The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) announces Summer Education Week ’08 held July 14-18, 2008, Omaha, Neb. ASFMRA’s Management Education has been reformatted into modules including: Production Practices, Client Goals and Strategic Plan, Professionalism, Principles of Leasing, Conservation Practices, Selling Skills, Commodity Market Planning and Listening Skills. Summer Education Week ’08 is open to the public and pre-registration is required. Registration and fee information can be found here.
The ever-popular Massey Ferguson 5400 Series mid-range tractors have new Tier III engines inside and a new look outside. The 110 and 115 hp models expand the mid-range line and its reputation for rugged durability with the right combination of weight and power. The new hood offers mid-range tractor buyers the same serviceability and style as Massey Ferguson high horsepower 6400 and 7400 Series tractors.
The University of Florida chapter of the agricultural honor society Gamma Sigma Delta recognized three of the state’s agribusiness leaders and a retired extension director for their service at an annual awards dinner in Gainesville May 8. The honorary named these four as winners of the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award, which recognizes long-term achievement and leadership: J. Bryan Cooksey III, president of McCall Service Inc.; Sherwood “Buddy” Johnson, a third-generation citrus grower known for his ability to lead committees to consensus; Gene Mooney, executive vice president of Ben Hill Griffin Inc.; and Dallas B. Townsend, retired Hendry County extension director.
During last week’s travels with the Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, I got to know Kevin Ridgeway and Kristen Johnson, Ridgeway & Johnson, very well. Spending all day on a bus does that.
In the picture you can see Kristen doing the only full view water torture cell escape. There’s more pictures in the photo album.
These are very talented people who absolutely love what they’re doing. I thought I traveled a lot but nothing compared to what they’ve been doing. They’ve been performing for this tour as well as NBA finals half time shows, taping reality tv in Turkey and other shows on their schedule. Before the last show of the My Real Life Tour I interviewed them outside the Pershing Center in Lincoln, NE. Watch and learn more about the best illusionists in the business.
I’m going back and forth from St. Louis today so posting will pick up again after I get back. I’ve got to drop off my Mac for its annual checkup which means they’ll have it until I got back to St. Louis on Thursday to pick it up. I’m a little afraid to be Mac-less but I’m sure I’ll get through it.
The final show of this segment of the Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, is over. What a show. As New Holland dealer Larry Dinkel said to me yesterday, “I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t go to this show.” The Army touring band was one of the best I’ve heard and of course Michael Peterson was great. Ridgeway & Johnson showed why they’re the best illusionists in the business.
I spoke with Michael right after the show to get his feelings after 10 cities and 4 months of the Tour. He’s pumped up about making a difference in our communities and helping people, especially young ones, to set goals for their lives. He’s hoping to do it all again starting this fall and I hope that happens.
I’ve got more things I’ll post after getting back home so this will be my final post until then. They’re about to close the Pershing Center so I’d better get a move on. See you later.
While I’m here in Lincoln, NE, Laura is still having fun in Indianapolis. She’s got photos uploaded to an online photo album so I thought I’d point you that way. Indy 500 2008 Photo Album
I’ll be driving home tomorrow but she’ll be on site for the race so you may want to keep an eye on Domestic Fuel to see what she finds. The cars will be running on ethanol so that once again, no matter who gets the checkered flag, our farmers and our environment win.
I also thought I’d point you to a post on Corn Commentary that Cindy did last night. It’s called “Bill of Confusion” in which she re-wrote some lyrics for the Temptations famous “Ball of Confusion.” It kind of summarizes the whole farm bill situation. It’s worth a read and feel free to sing it. In fact, if you sing Cindy’s lyrics and record and send them in we’ll not only post it but send you an AgWired t-shirt. C’mon. I dare you.
Last night the whole My Real Life Tour group got together for dinner and some fellowship. Most of these folks have been traveling together off and on since January.
In just a couple of days I’ve made new friends and hope to stay in touch with them. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to do this again in the fall. This is a great group of people who all believe in the mission and put in hours that most people wouldn’t even comprehend much less consider.
We’ve talked a lot in between shows about how Michael’s dream of this tour several years ago has become a reality and the difference that it’s making in people’s lives. He says that they’ve presented to over 50,000 young people alone on this 10 city tour. Can you imagine if they were to double it next year? Michael’s message of hope, inspiration and promoting values that I think everyone in agricultural production and marketing believe in, is making a difference and we need to see more of it in today’s world.
I’m looking forward to the final performance this evening.
I wandered around after some coffee and made a few purchases including some purple asparagus, which I’ve never seen before. The vendor says it’s sweeter than the green variety. I’m going to find out on on Memorial Day since I think it’ll go good with a nicely grilled steak.
I shot some more photos of the Farmers’ Market which I added to the photo album.
I’m enjoying some coffee and a relaxing morning here in Lincoln, NE and getting ready to wander around the HayMarket Farmer’s Market in a few minutes. The Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, will conclude this evening with a big performance at the Pershing Center. Hopefully, it will continue again this fall. If you or your company is interested I’m sure they’d love to have some more sponsors.
Yesterday I got to Lincoln Southwest High School to shoot the bus on the way in. I mis-calculated the direction they’d take but did get this short video clip.
He’s just one of the kids, sitting on the gym floor watching the My Real Life Tour Show. He’s Michael Peterson and I caught him while Ridgeway & Johnson were performing.
A few minutes ago I spoke by Skype with Larry Dinkel, Dinkel Implement, Norfolk, NE about New Holland’s sponsorship of the Tour. I would have interviewed him in person if I’d been able to attend the first event of the week in Norfolk.
Larry just can’t say enough good about Michael and that’s something I experience wherever I go. I asked Larry what he thought about a company like New Holland sponsoring this Tour and he says it’s a great marketing tool. For example, he says that whenever and wherever Michael performs, the New Holland brand is being seen and associated with someone who is expressing and promoting the right values. He believes the message is getting to the right audience too.
This morning the Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, put on a great show for the students at Lincoln Southwest High School. We had thunder and lightning outside and an awesome show inside. You can click on the photo for a bigger one.
You can get a pretty good sense of what these tour stops are like at the schools from the photo album which has over 200 photos in it so far and some of the video clips I’ve done. The final school stop will be later this afternoon.
Tomorrow I’ll be attending the final performance which is a full show at the Pershing Center. All the events during this week have been promoting it and leading up to it.
During last week’s travels with the Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, I got to know Kevin Ridgeway and Kristen Johnson, 
The final show of this segment of the Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour, is over. What a show. As New Holland dealer Larry Dinkel said to me yesterday, “I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t go to this show.” The Army touring band was one of the best I’ve heard and of course Michael Peterson was great. Ridgeway & Johnson showed why they’re the best illusionists in the business. 
Last night the whole 
On a nice relaxing morning here in Lincoln, NE the 
He’s just one of the kids, sitting on the gym floor watching the My Real Life Tour Show. He’s Michael Peterson and I caught him while 
This is going to be a really hard one I know. I will not be providing any more clues than I already have.