Inman Joins Beefmobile

Melissa Sandfort

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.

jodi-4.jpgJodee 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.”

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Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

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  • Petry International and RFD-TV announced an exclusive sales representation agreement for Petry International to offer the channel’s national advertising time to entities and agencies throughout the United States. With this agreement, Petry International expands its portfolio of clients and increases its global network representation. RFD-TV, created in 2000, is aimed at those individuals who enjoy the rural way of life, a population that numbers almost 70 million.
  • EpiCor® is now available from Embria® Health Sciences – a product concept that originated from the people actually working in the plant. After several months of exploration and research, Diamond V came to the realization that employees were healthier because they came in contact with the yeast fermentation products created during Diamond V’s unique proprietary manufacturing process. With this evidence in hand, researchers carved a path to a dedicated research and development initiative for human health. Later, Embria Health Sciences was created as a separate company under the Diamond V umbrella to continue development.
  • Dow AgroSciences’ growing technology share was the focus of a recent presentation to investors made by Jerome Peribere, president and CEO of Dow AgroSciences. Peribere spoke to investors at the Goldman Sachs Agricultural Chemicals Conference in New York City. At the conference, Peribere reinforced the Dow AgroSciences’ technology-based strategy of growing its agrichemicals business while developing new biotechnology products and platforms.
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Jack Youngblood Likes Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Bob Dinneen and Jack YoungbloodAfter 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

National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol

National Ethanol Conference Started

Chuck Zimmerman

National Ethanol ConferenceIt’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.

Ethanol

Back On The Grid in Orlando

Chuck Zimmerman

Me with a redfishI 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.

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Healthy Eating Game Earns Award

Laura McNamara

The Amazing Food Detective Online Video GameA 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.

Food, Technology

Pennsylvania Gets First Ethanol Plant

Laura McNamara

BioEnergy InternationalBioEnergy 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.

Agribusiness, Ethanol, Technology

Updated Breeds of Cattle Available Soon

Chuck Zimmerman

Breeds of CattleIf you liked Herman Purdy’s first book then you might want to get the update which is available soon.

The highly-anticipated second edition of the classic 1987 volume by Herman R. Purdy is slated for an April, 2008, release. The completely revised, updated, and expanded text includes twelve additional breeds, bringing the grand total to forty-five with a page count of 400. The new edition is fully illustrated with over 400 color and B & W images, including reproductions of rare historic 19th century paintings depicting what the older breeds might have looked like as well as modern full-color formal portraits of a mature bull and cow of each breed to complement the thorough and engagingly written text. The book’s association authorized documentation includes the history, origin, and phenotype of each breed, as well as current statistics supplied by the top cattle breeders’ associations. The large (12” x 12”) coffee table book format offers more than easy readability. Additional information and a sample viewing can be found at www.breedsofcattle.net.

Click on more to see the forward written by John Meyer. Read More

Publication

International Year of the Potato Unites Idaho with UNICEF

Laura McNamara

Idaho Potato Commission Recipes for ReliefIt’s the year for Idaho to shine. The state’s claim to fame is well, the famed international icon for 2008. To celebrate, the Idaho Potato Commission is launching ‘Recipes for Relief’. There’s more. Celebrity chefs are joining the celebration to help raise awareness for the potato and to raise $50,000 for UNICEF.

Chefs David Burke, Paul Prudhomme and Michael Symon are among eleven chefs sharing their favorite Idaho Potato recipes in the Idaho Potato Commission’s “Recipes for Relief” on-line program. The goal of this unique program is to celebrate the United Nation’s declaration of 2008 as the International Year of the Potato by raising awareness and $50,000 for UNICEF, an organization that provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water and education to children in more than 150 countries around the world.

Each month beginning in February, which is also Potato Lovers Month, a different chef and his/her recipe will be featured on Idahopotato2008.org. Every time a visitor clicks on the recipe of the month, the Idaho Potato Commission will donate 10 cents to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a guaranteed donation of $50,000. Funds will support UNICEF’s programs for children around the world. For more information on UNICEF. The Recipe for Relief program will run from February — December 2008.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • The World Food Prize Foundation on Friday accepted a $5 million contribution from Monsanto Company to ensure the continuation of the annual World Food Prize International Symposium – now known as the “Borlaug Dialogue.” The funds support a renewed fundraising campaign to transform the historic Des Moines Public Library building into a public museum to honor Dr. Norman Borlaug and the work of the World Food Prize Laureates. With the $5 million commitment from Monsanto, the World Food Prize has now secured $19.3 million of the total $29.8 million needed to complete the project. The Norman Borlaug Hall of Laureates is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
  • The Propane Education & Research Council developed a new training manual – Dispensing Propane Safely into Agricultural Equipment – designed to train farmers on the proper procedures for refilling certain mobile agricultural equipment fueled by propane. Copies can be purchased now through the Propane Industry Catalog (#003700) by calling (866) 905-1075 or visiting the Web site. The manual will also be translated into Spanish.
  • Dosatron’s New Seal Kits are now available. Each kit comes with a complete check valve assembly. The New Seal Kits are easier to install, with a one-step check valve change, and are a great value. Join the Preventive Maintenance Program by visiting the Web site.
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