Purdue University Professor Philip E. Nelson has secured this year’s World Food Prize for his innovation in food processing and preservation. Purdue’s Scholle Chair Professor in Food Processing developed technology that enables the transport of processed fruits and vegetables without spoilage. Nelson’s “aseptic bulk storage and distribution” process is credited with revolutionizing the global food trade.
More than 90 percent of the approximately 24 million tons of fresh tomatoes harvested globally each year are aseptically processed and packaged for year-round remanufacture into various food products, according to the World Food Prize Foundation.
The foundation annually recognizes the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, established the World Food Prize in 1986. The award is considered the Nobel of agriculture.
Previous prize winners were responsible for such innovations as high-yielding rice hybrids, a vaccine for cattle plague, a technique to control food-damaging insect parasites and the concept of Integrated Pest Management.
Nelson will receive his $250,000 award at an Oct. 18 World Food Prize ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.
“It’s quite an honor to be recognized and also very humbling because of the past winners,” Nelson said. “This award also recognizes the profession of food science and Purdue. Purdue certainly receives a lot of credit because it’s where I spent my career of some 47 years. Without the support and facilities that were available at Purdue, the aseptic technology wouldn’t have happened.”
Purdue President Martin C. Jischke called Nelson “one of Purdue’s sources of pride.”
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This week on the ZimmCast I wrap up some things related to the Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race. 
To start with one of the contestants that I interviewed was 
winner of the auction for last year’s celebrity tractor that was signed by the contestants in the first race. We didn’t know it at the time but he and his family were at this year’s race so we didn’t get to see each other. I talked to him by phone and learned that his son, Trey, is an aspiring music artist himself. You can find out all about him 
Jake Gorst is the writer, producer and director of a documentary called 
So Jake sent me an email asking if I knew what kind of animal this is. To find out he directed me to a YouTube video which explains. I assume this is an outtake from the movie itself.
Soybean Checkoff and the National Tractor Pullers Association are working together to promote the use of soy biodiesel. The United Soybean Board anticipates entertainment and education for the spectators of various summer tractor pulls.
This summer the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff will gear up with the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) to co-sponsor six events in the 2007 NTPA Championship Pulling Series. The sponsorship represents an opportunity to promote the diesel engine benefits provided by soy biodiesel.
Hoosier Ag Today and Indiana AgriNews are partnering up to offer Indiana AgriNews’ From the Field reports on the radio. The reports feature farmers around the state of Indiana who share their experiences with weather, crop conditions, weeds, insects, diseases and farm management. The partnership will also offer a special page on on the 
“This is farmers talking to farmers,” said Gary Truitt of Hoosier Ag Today. “This kind of thing can only be done by Indiana-based media organizations like HAT and AgriNews who are in touch with their audience and with what is happening on the farms of the state.” Hoosier Ag Today produces daily radio programming for 30 leading stations across the state. Indiana AgriNews is a recognized leader in Indiana farm news coverage serving over 21,000 farm families with its weekly publication. In addition, to the radio and print versions, From the Field reports will also be included in the Official Podcast of Indiana Agriculture, produced by Hoosier Ag Today, and a free daily e-mail 
One of the competitors in the Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race was 
The 
The 
Chris Clayton over at