They Speak To Ag

Chuck Zimmerman December 1, 2006

Here’s an interesting concept. A company to do online market research of farmers that’s owned by farmers. I’ve got an appointment to speak with Steve Hawkins tomorrow and will bring you that interview in next week’s ZimmCast.

The first and only online market research company owned in part by farmers has been formed. AgSpeak was spearheaded by a group of ag business professionals seeking a better way to enable agricultural suppliers to get accurate information to make sound business decisions, while also fairly compensating farmers for the information they share.

“The concept of AgSpeak was driven by the need for businesses that serve the agricultural community to connect with key decision makers and for farmers, in-turn, to receive fair value for the information they share,” said Steve M. Hawkins, president of AgSpeak. AgSpeak gives farmers a voice and ownership of the information they share, Hawkins said. Read More

Agribusiness

Evan Slack is Online

Chuck Zimmerman December 1, 2006

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Evan Slack is advertising his new website here on AgWired and just sent out an announcement about it.

Feel free to give him a little love and encouragement. He’s got a blog we set up for him and he’s using it as the mechanism to deliver his programs to his affiliate radio stations in 9 states.

He included a personal message too. If you’re a radio man then use audio right? Right.

Message From Evan: evan-slack-announcement.mp3

Audio, Media

Rhea & Kaiser Add Three

Chuck Zimmerman December 1, 2006

There’s a new trio of public relations staff on board at Rhea & Kaiser Marketing Communications. The are Rhonda Brooks, Julia Goebel and Amy McEvoy.

Brooks, who joins Rhea & Kaiser as an account supervisor, has more than 20 years of agribusiness communications experience. Prior to joining Rhea & Kaiser, Brooks was a contract freelancer working with clients, including BASF, DuPont, Pfizer Animal Health and The Iams Company. Her work has been published in Farm Industry News and Progressive Farmer magazines. Brooks holds a degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Goebel joins the Bayer CropScience corn and soybean team as senior account executive. She’ll manage the development of public relations programs and oversee the development and execution of integrated communication plans. Most recently, Goebel led the Pfizer Animal Health swine team at Rhea & Kaiser. Goebel is a graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia.

McEvoy, a five-year veteran of Rhea & Kaiser, returns to the agency as public relations account supervisor, on the Underwriters Laboratories account. McEvoy first joined Rhea & Kaiser in 2001 working on the Bayer CropScience corn and soybean team. Prior to joining Rhea & Kaiser, she was with agencies in Kansas City, Mo. and Des Moines, Iowa. McEvoy is a graduate of Iowa State University.

“I’m confident Rhea & Kaiser’s clients will benefit from the experience and knowledge of Julia, Amy and Rhonda,” said Deron Johnson, Rhea & Kaiser’s director of public relations. “Individually and collectively, they are great additions to our public relations group.”

Agencies

Snowed In

Chuck Zimmerman December 1, 2006

Everything seems to take longer when you’ve got 16 inches of snow on top of about an inch of ice.

This is a picture from my front yard this morning. We live on the top of a hill so the bottom of the hill neighbors usually park on the street out front in the hopes that it’ll make it easier for them to get out. It didn’t make any difference with this storm.

This is the largest snowfall I’ve been in here in Missouri since January of 1995. This is more snow than the last 3 winters combined I think. Now the question is, “When will they plow the road?”

Fortunately we have power and internet access. What more do you need?

Uncategorized

He’s The Mouth of the South

Chuck Zimmerman November 30, 2006

There are a lot of ways that bloggers receive a pitch and I agree with John Scalzi that there’s a right and a wrong way. I thought this one from Gary Claxton’s PR person was okay. It was personal, short and to the point.

He would love to speak and entertain at any of your agricultural meetings and conventions. Check out Gary’s website at www.mouthofsouthgc.com and listen to some of his humorous stories.. Gary entertains at a lot of Young Farmer and FFA conventions and banquets and many other agricultural events, such as the Corn Growers Association, the National RC&D convention, the GA Soil & Water Conservation, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and the Florida Farm Bureau Convention. He has appeared on shows such as the Grand Ole Opry and other national shows. Gary also stars in his own television show titled “The Mouth of the South Show”. He writes a monthly humorist column for the Georgia Outdoor Magazine. Gary has been a guest on several television shows. He is also a hobby farmer. If you are interested, please write back as soon as possible. You can email him at southmouth22@aol.com or call his office at 1-888-465-0438.

Uncategorized

You Can Make PIF Happen

Chuck Zimmerman November 30, 2006

At the American Agricultural Editors’ Association they say that “PIF Happens.” But it only happens with the support of many people and organizations. PIF is the AAEA Professional Improvement Fund. Here’s some did you knows about it:

Did you know that PIF in 2006 gave members and ag communicators nearly $11,000 in grants for scholarships and professional improvement? Did you know that in 2006 we announced the Andy Markwart Horizon Award and, with John Deere, will provide a $2,500 grant each year beginning in 2007 for professional improvement for one fortunate AAEA member 35 years of age and under?

Did you know that PIF created and sold photo note cards this year using photography from AAEA’s best award-winning photojournalists? Or that we’re constantly on the lookout for more opportunities to award grants to our members to enhance their professionalism in the business of ag communications?

We hope you knew all this. But if not, the PIF Board of Trustees is excited to tell you about us and announce its 2007 Campaign for Excellence fundraising plan. PIF is a 501c3 organization and you can contribute to PIF and deduct your contribution to the fullest extent of the law. And, as the end of the year approaches, what better time than during the season of giving to provide a donation to PIF.

So, if you’d like to contribute to PIF then just go to the AAEA website and click on AAEA Foundation on the left side and simply follow the prompts. It will take only minutes to complete the donation form.

ACN

Scottish Lad Does Good

Chuck Zimmerman November 30, 2006

The International Federation for Animal Health has a new president. He’s George Gunn. Now he’s a president and a CEO.

The IFAH Board has elected George Gunn, CEO of Novartis Animal Health, as President for a two-year term, effective as of November 2006. Mr. Gunn succeeds Pedro Lichtinger, who stepped down as President in August 2006 following his appointment as Pfizer Inc. Vice President / Area President – Europe Pharmaceutical Operations. Mr. Gunn joined Novartis in September 2003 and became Head of the Animal Health business in 2004. Mr. Gunn is a veterinarian from the Shetland Islands in Scotland with more than 20 years extensive experience in various leadership positions in both the human pharma and animal health with a proven track record of success and management capability. Prior to joining Novartis, he was responsible for the worldwide animal health business of Pharmacia.

“I thank the Board members for their trust and look forward to working together with them to strengthen the voice of the animal health industry on the global level. IFAH has increased its activities over the past years and is seen as a major player on animal health by international organisations and national governments alike. I would like to enhance this role in the years to come” declared Mr. Gunn.

Agribusiness, Animal Health

Business Been Bery Bery Good To Krone

Chuck Zimmerman November 30, 2006

Business is good for Krone.

With a total sales of $1.1 billion (consolidated) for all sectors within Bernard Krone Holding GmbH & Co. KG, the Krone-Group recorded the most successful fiscal year (8-1-2005 through 7-31-2006) in its 100-year history. The Krone group reported further growth on an impressive scale with its agricultural machinery operation reporting a 19.5% increase in sales, the commercial trailer plant a 14.6% increase, and the agricultural trade and services company a 5% increase in net sales. Almost 60% of the total sales were generated in sales areas outside Germany.

A number of independent surveys that were conducted this year confirm the dynamic development of Krone’s agricul-tural machinery and commercial trailer operations and they reveal that both companies are among the fastest growing companies worldwide. Their outstanding growth rates are even more impressive since they were not achieved through acquisitions, but through productivity enhancing measures and expanded sales activities.

Agribusiness, Equipment

A Country Christmas Festival

Chuck Zimmerman November 30, 2006

This sounds like an interesting event. The Victorian Country Christmas Festival is going on right now in Puyallup, WA. Here’s some of the entertainment you’ll find there.

A Victorian Country Christmas features the best professional entertainment in the United States. There is no need to go to Branson Missouri! There are 20 stage shows daily fearing professional entertainment perfect for families. Let me briefly talk about a couple of highlights. The Silver Spurs Country Western Revue features the best singers, dancers, acrobats and comedians in a rousing revue that will have you singing, laughing and tapping your feet. Stardust Follies is back with a brand new show. This Broadway style extravaganza features professional entertainers that are all over 50 years young. Music, dance, comedy and incredible costumes make for a fantastic show.

The reason for the post however is that Michael Peterson will be performing there and you can see the New Holland logo in this image from their schedules page.

I’m sure you know that we’ve worked with Gene Hemphill and Michael on their great promotional campaign which has Michael’s comeback CD on sale at New Holland dealers. The deal also involves events like this one with Michael performing and wowing his fans. I’m not sure exactly how all the impressions and sales are adding up for New Holland on this campaign but it seems like the logo is getting a lot of publicity witt country music fans. That sure seems like an ideal target audience.

Agribusiness, Tractor

A BCS Conversation

Chuck Zimmerman November 29, 2006

Here’s the magnificent trio of BCS Communications. (L-R) Illinois Blasdel, Kelly Schwalbe and Leigh Ann Cleaver.

It’s the BCS Communications open house. We did a little work before the “pig out” part of the party got started.

The agency is 4 years old now according to Illinois. You can learn more about how the agency is doing in our pre-party conversation which was recorded via web cam.

I just uploaded the video to YouTube so if you don’t see it yet, give it a few minutes to finish processing.

In the meantime you can also download the video here: BCS Communications Conversation (9 min WMV file)

Here’s the link to the interview from the first BCS open house last year: First BCS Interview

Agencies, Video

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