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

Ag Media Summit Photo Albums

Chuck Zimmerman

2006 Ag Media SummitThere’s a new photo album available from the Agricultural Media Summit. It’s got lot of pictures. Even more than mine! In fact it reminded me that I never did upload mine and provide you with a link to the album. That’s done now.

Look and enjoy:

Official Ag Media Summit Photo Album – Use this link since I can’t seem to get it to make a hyperlink for some reason: http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=mcvnm8h.ar9okkqt&Uy=kg80ud&Ux=0>%20&Uc=mcvnm8h.ar9okkqt&Uy=kg80ud&Ux=0

My Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit

So Lean Burgers Now National

Chuck Zimmerman

So LeanIf you want your burger to be made out of some heart healthy soy protein and the meat of cows that ate “natural” then you should be looking for the So Lean brand. Back in July parent company Natural Harmony Foods announced that they had inked a deal with one of the largest retail grocery chains that would facilitate national distribution of it’s Flame Broiled Beef Patties which were then only available in the southeast.

Now Meatingplace.com says that the company “is coordinating a comprehensive direct mail campaign targeting food editors across the country” using it’s new marketing consultants at NutCom LLC.

I’m all for food choices and new uses for soybeans. But . . . I’m going to stick to my all meat burgers for now. I still like my soybeans after they’ve been processed by the cow and I don’t particularly care what kind of soybeans that cow ate.

Food