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

Ag Interests Voice Support for Pruitt

Cindy Zimmerman

Agricultural interests are voicing support for Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who has been chosen by President-Elect Donald Trump to be his administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as the pre-confirmation process begins with members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works meeting privately with the nominee.

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska meets with EPA nominee Scott Pruitt

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), who has challenged the EPA’s authority as implementation of rules impacted agriculture in her state adversely, met with Pruitt this week to question him about how he would run the agency. “My discussion with Mr. Pruitt focused on how he intends to unroll these reams of federal red tape and put the agency back on the right track,” said Fischer.

The American Farm Bureau Federation has formally endorsed Pruitt in a letter to the leadership of the committee that will hold confirmation hearings in the coming weeks. In the letter, AFBF president Zippy Duvall called Pruitt “an ideal nominee” who “has profound respect for the laws written by Congress.”

“We desperately need an administrator who understands the challenges our farmers and ranchers face in producing safe, wholesome and affordable food for our nation and the world,” Duvall said.

AFBF, EPA

IFAJ Debuts New Logo and Website

Cindy Zimmerman

The International Federation of Agriculture Journalists (IFAJ) has officially launched a new logo and updated website at ifaj.org.

The new logo has a sleeker, single color look while the new website has enhanced navigation and can be used on any mobile device. The structure of the content on the website has also been improved and the site now contains integrated social media buttons for Facebook and Twitter.

Check it out.

IFAJ

Inspirational ZimmCast with Amberley Snyder

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 532As we start a new year I think everyone can use some inspiration to tackle all that life throw’s at us. This week’s ZimmCast might just provide you with what you need. I visited with Amberley Snyder by phone yesterday and am sharing her story for you.

Amberley’s lifelong passion is rodeo, especially barrel racing and breakaway roping. However, almost seven years ago she was involved in a rollover accident with her truck and wound up in surgery for a broken back and spinal cord injury. The accident left her with no feeling below her waist. As you can see in the photo, Amberley needs a wheelchair. But as you can also see, she has her horse and has overcome this tragic accident to begin riding and racing. You can read her full story on her website.

Amberley’s story is simply titled, “Get Back on the Horse.” Not only did she do that but she is back in rodeo competition and available for public speaking to inspire others to overcome obstacles in their lives. Her story has special meaning to me since my oldest daughter was involved in a rollover accident as a teen which left her paralyzed too. She has never been depressed and lives and works very independently. These young women will probably never even know how much their approach to a tragedy has inspired and helped others but I am sure there are a lot of people who have been touched in a positive way from their stories.

I hope you’ll enjoy listening to Amberley’s story in this week’s program here: ZimmCast with Amberley Snyder

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

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