The BASF theme at Commodity Classic this election year is all about family values – family of growers and family of products. And what better way to visualize that theme than in pictures.
The BASF booth is giving away disposable cameras and photo frames and encouraging their grower family members to go out and shoot pictures at the Classic and then return the cameras to have them developed.
World Champion soybean grower Kip Cullers paused to pose for a picture in the booth – and I just couldn’t resist the little cutie in the pink cowboy hat. Her proud papa is grower Kurt Hora from Washington, Iowa.
We have our own BASF Commodity Classic Flickr photo album on-line here for your viewing pleasure. This is separate from the general Classic photo album, since we have so many just from BASF events here!
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Secretary of Agriculture Edward T. Schafer announced the appointment of three incumbents and six new members to the 
The head of the Cash Crop Segment for New Holland is Ed Barry who is here at Commodity Classic. He says they have a T8040 Tractor on display and a CR9060 Combine along with a lot of training aids. 
I don’t know if you can see it clearly on this small photo but this baby’s sporting an E85 sticker and her jumper suit says “Smell of Ethanol” on the back. On the front she’s got an Indy Racing League logo too.
I just love babies and there seemed to be quite a few around yesterday afternoon in the trade show. These two are already planning to grow up and be corn/soybean/wheat farmers.
Here’s the New Holland team ready for action in the trade show.
After his speech Secretary Schafer met up with the press near the media room.
Our Secretary of Agriculture made an appearance here at Commodity Classic. He took the stage after we heard from political analyst Charlie Cook who provided a pretty clear analysis of where we’re at with the Presidential campaign.
Craig Lindholm is marketing manager for seed treatments with the 
“What we’re seeing in research trials with new Stamina® fungicide seed treatment and another pipeline seed treatment for soybeans in development are the benefits of controlling key seedling diseases for healthy plants right out of the ground,” Craig said. “This is critical to protecting and maximizing yield by giving seedlings a stronger, faster start, improved plant vigor and increased stands in those critical early days when soils are generally cold and wet.” 
Today we honored and roasted my good friend (and client) Gene Hemphill. Gene’s sort of retiring but not really from New Holland. He’ll be staying on to continue to work with us and also pursue some other projects he’s been wanting to do like write a book.
I know I’ve enjoyed working with Gene, especially as Cindy and I have worked at creating a company of our own in a very competitive media world. I’ve had the opportunity to travel with him and meet some very interesting people like Jay Leno, Michael Peterson and recently, Chuck Leavell. These are people who share his interests and values and he’s found creative ways to make those relationships work for the benefit of New Holland. I know they know they’ve got a gem and that’s why he’s going to continue to be there for us. Here you can see him getting a standing ovation during the reception.