A Date Palm Festival in Iraq

Chuck Zimmerman

Iraq Date Palm FarmI really think these reports from Paul McKellips, US Department of State, Public Affairs GO Team on assignment in Iraq, are fascinating. It’s helping provide a behind the scenes look at agriculture in a country where we’re getting almost nothing but political spin news from the mainstream press. This story is about the revival of the date palm farm business in Iraq.

Audio, International

Farmers Markets In Iraq

Chuck Zimmerman

I have received an audio report from Iraq that you might find interesting. The email I received says it’s from Paul McKellips who’s on assignment with the Department of State. The report: focuses on the Farmers Markets and roadside stands that Iraqis depend on for their fruits and vegetables. The potential for agriculture in this country is beyond belief. In the last three years, American agricultural experts have introduced drip-line irrigation, fertilizers and modern cultivation techniques. Now, the country desperately needs a comprehensive national farm policy that supports farmers and provides motivation for producers to invest in their businesses and bring their products to market profitably. Iraq currently imports more than 85% of their fruits and vegetables from Iran, Syria and Turkey. Produce prices are ridiculously low as these countries dump their B-grade products into the marketplace.

Audio

Promoting Welfare of Animals

Chuck Zimmerman

Animal welfare is a hot topic right now in the agribusiness world and anyone involved in animal agriculture should know that they’ve got a friend in Washington, DC called the Foundation For Biomedical Research. FBR has a new voice as I mentioned recently and that’s Paul McKellips. He’s bringing his multimedia skills to the organization to help get out good …

Animal Health, Audio, ZimmCast

Animal Research Minute

Chuck Zimmerman

I’m sure many AgWired fans will remember Paul McKellips. He’s moved from the “good news in Iraq” to working on an issue of major importance to anyone involved in animal agriculture. Perhaps a few of you may remember me from my days at FSA in Washington and then my agriculture broadcasts from Iraq in 2006 and 2007. I’m now the …

Animal Health, Audio

Soldier Farmers

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s something you won’t see on the evening tv news. Soldier farmers helping rebuild the ag economy in Afghanistan. We’ve already seen this type of work being done in Iraq thanks to Paul McKellips. It looks like soldiers from several states are doing something similar to this in Afghanistan. Despite recent progress, Afghanistan remains a poor country. Its agriculture industry, …

Farming, International

There Is No Greater Sacrifice

Chuck Zimmerman

I know that you AgWired loyalists will remember Paul McKellips. He’s a co-founder of a great sounding organization that I thought I’d bring to your attention. It’s No Greater Sacrifice. I will make no excuses for my support of our military men and women and this sounds like a good organization to support. The men and women of the United …

Uncategorized

Farm Broadcasting’s Future

Chuck Zimmerman

Some highlight audio clips are featured in this week’s program. I asked past NAFB President, Pam Fretwell and new NAFB VP, Greg Akagi, what they think is the future of farm broadcasting. I think you’ll hear that both are certain there is a good future. I’m also including the full presentation that Paul McKellips made at one of the NAFB …

Audio, NAFB, ZimmCast

Farmbridge To Help Iraq Farmers

Chuck Zimmerman

Susan Littlefield has put together a website called FarmBridge to help connect American farmers with farmers in Iraq. It’s actually a forum site where you can easily post questions and answers on various topics. Like most forums it can grow to include new topics after someone gets registered. Here’s the FarmBridge mission: FarmBridge.com is a grass roots effort by farmers, …

International

Logan Barbee Helping Agriculture in Iraq

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s the latest report from Paul McKellips, Global Outreach Officer, US Embassy Baghdad, The Green Room – Public Affairs GO Team. He’s still finding the news you won’t find anywhere else. This time he interviews a Florida boy who’s doing what he can to help out. You can listen to Paul’s report here: logan-barbee.mp3 Logan Barbee is a Senior Agricultural …

Audio, International, USDA