Iowa. Consumers can enter the drawing once each month in person at tour stops or online.
    • The “Modern Face of Animal Agriculture – Shaping Public Perceptions,” will be the topic for the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s Feb. 20 luncheon meeting. The lunch begins at 11:30 at Plaza III.
    • Living the Country Life media properties continue to expand with radio programming now on more than 200 radio stations in 29 states and the Living the Country Life magazine circulation topping 200,000.
      Zimfo Bytes

      John Deere Has New Names and Numbers

      Cindy Zimmerman

      Katie Sheets is a John Deere marketing representative out of the Waterloo, IA factory and she has been at the National Farm Machinery Show this week introducing a brand new tractor name and numbering system.

      “We have extended this tractor line up from two tractors to four tractors,” Katie told me. “The one we are standing in front of a 6100D, a 6 series tractor, 100 engine horsepower and the D stands for the specification level – this is a lower, mid-spec tractor.”

      Katie says this tractor is perfect for those small ag customer using it for loader work or light hay or cattle operations.

      Listen to an interview with Katie here nfms09-jd-katie.mp3

      You can also download the interview here: Katie Sheets (mp3).

      NFMS 09 Photo Album

      Audio, John Deere, National Farm Machinery Show, NFMS, Tractor