- DuPont (NYSE: DD) and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory today announced they have entered into a multi-year research collaboration for crop genetics research on yield enhancement and development of enabling technologies in corn, soybeans and other important agricultural crops. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “We’re eager to tap into the creativity of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists and put our combined innovation to work in the challenges farmers face around the world,” said William S. Niebur, vice president – DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.
- Associated Food Stores, operator of groceries throughout eight Mountain West and Western states, announced today that it has converted all 350 of its grocery delis to Nutra-Clear NT™ cooking oil from Bunge Oils. This new zero trans fat canola oil has the lowest saturated fat levels among the new trans fat alternatives, a high level of heart-healthy (omega-9) monounsaturated fat, and actually allows these delis to reduce the bad fats in fried items. “We are excited that Nutra-Clear NT™ gives us the opportunity to help get trans fat out of local diets, while also reducing saturated fat,” said Barry Holinski, Director of Bakery/Service Deli, Associated Food Stores. “Because many of the zero trans fat oils on the market actually raise saturated fat levels, it was important for us to find an oil that does not exchange one unhealthy fat for another.” Nutra-Clear NT™, a “next generation” Omega-9 Canola Oil, is made from naturally bred NEXERA™ canola seeds developed by Dow AgroSciences. Capacity to provide more than one billion pounds of Omega-9 Canola Oil enables the immediate conversion by foodservice and food processing companies to a zero trans fat alternative.
- IRON Solutions, publisher of Official Guides, recently announced new enhancements that add more value to its guides of used equipment values. “By adding more value to our guides, we offer the gold standard in data,” says Dallas Blome, vice president, Guides. “When making equipment deals, we realize weak or old data costs dealers money. That’s why we’ve enhanced our data and offer the only guides with current, deep, regionalized and option-specific equipment data for the equipment industry.” Blome leads a team of editors that, for every reported equipment transaction, adjusts reports for options, hours and condition to normalize each piece of equipment’s net value. IRON Solutions Official Guides are sold in seven regionalized volumes throughout North America, providing the most specific geographical variances in equipment values. The Official Guides help customers make purchasing decisions, determine fair transaction values, guide dealers’ trade-in valuations and support responsible equipment financing.
The Next Agriblogging Destinations
The traveling agriblogger is going to take most of the next day and a half off before hitting the road again so you may not see much new from me until the end of the weekend. But then it’s off to new places.
The first stop next week is Richland, MI for an event with Pfizer Animal Health titled, “Delivering Solutions Through Research and Innovation.” I’ll be part of a media group that will be learning all about the company’s veterinary medicine research and development (VMRD). We’ll get to talk with researchers and company leadership and I’ll be posting interviews right here on AgWired. This is an aerial shot of the facility in Richland.
After that it’s off to Minneapolis, MN and the American Coalition for Ethanol annual conference. I’m sure there will be talk about food vs. fuel. Man, aren’t you tired of hearing that phrase? There is no food vs. fuel but the whackos and that includes whacko media just can’t leave well enough alone can they. So I’m going to focus on the positive messages at ACE because there’s a lot of good going on and I’m committed to making it public here and on Domestic Fuel.
So, I hope you’re all having a happy Friday, especially those of you recovering from acute AMS syndrome.
The Canadian Urban Cowboy Blogs
Thanks to Kyle Maw for reminding me about the Urban Cowboy and his blog. Owen Roberts was one of the judges of the AMS Idol competition at the Ag Media Summit btw. I’m looking forward to visiting the University of Guelph later this year (next month) to conduct a day long class in new media for graduate ag communications students. Glad to see you in the blogosphere Owen. Owen is a teacher of agricultural communications at the Ontario Agricultural College. He’s held the position of director of research communications at the University of Guelph for nearly 20 years, and started a program called Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK) which has been adopted by 20 other Canadian universities. Here’s what he’s trying to do on his blog.
This blog is designed to stimulate comments and dialogue on current agri-food issues. It’s mainly a collection of my weekly columns published Mondays in the Guelph Mercury, and Saturdays in the Woolwich Observer (in Elmira). Your comments are welcome. On the home page of this blog, you’ll see links to initiatives I’m involved in, and I welcome you to visit those websites.
AgWired coverage of the Ag Media Summit
is being sponsored by: 
Promotions at Osborn & Barr
Four staff members at Osborn & Barr have earned enough stripes for a promotion. The company says rewarding its valuable employees ultimately rewards its customers with familiar and expert representatives.
Osborn & Barr Communications (O&B), one of North America’s leading full service communications agencies, has promoted key staff members to further strengthen its ability to supply clients with innovative and strategic advertising, public relations, digital marketing and media services.
“At Osborn & Barr Communications, our greatest asset is our employees,” says Joe Osborn, president. “Their knowledge and expertise allow us to provide our clients with best strategic counsel and tactical implementation, so that they receive maximum results.”
Rhett Hawkins brings extensive experience in agricultural marketing and management to his new position as vice president, account director, Monsanto. In this role, Hawkins provides leadership to the twelve-person account team that provides strategic brand and product marketing and issue management for Monsanto. 
As a member of O&B’s OBLT committee, he will assist in setting the agency’s strategic direction. Hawkins also serves as the communication chairman for the Gateway Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association.
Amber Spafford has been named media project manager for Intervet Inc., Specialty Fertilizer Products, the Beef Checkoff and John Deere Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment. Spafford brings a successful career in strategic media planning and buying, including more than six years at O&B ˆ to the new role.
Sarah Robinett recently joined the O&B digital marketing team as interactive project manager. Her responsibilities include multimedia project management, strategic planning, new business development, and identification and development of emerging technologies. 
Previously, Sarah served as an account supervisor on the public relations team.
Karen Pfautsch was promoted to senior account executive on O&B’s association team in recognition of her consistently successful efforts on behalf of the United Soybean Board. Pfautsch’s responsibilities include managing the state communications support project, grassroots and promotions project and soybean rust initiative communications for the United Soybean Board.
Cheryl Schmura to Lead CHS Crop Nutrients
CHS, Inc. will have a new VP for its Crop Nutrients operations. Cheryl Schmura will be taking on those duties.
Schmura previously was vice president and chief financial officer for Agriliance LLC, the jointly owned agronomic inputs company of CHS and Land
O’Lakes, Inc. The two companies announced in June that CHS will acquire the Agriliance crop nutrients business, while Land O’Lakes will assume
ownership of its crop protection products and related technical support functions. Schmura will assume her new position in September following completion of the business transaction and will be responsible for supply, logistics, distribution, sales and customer support. She will report to Mark
Palmquist, CHS executive vice president and chief operating officer of Ag Business. Palmquist will lead the crop nutrients operation in the interim.
Strumming His Blag
He’s John Walter and actually he was strumming a guitar at the Ag Media Summit. John’s the editor of Agriculture Online and the new president of the American Agricultural Editors Association.
John does have a blog though. Or maybe I should say a Blag? If you blog about ag I guess that makes it a blag.
It’s Blaggin’ on Ag. I knew he would let his inner blagger come out and I’m happy to see it and add him to the AgWired list.
AgWired coverage of the Ag Media Summit
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Ag Media Summit Follow Ups
After blogging an event like the Ag Media Summit there’s always the follow up work. For me this includes archiving my photos. I use Adobe Light Room to import my photos from the camera cards to start with and give them all a common file name and numbering system. Then I place them onto a separate hard drive for future use. At this year’s Summit I shot 550 photos of which I put 264 in the online photo album. I also archive the video files. I didn’t shoot much at AMS this year but there were still a couple of YouTube videos posted. I also archive the audio files which at AMS was about 15 this year. A couple of those were my sessions which I’ve sent to AAEA for use on their website.
Counting this post there are 35 stories posted for the Summit this year. Most of them have a photo included and of course some have audio files or YouTube videos.
So besides archiving I’ve just been looking through all the stuff I picked up at the Summit this year. I think I have 8 new USB memory sticks containing media kit information and that doesn’t count the CD’s or fully printed kits of information. I’m going to be looking through them and have already seen some AgWired story ideas I’ll use in the future.
I made bourbon coffee today which I got at Woodford Reserve Distillery and it was even better than I thought it would be. I bought some other products there but I’m saving them for hunting camp later this year.
My daughters are fighting (not hard) over the iTunes gift card I got. I’m going to try to fulfill all the “can you send me a photo” requests but if I don’t send you yours soon please email remind me. There was a lot going on there and if it didn’t get written down then . . .
The photo is executive chef Gil Logan from Churchill Downs. He prepared the food for the reception we had there on Sunday afternoon. It was really good and this guy was very funny. He’s a huge advocate for the farmer and in his spare time and vacations he visits farms to find new recipes.
Now I think I need a nap.
AgWired coverage of the Ag Media Summit
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Corn Commentary Blog Launched by NCGA
The National Corn Growers Association has just launched a new blog called Corn Commentary. It’s “The blog about corn farming and American agriculture.”
ZimmComm New Media has been happy to assist with the development of this new website which is meant “to provide a lighter, more personalized look at corn, agriculture and the events of the day that affect the nation’s corn producers. Sometimes we’ll update you on the latest news, sometimes we’ll step back for some quiet reflection, but it will always be seasoned with the knowledge and perspective you’ve come to expect from NCGA.”
Please visit the site and let me know what you think. In fact, if you’ve got some good story ideas don’t hesitate to send them along.
Zimfo Bites
- The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has announced that Larry Brown, vice president educational programs, is retiring from the organization in September, after 30 years of service. Brown started working at USPOULTRY in 1977 as the director of communications. He is currently in charge of the annual USPOULTRY seminar series and student educational programming. “I have enjoyed working with Larry over the last few years. He is the most thorough and professional individual I have had the pleasure of working with,” said USPOULTRY President Don Dalton.
- Dow AgroSciences to reveal an exciting, new family of herbicide tolerance traits during the Farm Progress Show on Aug. 28 through 30 in Decatur, Ill. Known currently as Dow AgroSciences Herbicide Tolerance (DHT), this innovative technology will improve and enhance the performance of glyphosate and glufosinate cropping systems, says Dan Kittle, vice president of Research & Development at Dow AgroSciences. “DHT traits will enable the use of additional broad-spectrum herbicides with differing modes of action in both the burndown and postemergence application timings,” Kittle says. “These technologies will provide solutions to improve the control of hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, reduce selection pressure for glyphosate resistance and help to sustain the use of the glyphosate tolerance cropping system in crops like corn, soybeans and cotton.”
- Jon Miducki has joined Farm Journal Media as National Accounts Manager for Farm Journal Database Strategies. In his new position, Miducki will be responsible for the company’s database products and services sales efforts. In making the announcement, Farm Journal Media Senior Vice President, Allen Moczygemba, said: “We’re extremely fortunate to have someone with Jon’s experience and abilities join Farm Journal Media. I’m confident that with Jon’s sales management experience Farm Journal Database Strategies will demonstrate continued growth. In addition, Jon will lead the company effort in introducing new and innovative direct marketing products into the marketplace. In his new role, Miducki will be responsible for servicing existing national accounts while overseeing new business development. Miducki will office out of his home in Ohio and report to Moczygemba.
Boehringer Ingelheim Funds PRRS Research
As the swine industry continues raising awareness for the need of porcine reproductive and respitory syndrome, or PRRS, Boehringer Ingelheim continues its annual PRRS research award program. The year marks the sixth year of Boehringer Ingelheim’s funding of PRRS research.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) is again seeking research study proposals on the topic of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) for the 2008 PRRS Research Awards. For the last five years, BIVI has contributed $75,000 annually through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards, which funds three selected research programs. The 2008 research program is open to swine practitioners, diagnosticians and public or private researchers in the United States, Canada and Mexico to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate this costly swine disease. Proposals are selected by an independent review board based on established criteria including: economic impact to the swine industry, originality and scientific quality and probability of success in completing the year-long study. The selected BIVI Advancement in PRRS Research Awards winners are recognized each year during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) conference. Since 2003, BIVI has awarded more than $300,000 in PRRS Research Awards. The 2007 recipients include: Jeff Zimmerman, DVM, PhD, Iowa State University, Ames; Derald Holtkamp, DVM, MS, Iowa State University, Ames; and Bob Morrison, PhD, MS, University of Minnesota. These research studies were selected for their ability to find practical and effective solutions for helping veterinarians and producers enhance technology for practical application in the management and possible eradication of PRRS. Proposals were submitted by graduate students, academic researchers, companies and private researchers, as well as practicing veterinarians.
To participate in the Advancement in PRRS Research Awards, send a complete proposal submission on a year-long research project by Jan. 1, 2008. Please include and mail a cover sheet, Curriculum Vitae and two letters of recommendation to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Attn: Trudy Luther
“The Advanced PRRS Research Award”
5506 Corporate Dr., Suite 1600
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7752 USA