White House Prefers Pennsylvania (Christmas Trees)

Chuck Zimmerman

Pennsylvania PreferredI got this story after the video feed had already been sent out this morning but I doubt I would have been able to receive it anyway. How about a link to it folks?

Anyway, the story is about Christmas. I know it’s not quite Thanksgiving yet. But the National Christmas Tree was cut today in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and will be delivered to the White House on Nov. 27. That’s according to state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.

The tree was grown by Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, the winner of the Douglas-fir competition in the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association tree contest at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last January. Crystal Spring went on to win at the National Christmas Tree Association’s competition, earning the honor of supplying the National Christmas Tree. “Pennsylvania is a national leader in growing Christmas trees, and this is a terrific example of our state’s high-quality trees,” said Wolff. “Consumers who purchase Pennsylvania-grown Christmas trees at farms and retail locations are supporting our state’s economy.”

So I guess that Pennsylvania Preferred was an appropriate name for the state ag department’s promotional program this year when it comes to Christmas trees. I didn’t get the video of the tree being harvested today but you can watch one of their tv ads that shows Christmas trees.

Uncategorized

More NAFB Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

National Association of Farm BroadcastingI was kind of out of it at the NAFB convention last week due to a very bad cold so thankfully I’ve been in receipt of some information I did not know. Post Update: Cindy just reminded me that I have neglected to mention that Pam Fretwell is the new president of NAFB and the ever so dainty Pam Jahnke was elected Vice President.

  • The 2006 Dix Harper Meritorious Service Award was presented to Lyle Orwig, chief executive officer of Charleston/Orwig, an agricultural and communications firm based in Hartland, Wis.
  • Buckeye Ag Radio Network’s Andy Vance of DeGraff, Ohio, received the Horizon Award. The award is given to young broadcasters who have less have less than five years of membership with NAFB, but show promise in the industry.
  • Marlin Bohling of the Southern Farm Network based in Raleigh, N.C., received the New Holland Oscar in Agriculture Award. The Oscar represents excellence in thoroughness and audience service in reporting about agricultural issues.
NAFB

New WFC Board

Chuck Zimmerman

Pete GiacominiThere’s a new leadership group at the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives.

If it’s a two state organization why does it have a one state name?

The Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives (WFC), a two-state organization representing more than 800 Wisconsin and Minnesota cooperative businesses, elected a new board of directors this week at its annual meeting in La Crosse. Replacing outgoing Board Chairman Ed Brooks is Pete Giacomini (pictured), chief operating officer, AgSource Cooperative Services. Giacomini previously served as WFC board treasurer and is a member of the board of visitors for the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. He is also an advisor to the board of directors for the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.

See full list of new board members.

Ag Groups

Farm Broadcaster of the Year

Chuck Zimmerman

Stewart DoanGood old (not old really) Stewart Doan got a big award at last week’s NAFB convention. He was named the Farm Broadcaster of the Year. Looking at his schedule of duties I hope he has an open account at Starbucks.

Stewart Doan of the Yancey Ag Network, Clear Channel Communications, Little Rock, AR., was given the “2006 Farm Broadcaster of the Year” award during a special luncheon on Friday, November 17. Doan is responsibility for the farm news programming at Yancey and he handles the majority of cotton issues for other Clear Channel Ag properties in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He also produces and anchors a daily Ag Policy Prospective program that airs in multiple states. In addition, he anchors two farm news broadcasts daily on the Kentucky Ag Network. Doan specializes in ag policy and trade issues and is a contributing reporter for Clear Channel farm properties in Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas.

Media, NAFB

Bunge Leaders

Chuck Zimmerman

BungeHere’s the latest announcements on the new Bunge leadership team.

Bunge North America, the North America operating arm of Bunge Limited , announced it has promoted five people as part of a company reorganization. Todd Bastean becomes general manager of the newly created Bunge Biofuels unit; Greg Bechtel is named general manager of Bunge Oilseed Processing; Rodney Perry becomes general manager of Bunge Milling; Bailey Ragan is named general manager of Bunge Grain; and Mike Snow is promoted to manager of the newly created industrial management department.

These promotions follow the announcement last month that Bunge North America created three executive vice president positions that were filled by Tim Gallagher, Larry Clarke and Fred Luckey.

“The goal of the reorganization is to ensure that our structure will support our growth plans,” said Carl Hausmann, president and CEO, Bunge North America. “While the executive vice presidents will work closely together to identify and pursue growth opportunities across the value chain, Todd, Greg, Rodney, Bailey and Mike will concentrate their efforts on maximizing the potential in each of their areas of responsibility.”

Agribusiness

Zimfo Turkey Bites

Chuck Zimmerman

In the spirit of Thanksgiving which is almost upon us I thought you might want some news on the big day. There’s no shortage of it and I’ve been saving up some for you. American Farm Bureau says that a turkey meal is still affordable.

  • Whether it be surfing the Web or dialing a toll-free phone number, California consumers will have plenty of help this holiday season in preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal. The California Poultry Federation offers a convenient one-stop location on its website www.cpif.org for those consumers looking for timely tips on preparing the perfect holiday meal. The USDA Meat and Poultry hotline 1-800-535-4555 is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Our website offers us the ability to provide turkey preparation information to consumers 24-hours-a-day,” noted CPF President Bill Mattos. “With time such a short commodity these days, we hope this site helps consumers access the information they need quickly and efficiently.”
  • Scribner’s newest addition to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists is none other than the 75th anniversary edition of JOY OF COOKING. America’s favorite cookbook is completely updated and revised to restore the book’s traditional tone, content and clarity, and it is the perfect cookbook to dirty up on your countertop this Thanksgiving. Where to begin? How about a traditional Thanksgiving with recipes like Stuffed Fresh Vegetables (peppers, squash, onion, etc.), Pumpkin Soup (use canned or fresh pumpkin), Roast Turkey with Bread Stuffing with Giblets, Candied Sweet Potatoes (with ginger and lemon), Molded Cranberry Salad, Green Beans with Slivered Almonds, Parker House Rolls, and Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin) Pie? Watch the turkey carving video.
  • Godiva Chocolatier launches their new, limited edition American Pies G Collection taking the flavors of America’s most loved pies and transforming them into artistic, culinary couture, just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays. A twist on classic American desserts, the new collection of eight popular pie flavors was created by world-renowned pastry chef, Norman Love. Each chocolate pie piece is air-brushed by hand and embodies the fusion of art and chocolate. The collection is presented in a pie-shaped, apple-green box with a rich brown trim. Listen to Chef Love Soundbite.
  • America’s Test Kitchen knows that you are always pressed for time. Is there a way to cut down on the last-minute mad dash to the supermarket? Is it possible to prepare holiday meals well in advance? Yes! Check out http://www.turkeyhelp.com/, which includes the helpful, timesaving feature “A Cook’s Illustrated Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu.”

Read More

Zimfo Bytes

Get Maryland’s Best

Chuck Zimmerman

Maryland's BestMaryland’s Best program has a new website. It’s got sections for the consumer and the wholesale buyer.

In the consumer section it says:

The BEST is no longer yet to come in Maryland. With MARYLAND’S BEST, its here.

Like most people, you want to eat food products that are the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious for you and your family. You want to purchase plants, flowers, and trees that are as healthy as they are attractive. Above all, you want to know that every agricultural product you buy was grown or processed using methods that preserve and protect the environment—not only for today, but also for generations tomorrow.

LOOK FOR MARYLAND’S BEST HERE…THERE…AND EVERYWHERE!

I don’t think I’ve seen the site before. I did a little looking around on it and like a lot of websites it really needs some updating. However, it looks nice and the search functions are what really make it valuable.

Uncategorized

New American Angus Leaders

Chuck Zimmerman

American Angus New LeadersHere’s a picture of the new leadership of the American Angus Association. I don’t know who’s who though. A fine looking bunch don’t you think?

Jot Hartley, Vinita, Okla., was elected president of the American Angus Association at the group’s 123rd annual convention of delegates, November 13 in Louisville, Ky. He follows Ben Eggers, Mexico, Mo. More than 350 delegates who were elected to represent American Angus Association members from more than 40 states conducted the business of the Association during the annual meeting and election. The meeting was at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show.

Paul Hill, Bidwell, Ohio, was chosen by the delegates to serve as vice president of the Association, and five individuals were elected to the Association’s board of directors. Jay King, Rock Falls, Ill., will serve as treasurer for the year.

Ag Groups

Mid Missouri Ag Club Website

Chuck Zimmerman

Mid Missouri Ag ClubCindy and I finished our turn voluntarily running the Mid Missouri Ag Club this past summer and it’s in new hands.

These folks have put some more effort into it and now it has a website!

So if you’re in the area and want a good lunch and presentation on mid Missouri agriculture check out the meeting schedule and stop on by.

Ag Groups

That’s a lot of Soybeans

Chuck Zimmerman

Kip and DaleHere’s Kip and Dale (Kip Cullers and Dale Ludwig – l-r). I have to post this since Haley Wansing sent a picture and I’ve received about a half a dozen news releases on it. You see, Kip has a world soybean production record. He farms in Purdy, MO. If you read this segment from MSA’s news release you can figure out where the other news releases came from.

Averaging 139.39 bushels per acre, Cullers is the winner of the conventional category of the 2006 Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) yield contest. He accomplished this by planting Pioneer soybean variety 94M80 on an irrigated and conventionally-tilled field. “The exciting thing about this world record is that it points out how the yield capacity for soybeans is dramatically higher than most people believe,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSA executive director/CEO. “Therefore, this causes us to pay greater attention to capturing higher yields by focusing on every aspect of production management.”

Cullers utilized BASF Headline fungicide and Syngenta Warrior insecticide on his soybeans during the growing season as instructed on the product labels. The record-setting yield was harvested Oct. 7, 2006. Cullers’ weigh check was witnessed and verified by a third-party, MSA-approved official. The award-winning crop was grown in a sandy loam soil in Newton County near Stark City, Mo. The seed populations used on the field were close to 300,000 with about 245,000 plants in the final stand. The soybean plants averaged approximately 120 pods per plant.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Soybean