#AFBF17 Starts Founders Award

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) instituted a new award at the 2017 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Phoenix this week – the Farm Bureau Founders Award to recognize exemplary leadership, service or contributions to Farm Bureau by officers or employees of AFBF and state Farm Bureau organizations.

The first honoree of the new award is James Quinn, who was the first president of the very first Farm Bureau in the country – Broome County, New York, founded in 1911 “for the purpose of extending the science of agriculture.” A prominent local dairy farmer, Quinn set an important precedent for the Farm Bureau being directed by farmers and for farmers. Accepting the posthumous award on behalf of Quinn were New York Farm Bureau president David Fisher, and Judy Whittaker with the Broome County Farm Bureau.

2017 AFBF annual meeting photos

AFBF

Stallman Honored for AFBF Service

Cindy Zimmerman

Former American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Bob Stallman was honored with for his 16 years at the helm of the organization with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award, during the 98th annual convention in Phoenix.

“I never felt like it was a sacrifice,” Stallman said, encouraging others to be involved in the organization. “More importantly, encourage and mentor those young people coming up. If that hadn’t happened to me I wouldn’t be standing here before you today.”

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture.

Listen to Stallman’s comments here: Bob Stallman, AFBF Distinguished Service

2017 AFBF annual meeting photos

AFBF, Audio

#AFBF17 Kicks off with New President

Cindy Zimmerman

Zippy Duvall was feeling a little under the weather but thanks to the prayers of many he found his voice and made it through his first address to the membership as president of the nation’s largest general farm organization at the 98th American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. Duvall was elected at the AFBF meeting last year to replace Bob Stallman, who served 16 years as president of the organization.

“My goal as your president in the first two years, I want to visit all 50 states,” said Duvall, who is already half way through that goal having visited 33 states this year.

Among the priorities for Farm Bureau in the coming year is regulation reform and during his address Duvall asked the membership to use their phones to email Congress right then about the need for regulatory reform – and some 1500 responded on the spot.

Duvall said Farm Bureau will also be calling on Congress this year to reform immigration laws to ensure the future of American agriculture. “Mr. Trump says he wants to keep American jobs from going overseas. One way he can do that is by keeping America’s food production in America,” he said.

Listen to Duvall’s address and press conference here.

AFBF president Zippy Duvall address
AFBF president Zippy Duvall press conference

2017 AFBF annual meeting photos

AFBF, Audio

2016 was Transition Year for @PotatoesUSA

Cindy Zimmerman

The Potato Board became Potatoes USA in 2016, making it a pivotal year for the industry, according to president and CEO Blair Richardson.

“2016 was a year of transition,” said Richardson at the 2017 Potato Expo in San Francisco this week. “We spent the time revamping all of our programs and rebuilding our organizational structure to fit those strategic objectives.”

Potatoes USA began launching some of those programs, like the 9th Wonder of the World marketing campaign and chef training programs. “As we move into 2017, we’re really excited to see these activities mature and see the results from them,” he added.

Learn more about Potatoes USA in this interview: Interview from Potato Expo with Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA

2017 Potato Expo photos

Coverage of the Potato Expo is sponsored by Coverage of Potato Expo is sponsored by Nufarm
Potato

Second Spud Nation Contest Goes International

Cindy Zimmerman

Potatoes USA CEO Blair Richardson presents check to Top Spud Ian Kittichai

The second annual Spud Nation Throwdown cooking contest was held at the 2017 Potato Expo this week, featuring international chefs preparing dishes made with potatoes from the United States. The winner of the $2500 Top Spud prize was Ian Kittichai of Thailand who prepared Beef Massaman Curry.

“It’s our first dish in Thailand that we used potatoes,” said Kittichai of the flavorful Thai recipe. Blair Richardson, president and CEO of Potatoes USA announced the winner during the luncheon on Thursday. Spud Nation Throwdown winner announcement

Kittichai’s formidable competitors in the cook off were Tony de Graaf of Taiwan who made Potato Involtini with Taiwanese Sausage; Doris Goldgewicht of Costa Rica with her Potato Picadillo; and Wandy Robles from the Dominican Republic who prepared Potato Mofongo.

All of the chefs sat down on stage Thursday morning with The Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert to discuss global foodservice perspectives. Listen to their conversation here: Potato Expo chef panel

2017 Potato Expo photos

Coverage of the Potato Expo is sponsored by Coverage of Potato Expo is sponsored by Nufarm
Audio, Potato

New Senate Ag Committee Members Include AG Nominee

Cindy Zimmerman

One of the new members of the Senate Agriculture Committee may be a short-timer.

“I welcome Senators Steve Daines from Montana and Jeff Sessions from Alabama to the Agriculture Committee,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) who was selected to continue as chairman of the committee. “Their home states represent an important share of agriculture production in the United States and are welcome additions to the agriculture posse.”

However, since President-elect Trump has nominated Senator Sessions to be U.S. Attorney General, so once he is confirmed by the Senate, he will obviously have to be replaced by another senator on the committee.

Roberts is also pleased that Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) will continue as Ranking Member since they will be writing another Farm Bill this year. “We have a proven track record of success in finding common ground on polarizing issues,” said Roberts. “We have written a Farm Bill before, and we’ll do it again.”

Uncategorized

Monsanto Increases Earnings and R&D

Cindy Zimmerman

The first quarter of fiscal year 2017 has been a good one for Monsanto as the company continues working with Bayer to finalize the acquisition deal by then end of this calendar year.

On Thursday, Monsanto announced net sales for the first quarter totaled $2.7 billion compared to $2.2 billion a year ago and gross profit increased to $1.3 billion. In addition, the company reported its R&D pipeline has delivered more than 20 advancements for fourth consecutive year with a record 14 projects advancing to launch.

“Our research is aimed at improving farmer or grower productivity,” said Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Dr. Robb Fraley during a press conference unveiling of more than 35 projects in Monsanto’s The Climate Corporation pipeline. “Going forward, we believe we have a greater opportunity to accelerate innovation, optimize integrated solutions and expand offerings through our combination with Bayer.”

Listen to the Climate Corporation press conference here: Monsanto/Climate Corporation R&D Pipeline

Audio, Bayer

USFRA Introduces SMART Farm at CES

Cindy Zimmerman

USFRA chair Brad Greenway at CES

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA) this week attended CES, the largest consumer electronics show in the world, to introduce the SMART Farm concept to connect technology and innovation with farmers and ranchers.

“Science and technology are embraced by consumers in all aspects of their lives,” said Brad Greenway, USFRA Chairman and South Dakota crop and pig farmer. “We want to demonstrate that farmers and ranchers are using similar technology to produce food in a way that is good for the soil, air, habitat and water on and around our farms and ranches – without compromise on cost, quality or taste.”

USFRA will incorporate programs and activities to demonstrate SMART Farming practices and showcase them to the non-farming public.

USFRA

Welcome to #PotatoExpo from @NufarmUS

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2017 Potato Expo is underway in San Francisco with more than 180 exhibitors at the trade show with the latest products and technology for the potato industry.

Nufarm seed treatment specialist Evan Carlisle says they are showcasing four products at the show this year. “We have three fungicides and one insecticide for seed treatments for potatoes,” said Carlisle. “I think we can offer the grower the right prescription for their needs.”

We’ll be sharing lots more audio and photos from Potato Expo over the next week, thanks to Nufarm making that possible.

Learn more about Nufarm’s products for potato growers: Interview from Potato Expo with Evan Carlisle, Nufarm

Photo album
2017 Potato Expo photos

Coverage of the Potato Expo is sponsored by Coverage of Potato Expo is sponsored by Nufarm
Audio, Fungicide, Nufarm, Potato

Alltech and O+B Partner for ONE

Cindy Zimmerman

Alltech is teaming up with Osborn Barr (O+B) to make ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference even bigger.

O+B will be working with Alltech to increase participation by U.S. livestock producers and farmers in the conference which invites agriculture professionals from across the globe to discuss new ways to make a long-term positive impact on the food production industry.

“We are thrilled to work with a forward-thinking and dedicated company like Alltech,” said Rhonda Ries, president of O+B. “They are an ideal client as our agency’s background is deeply rooted in the agriculture industry and much of our experience is helping companies like Alltech succeed.” O+B will work with Alltech’s internal marketing team to develop content, creative assets and a strategic communications campaign ahead of the conference.

We’re looking forward to the ONE conference coming up May 21-24, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. We have been attending this event since 2007 and it has just gotten better every year!

Agencies, Alltech