Stopping At Firestone Headquarters

Chuck Zimmerman

Andrew & ChuckWe got in to Akron, OH way too late last night to post anything. We stopped in at Firestone headquarters for dinner though before getting to our hotel. I got a nice interview with Andrew Firestone, great grandson of Harvey.

Post Update: Okay, I’ve had some time to do some editing and posting here in Pennsylvania. So here’s an interview with Andrew. His family grows grapes and makes wine and he understands the value of the people who contribute to our food supply. In fact, he quoted someone who spoke at the Firestone company picnic prior to our arrival as saying, “We don’t make tires. We make equipment that feeds this nation.” Listen: Listen to MP3 Andrew Firestone Interview (5 min MP3)

Tomorrow it’s onward to Maryland.

Audio

Playing In The Parking Lot

Chuck Zimmerman

Bob LeeHang in there with me AgWired fans. By next week I’ll be back to a more normal posting schedule. This cross country convoy gig is taking up a lot more time each day than I thought. However, the relationships and contacts I’ve been making are fantastic. We are allowed to play sometimes as we trek across the United States on I-80. Here’s Bob Lee (left), founder of Country Coach, Inc. with one of the toys he brought on the trip.

Besides a remote controlled car, Bob also brought a vintage Thunderbird and a couple of Honda tricycles. Of course he’s riding in a custom Country Coach and his toys are riding in bright yellow truck. Bob has an interesting story to tell which you can listen to here:: Listen to MP3 Bob Lee Interview (4 min MP3)

Here’s a short video clip of Bob playing: Watch wmv file Bob Lee & Toy (1 min WMV)

Audio, Video

Milk That Soccer Star

Chuck Zimmerman

Freddy Adu - Got MilkThere seems to be no end to all the “Got Milk” stars. Here’s a new MilkPep “Got Milk” campaign poster with Freddy Adu, soccer star. The Egg Board has a soccer star too and now the milk people do too. So have a glass of milk with that omelette!

The ad copy reads, “Kick into gear. Get noticed. On and off the field. The protein in milk helps build muscle, and some studies suggest teens who choose it tend to be leaner. Staying active, eating right, and drinking 3 glasses a day of lowfat or fat free milk helps you look great. Score one for milk.” The ad debuts in the July 4th issue of Sports Illustrated.

Ag Groups, Dairy

Active Egg Eaters

Chuck Zimmerman

Kick It UpThe “Let’s Get A Sports Figure” strategy is still alive and well. The American Egg Board is teaming up with soccer star Kristine Lilly. They’re offering tips on healthy eating for active kids. It’s nice to know that not all kids are fat, lazy video game players. Seems that way sometimes from all the news media.

It’s that time of year when children trade in their school supplies for soccer cleats, skateboards and swimsuits. And moms know best that active kids are hungry kids. In fact, 98 percent of moms agree that healthy snacks give kids the nutrients and energy they need to perform well in sports and other summer activities, according to a new survey by the American Egg Board. However, more than three-quarters (76 percent) of moms admit they need help finding healthy snack ideas that are also kid-approved. In response, the American Egg Board has teamed up with U.S. soccer great Kristine Lilly and sports nutritionist Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, to educate moms on how they can provide healthy snacks that keep kids fit, satisfied and energized all summer long.

I’m still not sure why food has to be “kid-approved” though. Where I grew up you ate what was put in front of you or you went to bed hungry!

Ag Groups

Korea-Japan Key Markets for Canadian Pork

Chuck Zimmerman

Harry SiemensThe Canadian Pork Council has identified Korea and Japan as key markets with which the pork industry would like to see Canada aggressively pursue bilateral free trade arrangements. Recently, a coalition of nine Canadian agricultural groups, including the Canadian Pork Council, applauded transport minister David Emerson’s aggressive approach to negotiations for bilateral trade agreements and his commitment to accelerate efforts to clinch new trade deals.

CPC President Clare Schlegel notes increasingly Canada’s competition is working at bilateral arrangements to gain preferred market access so the coalition is absolutely behind the government’s efforts in the bilateral platform as well as the multilateral front. Read More

International

We’re In Illinois Now

Chuck Zimmerman

Jim RobbinsUpon arrival in Illinois today we were greeted by a bunch of folks, including Jim Robbins, Illinois Corn Marketing Board.

Jim is a corn grower in Illinois right below Chicago. He spoke to our convoy group about the good things ethanol brings to America. He also commented on how important the interstate highway system is for transporting agricultural commodities.

I interviewed Jim prior to his speech: Listen to MP3 Jim Robbins Interview (4 min MP3)

Audio, Corn, Ethanol

Ag Coalition Applauds Bilateral Trade Efforts

Chuck Zimmerman

Harry SiemensA coalition of Canadian agricultural commodity groups and private companies is applauding the federal government’s aggressive approach to negotiations for bilateral trade agreements.

In March a coalition, representing nine groups sent a letter to federal trade Minister David Emerson warning aggressive moves by competing nations, particularly the United States, in signing bilateral trade deals was eroding Canada’s competitiveness in key markets. In a recent speech, Emerson indicated Canada has rested on its resource laurels falling behind in the race to sign trade deals and announced the federal government plans to accelerate efforts to clinch new trade agreements. Read More

International

Wireless Rest Areas

Chuck Zimmerman

Wireless Rest AreasI know it’s not new or exclusive but I couldn’t help but notice how the rest areas in Iowa now offer wireless internet access.

It’s part of our world. I can’t tell you how often I have wanted to find a hot spot when I’ve been on the highway.

I’ll be posting more over the weekend as we get to Chicago.

Internet

Commissioner Cahn on Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Tailgator on EthanolIf you ever need someone to set up a tailgate party for you then the Commissioner of Tailgating, Joe Cahn is your man. He was out in the sun tailgating here in Omaha for the AASHTO Celebrate the Interstate Convoy again today.

This time we were treated to some excellent jambalaya and bratwurst. He’s a great guy with an awesome perspective and outlook on life and I’m glad to have met him.

Before saying goodbye to Joe I got this little video clip to share with you. Joe says corn is hard to find in Nebraska to cook with and explains why: Watch wmv file Commissioner Cahn on Ethanol (1 min WMV)

Corn, Ethanol, Video

Ethanol Blend In Nebraska

Chuck Zimmerman

Bill BuettnerOur convoy is in Omaha, NE now. We’ve got a morning press conference then a display at the QWest Center. Yesterday we finally found a fuel stop that blended ethanol in its gasoline.

I interviewed the Travel Center of America shop manager, Bill Buettner, and found out that he’s also a corn grower and ethanol enthusiast.

Bill says that since they’ve labelled their pumps and blended ethanol he hasn’t really had much feedback from customers. He assumes that’s because consumers accept it more now than they used to.

Here’s my interview with Bill: Listen to MP3 Bill Buettner Interview (2 min MP3)

Audio, Ethanol