AgWired

I would be remiss in my coverage if I didn’t mention the fact that we had a very nice reception here for the media. This is an annual event and is sponsored by our sponsor, New Holland.

It’s a chance to gather together for some fellowship without having to do interviews. It’s a nice way to relax for a little while and I highly encourage all organizations to consider it if you don’t do this at your event.

This picture was taken when everyone was paying rapt attention to Gene Hemphill, New Holland, welcome us to Tampa.

AgWired coverage of Commodity Classic
is made possible by: and

Proving that he’s an innovator once again, Joel Jaeger at Commodity Update is blogging from the Commodity Classic.

You can find Joel’s blog here. Commodity Update is an AgWired advertiser and if you don’t subscribe then I recommend you do. Business is good since he’s expanding the company.

Commodity Update today announced plans to join forces with Bryan Berry, Fowler, IN. Berry, who also farms 2,700 acres in northwest Indiana, has been providing commodity market information to farmers via delivery to pagers since 1994. “This strategic alignment is a natural fit,” says Commodity Update CEO Joel Jaeger, “Bryan has been a leader in the industry since the mid ’90s and contacted us with interest in making our technology available to his pager clients. We have a common interest in bringing timely information to producers and are excited about what lies ahead.” In addition to migrating current customers to Commodity Update’s cell phone based platform, Berry will become a licensed Commodity Update representative in Indiana and surrounding areas.

Other than two Monsanto-sponsored interns, Joel and myself, I don’t know of any other blogger covering the event. Do you? If so, let me know.

AgWired coverage of Commodity Classic
is made possible by: and

A tradition at Commodity Classic is the New Holland mower drawing.

Each year registered growers are entered into a drawing. This year it’s for a New Holland zero turn radius mower. The drawing is held near the end of the trade show session. Hundreds of people gather around to hear Al Pell announce the winner.

You have to be present to win.

After he calls the winner’s name it’s also announced over the intercom system and the winner has about 60 seconds to show up to claim their prize.

The winner this year is Michelle Swenson from Elbow Lake, MN.

She was about the 7th name called and she was there so she got the prize.

She was a very happy and excited winner.

I’m not sure how she’s going to get it on the plane back home though.

AgWired coverage of Commodity Classic
is made possible by: and

The trade show at Commodity Classic featured all kinds of things you can do.

Once again this year the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council brought their Indy simulator car. It was a busy booth from the looks of it when I stopped by.

You’ve probably never driven an Indy car and you probably never will. But you can pretend if you stop by.

AgWired coverage of Commodity Classic
is made possible by: and

Kip Cullers might have one of the most recognizable faces here at Commodity Classic.

He’s a corn and soybean yield record holder. I caught this shot of him enjoying some Dippin’ Dots ice cream at the BASF booth.

They’ve got a much larger than life size picture of him on their display which is behind him.

AgWired coverage of Commodity Classic
is made possible by: and