Promoting Ag Products To Government

Chuck Zimmerman

Sec. of Ag Mike JohannsIt seems like I run into Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, everywhere these days. Today it was in the Pentagon at the Dept. of Defense, biobased products event that was put together with a lot of work by the United Soybean Board.

After his remarks (which you can hear on the USB site) I got to ask the Secretary a couple questions about promoting biobased products made from agricultural commodities. He says the market potential is in the billions just with our own government and that USDA is working to create awareness in all departments besides just the Dept. of Defense.

You can listen to my interview here: Listen to MP3 Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns Interview (3 min MP3)

Audio, USB, USDA

Dep. Sec. of Defense Promotes Biobased Products

Chuck Zimmerman

Dept. Defense Secretary Gordon EnglandThe first speaker this morning at the Pentagon for the biobased event was The Honorable Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense.

The Secretary says the Department of Defense is the largest buyer of products in the Federal Government and therefore they have a responsibility to be the leader and set the standards. He says biobased products are an essential element of the Department’s green strategy and are important to our national security. He says they often work better than the alternatives and are often less expensive.

You can listen to his remarks here: Listen to MP3 Dep. Sec. of Defense England Remarks (6 min MP3)

Audio

Encouraging Biobased Product Procurement

Chuck Zimmerman

Dept. Defense Biobased Event SpeakersThese were the speakers this morning at the Pentagon for the “Biobased Products – Enhancing DOD’s Mission; Protecting the Environment” event opening session. Pictured (l-r) are: Dep. Sec. of Defense, Gordon England; Sec. of Agriculture, Mike Johanns; Senator Richard Lugar; Representative Marcy Kaptur and Senator Thomas Harkin.

Each of them talked about how important it is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, not only for fuel needs but for any products that depend on oil for their production. The Dept. of Defense is required by law now to give preference to biobased products when doing procurement and the companies displaying here today are showing what they have to offer.

DOD representatives will have all afternoon and tomorrow morning to see products and talk with company reps. I had to exit the Pentagon to upload the speeches and images of the speakers for the United Soybean Board which has a website location for them to appear by about 2pm this afternoon. That’s been done and I’ll be heading back inside shortly to do some exhibitor interviews.

USB

Golfing On The Food Island

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast84 - Irish Food Board & Ryder CupI didn’t know that the Ryder Cup is being played in Ireland for the first time until I talked with some folks at the recent IFAJ Congress. They had me follow up with James O’Donnell, Irish Food Board, Director of the Chicago office.

James says the Irish Food Board is a sponsor of the Ryder Cup and will be showcasing Irish commodities in various ways. One way is by preparing a special menu for activities that will take place at the event. You can learn more about their sponsorship and activities surrounding the event on their website.

The Food IslandThe Irish Food Board promotes Ireland under the name The Food Island. Sounds like an island I need to visit.

Learn more by listening to this week’s program: Listen To ZimmCastZimmCast 84 (10 min MP3)

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes.

Audio, Food, International

I Think Ethanol Wins Again

Chuck Zimmerman

Coming Into The PitsThe race is over and it was an exciting one. As usual this season, ethanol wins.

Actually the first car across the finish line belonged to Dan Wheldon. Jeff Simmons in the Team Ethanol car battled up to 6th near the end. When I say battle, I mean it. It was rough out there. He finished 8th.

The picture is him coming into pit lane at the end of the race.

That’s all for me from Chicagoland Speedway. Time to head on out and on to the next event.

Ethanol

Burning Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Leaving The PitsThe race is on. Thank you weather.

Here’s Jeff Simmons heading out of the pits. Although the drivers didn’t get to do their regular practice laps this morning, they’re doing a couple of warmups before hitting the green flag. If you want to hear what the start sounds like in the pits then listen up: Listen to MP3 PEAK Anitfreeze Indy 300 Race Start (30 sec MP3)

We’re going to wish Jeff the best right now and see what happens.

Audio, Ethanol

Running On 100% In 30 Days

Chuck Zimmerman

Ethanol Press ConferenceIt’s race day here at the Chicagoland Speedway and the weather is finally cooperating. Before the race started we had an ethanol press conference here in the media center.

On the podium are (l – r) Jeff Simmons, #17 Team Ethanol driver, Les McTaggert, IRL Senior Technical Director and Tom Slunecka, Executive Director for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Each of them took a turn making some comments. The conference was emceed by Tom Blattler who conducts public relations work for Team Ethanol.

Les McTaggertLes talked about the conversion to ethanol as a fuel blend this year and going into next year. He describes the challenges it presented and the testing required to make sure it would meet the demanding performance needs of IRL cars. He said that race cars using 100 percent ethanol would be tested on the track within the next month.

You can listen to his comments here: Listen to MP3 Les McTaggert Comments (2 min MP3)

You can find a lot more of my coverage from here in Joliet, IL on Domestic Fuel.

Audio, Ethanol

Rahal Pleased With Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Bobby RahalBobby Rahal is very happy with his Team Ethanol car and driver Jeff Simmons this weekend (so far). That’s what he told me in an interview just a few minutes ago.

I was hoping to be able to interview one of the owners of Rahal-Letterman Racing and got my opportunity by the garages. Bobby says that he’s happy with the performance of the ethanol blend of fuel that’s being used this year in all Indy cars. He joked that he wishes he was the only one who could be using it.

Like most people who are involved in the ethanol industry he’s a believer in what using ethanol means to the environment and in reducing our dependence on foreign oil. He’s happy that the Indy Racing League has had the opporunity to be the showcase for how well ethanol works as a performance fuel.

You can listen to my interview with the Bobby here: Listen to MP3 Bobby Rahal Interview (4 min MP3)

Audio, Ethanol

Jeff Simmons Fans

Chuck Zimmerman

Liz & John FryThey say they’re Jeff Simmons biggest fans. They’re Liz and John Fry.

They’ve got an RV out here in the infield at Chicagoland Speedway and are ready to root for the Team Ethanol car tomorrow.

I interviewed Liz and John after hearing about their belief in ethanol and enthusiasm for following Jeff Simmons.

You can listen to my interview with the Fry’s here: Listen to MP3 Interview With The Fry’s (3 min MP3)

Audio, Ethanol

Fast Car At The Track

Chuck Zimmerman

Jeff Simmons On TrackJeff had an awesome practice session today.

At one point he made it a 3 car wide practice lap as he was passing other cars. That got everyone excited.

Jeff ended up with the 7th fastest practice lap this morning at 214.152 MPH.

I never get tired of hearing these engines whine on a 10 percent ethanol blend. If you haven’t heard them, here’s a sound clip that starts while Jeff is still in the pit and for about a minute after he peals out: Listen to MP3 Practice Laps (1 min MP3)

Audio, Ethanol