NAMA Turns Sixty

Chuck Zimmerman

No, I was not at the founding meeting. But I’ve been involved with NAMA for a lot of years. Congratulations to the National Agri-Marketing Association for reaching the big 6-0!

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) proudly marks 60 years of advancing the professional development of agri-marketers across the country this year. Since 1957, when a small group of ag marketers joined in Chicago to talk shop, NAMA has grown to include over 1,700 professional members and 22 chapters. This includes 34 student chapters that sprang from the success of NAMA’s first student chapter at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in 1968.

NAMA National President, Matt Coniglio, Penton Agriculture praises the vision of NAMA’s founders and looks forward to what the future holds for the organization.

“From the start, NAMA has attracted the most dedicated and forward thinking members of the agri-marketing industry,” says Coniglio. “We look back with pride on the founding and growth of NAMA. Today’s leadership is energized to move ahead in that same spirit.”

NAMA

Exploring the New Political Landscape at #AFBF17

Cindy Zimmerman

The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States has ushered in a whole new political landscape, which was discussed during one of the sessions early Monday morning at the American Farm Bureau Federation 2017 Annual Convention.

“What we thought was impossible politically is now possible,” said Stan Barnes, President, Copper State Consulting Group in Phoenix. “We’re not in a normal world.”

Barnes, a former Arizona state legislator, was joined by Billy Moore, political strategist with Vianovo, to take a deep-dive into the impacts of the election, issues facing the President and Congress and the implications for the first 100 days. “The deadline is not the first 100 days anymore,” said Moore. “The deadline for Congress and the president to have shown real action is the beginning of August. Trying to muscle too much through in the first 100 days leads to failure.”

Both agreed that the only certainty about the new political landscape is that it will be very different.

AFBF New Political Landscape session

2017 AFBF annual meeting photos

AFBF, Audio, politics

Monsanto Moving Toward Bayer Merger

Cindy Zimmerman

Monsanto is still on track to become part of Bayer AG by the end of the year, but in the meantime it is business as usual and that business continues to expand to offer more solutions for farmers.

“We look forward to updating you on the status of the deal as we move through the year,” said Monsanto Chairman and CEO Hugh Grant during the company’s first quarter 2017 earnings report and annual R&D Showcase on Thursday. “Until then, we’re committed to operate as an independent company.” Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant provides Bayer update

During the same webcast, Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Dr. Robb Fraley talked about how combining with Bayer will help accelerate the pipeline and bring innovation to farmers faster: Monsanto's Robb Fraley discusses Bayer-Monsanto vision

Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer

#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