Nesco Meats has innovative proposal

Chuck Zimmerman

Harry SiemensSince the beginning of the BSE crisis in Canada, there has been lots of talk about new beef slaughter and processing facilities. Although there have been scores of proposals, only a few have proceeded. Nesco Meats of Melfort, SK has maintained a low profile, but has developed what looks like a viable plan.

Farm Commentator and writer Kevin Hursh of Saskatoon says most of the 25 initial shareholders are producers who have investigated technology from a company in New Zealand that allows a slaughter plant to do a number of different species in an efficient and hygienic manner. “The result is a plan for a federally inspected slaughter and processing facility that would do 50,000 to 80,000 animals per year in a single shift,” said Hursh. “While beef will be the mainstay, the plant will also be able to custom slaughter bison, elk and wild boar.”

Nesco Meats has purchased 18 acres of fully serviced industrial land from the city of Melfort. The environmental assessment is nearly complete. A prospectus should be complete in the near future, at which time there will be a share offering. The $15 million capital project would create about 40 direct jobs. After all the failed plans for slaughter and processing facilities, it’s easy to dismiss these sorts of proposals, but Nesco Meats seems to have done its homework and it has an innovative plan

Siemens Says

International

McClure Joins Rhea & Kaiser

Chuck Zimmerman

Scott McClureThat’s a big commute. Chi-town to St. Louie. But Scott McClure is doing it now as management supervisor leading the Bayer CropScience cotton, rice and peanut accounts for Rhea & Kaiser.

McClure brings more than 20 years of agency and publishing experience to the position, including advertising, public relations, event planning and issues management responsibilities. Prior to joining Rhea & Kaiser, he was vice president account services with St. Louis-based communications agency Brighton, where he served as group leader for all agribusiness accounts, including Delta and Pine Land Company, the largest cotton breeder and seed marketer in the United States, and BASF Agricultural Products. McClure also served as vice president, marketing communications, and vice president, agribusiness, with Fleishman-Hillard. His publishing background includes Vance Publishing and Farm Press Publications, as well as editorial responsibilities for several agricultural and turf grass publications.

Agencies

Bowled Over By BIO

Chuck Zimmerman

BIO 2006I was pretty psyched up to attend BIO 2006 but it’s not looking good. I need a sponsor and none has been forthcoming. This would be one awesome event to blog. I proposed it to BIO but never even received an acknowledgement of my emailed proposal. However, I am credentialed. It’s not too late if anyone would like to have this huge event properly blogged.

In the last 3 days I’ve received 36 emailed press releases and announcements from I don’t know how many countries. Even our own Missouri Governor is planning on attending. It’s interesting to see the press pitches offered. Like, “We thought you might find it useful . . .” to “You are invited . . .” I really like the sound of the Australian wine tasting for media. Here’s one I got a kick out of, “I see that you’ll be attending the BIO 2006 Annual International Convention in Chicago next week. . .” Ah, you did, did you?

This is certainly information overload. I don’t even have time to read and examine all these announcements. I’m sure they’ll continue. I’ll try to give you an update by Monday even if I’m not there.

If you’re interested you can see the online media site here.

Public Relations

Race Car Meat Line

Chuck Zimmerman

NASCAR MeatsWhen it comes to stock car racing, “give me some meat.” For the grill, tailgate, whatever. NASCAR now has its own line of meat products.

They should be in a store near you. Their website says to get them while you can since they’re “sure to go. Really fast.”

via (AdJab)

Agribusiness

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