Ag Media Summit Seminar

Chuck Zimmerman

Ag Media SummitIt’s not too early to think about the Agricultural Media Summit in Portland, OR, July 23 – 26. Not much on the website yet but it’ll be there soon.

The latest AAEA newsletter, The Byline, had some information though. Like the following:

Explore your techie side at Monday’s photography panel discussion, Going Digital, in which leading photographers from our industry discuss their switch from film to digital – warts and all. Prefer your pixels as letters instead of photos? Check out blogmeister Chuck Zimmerman’s Agriblogging and Farm Podcasting 101, a trip to the cutting edge of communications technology from a journalist who’s been there and back.

Actually I think I’ve been there and I’m still “there.” This is going to be a fun session. I hope to see you there.

ACN, Ag Media Summit, IFAJ, Internet, LPC, Podcasts

Brain Salad Surgery

Chuck Zimmerman

Actually I had a very good western shrimp salad at Longhorn’s today. It was time to say thanks and present a token of appreciation to a peer buddy who’s been an inspiration to a budding blogger and podcaster and always has great ideas.

We are not only evolving our blogging and podcasting styles and ideas but can now see how our client’s and others are doing the same. Our get-together is always an experience I come away from thinking I’ve learned something new. I wonder who else in our area would want to join in sometime? If you’re interested shoot me an email and I’ll try to organize something very un-organized, casual and user-friendly.

If you aren’t in the area you might want to consider stopping by our booth at NAMA in KC, MO. We’ll be online and ready to showcase new media tools that will amaze and astound.

Podcasts

New CEO For MachineryLink

Chuck Zimmerman

Scott HazlettMachineryLink has a new CEO and he’s Scott Hazlett.

David Forsee, co-founder of MachineryLink, who previously served as CEO, says the company’s tremendous growth over the past few years created the need for additional leadership talent to manage that growth into the
future. “Scott’s extensive experience in building and leading industrial businesses of varied sizes, complexity and challenge, coupled with his solid experience in the agricultural and construction equipment segments, makes him uniquely qualified to lead MachineryLink on its future growth trajectory,” Forsee says. “He is a dynamic, exciting addition to the company as we continue to increase our value to producers and expand our market presence.”

Agribusiness

New Team Ethanol Car Driver

Chuck Zimmerman

Ethanol Promotion and Information CouncilTeam Ethanol and Rahal-Letterman Racing announced the new driver of the ethanol car today at a press conference in Indianapolis.

He’s Jeff Simmons, who had this to say: Listen To MP3 Jeff Simmons Announcement (Courtesy of Gary Truit, Brownfield Network)

Jeff SimmonsSimmons, a native of East Granby, Conn., is the winningest driver in IRL Indy Pro Series (IPS) history with seven victories. He has garnered extensive experience in the IPS, having run four seasons and twice finishing as the championship runner-up – in 2003 and 2005.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to promote the message and need for the clean-burning, renewable fuel ethanol and to become a member of Rahal Letterman Racing,” said Simmons, 29. “It is one of the most professional teams I could ever hope to be associated with, and I truly appreciate the faith that Bobby (Rahal) and the Team Ethanol sponsors have placed in me. The fact that I have this opportunity as a result of Paul’s passing is not lost on me, and I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

Audio, Ethanol

Liquid Cadre For Peanuts

Chuck Zimmerman

CadreThe latest news from BASF is a liquid formulation of Cadre herbicide for peanuts.

Cadre is a broad-spectrum herbicide, registered for peanuts, controlling more than 34 grasses and broadleaf weeds. This includes excellent control of nutsedge, pigweed and morningglory – key weed problems in peanut
production areas. Its wide window of application is another key benefit of Cadre as the product application is tied to weed size (consult the label for maximum heights by broadleaf or grass weed species) and spectrum, and not by crop stage. This offers further flexibility for peanut growers. (Full Release)

Agribusiness

O&B Agency For Monsanto Dairy

Chuck Zimmerman

Osborn & BarrOsborn & Barr Communications just received some new business from Monsanto after being named agency of record for Monsanto Dairy.

Osborn & Barr is charged with developing and executing a strategy of integrated communications, including creative direction, media services, digital marketing, and public relations. Osborn & Barr will be involved with Monsanto’s POSILAC® and DecisiveTM brands, as well as all forage nutrition brands which the agency already supports through Monsanto’s crop division.

With the recent addition of Monsanto Canada East’s business to the agency’s portfolio of clients, Osborn & Barr now supports nearly all of Monsanto North America’s marketing communications needs.

Agencies, Agribusiness, Dairy

Boomtown Institute by the Boomtown Blogger

Chuck Zimmerman

Boomtown InstituteThe Boomtown Blogger has now started the Boomtown Institute. He’s Jack Schultz.

The Institute’s mission is “To provoke innovative thinking, encourage leadership and foster investment in communities across the U.S.A.”

There are many initiatives planned to achieve this mission. As well as Jack’s national speaking tour that has taken him to 41 states and more than 220 towns, Boomtown Boot Camp, an intensive, two-day, strategic planning session for communities will be offered. Fasten your seatbelts for this fast paced, action packed summit that’s worth every dollar. Communities may schedule this practical, hands-on forum starting in April of 2006. Extensive research on matters that affect America’s hometowns is a constant mainstay for the new entity. Future initiatives include additional publications and books, mentoring services to communities as well as media projects that highlight the advantages of living, working and building a business in rural America.

Agribusiness

Posing In Front of Work Station

Chuck Zimmerman

Chuck & CindyAren’t we cute? We had a nice photographer here a couple weeks ago since the Jefferson City Business Times was doing an article on us. This is the picture he shot.

I wish they had a website so I could link you to the article but apparently not. At least it’s a nice picture in front of one of our work stations.

Uncategorized

New Valent Brand Manager

Chuck Zimmerman

Joe ShortThere’s a new Valent brand manager in town and he’s Joseph Short.

Short will be responsible for marketing a growing line of quality products from Valent including such leading brands as Prism® Herbicide, Select® Herbicide and Valent’s newest product: Select Max™ with Inside Technology™. His efforts will be focused on various markets including soybean, cotton, oilseeds, legumes, peanuts and vegetables. (Full Release)

Agribusiness

Nitragin Media Kit On A Memory Stick

Chuck Zimmerman

NitraginThe folks at AdFarm covered all the bases when it came time to send out news on Nitragin’s acquisition of Agribiotics, Inc. Not only did they include acquisition information but also product information.

This came packaged in a very sturdy green plastic logo’d binder. In it were an introductory Nitragin USB Memory Stickletter from the VP of Sales & Marketing, news releases, FAQ’s and contact information. Also included was all of the above in electronic form on a logo’d 64MB USB Flash Drive. And just to make sure we had it all, the information was emailed out, which is how I first received it.

That’s covering all your bases in making sure the reporter gets your information.

And, yes, I did check to make sure the releases were posted to the company’s website last week when this was announced.

Agencies, Agribusiness, Public Relations