649,355 – Record Membership in FFA

Jamie Johansen

ffaThe National FFA Organization announced a record-high student membership of 649,355, up from 629,367 in 2015 and an increase of 3 percent. The number of FFA chapters grew from 7,757 to 7,859. The top six student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio and Missouri. Interest in FFA and agricultural education continues to grow, as membership continues to increase.

“FFA continues to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture, and our membership growth reflects continued enthusiasm for agriculture,” National FFA Organization CEO Mark Poeschl said. “Through agricultural education, FFA is preparing our members for careers in agriculture and is working to ensure the security of our country’s food, fiber and natural resources systems for years to come. Through real-world experiences, agriculture educators are helping students develop the technical knowledge, skills and problem-solving capabilities to be the industry’s leaders of tomorrow.”

Student membership was not the organization’s only growth opportunity in 2016. National FFA Alumni membership exploded with 225,891 members, growing from 62,705 in 2015. This year, graduating high school seniors automatically received alumni membership, which the growth numbers reflect. FFA Alumni play an important role in keeping agricultural education and FFA programs in local schools by providing both volunteers and financial support to local teachers.

Ag Groups, Education, FFA

Techies – Have You Got the 7 Yet?

Jamie Johansen

zp-nh1Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How should U.S. normalize relations with Cuba?”

The U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba represents about 120 national groups each working collectively on individual interests with the common goal of improving trade relations with Cuba. Cubans seek to normalize relations with the U.S. which would include the U.S. lifting the embargo, extending credit to Cuba ensuring future trade deals and opening borders allowing U.S. citizens to travel as tourists to Cuba. A strong majority agree both trade and tourism with Cuba are win, wins for our country.

Here are the poll results:

  • End trade embargo – 12%
  • Allow U.S. tourism in Cuba – 6%
  • Both – 76%
  • Neither – 6%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, Will you be getting the new iPhone 7?

The new models of the iPhone are out, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Chuck already has his 7 Plus and will be writing a review of it soon. We’d like to know if you have plans to own the newest thing from Apple. It has some exciting new features and some controversial ones like no ear bud connector. If you haven’t made up your mind then Google probably made the choice a little more difficult this week when they announced their phone, Pixel. But you can only get it on Verizon. So, please let us know your plans.

ZimmPoll

GROWMARK System Recognized for Ag Data Transparency

Cindy Zimmerman

ag-data-transparentGROWMARK has become the first agricultural cooperative system to earn the “Ag Data Transparent” seal for ag technology providers, which recognizes GROWMARK for its transparency working with farmers and the standards of privacy and security of data.

The Ag Data Transparency seal recognizes the GROWMARK System’s commitment to growers on how farm data is collected, where and how it’s stored and more. “When we work with our growers on collecting data, we want them to feel very confident that we’re going to protect their data,” said Lance Ruppert, GROWMARK director of agronomy marketing. The GROWMARK System’s MiField Applied Research initiative and FS AIS (Advanced Information Services) enterprise decision tool aid in the collection of field data that is then used to show successful management trends and assist with the development of agronomic recommendations.

Ruppert says GROWMARK and its retail FS member companies are dedicated to being open and honest with growers about the collection process and storage of their data. “We are a cooperative, so GROWMARK is owned by the FS member companies and those companies in turn are owned by growers,” said Ruppert. “So we do everything to help them.”

The evaluation and approval process considers many factors when assessing each company’s contracts with farmer data. The seal is awarded by an independent review organization comprised of industry groups, commodity organizations and ag technology providers known as the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator. This non-profit organization was created to give growers objective and clear insights into what data is being collected, who has access and who maintains ownership. More information is available at fb.org/agdatatransparent.

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Lance Ruppert, GROWMARK

AFBF, Audio, data, GROWMARK, Precision Agriculture

#CFWF16 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Kelly Marshall

David WrightDavid Schmidt, Country Life in BC, was this year’s recipient of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to David for his outstanding commitment to the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation and to the agricultural communications or media industries. Presenting the award to David is Tamara Leigh.

David made a point of saying that he doesn’t use one of those new smart phone gizmos but cautioned the attendees about thinking that “old guys” like him are completely clueless when it comes to the web. The reason is because through Google he discovered that people were sending in letters of recommendation for him for this award. He wasn’t supposed to know that!

You can hear David’s acceptance remarks here: David Schmidt, CFWF Lifetime Achievement Award

2016 Canadian Farm Writers Federation Conference Photo Album

Coverage of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation 2016 Conference is sponsored by
Coverage of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation 2016 Conference is sponsored by Case IH
Audio

NCGA Continues Scholarships with @BASFAgProducts

Cindy Zimmerman

NCGA 1st VP Kevin Skunes with 2016 scholarship winners at Commodity Classic

NCGA 1st VP Kevin Skunes with 2016 scholarship winners at Commodity Classic

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and BASF Corporation are now accepting applications for the next crop of scholarships to help grow the future for agriculture.

This is the tenth year for the partnership between BASF and NCGA which awards five $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field during the 2017-18 school year. Applicants for the NCGA William C. Berg Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program must be entering at least their second undergraduate year or any year of graduate study. The scholarships are open to any NCGA members and their children or legal guardians and all submissions must be postmarked on or before December 2, 2016 for consideration.

“Building the leaders of tomorrow is essential to NCGA’s work to a build a productive, sustainable and profitable corn industry,” said Paul Taylor, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “Our partnership with BASF helps ease the financial pressures these students face in pursuing their degree and, in doing so, helps ensure the brightest minds remain engaged in agriculture.”

Scholarship recipients will be selected in early 2017. Recipients and a parent or guardian will enjoy travel and lodging to attend the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas to be recognized at the NCGA Banquet and have the opportunity to learn more about modern agriculture.

The complete rules and application can be found at http://www.ncga.com/scholarships.

BASF, Commodity Classic, Corn, Education, NCGA

New Holland BigBaler at @WDExpo

Jamie Johansen

wde-16-110-editedThe New Holland Agriculture BigBaler 340 Plus was on the lot at the 2016 World Dairy Expo for dairy farmers to see how the new model builds on the brand’s leadership in the large square baler market. Seth Doman, Hay & Forage Marketing Segment Leader for New Holland North America, said their customers are lining up to see this machine that was launched at the Farm Progress Show just a few months ago.

“The new BigBaler 340 Plus bristles with unique, best-in-class features that deliver the ultimate baling performance in all crops,” said Seth. “Hay and forage operations, straw contractors, large-scale arable farmers and biomass businesses will appreciate the higher, even more consistent bale density and the productivity of the highest capacity New Holland baler ever. High capacity combined with high bale density means fewer bales per acre, less time to collect the bales and fewer bales to transport — all of which translates into lower costs per bale. The new BigBaler 340 Plus is designed and built for reliability and durability, and the easy serviceability means it will spend even more time in the field delivering its top-notch performance.”

Dairy producers are concerned with reducing cost with a volatile market constantly on their mind. Seth said that farmers want to know how the BigBaler 340 Plus will improve their overall business and input costs associated with it. “Increase in density is important. When you have 10% increase in density in each bale that means each baler that comes out is heavier, less balers to manage or store. Reducing those input costs can really impact the bottom line.”

Listen to my complete interview with Seth here: Interview with Seth Doman, New Holland

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 World Dairy Expo Photo Album

Coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by
Coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by New Holland
Audio, New Holland, World Dairy Expo

GMOs Perform for #CFWF16 During Get to Know GMOs Month

Chuck Zimmerman

fabulous GMOsHappy Get to Know GMOs Month. If you go to that link you’ll find some common misconceptions about GMOs and what is actually the truth. So here’s one for you.

Misconception: GMOs are all about foods and food production.

Reality: GMOs can also be a band that performed during the Canadian Farm Writers Federation annual conference. Yep.

So, what better time to “Get to Know GMOs” than to watch a performance by the fabulous GMOs? The band performed after the closing award ceremonies of the conference.

Generally speaking the band does all the on stage performing but in this song I captured on my iPhone it became audience participation as well.


2016 Canadian Farm Writers Federation Conference Photo Album

Coverage of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation 2016 Conference is sponsored by
Coverage of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation 2016 Conference is sponsored by Case IH
Video

Sorghum Producers Elect New Chairman

Kelly Marshall

nsp-blossThe National Sorghum Producers board of directors has selected Don Bloss to serve as chairman.

“Don Bloss is an experienced voice in the sorghum industry, having served previously as the chair of NSP’s Legislative Committee,” said Tim Lust, NSP CEO. “We look forward to his contributions and insights as NSP engages in discussions related to the next farm bill.”

Other returning officers include: vice chair Dan Atkisson from Stockton, Kansas;  James Born from Booker, Texas, as past chairman position; and re-elected industry member, Mike Battin of Chromatin Inc.  Newly elected officers are: Bobby Nedbalek from Sinton, Texas; Kody Carson from Olton, Texas; and Larry Earnest of Star City, Arkansas.

“We welcome these new leaders and are excited to have their representation and diverse experiences on the NSP board of directors,” said Bloss. “There are crucial issues our board will face in the coming year, and we look forward to their assistance in moving the sorghum industry forward.”

Nedbalek farms in South Texas and is a member of Texas Regional Water Planning Group, San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation and the South Texas Cotton and Grain Association. Nedbalek hopes to utilize his experience to work with industry leaders and consumers in promoting the sorghum industry.

Carson is an active member in his local West Texas community where he farms. He is also involved with the Ag Producers Co-op and Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. Carson wants to capitalize the strengths within the sorghum industry when working on legislative and marketing matters.

Earnest farms in southeastern Arkansas and is currently involved in the National Research Center Administrators Society and the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists. Earnest plans to work on increasing awareness of the value of sorghum and linking the importance of sustainable agriculture to both the public and world leaders.

“These directors have served our industry well during their tenure on the NSP board of directors,” Bloss said. “We appreciate their time and devotion to the industry and the legacy they leave to future sorghum leaders.”

Ag Groups, NSP, sorghum

Top 10 Winners in @FarmBureau Challenge

Cindy Zimmerman

fb-rural-challenge-17The top ten teams in the 2017 Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge have been announced, with the top four to compete for the title of Rural Entrepreneur of the Year at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention in January.

“Entrepreneurship is alive and well in rural America,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s a pleasure to recognize these 10 outstanding businesses. The FB Challenge addresses some of the unique obstacles entrepreneurs typically face, namely, limited options for support such as startup funding.”

The four finalists and six semi-finalists were chosen from a total of 356 applicants. Six semi-finalists in the competition were awarded $10,000 each, thanks to the sponsorship of Farm Credit, and the final four teams were each awarded $15,000 and will advance to the next phase of the challenge.

The final four are:

Grow Bioplastics LLC of Knoxville, Tennessee – ag tech entry. Renewable, biodegradable products that eliminate oil-based plastics for farmers, greenhouse and nursery managers, and home gardeners.

Levrack LLC, of Seward, Nebraska – support services entry. An efficient and orderly solution to reduce clutter in farm shops.

Vertical Harvest Hydroponics of Anchorage, Alaska – farm/ranch entry. Turnkey, hydroponic vegetable production facilities inside 40-foot-long insulated shipping containers.

Windcall Manufacturing Inc., of Venango, Nebraska – ag tech entry. Grain Goat, a battery powered, hand-held combine for sampling moisture content of grain.

The challenge, now in its third year, provides opportunities for individuals to showcase business innovations being developed in rural communities throughout the U.S. It is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.

AFBF

I AM @USFRA – Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare

Cindy Zimmerman

i-am-usfra-webRoberta Simpson-Dolbeare, who farms with her husband in west central Illinois, just joined the board of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) about a year ago to represent the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and she has already learned a great deal.

“I still feel a little bit like a newbie,” Roberta says. “It’s very interesting to learn what USFRA is doing to better educate the public about where our food comes from.” Among the USFRA programs Roberta finds most effective are the Food Dialogues and the FARMLAND movie educational materials.

roberta-isa-1As a district director on the ISA board, Roberta has been pleased to see how their affiliation with USFRA fits in with ISA’s strategic goals. “There are three main areas we are focusing on this year for our strategic plan – marketplace, farmer profitability and stakeholder value,” she said, noting that USFRA falls in the stakeholder value category. “Under the stakeholder value, it’s helping us to expand the influence and reach of ISA through advocacy efforts that will positively impact the Illinois soybean farmer.”

Listen to my interview with Roberta here: Interview with Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Illinois Soybean

You can listen to all of our I AM USFRA interviews here.

usfra-banner

Audio, Soybean, USFRA