I really hate to do this to you but they’re here. Following me around again. The AgriTalk guys.
You’ve got “speak no evil” and “see no evil” and “hear no evil.”
They’re doing programming from here at the National Ethanol Conference today and tomorrow before following me up to Nashville and the Commodity Classic.
It’s like having a triple shadow.
The Reverend of Renewable Fuels got up and preached a powerful sermon today on the state of the ethanol industry. Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, gave his annual state of the industry speech this morning. He was also presented with a plaque in appreciation of his 20 year anniversary of leading the organization from RFA Chairman, Chris Standlee (right).
Speaking before more than 2,200 attendees at the 13th Annual National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Florida, he declared that the state of the U.S. ethanol industry is sound:
“With your continued commitment, I can report to you without exaggeration or hyperbole that the state of the U.S. ethanol industry is sound, that we are prepared to meet the opponents of change with facts, with a resolute spirit, and with renewed dedication to the proposition that together we can change our nation’s energy, economic and environmental destiny.”
The complete text of Dinneen’s State of the Ethanol Industry Address can be found here (pdf).
You can listen Bob’s speech here: nec-08-dinneen-speech.mp3
While Chuck is busy basking in the glorious Florida weather, I am preparing to head on out to the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville at the Opryland.
First on the agenda tomorrow afternoon is the BASF International Seed Treatment Symposium to provide us media types with all the latest info on BASF products and technology.
The Classic really gets rolling on Thursday with meetings for each of the three commodity groups – corn, soybeans and wheat – WIN sessions and the trade show grand opening.
The yet-to-be-completed Farm Bill will likely be a major topic of conversation and new agriculture secretary Ed Schafer will address the crowd on Friday during the general session.
We are also looking forward to Saturday night’s entertainment at the Grand Ole Opry featuring “Corn Fed” Shannon Brown, John Conlee, Joe Diffie, Carolina Rain and The Steeldrivers.
The Commodity Classic is the combined convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. Next year it will be even bigger when the National Sorghum Producers join the show. Having these groups all meeting together is one of the best unifying moves that the agricultural industry has made in the last decade. Not only does it make it easier for the producers who may grow more than one of those commodities, but it sure makes it easier for the ag media to cover it all in one trip!
Look forward to our coverage on both AgWired and Domestic Fuel all week long. Chuck will be joining me late Wednesday evening after wrapping up at the National Ethanol Conference.
AgWired coverage of the 2008 Commodity Classic
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The Beefmobiles, vans emblazoned with visions of juicy steaks and burgers, embarked on the project’s fifth tour of the United States this January with the mission of delivering information to beef and dairy producers about how their beef checkoff dollars are being used.
Created to provide information about beef and the checkoff’s $1-per-head assessment to producers and consumers, the Beefmobile program has made almost 600 stops since its first stop in January 2004. In 2008, the three Beefmobiles and their “Wranglers” will make 200 stops to include livestock auction markets, country music festivals, and rodeos across the country. At each location, the Beefmobiles and their Wranglers provide information – and solicit input – from cattlemen about the Beef Checkoff Program.
Jodee Inman of Bloomington, Ind., joins returning Beefmobile team members Tracey Orsburn of Harrison, Neb., and Stacy Loutzenhiser of Flagler, Colo., as a new wrangler.
Inman has worked in the cattle industry as a producer and staff for several marketing establishments throughout her high school and college career, as well as an auctioneer for eight years. She served as a liaison between auctioneers and cattle buyers at Owen-Monroe Feeder Auction Association in Spencer, Ind., White River Valley Feeder Auction Association in Worthington, Ind., and for United Producers, Inc. at their Scottsburg and Vincennes, Ind., markets. Inman has a management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.; and she is also a graduate of the Missouri Auction School in St. Joseph, Mo.
Inman said her interest in the Beefmobile project was sparked during its inaugural run in 2004.
“It’s a great opportunity as a representative from the Midwest to experience the vastness of the producers and operations throughout the country and to be able to act as a voice for them when it comes to their input, feedback and questions about the Checkoff,” Inman said. “The Checkoff is an integral part of the industry and I’m honored to be a link in the chain of communication between the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and producers.”
After a very foggy start the golf tournament at the National Ethanol Conference is underway. RFA President Bob Dinneen got everyone started here this morning out at ChampionsGate golf course. Bob’s pictured here on the left with NFL Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. Just before he gave everyone the send off I spoke to him about the Conference.
Bob says that this is the biggest and best Conference ever with over 2,300 people attending. He says they’ll be talking about the challenges ahead including climate change and the food vs. fuel debate that keeps raging.
Bob says the future is bright and the industry is on solid footing.
You can listen to my interview with Bob here: nec-08-dinneen-1.mp3
Jack Youngblood played with the Rams in 5 NFC Championship games and in Super Bowl XIV. He’s a tough guy but very friendly. Today he’s out on hole number 2 helping teams out since he takes a drive and they can use his if needed.
I spoke to Jack in between groups on his hole. He says that here in Florida they’ve had their hand in the ethanol business for several years. He’s really pleased to see the enthusiasm on the part of the people involved in the industry and is looking forward to seeing what’s going on in the business here at the Conference.
Jack wants consumers to know that ethanol is a renewable resource that can take us in the direction we want to go. As he puts it, when it comes to fuel, “we want to grow our own.” He thinks it’s the most common sense approach to relieving our dependence on foreign oil that there is.
You can listen to my interview with Jack here: nec-08-youngblood-1.mp3
It’s time for the National Ethanol Conference. It’s culture shock to go from a boat on the Gulf to the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes but I’m here.
Registration is underway and I’ll be posting on multiple sites over the next several days. Thanks to the Renewable Fuels Association for having me in to help them out, including posting onto their blog site.
In the meantime you can keep up with things if you’d like with my Conference Photo Album which is already started.
I did go “off the grid” yesterday down here in Florida. A day out of the Gulf of Mexico is good for the soul. And also your dinner plate if you’re lucky enough to land a legal maximum redfish!
I caught this one just before we called it quits yesterday. Now I’m back “on the grid” in Orlando getting ready for the start of the National Ethanol Conference. You can read all about it on The Ethanol Report beginning tomorrow. The Ethanol Report is the official blog of the Renewable Fuels Association.
This 80 degree sunny weather sure beats what we’ve had back at home in Missouri. Later this week I’ll be moving on to Commodity Classic so you’re going to be seeing a lot of activity from some major industry events. I figured our new Secretary of Agriculture would be there too and got the announcement late Friday.
Commodity Classic today announced that Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer will speak during the General Session on Friday, Feb. 29 in Nashville, Tenn.
A free game online teaches kids to eat healthy in a fun way. ‘The Amazing Food Detective’ has received two awards for its online educational software. All parents need to do is make the virtual reality a dinner table reality.
Kaiser Permanente‘s “The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detective,” a first of its kind, free, online video game that teaches children to eat healthier foods and get more active, has been awarded 2008 Best Products by iParenting Media Awards and Best in Class by the Interactive Media Awards(TM).
Based on a popular character from Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Program, the Amazing Food Detective takes children through activities that show how to choose healthy foods and get more active. Children playing the game follow the routines of eight culturally diverse children whose activities or conditions would benefit from healthy food and exercise choices. The game, aimed at children ages 9-10, is available to everyone at online.
These awards reinforce positive feedback received from classroom teachers who have incorporated the educational video game into their curriculum and are noticing a marked improvement in student eating habits. The program included a survey of teachers who received the game and learning materials, in which 79 percent found the game was effective, useful and fun. Teachers also noted that the video game influenced students, who began to replace junk food in their lunches with fresh fruits and vegetables. Another observation was that students were becoming more active both at school and at home with their families.
BioEnergy International was the first to break ground in Pennsylvania and construct an ethanol plant. Pennsylvania will be home to a new Bionol Clearfield biorefinery.
BioEnergy International, LLC announces ground breaking for the Bionol Clearfield LLC, 100 mgpy corn ethanol biorefinery under construction in Clearfield, Pennsylvania.
The corn and cellulosic pilot plants to be built in Clearfield are core to BioEnergy’s mission of integrating the development of novel biocatalysts for use in innovative, state-of-the-art biorefineries. Guided by a strategic business model and supported by proprietary technology, BioEnergy is a responsible leader in the new industrial revolution.
“Renewable fuels like ethanol offer this nation an immediate opportunity to begin the hard work of mitigating the impacts of climate change, developing greater energy independence and creating jobs and economic opportunity at time when the economy faces significant challenges. The U.S. ethanol industry stands eager to join with Pennsylvanians and the people at BioEnergy International to help meet the energy and environmental challenges this country faces,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen.
