I thought you might be interested in some new information about podcasting. Although you can debate the current statistics and maybe you don’t want to download and listen to audio wherever and whenever you want, a lot of people are doing it and I think it’s a great public relations tool!
To start with there’s a great little white paper on podcasting from the folks at Podblaze. It’s titled “What You Don’t Know About Podcasting Could Hurt Your Business: How to Leverage & Benefit from this New Media Technology.”
You can download the paper here. “The purpose of this white paper is to educate readers about the potential marketing value of Podcasting, and how to leverage this new media technology for maximum benefit. This new media audio technology provides ample opportunity for businesses and individuals to leverage their subject matter knowledge and expertise to generate increased brand exposure, improved product awareness, increased sales and additional revenue opportunities.”
Next you can check out this post at Podcasting News In it you’ll find information from a report by The Diffusion Group. For example, “Demand for time-shifted digital audio files or podcasts is expected to grow from less than 15% of portable digital music player owners in 2004 to 75% by 2010, according to new forecasts from The Diffusion Group, a consumer technology research and marketing firm.”
Finally, you might want to check out this book, “Podcasting: Do It Yourself Guide.” From the back cover, “It’s your show, and you can do what you want. Got something to tell the world? Want unlimited listening options? Podcasting makes it happen. It’s the hottest communication trend of the twenty-first century, and one of the first guys to jump on board is ready to get you started. Todd helps you choose software, subscribe to the best podcasts, produce one with equipment you already have, record and distribute your shows—even explore the geeky stuff. Whether you’re producing a podcast or listening to one, podcasting puts you in charge.”
So there you have it. Some new information and resources if you’re considering podcasting!
Here’s something I totally agree with. The whole idea that just by putting a label on foods we’ll somehow eliminate obesity is ludicrous. To start with don’t think obesity is some new problem in America. It’s just another scare story because the mainstream media has to find something to shock us with. No one ever talks about personal responsibility anymore. Let’s just blame the food companies and the people who grow food for the fact that we can’t stop eating.
You’ve heard of Farmer Mac, right? What does it stand for? The 
You may already know that the first USDA Farm Bill Forum is complete and that several more have been announced. This is very early in the process so it’ll be interesting to see how these go. The first one had about 400 people participate in Nashville, TN. You can download a Word doc transcript of the forum 
“The interest in the next farm bill shown here today has exceeded my expectations,” Johanns said. “The thoughtful discourse on the direction of future farm policy is very encouraging and I look forward to the same caliber of discussion at future Farm Bill Forums as we continue our nationwide tour.”
Through a post on 
They managed a great conference on ethanol recently in Kansas City. Now it’s time for a broader conference in China. They are 
Just as our Sec. of Ag departed on his trip to China, 
I’m back. After 9 days, 5 of them driving. I thought I could get more posted while on this trip but it just didn’t work out that way. It was a family thing and spending time shooting fireworks with my nephews & nieces in Georgia or at a reception with in-laws in Florida was just more important. The main reason for the trip was to move my oldest daughter to south Florida. She’ll finish her college career at 
I thought my 3,000 plus miles in the last 9 days was a lot of travel but our Sec. of Ag Mike Johannes is doing much more. He’s travelling in China and Africa July 9-21 for multilateral and bilateral meetings on agricultural trade and development. Although it doesn’t have frequent postings he is writing a travelogue of sorts. I kind of think a blog would be a better way to do it but then what do I know? Here’s an excerpt from his latest post.
In this week’s 