President Trump Proclaims March 24 National Ag Day

Cindy Zimmerman

For the fourth year, President Donald Trump has recognized March 24 as National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

I encourage all Americans to observe this day by recognizing the preeminent role that agriculture plays in our daily lives, acknowledging agriculture’s continuing importance to rural America and our country’s economy, and expressing our deep appreciation of farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, national forest system stewards, private agricultural stewards, and those who work in the agriculture sector across the Nation.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and even though coronavirus forced the cancellation of events in the nation’s capitol this week, virtual activities are being held and information about agriculture being shared. ACA offers social media tools and resources online for you to share as well.

“Food Brings Everyone to the Table” is this year’s National Ag Day theme. Winner of the national written essay cont3est, Eli Mittermeyer from Loraine, Illinois, received a $1,000 prize and would have traveled to Washington, D.C., for recognition today and the opportunity to read his winning essay. But you can read it here and see this year’s video essay winner, Samantha Gerges of Mansfield, Texas, who also won a $1,000 prize. The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Farm Progress.

Ag Day

FFA Takes National Ag Day Virtual

Cindy Zimmerman

National FFA is helping celebrate National Ag Day by providing virtual webinars today and tomorrow. Student leaders from FFA , 4-H, AFA and MANRRS will join together to share information on the critical role agriculture plays in our culture and economy.

Monday’s sessions will begin at 1 pm EDT and will include how to advocate and why it’s important, interacting with government officials, and how to build an elevator pitch. Tuesday’s sessions include storytelling and identifying the audience you want to communicate with and an in-depth look at the agriculture, food and natural resources value chain.

“National Ag Day gives students from agriculture youth organizations the chance to work together and share to our national government leaders of the importance of agriculture and agriculture education. The skills the students learn this week, they’ll be able to use as they move forward in life and strengthen agriculture along the way,” said Celya Glowacki, advocacy and literacy officer, for the National FFA Organization.

Ag Day is an opportunity for others to learn how agriculture provides safe, abundant and affordable products.
Originally, the student-leaders were scheduled to be in D.C. Instead, they are working together virtually, to discover how they can continue to be advocates for the agriculture industry while telling the important story of agriculture throughout the nation. “As we provide virtual programming for our agriculture students this week, we are able to not only help flatten the curve, but also broaden our reach regarding the story of agriculture,” Glowacki said.

For more information regarding the virtual events, visit https://www.ffa.org/ag-literacy-and-advocacy/

Ag Day, Education, FFA

Creative Ways to Use Those Social Media Skills

Chuck Zimmerman

4th Sunday of Lent MassThe reactions, rules, ideas, suggestions of how to beat the COVID-19 virus have completely disrupted the lives of all of us. I know this can be a time of real anxiety, worry and depression. Now is when most of us need our church family and services and yet we are unable to gather together as churches of all denominations cancel their activities, including weekly services.

Although Cindy and I have several projects we’re working on that don’t require travel, the 24/7 endless stream of “news” as well as a whole lot of speculation, especially on social media, is very distracting and emotionally exhausting. We’re used to working out of our home so ZimmComm World Headquarters is functioning mostly as normal in a world where there is suddenly no normal.

When I found out the pastor of our church in Pensacola, Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, wanted to livestream Mass yesterday, I immediately let him know I was available and was humbled to be able to be of service in that way to the Lord.

The livestream went off flawlessly and as of this morning it has almost 1,000 views and almost 100 comments. Father says he has received very positive feedback. We will be doing this again this Wednesday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at 9am central. We’ll start about 5 minutes early with a view of the Altar and some music. Then on Friday evening at 7 pm we’re planning to live stream the Stations of the Cross with me following Father through the stations.

For you content creators out there, perhaps you could contact your church if you haven’t already, to see if it could use your skills in this way. I’m hoping the effort will bring some solace and calm to people in the countryside or in the city. Cindy and I pray for a quick end to this virus situation which threatens us in more ways than just the illness and its results. Pray for an Easter miracle!

Social Media, Social Networking, Video

Animal Ag News 3/23

Carrie Muehling

  • In response to the ongoing efforts to provide relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement to Capitol Hill.
  • The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak; U.S. food and agriculture was included among 16 critical industries. Specifically, DHS recognized as essential a variety of pork production roles.
  • The North American Meat Institute says meat and poultry producers are leaning in to continue efforts to meet the global demand for meat under difficult circumstances. For more detailed information go here.
  • The American Feed Industry Association, along with 23 state and regional feed and grain associations, called on state officials around the country to maintain access to businesses providing animal food amid proposed state plans to close “non-essential businesses” to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The plea comes after some states released response plans that excluded animal food manufacturing facilities, transportation and agricultural and non-agricultural retail establishments from their lists of “essential businesses.” In an urgent letter, the groups stated that these businesses should be reclassified because not doing so would hinder the animal food industry’s ability to continue feeding America’s livestock, poultry and pets, threaten the U.S. food supply and drive up prices for farmers, ranchers, pet owners and consumers.
  • Nominations for the 14th annual National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are now being accepted. For the application and nomination requirements, as well as more information about BQA, go here. All nominations are due by June 5, 2020.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is looking to award two $1,000 college scholarships to children of its members. Applicants must be high school seniors, high school graduates or college undergraduates. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time course of study at an accredited four-year college or university or a two-year program at a technical, junior or community college. The area of study does not need to be in agriculture. Only dependents of Edge members qualify. The application with full guidelines is available at www.voiceofmilk.com. Applications must be postmarked by May 1.
  • The Global Marketing and Research team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, along with State Beef Councils across the country, are leveraging their extensive library of content, including advertisements, recipes, cooking videos and educational materials about beef nutrition to help consumers while they are home during the pandemic.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

Ethanol Plants Producing Hand Sanitizer

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol plants are now able to shift to the manufacture of hand sanitizer without permits from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is working with Iowa Prison Industries for the production of hand sanitizer during the national shortage. Two Iowa biofuel refineries – Absolute Energy and Western Iowa Energy – sent the first donated shipment of Iowa ethanol and glycerin to be used to make the product on Monday. Templeton Rye is also providing distilled water for the project. The finished product will be distributed free of charge by the state of Iowa for priority use.

Some ethanol plants, like Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) in Benson, Minnesota, were already approved to supply industrial grade ethanol for human use, but most plants are not designed for it. “Pharmaceutical grade is what you need because it’s coming in contact with humans, so it’s a big shift,” said CVEC General Manager Chad Friese. “It’s a lot of additional cost and most plants will not be able to make that conversion.”

Friese says beverage grade alcohol producers are more suited to make the transition to pharmaceutical grade than fuel ethanol producers, and “there’s not enough growth to supply the volumes that the fuel side needs.”

Friese discusses the difference between fuel and industrial ethanol production in this audio:
Chad Friese, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (3:25)

Audio, Ethanol

Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Producing Free Hand Sanitizer

Cindy Zimmerman

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Hand Sanitizer

In an effort to help combat the spread of coronavirus, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is using its alcohol supply to produce hand sanitizer and provide it free of charge. The first batch of 200 bottles was delivered to city hall in Lexington on Friday and additional batches will be delivered this week.

“When my late husband, Pearse Lyons, and I chose Lexington as home for our business and family, the community embraced us with open arms,” said Deirdre Lyons, Alltech co-founder and director of corporate image and design. “The efforts of our city and state leaders, numerous organizations and the people of Kentucky during this difficult time exhibit the collaborative spirit and endurance of our neighbors. We want to do our part to help those working on the frontlines to overcome this adversity and help our community emerge stronger than ever.”

The hand sanitizer comprises 80% alcohol, aloe vera gel and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, along with natural ingredients added for scent. The bottles are made with recyclable glass. Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. will continue to produce and distribute their hand sanitizer on a regular basis. They are working with city officials to identify organizations in need.

Alltech

Farmers and Ranchers Committed to US Food Supply

Cindy Zimmerman

America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing all they can do to maintain the nation’s food supply amid growing challenges posed by COVID-19.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Zippy Duvall, along with Chalmers Carr, a peach farmer in South Carolina, and John Boelts, a produce farmer in Arizona, gave an update on how farmers are dealing with the situation.

U.S. food and agriculture are included among 16 critical industries approved by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and aid packages are being considered for farmers and ranchers.

Farm Bureau released its first assessment of the impact of coronavirus on farmers and ranchers Wednesday. Labor, supply chain issues and possible price manipulation top the list of immediate issues farmers are raising with the national organization.

Others on the call answering reporters’ questions were AFBF Executive Vice President Dale Moore, Chief Economist John Newton and Congressional Relations Director Allison Crittenden.

AFBF press call 3-20-20 (55:12)

AFBF, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Food

Industry Ag News 3/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Kynetec announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Daniel Wirth as CEO of Kynetec and the Kleffmann Group. This appointment follows the recent announcement that Kynetec and the Kleffmann Group, both global leaders in market research in Agriculture and Animal Health, are merging.
  • AAEA The Agricultural Communicators Network is postponing its Centennial Reception and Regional Meeting on April 23 and 24 in Chicago to later this fall and will be refunding the registration fees. More details on alternate plans will be released soon. The 2020 Agricultural Media Summit, July 25-29, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri is still on, so save the date!
  • “Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish” is now available from Feeding Minds Press, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s publishing venture.
  • W. Scott Downey, Purdue University professor of agricultural economics, has been named director of Purdue’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business.
  • Just in time for National Ag Day, the Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to announce the release of a newly published children’s book, “A Home Run for Peanuts.” Written by South Dakota author Amanda Radke and illustrated by Minnesota artist Michelle Weber, “A Home Run For Peanuts” takes young readers on fun adventures from a peanut farm to the baseball park.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors has approved $739,693 in research project funding for the 2020-21 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
  • The National Agri-Marketing Association is pleased to announce the winners of the Next Gen NAMA Award.This award was developed to celebrate the next generation of leaders. Honorees are nominated from within their company or through chapter or national leadership. The recipients for 2020 are Meg Becker, Provimi/Cargill; Carrie Isaacson, Broadhead; and, Rachel Robinson, American Angus Association.
  • Whether you’re hitting the road for a run or a drive, now you can do so with high-performing, soy biobased rubber technology. U.S. soy is now available in Skechers footwear thanks to their collaboration with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
  • Swanson Russell led the competition and received 31 awards, including two Best of Shows and a Special Judge’s Citation, at the Nebraska ADDY Awards February 22 in Omaha. The winning work was created and executed on behalf of 18 clients in numerous categories.
  • As rural communities brace for the arrival of the novel coronavirus, a coalition of organization representing rural communities is urging the administration to ensure that the rural health care system has adequate resources and support to respond to this crisis. Read the letter here.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association sent a letter to President Trump underscoring the priorities identified by its members to be addressed during the COVID-19 pandemic and related limitations on businesses.
Zimfo Bytes

Coronavirus is Latest Threat to Ethanol Industry

Cindy Zimmerman

The impact that coronavirus is having on the energy markets is just the latest threat to the solvency of the U.S. ethanol industry, coming on top of weather, trade disputes and small refinery waivers that hurt producers last year.

In a media conference call Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association leaders discussed the impact of these hits on ethanol producers and the communities and customers they serve.

Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
Jeanne McCaherty, CEO, Guardian Energy Management; Vice Chairman, RFA
Randy Doyal, CEO, Al-Corn Clean Fuel; Board Member, RFA
Chad Friese, General Manager, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co.; Board Member, RFA.
Scott Richman, Chief Economist, RFA

RFA call ethanol industry coronavirus impact (54:33)

Audio, Ethanol, RFA

NCBA Urges Steps to Maintain Beef Supply

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is working to maintain an adequate supply of beef for U.S. consumers during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says they have taken a number of steps to help protect the value chain, starting with sending a request to Vice President Mike Pence for assurance that meat inspection services will continue to move forward. “It’s critically important that these functions remain in place and those workers stay engaged to ensure that we can continue to process cattle and get them to their retail destinations in a timely manner.”

Lane outlines other steps they are taking in this statement.

Ethan Lane, NCBA VP of Government Affairs (6:39)

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Livestock, NCBA