John Deere’s got a couple of new utility tractors coming out. They’re the 5603 (pictured) and 5625 Tractors, both rated at 99 engine horsepower.
“We’ve done extensive customer research and these two economical tractors meet the needs of operators who want a higher horsepower utility tractor to do heavy-duty chores around the farm, ranch, or worksite,” says Mike Alvin, division manager, John Deere Commercial Products. “These tractors can be ordered with different packages in tailored configurations to match a customer’s operational needs.”
These tractors will be available starting in March. I’m betting these will be on display at upcoming shows like the National Farm Machinery Show.
www.animalag.org
Since animal agriculture represents the biggest market for soybeans, the United Soybean Board is making sure there’s a good online resource for the industry. I assume this is part of their animal ag initiative.
Visit www.animalag.org to find the most up-to-date information about the economic, environmental and rural impact of U.S. animal agriculture. This site is a complete source of state-specific data that offers valuable facts for addressing key animal agriculture issues.
Search www.animalag.org to find a variety of case studies, the truth about common myths and other useful tools. Learn how to build awareness and support of animal agriculture and the benefits it provides communities.
Corn Photo Contest Winner
Peggy Bellar is welcome to submit photos for me to use on AgWired anytime. She’s a winner once again.
For the second consecutive year, Peggy Bellar of Howard, Kan., snapped the grand prize photo in the 2006 National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Gallery of Corn Photo Contest. Judges selected her photo, entered in the “Harvest” category, as the contest’s “best of show.” Hundreds of photos were entered in the third annual photo contest. NCGA members, their families, state association staff and NCGA staff were eligible to enter photos that captured corn in the field, past and present life on the farm, and scenic farm landscapes. Bellar will receive $500 for her “best of show” entry. All winning photos will be showcased at the 2007 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla., March 1-3. NCGA will also use photos from the contest for its publications, promotions and Web site.
Here’s where you can see a list of all the winners.
Gateway Farm Lunch
The Gateway NAMA chapter is having its luncheon today (right now) in conjunction with the St. Louis Agribusiness Club. Speaking is Terry Barr, Chief Economist for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and Vice President of the Cooperative Business Center in NCFC. His subject is “Implications for Agribusiness with an Updated Outlook of the U.S. Economy.” We’ve got about 60 people here.
Right now he’s talking about how he thinks we’ll see a potential doubling of ethanol production within 4 years and a doubling of how much corn is being used to make ethanol. Along with these predictions he’s providing his assumptions. We’re going to continue to hear lots about this since what happens in the biofuels markets has such an impact on other commodities and with legislation.
If you want to hear and see this kind of presentation make sure you’re involved with your local NAMA chapter or organization like the St. Louis Ag Club.
We Are The Champions
How ’bout them Gators?
I just had to say that. They are the champions after last night’s BCS Championship whomping of Ohio State. They also have an excellent ag school in case you didn’t know that. I graduated from the College of Journalism.
This is a celebration day for those of us in the Gator Nation, which is their online social networking site.
It’s off to St. Louis today for meetings. See you later.
Duda Farms Celery Straws
Here’s a whole new way to drink your bloody mary. Celery straws from Duda Farm Fresh Foods. Yes, according to a story on Iconoculture the wizards at Duda have engineered a celery stalk that works as an edible straw. I’m sure you can think up some creative things to do with this.
You can also find the story on Neatorama, Boing Boing, Cool Business Ideas and FreshPlaza.
I got it via Engadget. How’s that for a news blog trail?
Diversa Partners With Syngenta
Since today’s ZimmCast focused on biofuels this is a timely story as more companies are working together to try to increase the efficiency of biofuel production.
Syngenta and Diversa Corporation announced today a new 10-year research and development partnership focused on the discovery and development of a range of novel enzymes to convert pre-treated cellulosic biomass economically to mixed sugars — a critical step in the process of biofuel production.
The new agreement allows Diversa to independently develop and commercialize fermentation-based enzyme combinations from its proprietary platform. Syngenta will have exclusive access to enzymes from Diversa’s platform to express in plants for enhanced cost-effective production.
Renessen & Efficient Ethanol Production
Biofuels are continuing to be a hot topic in agriculture so I’m glad to have a ZimmCast for you this week on how a company is working to make ethanol plants more efficient and offering a new corn hybrid to growers that will produce a premium product tailored for ethanol production.
I interviewed Doug Rushing, Renessen, at the recent NAFB convention. Renessen is a joint venture between Cargill and Monsanto. Doug describes the high oil corn hybrid his company is offering growers in selected states this year and the process they’ve created to make ethanol plants more efficient.
To listen to my complete interview with Doug you can download the ZimmCast: 
ZimmCast 101 (7 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
zimmcast101-1-8-07.mp3The 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.
Ice Cream Blogging
You never know what you’re going to find when you’re Googling around. Like this story I just posted on World Dairy Diary. It’s your basic neat promotional story about an ice cream and a football team. But as I was looking at the Turkey Hill Dairy website I discovered they have a blog.
It’s called Ice Cream Journal, The inside scoop on ice cream and Turkey Hill Dairy. Check it out and learn. From a pretty quick look I’d say they’ve got a blogger on board who’s doing a great job. They’ve got comments on most of the posts I looked at (something I hope to bring back to AgWired soon). So what did they do to reward the people who make comments?
For December, we chose several blog comments at random and are giving each of the authors a free Turkey Hill ice cream spade. The winners are:
– Brian G. from Port Jefferson Station, NY
– Kathleen S. from Salley, SC
– Cathy L. from Cherry Hill, NJ
– Marvin M. from Chambersburg, PA
– Carol A. from Jamestown, RI
– Joan O. from Whitman, MA
Now that’s the way to help build your online customer community!
Looking Into Poultry & Feed
The winter travel schedule is about to heat up starting this week with a Gateway NAMA meeting in St. Louis. I’ve added an even to the schedule too. It’s the International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo. They’ll be taking place together in Atlanta on the 24th through the 26th. This looks like a huge show and will be a first time for me.
The Poultry Expo is put on by the U. S. Poultry & Egg Association. The Feed Expo is put on by the American Feed Industry Association.
Before hitting this show I’ll be in Berlin for International Green Week, then after this show I’ll be in Nashville for the Cattle Industry Convention, followed by San Antonio and the National Biodiesel Conference. That’s going to make for some interesting posts here on AgWired so get ready.