Cow Ends Cause Problems

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

Since we work with people and organizations that have differing views about biofuels I just thought I’d point something out. (This is because of a news release sent to me today by E – The Environmental Magazine. They’re “mental” all right. I won’t even put a link to them here for you. You can Google it.)

While it seems like everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon to blame ethanol for everything from Mexican tortilla prices to global warming (a myth), there’s a growing movement to blame livestock and you know who that affects. I hope this gets discussed in Denver next week.

We’ve already seen this coming but this is a pretty blatant push. Here’s an excerpt from their release:

Ask most Americans about what causes global warming, and they’ll point to a coal plant smokestack or a car’s tailpipe. But it’s two other images that should be granted similarly iconic status, says the July/August 2008 cover story of E – The Environmental Magazine (now posted at www.emagazine.com): the front and rear ends of a cow.

According to a little-known 2006 United Nations (UN) report called “Livestock’s Long Shadow,” livestock is a “major player” in climate change, accounting for 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.

That’s more than our entire transportation system.

Can’t we all just get along? At least in agriculture? We’ve got enough problems with wackos like this out there. By the way, we enjoyed a nice steak dinner tonight. Does that mean I’m helping save the planet?

Livestock, Wackos

Be A Sponsor Cowboy

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

We’re looking ahead to next year and you know how you like to plan your budgets. Have you got some money to support IFAJ and AMS?

If your company or organization would like to help support the IFAJ Congress 2009 then you can find information on how with the all new sponsor brochure (pdf).

The world’s premier agricultural communicators will ride into Fort Worth, Texas, to catch the spirit of the old West in a combined IFAJ Annual Congress and Agricultural Media summit (AMS). Don’t miss this opportunity to reach more than 150 international ag communications professionals, plus 600 U.S. ag communicators attending AMS. In the first U.S.-hosted IFAJ Congress since 1992, participants will attend workshops and seminars, an agribusiness-focused trade show (InfoExpo), agricultural tours, and networking events.

Maximum exposure is our goal with our sponsors and trade show exhibitors. Let us help you develop a sponsorship package that meets your needs for reaching influential audiences in north America and around the world. saddle up and catch the cowboy spirit!

For questions about 2009 IFAJ/AMs sponsorships, please contact:
Karen McMahon, sponsorships co-chair, (952) 851-4680
Gregg Hillyer, sponsorships co-chair, (636) 561-4976

For questions about InfoExpo, please contact:
Laurie Potter, InfoExpo chair, (515) 284-2853

Ag Media Summit, IFAJ

Getting Some Brownfield Belt Buckles

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

I hope these kids don’t have to go through an airport metal detector with these belt buckles on. Here’s a picture of the winners (Josh Wampler, Joey Carr, Tyler Klein, WKBV’s Chris Nolte, and Kaitlyn Culy).

Brownfield, Ag News for America, and WKBV-AM 1490 are excited to announce the 2008 Indiana Ag Youth Awards winners from the Wayne County 4-H Fair.

Brownfield’s Dave Russell and WKBV Program Director Chris Nolte traveled to the Wayne County Fair on June 27, 2008 to present outstanding youth with engraved belt buckles. The winners were Joey Carr for Grand Champion Barrow; Josh Wampler for Grand Champion Heavy-Weight Goat; Kaitlyn Culy for Grand Champion Steer; and Tyler Klein for Grand Champion Light-Weight Goat.

The Indiana Ag Youth Awards provide a way to honor the successful commitment these young leaders have shown in agriculture. Visit our Ag Youth website, http://www.BrownfieldAgNews.com/2008youthawards/, to check the 2008 county fair schedule, see photos and hear interviews from the 2008 Indiana Ag Youth Awards winners.

Media

Cruising The Buckeye

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

I will not be able to attend the Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise but I’m hoping that my Buckeye Buddies will send along a photo or two and some commentary.

They’re looking for some volunteer help. At least that’s what Dustin wrote on my Facebook. If you’re interested in helping out then send him an email and let him know. I’m sure he’d appreciate it.

ABN Radio is pleased to host the inaugural Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise to raise money for Camp Quality, an Akron-based organization that serves children who have been diagnosed with terminal cancer and provides a support system for their families.

Sign-up as a driver, volunteer or contributor for the Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise by contracting Event Coordinator, Robyn Callicoat of ABN Radio (937) 408-0684.

Ag Groups

Tractor Daze

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

If you’re looking for something to do in the Kansas City area this weekend then consider Tractor Daze. It’s put on by the National Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Come out to the Ag Hall on Saturday, July 12 from 10am-5pm for “Tractor Daze.” This fun-filled, family event is jam-packed with activities for all! For the tractor enthusiast there will be tractor pulls, a pedal tractor display, and tractor games. The history buff in the family can tour the Museum of Farming or watch a blacksmith demonstration. For the little ones there will be a petting zoo and miniature train rides. Concessions will also be available.

This event will also feature a silent auction with gift certificates and gifts donated by local merchants and restaurants. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Ag Hall.

Admission: Adults-$7; Seniors (over 62)-$6; Students (with ID)-$5; Youth (5-16)-$3; 4 and under is free.

Ag Groups, Tractor

Beef Radio Spot Put To Video

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

You absolutely have to check out this post on Defamer to watch the video clip set to one of Matthew McConaughey’s new Beef radio spots. I’m sure NCBA won’t be upset for being given credit for the Beef Board’s work.

Did you stuff your face with enough beef over the holiday weekend? If not, Matthew McConaughey is gonna be mighty pissed off. Check out the new radio spot he recorded for the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. You know, the dudes who came up with that “Beef, it’s what’s for dinner” slogan? Well, they got themselves a brand new golden-haired, A-list pitchman and the results have become a bit of an obsession here in the Defamer offices. Why does it fascinate so? Maybe it’s because McConaughey plays up his every vocal tic for maximum effect, like he’s trying to lure a small child into a windowless van with some candy.

Even better are the comments posted so far. Like:

The extreme close up of the braying steer. I weep. Want to hate the Matty, but can not, not with Andre Previn arranging the score.

Or

I’m going to Ruth’s Chris for dinner tonight and TOTALLY ordering “the power of protein in the land of lean beef”.

Advertising, Ag Groups, Beef

Sustainable iPhones

Chuck Zimmerman July 8, 2008

It might be stretching it a little to say that this story is really about agriculture and the iPhone but . . . for those of you who are already in line to get the new iPhone 3G on Friday, you might appreciate it. The story and pic comes from Macworld.

iPhones and sustainable agriculture don’t have a lot in common, but a bedraggled group of publicity-seekers and iPhone enthusiasts who want the next U.S. president to plant an organic farm on the White House lawn have connected the two as a reason to line up for Friday’s iPhone 3G launch.

Led by a fresh-faced sprite called David Bowman Simon—who looks more likely to be driving his father’s SUV than getting his hands dirty hoeing a row of seeds—Waiting for Apples’ mission is to encourage people to grow their own food while setting a Guinness World Record for the most time spent waiting in line to buy something.

I guess Macworld thinks organic farming is “sustainable.” Wonder what their definition of sustainable is. I’m all for gardening and if you don’t want to put some Miracle Gro on it then that’s your choice. Can’t say that would sustainable in my book, especially not financially. Okay. I’ll stop there. This is really going to help feed the world. Okay. Okay. I’m stopping.

These folks are really just trying to get support for a frivolous petition called The White House Organic Farm Project.

Ag Groups

Trends In Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman July 7, 2008

If you’re used to going to the NAMA Agribusiness Forum or already have it penciled in on your calendar then make a correction. It’s now the Trends In Agriculture. To learn why and what it means I spoke with Kenna Rathai, KBR Communications this morning. The meeting will be held, November 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City. The conference logo was designed by Beth Burgy and her buddies at Broadhead+CO.

Why the name change? “We wanted to re-energize our fall meeting and felt that by focusing on trends in our industry, we could keep the information fresh, interesting and exciting each year,” according to Kenna Rathai, KBR Communications and chair of the Trends in Agriculture committee.

This year, Trends in Agriculture will focus on rural lifestylers, which is a significant growth market for many NAMA members. Sessions will cover some of the new research on this target audience, digging into their purchase drivers and motivations, and a panel will discuss their successes and pitfalls in marketing to rural lifestylers. There will also be speakers outside of agriculture who have faced similar challenges in shifting some of their focus to capturing a new audience in a changing marketplace. Stay tuned to the NAMA e-News for the latest information on the fall Trends in Agriculture meeting.

The program this week ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network. Since we’re talking trends, you get to listen to “Trendsetter La La La” from Love=Action. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 178 (11 min MP3)

Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:Interview With Kenna Rathai - ZimmCast 177

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

Audio, NAMA, ZimmCast

Agritourism Creates Rural Bounty

Chuck Zimmerman July 7, 2008

There is real bounty in rural America and Jane Eckert knows it. I’m happy to help spread the word.

Today, I think, marks a turning point in the agritourism industry. After more than a year of research and development, Eckert AgriMarketing has created a North American single source agritourism website, www.ruralbounty.com. The site is available for member listing to promote the rich bounty of our farms, ranches, wineries and farmer’s markets.

The directory will allow all agritourism operators to list their farm fresh products, activities, lodging, dining, events and much more. However, I need your help in spreading the word about this new site.

While the state and farm associations also have websites, Rural Bounty is meant to be a North American directory for the consumer and media to find us whether they live near or far. So here’s how you can help. If you have a regular method to communicate with your members, I would appreciate you informing them about this new website opportunity or passing this email along to the appropriate person.

There is a $45 annual cost to join, however, if farms register before July 31, 2008 they will get 18 months for the price of 12. Each member will have a full page listing with a description of their business plus an extensive listing of products and services. All information is completed online and can be updated with a user password.

Agribusiness

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort July 7, 2008

The United States Animal Health Association is making plans for its 112th Annual Meeting in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 23-29, 2008. The meeting is held in conjunction with the 51st Annual Conference of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The feature of this year’s meeting will be Foot-and-Mouth Disease: If “When” Happened. For questions or more information about the USAHA/AAVLD Annual Meetings, click here or visit the Web site.
EMD Crop BioScience has placed renewed focus on Product Development with the hiring of Patrick Reed, new Director of Product Development for North America. Reed had previously served in various roles with EMD Crop BioScience and its predecessor companies for more than 17 years.
To kick off the 2008 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, the Brown County Heritage Equipment Association will host a tractor parade beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. The three-day event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, including practical applications of recent research findings and technological developments.

Zimfo Bytes

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