A big announcement was made today and I think agricultural communicators should take notice. I really think you need to check this out.
A company that has a long standing tradition of delivering news items to reporters is PR Newswire. Today, their Multi Vu division announced that it was “re-inventing” the video news release and other forms of multi-media communication vehicles. Why?
New products extend reach to media and your target audiences… comprehensive multimedia communications packages help ensure success
In other words, so that you don’t have to depend on the radio and tv stations to deliver your message to your customers and members anymore! They’re offering audio and video podcasting services and specifically so you can communicate directly to your target audience. Where have I heard this concept before?
MultiVu has a new approach to VNRs, B-roll and SMTs that helps ensure success. Our Electronic Multimedia Kits (EMK) and Broadcast Multimedia Briefings (BMB) reach television, radio, print and online media and allow you to communicate directly to consumers and other target audiences over the Internet. They also feature audio and video podcasts. And, they help you get your message directly to your target audiences without having to depend solely on broadcast TV.
Wow. I’m sorry but I think this just validates the idea of using “new media” in your campaigns. Notice they don’t say you shouldn’t continue to distribute information to traditional media outlets. I wouldn’t say that either. However, you now have the tools to “go direct.” Why not?
Because you think farmers don’t have broadband internet access and aren’t sure if they use it right? Good thing to question. The facts show that of $100,000 plus farmers, over 20 percent do have broadband. That’s a pretty significant percentage. Looking back historically into the early days of internet access, farmers adopted and used it at higher percentage than the general public. The only reason they’ve lagged behind of late is the whole broadband access issue and that’s being addressed and is changing rapidly.
I’ll be writing more about this over the next couple weeks and have some information to share so you can see the facts for yourself. In the meantime, be a pioneer and get started with your use of new media. We have the tools and “time’s a wastin’.” I like the way Multi Vu says it and I echo it for the agribusiness community, “By adapting your message for multiple audiences on a variety of platforms, our goal is to help you maximize your multimedia ROI. “
I’ve seen this billboard in a couple of cities lately and had a chance to take a picture of it today in Chicago. I guess I think it’s interesting that AT&T is advertising that they deliver blogging. I think I also 
I just stopped off at a Holiday Inn here in Chicago for a quick email check with their lobby wi-fi and found out that the 
Billy Rose, Chief Executive Officer for Crop1 Insurance, says “We’re delighted that this transaction allows Crop1 to offer a savings to more crop producers across a broader geography.” (
Since 
You have seriously got to be “into” beef for this story. A real steak lover would like a good carcass challenge though. I don’t think I’d do very good at this competition. Heck, I didn’t do a great job on a roast I cooked in the crock pot this weekend. The family units said that eating it was a real challenge.
GG Genetics, Ida Grove, Iowa, owned and fed the top entry in the 2005 National Angus Carcass Challenge. The 40 heifers set a NACC contest grid record of $108.18 with 100% Prime and Choice and 62.5% Certified Angus Beef® with no Yield Grade 4 and 5 discounts. Pictured left to right: Jim Riemann, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Tina Richards, Alltech; Kathy LaScala, Drovers; Diane and Mason Fleenor, GG Genetics; Jeff Schoen, Merial; and Ty Groshans, American Angus Association.
If you’re going to switch teams, pick a good one. That’s what Team Ethanol driver Paul Dana did. The rumor was floating around until confirmation came today at an 
“This is a huge step up for us from a competitive standpoint because Rahal Letterman has such an excellent track record,” Dana said. “My teammates will be Buddy Rice, who won the Indy 500 in 2004, and, of course, Danica Patrick, who was Rookie of the Year last year.” Rahal Letterman Racing is co-owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal and television talk show host and comedian David Letterman.
This is ZimmCast number 52. I know that means a year but in the early week’s I did a couple extra’s at an event. It took me a few weeks to get into the rythym. It’s close enough to a year though. My how time flies when you’re having fun.
I don’t know how interested you are in renewable fuels like ethanol or biodiesel but you ought to see what Cindy’s been doing over at