Let’s Not Sit On the Sidelines

Chuck Zimmerman

Harry SiemensOne of my goals in posting to AgWired.Com is to improve relations by helping us better understand each other.

Henry C. Dyck, Consultant and media Specialist in Saskatoon, SA says trade deals within Canada, between provinces is necessary. Often, we do better with the Americans and countries around the world than with people in our back yard. Much of the price crunch facing farmers today comes from the cheaper US dollar; that drop has squeezed the profit right out of farming. I’m still trying to figure out how the powers that be, the economists couldn’t at least in part have forecasted the problems facing Canadians should this ever happen. Happen it did, and with a vengeance. Read More

International

The Corporate Blogging Book

Chuck Zimmerman

The Corporate Blogging BookI have several books in progress right now and just when I start feeling guilty about not getting them finished I console myself with the fact that I’m doing the things that these authors are writing about. Do I read or do I do? I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll get through them all eventually.

Here’s the latest one I got started on. I think this is a good one for you executive types who are afraid, skeptical or think you don’t have time to blog and therefore it’s not a good thing for your company. It’s “The Corporate Blogging Book” by Debbie Weil.

Debbie writes clearly and to the point and it’s an easy read. She tells it like it is. For example, she says that the 3 most important things you need to know before you start blogging are; Companies don’t blog: individuals do; Savvy bloggers read other blogs; and Blogging is not a replacement (for other forms of marketing). Of course she adds explanation to each of these points. You’ll have to get the book to read it all.

The foreword is written by Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors (who blogs). I like one point he makes. He says “For some time, it has been my belief that blogging isn’t for everyone. If you’re linguistically challenged or extremely sensitive, don’t blog!” Good point Bob. This isn’t for everyone but . . . Just because you can’t/don’t/won’t doesn’t mean there’s not someone else in your company who can/does/will.

I recommend getting a copy today.

BTW. The others I have in progress are: The Tipping Point and The Long Tail.

Uncategorized

New CME Advertising Campaign

Chuck Zimmerman

Chicago Mercantile Exchange AdvertisementI think the Chicago Mercantile Exchange might get the award for sending out the most news releases in the last year. Maybe not since I don’t really keep track. However, if they don’t send them out how will I know what’s going on at the CME? Here’s some information from the latest about their new advertising campaign.

CME, the world’s largest and most diverse financial exchange, today launched a new global brand advertising campaign. The innovative print campaign, “Smart People, Great Results,” prominently features testimonials from CME’s leading global customers − fund managers, financial advisors and professional traders − showing how CME benchmark futures and options products improve the way markets work and enable them to achieve positive financial results.

The ads will appear in major global financial media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and Barron’s, as well as in top-tier industry publications. Each ad features a leading CME customer such as Sabrina Callin, Executive Vice President, PIMCO; Ken Griffin, CEO, Citadel Investment Group L.L.C.; Brian O’Hearne, Managing Director, Environmental & Commodity Markets, Swiss Re Capital Management and Advisory; Daniel O’Sullivan, Head of FX Trading, Americas, HSBC Bank U.S.A., N.A.; and Matthew Wright, CFA, Assistant Vice President, Director of Investments, Emory University. Read More

Agribusiness

Moczygemba Moving Up At Farm Journal

Chuck Zimmerman

Allen MoczygembaFrom Texas to Pennsylvania. That’s a big move. That’s what Allen Moczygemba will be doing. (I’m glad this isn’t radio)

Allen Moczygemba has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Farm Journal Media. In his new position, Moczygemba will continue to oversee publishing responsibilities for the company’s livestock operations, while adding new responsibilities for a significant new product introduction in 2007, as well as managing the company’s growing portfolio of live events

In making the announcement, Farm Journal Media President and CEO, Andy Weber, said: “Allen has displayed great creativity and delivered continuous growth since taking over our livestock properties six years ago. The Livestock Division is finishing a record year in 2006 and we look forward to leveraging Allen’s talents and that kind of success across more of our properties into 2007.”

With the promotion, Moczygemba will be looking to staff two new positions, both reporting directly to him: a Publisher to take over day-to-day operations for the company’s livestock properties; and an Associate Publisher, to focus on the development of the new product introduction and live events. Moczygemba, who lives in Texas, will relocate to the company’s headquarters in Philadelphia in 2007 and report to Farm Journal Media Executive Vice President, Steve Custer.

Publication

NAMA Agribusiness Forum

Chuck Zimmerman

NAMA Agribusiness ForumRight before the NAFB Convention again this year is the NAMA Agribusiness Forum. It’s not too early to start making plans. This is going to be a challenge for me since opening day of Missouri deer season is the Saturday before the Forum. Normally I’d be in the woods through Tuesday so we’ll see what happens. Depends on how good the hunting is those first few days!

Global forces are shaping agriculture, from the influence of consumer choices to bio fuels, American farmers and the businesses that support them are at a unique crossroads. Today the production system is aligned to serve consumers across the globe, from food processors in China to ethanol plants in Iowa, farm products are hot commodities. Where is it headed?

Policy makers, producers, consumers and suppliers in the American food, feed and fuel system are strategizing to identify direction and added value for the system’s future. This fall’s Agribusiness Forum, hosted by the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), will give you a glimpse into the role each of these entities expects to play in the evolving marketplace here and across the globe as we explore the Global Forces Shaping Agriculture.

Register here.

NAMA

Herb Plambeck Award Entries Due

Chuck Zimmerman

NAFBI can’t believe another year has gone by so quickly and that we’re looking ahead to the NAFB fall meeting. But it’s true. So, here’s one thing you creative types need to think about if you want some recognition for your work.

The time is drawing near for the NAFB Annual Convention and the presentation of the Herb Plambeck Award for Creative Excellence. There is NO entry fee for this award. You may download the entry form here. (pdf)

Please send your completed form and include the radio spot or series entry on a CD, preferably in mp3 format. Entries are due to NAFB offices by October 1, 2006. If you have any questions, feel free to give Jerry Povemire a call at 816-431-4032.

The purpose of the award is “To give recognition for the best Single and Series radio commercial(s) broadcast on NAFB STATIONS & NETWORKS designed to inform, influence and motivate the target demographic to respond in a positive manner to achieve communication’s objectives. This award is named in honor of past NAFB presidnet and Hall of Fame member Herb Plambeck.”

NAFB

US Trade Pacts Threaten Canadian Pulse Exports

Chuck Zimmerman

Harry SiemensWith farmers in the United States and Canada producing more food than we can collectively eat, exports and trade agreements help feed the system. In fact, those trade agreements are necessary for the survival of farmers, particularly in Canada.

John DePutter of Ontario writes how bilateral free trade agreements the U.S. is negotiating with Central and South American countries will put the Canadian pulse industry at a disadvantage in those markets. When ratified, bilateral pacts between the U.S. and Peru, Columbia and Ecuador will allow the U.S. to take advantage of tariff reductions of 15% to 30% on pea or lentil exports to those countries, said Greg Cherewyk of Pulse Canada. Read More

International

AgWired Visitor Survey

Chuck Zimmerman

I know you probably don’t like surveys any more than I do but they are helpful and I’ve held off on this for a long time. In order for us to better know you I’ve created a very simple 12 question survey which will take you mere moments to complete. It’s very simple and fully self-explanatory and I will be eternally grateful to everyone who completes it.

Take The AgWired Survey

It doesn’t even ask for your contact information so it’s completely anonymous and I’m fine with that as long as you are. So go ahead, please!

Uncategorized

Farm Aid Entertainers

Chuck Zimmerman

Farm AidI’ve never been to a Farm Aid concert but not for lack of wanting to hear the music. They’ve announced who’s going to be playing on September 30 at Tweeter Center at the Waterfront, Camden, NJ.

Joining Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews are Jerry Lee Lewis with Roy Head, Los Lonely Boys, Arlo Guthrie, Gov’t Mule, Steve Earle and Allison Moorer, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Steel Pulse, Shelby Lynne, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Pauline Reese and Danielle Evin.

Ag Groups

Farmers Markets In Iraq

Chuck Zimmerman

Iraq Farmers Market Post Update:I asked for and received some pictures from Paul McKellips to add to this post from yesterday. They certainly help tell the story!

I have received an audio report from Iraq that you might find interesting. The email I received says it’s from Paul McKellips who’s on assignment with the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The report: focuses on the Farmers Markets and roadside stands that Iraqis depend on for their fruits and vegetables. The potential for agriculture in this country is beyond belief.

Iraq Farmers MarketIn the last three years, American agricultural experts have introduced drip-line irrigation, fertilizers and modern cultivation techniques. Now, the country desperately needs a comprehensive national farm policy that supports farmers and provides motivation for producers to invest in their businesses and bring their products to market profitably. Iraq currently imports more than 85% of their fruits and vegetables from Iran, Syria and Turkey. Produce prices are ridiculously low as these countries dump their B-grade products into the marketplace.

You can listen here: Listen To WMA FileIraq Farmers Markets Report (3 min WMA)

Paul McKellips is on detail assignment to the U.S. Department of State’s Public Affairs GO Team in Iraq. He is permanently employed by USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Washington, DC.

Audio