Roy Willis is Proud of PERC Work

Chuck Zimmerman June 13, 2007

The President/CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council is Roy Willis. He was on hand at the sessions taking place this morning for the 3rd Annual Propane Days here in Washington, DC. Roy says PERC’s goal here is to help educate policy makers so that they make good decisions based on sound science and research.

I asked him to highlight some of their projects that he is especially proud of in the area of agriculture. They include what he calls thermal cultivation which is using heat/steam/flame to control pests in a variety of farm applications. He says this has a special interest to anyone growing organically since it reduces or eliminates the need for chemicals. Irrigation done with propane powered engines is another area that he mentioned as well as safety programs geared to agricultural audiences. He also mentioned that discussions are underway to see how propane can be used in tractors and combines.

One of the things I aske him about was where this fuel comes from. I think a lot of people wonder that. You see that’s it’s widely available but where do we get propane? To start with it’s a naturally occurring hydrocarbon that we mainly get as a by-product of the natural gas or oil refining processes. He says that over 90 percent of our propane comes from these sources which are domestic. Another area that holds promise includes bio-propane which would be made from a biomass production process. PERC is actively involved in this work with a project in Japan. One thing he wants people to know is that propane represents a very sustainable supply of fuel now and in the future.

You can listen to my interview with Roy here: propane-days-07-willis.mp3

Roy ended our discussion by saying that the slogan, “Exceptional Energy,” is taken by PERC as a promise to their customers and a challenge to the staff to deliver a superior, safe product.

Audio, Propane

Irrigating With Propane in Nebraska

Chuck Zimmerman June 13, 2007

One of the leaders in the propane industry is Michelle Swertzic. She is the executive director of the Nebraska Propane Gas Association and sits on the agricultural advisory committee of the Propane Education & Research Council.

A PERC project that she’s really excited about involves irrigation and a study that’s taking place in the field this year with the University of Nebraska. After doing lab testing with motors running on propane they’ve taken to the field and hope to have end of season results to show the benefits of using propane to power irrigation systems. At that point she says PERC assistance with the project will move from research to promotion to make sure the study results make it to farmers who need to know.

I interviewed Michelle about this project and others that she has a special interest in. You can listen to my interview with Michelle here: propane-days-07-swertzic.mp3

Audio, Propane

Propane Propels an F-150 By Roush

Chuck Zimmerman June 12, 2007

The Roush F-150 Propane Injection Truck was on display here in Washington, DC today. To learn all about it I interviewed Tom Arnold, director, Roush Manufacturing. He says that the unit is available for sale. I thought it was interesting to note that it has an under-bed fuel tank. This is a full size truck that can be used for any application.

It sounds like using propane to fuel you vehicle right now would be an economical alternative to regular gas or diesel. It’s also supposed to be one of the cleanest burning fuels.

This is just one example of the projects that the Propane Education & Research Council has been involved in and is featuring here at Propane Days on Capitol Hill.

Audio, Propane, Video

Propane is Trucking at the Capitol

Chuck Zimmerman June 12, 2007

I have arrived in the nation’s capitol and the first thing I saw outside the Hyatt Regency is the Roush F-150. This is a liquid propane powered truck that can be used for any application.

Probably one of the first questions you might ask is about where the tank is. It’s located under the bed where you would normally find the spare tire!

I interviewed company director Tom Arnold and will post that interview later as soon as I get a chance. Right now I’m getting ready to attend a capitol hill reception where I’ll interview some other folks with PERC which is sponsoring Propane Days. Get ready for some more propane knowledge soon.

Propane

Strategizing for the Future

Laura McNamara June 12, 2007

The future of agriculture education is no light matter for the National Council for Agricultural Education. That’s why the Council is meeting June 15-17 in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, for a 10 x 15 National Conference. The Council plans to address long-range stategic planning for the future of ag education.

“We want to create new programs in communities not yet served by agricultural education and FFA,” said Allan Sulser, chairman of the National Council. “We can strengthen the quality of current programs to provide personal, academic and career education in agriculture. It will contribute to our strategic goal of having 10,000 quality agricultural education programs in operation in this country by the year 2015,” he said. “Agricultural education is at a crossroads, with the past and present both impacting our vision and decisions,” said Larry Case, Ed.D., coordinator of agricultural and rural education, U.S. Department of Education. “These policy meetings are integral to the future success of the agricultural business and agriscience industries in the United States. We must meet the needs for a competent scientific workforce for tomorrow incorporating techn ological and academic advances that continuously develop.” The 10 x 15 management team has identified eight high-priority initiatives to carry agricultural education successfully into the future. They are:

1. Program Standards for agricultural education (Goal: Set and seek adoption of National Program Standards for Agricultural Education for academic, technical, career and life skills based upon the integrated model of agric
2. Link food, agriculture and natural resources content standards to national academic content standards (Goal: Link national academic content standards in science, math, language arts, and social sciences and engage the academic community in setting national standards.)
3. Develop multiple agricultural education designs (Goal: Identify 5-10 potential new markets for agricultural education programs and develop multiple agricultural science education designs that meet community and industry needs.)
4. Program data reporting (Goal: Create and operate a program results reporting system to provide baseline and annual data to document program value at local, state and national levels and provide feedback for continuous improvement.)
5. Agriculture educator recruitment (Goal: Develop and implement agricultural education teacher recruitment strategies in grades 9-14.)
6. Agricultural education advocacy strategy (Goal: Develop local, state and national strategies that effectively advocate agricultural education.)
7. Agricultural education brand strategy (Goal: Develop and implement a brand strategy for agricultural education that results in the greatest success for the enterprise as a whole.)
8. Program funding strategy (Goal: Devise and implement a local, state and national strategy to enlist public, corporate and organizational support to build agricultural education programs at all levels.)
Read More

Ag Groups, Education

On Fire To Learn About Propane

Chuck Zimmerman June 12, 2007

While most people are sleeping the agriblogger is up and on his way to another event. This time it’s Propane Days in Washington, DC.

It was a beautiful sunrise on the way to St. Louis airport. The sky looked like it was on fire over the farm fields that were mostly covered with a light layer of ground fog. I wish I’d had more time to set up for a better picture.

It’s almost time to board. Over the next couple days I’ll be featuring interviews and pictures about the activities of the Propane Education & Research Council which is a sponsor of Propane Days.

It’s and education event and an educational opportunity that I’m looking forward to.

Ag Groups, Propane

Missouri Couple Boasts Champion Pork

Laura McNamara June 12, 2007

This year’s tastiest pork came out of Odessa, MO. Odessa’s Craig and Patty Kidwell can make their claim as pork royalty after earning Grand Champion honors in the Pork Checkoff’s 20th Annual Great Pork BarbeQlossal™. The couple, who run Boys of BBQ Patty, received $10,000 worth of cash and prizes, June 9th.

This is the second time the Kidwell’s have won BarbeQlossal. “The Great Pork BarbeQlossal contest shows pork’s versatility,” said Lynn Harrison, a pork producer from Elk Mound, Wis. “This is another way to reinforce to consumers that pork is spirited, creative, engaging and energetic.” The grand champion must cook in all four categories – whole hog, loin, ribs and shoulder. The 2007 grand champion team placed second in the whole-hog category, fourth place in the loin category and tenth place in the rib category.

“BarbeQlossal is unique. It is one of the only contests in the country that allows competitors to cook four cuts of meat,” Kidwell said. “This allows us to showcase to consumers how easy it is to cook great tasting pork.”

Eighty teams from 15 states competed in the annual pork barbecue contest held at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. Of those, 19 were competing in the Great Pork BarbeQlossal for the first time. Teams competed in one or more of the four categories. Monetary prizes in the Great Pork BarbeQlossal are awarded for first through tenth places in each category, as well as the top five overall scores. Reserve Grand Champion honors and $3,000 went to Fred Horstman of 4 Mile Smokin Crew in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The team placed first in the whole-hog category and eighth place in the loin category.
Read More

Food, Pork

Mellencamp Among Performers At FARM AID Festival

Laura McNamara June 12, 2007

The Big Apple will be getting a taste of the farm at FARM AID 2007: A HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL. Randall’s Island in New York City will host the festival. The list of A-listers slated to participate at the event include Willie Nelson, John Melencamp and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. FarmYard members will have access to the best seats in the house in the event’s pre-sale on Friday, June 15, 10 a.m. EDT.

Farm Shows

Sanabria Inaugural Grant Winner

Laura McNamara June 12, 2007

And the first annual Eastern Chapter, National Agri-Marketing Association’s student award goes to Alida Sanabria.

To support young, aspiring ag professionals, the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), Eastern Chapter, presented its first annual student award grant at New York City’s John Bowne High School graduation awards ceremony on May 31, 2007. Wendy Elliot, Pfizer Animal Health, presented the award to graduating senior Alida Sanabria. Alida is an animal science major in John Bowne’s specialized agriculture program and is active in the student FFA chapter.

Gibbs & Soell Public Relations matched the NAMA grant amount, resulting in a total award of $600.

“We believe that recognizing the achievements of students committed to agriculture is important for the future of our industry,” says Ms. Elliot, “Honoring these successes is one way that we can encourage the continuing development of future ag professionals.”

Alida will enter the pre-veterinary science program at Cornell University this fall.

Steven Perry, assistant principal and director of agriculture of John Bowne High School, says, “Our school welcomes the involvement of groups like NAMA through this special award program. Alida worked especially hard to achieve her academic successes and has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old. The NAMA award will help in moving Alida closer to her goal at Cornell.”

John Bowne High School is located in Queens, NY. The school’s specialized agriculture program is nationally recognized as an outstanding urban agricultural education offering. One of the unique aspects of the program is the relationship between classroom instruction and hands-on experience. During the school year, students take classes in plant science and animal science, in addition to courses in traditional academic subjects. Students develop their agricultural experience on the school’s land laboratory and in both urban and rural agriculture jobs during the summers. John Bowne graduates go on to agricultural and technical colleges and many out-of-state institutions throughout the northeast before establishing themselves in leadership positions in agricultural professions.

Ag Groups, Education, NAMA

Country Music and Farming Just Go Together

Chuck Zimmerman June 11, 2007

I hope you enjoyed the posts from this past week of CMA Music Festival activity. I’ve got more for you when I find the editing time. I want to thank Gene Hemphill with New Holland for sponsoring my coverage of the event. I also want to make sure I mention and thank Holly Fritz, H.B. Fritz & Associates, Inc., because she and her husband John did a great job with logistics and making everything run smoothly.

This week on the ZimmCast I’ve got an interview with Paula Milton, CMA Director of Business Development. We talked about the whole idea of marketing country music and agriculture. With this being the second year of the New Holland sponsorship and the Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race I figured she would have made some evaluation of how the relationship is working. As you’ll hear her say, it’s not only positive but I think she’d like to see it continue to grow.

The program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network and a band called 77 South. The song is “A Country Song.”

You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 123 (16 min MP3)

Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:

zimmcast123-6-11-07.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.

Agribusiness, Audio, New Holland, Tractor, ZimmCast

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