Happy National Co-op Month!

Cindy Zimmerman October 5, 2016

National Co-op Month has been celebrated annually in October across the United States for more than half a century and this year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build.”

“The cooperative business model continues to perform strongly,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “While the model has long been one of the hallmarks of rural economies, its reach has greatly expanded to include almost every aspect of U.S. commerce. The latest data show that cooperatives are a key to building stronger and more vital communities, particularly in rural areas.”

USDA this week released the latest data on net income for the nation’s agricultural cooperatives, which increased 14 percent last year to $7 billion, and announced the Top 100 ag cooperatives.

The top five remained the same as last year with CHS Inc. in the number one spot with $34.7 billion in total business volume for 2015, followed by Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes, GROWMARK, and Ag Processing Inc. Rounding out the top 10 are California Dairies Inc., United Suppliers of Iowa, Northwest Dairy Association, Southern States Cooperative – which moved up to 9th from 11th, and Prairie Farms Dairy of Illinois which rose from 13th place to 10th. The biggest ‘gainer’ on the list from 2014 was Producers Livestock Marketing Association, based in North Salt Lake, Utah. It rose from 90th place in 2014 to 58th place.

Iowa is home to more Top 100 co-ops than any other state, with 15. It is followed by Minnesota with 11 and Nebraska with nine. California and Illinois each have six, while Wisconsin has five. Minnesota and California each gained a new co-op in the Top 100 in 2015.

Cooperatives, GROWMARK, USDA

USDA Report Shows Biobased is a Growing Industry

Kelly Marshall October 5, 2016

The USDA has released a report showing the biobased products industry contributed $393 billion and 4.2 million jobs to the American economy in 2014. That’s a growth of 220,000 jobs and $24 billion over 2013.

USDA Secy Vilsack learns about biobased artificial grass

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has found the biobased economy to be one of the four pillars that support the rural economy of the U.S. “When USDA released the first-ever Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry last year, we were thrilled to see what a positive impact this sector was having on our economy, and this updated analysis shows that the sector is not just holding strong, but growing,” Vilsack said. “America has an appetite for everyday products-including plastic bottles, textiles, cleanings supplies and more-made from renewable sources, and that demand is fueling millions of jobs, bringing manufacturing back to our rural communities, and reducing our nation’s carbon footprint. As this sector is strengthening, so is the economy in rural America, where this year the unemployment rate dropped below six percent for the first time since 2007. USDA is proud to see such strong returns on our investment into the biobased products industry.”

This report is the second Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry released by USDA, and it analyzes revenue and jobs created by the biobased products industry at the national and state level in 2014. USDA released the first report of this kind last year, which analyzed the same information based on 2013 data. The new report shows that the industry directly supported 1.53 million jobs in 2014, with each job in the industry responsible for generating 1.76 jobs in other sectors. In 2013, the industry was found to contribute $369 billion and four million jobs to the U.S. economy.

Biobased materials also benefit the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gasses. They can also be used in place of petroleum-based products, a resource that has been heavily relied upon for many years. Biobased products currently replace the equivalent of 200,000 cars on the road each year.

The current BioPreferred Program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded in 2014.

USDA

Help #Celebrate50 with World Dairy Expo

Jamie Johansen October 4, 2016

We have officially kicked off the 2016 World Dairy Expo (WDE) in Madison, WI. Fifty years ago the concept of bringing a cattle show together with a dairy industry expo was simply a dream; today it is a legacy. The event is known to bring over 70,000 visitors each year with nearly 3,000 international guests representing over 90 different countries. Those attendees flock to the world-renowned trade show and come to witness over 2,000 head of the best dairy cattle compete in North America.

The opening ceremonies just took place where we had the opportunity to hear from Scott Bentley, WDE General Manager, Joe Parisi, Dane County Executive, Ben Brancel, Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture and Al Deming, WDE Board Chairman. They highlighted how the show has evolved over the years, the impact it has had on the global dairy industry and the future legacy going forward.

But more importantly, Miss Madison was unveiled. She is a representation of the 50 years and each dairy breed shown during the event. More to come on her later.

Listen to the complete press conference featuring the above here: WDE Opening Ceremonies

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

Coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Dairy, World Dairy Expo

Dream Big at the ARA Annual Conference

Kelly Marshall October 4, 2016

The Agricultural Retailers Association will be hosting their annual conference and expo in Orlando, Florida- a place known for magic. The keynote speaker will be conjuring up a little of that enchantment as he presents his message on leadership and world-class customer service.

Lee Cockerell is a retired Disney executive, a man in charge of 73,000 team members who daily created the illusion of magic for millions of park and resort guests. His common sense message translates to leadership, respect for people, company culture and a vision for the future. “It’s not the magic that makes it work; it’s the way we work that makes it magic,” Cockerell says.

It’s easier than you think for a small business owner or entrepreneur to create their own magic. Build a great website, answer your phone, return calls and look professional, he advises.

They keynote address will wrap up a conference focused on many topics that can make your business wishes come true: China’s impact on the U.S. ag sector, economic outlook, recruiting and maintaining employees, PSM compliance, optimizing performance, pricing strategy, and networking opportunities. Attendees can also look forward to the ARA Invitational Golf Tournament, ARA Dinner and Auction, Disney Animal Kingdom Backstage Safari, Central Florida Ag Tour, Winter Park Boat Tour and Morse Museum and more.

The event runs November 29-December 1. You can register now online.

Ag Groups, ARA, Events

Role of Freelancers at #CFWF16

Chuck Zimmerman October 4, 2016

In today’s media there is a great opportunity for freelancers. The Canadian Farm Writers Federation invited a panel to discuss this topic. On the panel were Leeann Minogue, Editor, Grainews (pictured); Allison Finnamore, FCC Express & FCC Agribusiness, Agri-Food Weekly and Tamara Leigh, Principal at Shiny Bird Communications.

I visited with Leann after the session and asked her for some takeaways. To start with, she says there are not as many people out there who know agriculture and can write well as you might think. Another topic concerned how freelancers charge for their work. Leeann says her company has a flat rate model. The actual amount depends on experience. If you’re just starting you can expect to be paid less than someone with experience. Regarding advice for aspiring freelancers Leann says, “Call, email, don’t be shy about calling and emailing because there aren’t as many people out there as you think.”

You can listen to my interview with Leeann here: Interview with Leeann Minogue

2016 Canadian Farm Writers Federation Conference Photo Album

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

Audio, Media

Cultural Dance at #CFWF16

Chuck Zimmerman October 4, 2016

The 2016 Canadian Farm Writers Federation conference featured a Taste of Saskatchewan reception. During the reception we were entertained by a group of local cultural dancers. These dancers are from St. Mary’s Oskayak Dance Troupe. Their are about forty elementary students involved with the group.

In the video below you’ll see them perform the “Grand Entry.”

2016 Canadian Farm Writers Federation Conference Photo Album

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

Video

October is “Get to Know GMOs” Month

Cindy Zimmerman October 4, 2016

GMO Answers has proclaimed October as “Get to Know GMOs” month to answer consumers’ most pressing questions about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

“Since the launch of GMO Answers, we have answered over a thousand consumer questions about genetically modified foods—where they come from, how they’re used, and why they’re an important part of our food supply,” said Kate Hall, managing director of the Council for Biotechnology Information and GMO Answers spokesperson.

As part of Get to Know GMOs Month, GMO Answers conducted a nationwide survey to gather consumers’ top ten questions related to GMOs and then hit the streets of Washington, D.C. to engage directly with consumers about their pressing GMO questions. The video will be posted on GMOAnswers.com later this month.

“The video and results of this survey shed light on what’s top of mind for consumers as they think about GMOs, and also provides a roadmap for GMO Answers’ ongoing journey to increase consumers’ awareness of the facts about genetically modified foods,” said Hall.

The nationwide survey to gather consumers’ top ten questions related to GMOs was conducted by the Opinion Research Council (ORC). The top ten questions in order of consumer interest are:

Do GMOs cause cancer?
Are GMOs safe for human consumption?
How much of our food in the U.S. is genetically modified?
Do GMOs have an impact on the environment?
Have long-term health studies been conducted on GMO crops?
Do GMOs have an impact on allergies?
If livestock eat genetically modified grain, will there be GMOs in my meat?
Do GMOs have an impact on the price of food?
Do seed companies have an influence on whether farmers grow GMOs?
Do GMO crops have an impact on bees or butterflies?

Biotech, Food, GMO

Luke Bryan Farm Tour Sponsored by Bayer

Chuck Zimmerman October 3, 2016

Do you like Luke Bryan? Are you #Thankful4Ag? Then this story is for you. Bayer is presenting the Luke Bryan Farm Tour for the second straight year. The tour has eight stops in cities across the U.S. Bryan launched the tour in 2009 as a way to highlight and celebrate the contribution America’s farmers make in putting food on tables in the United States and throughout the world.

“I come from a farming background so I understand the hard work it takes for farmers to feed America and feed the world,” said Luke Bryan. “Bayer and I did some great things together during last year’s tour including donating to local farmers and raising money to help feed America. I’m excited to do even more good work with them this year.”

Bayer is the title sponsor of the tour and will highlight its annual #Thankful4Ag campaign which activates consumers to provide meals to those in need while thanking farmers for their contribution to feeding the planet. Last year, Luke Bryan and his fans helped Bayer provide over 300,000 meals to families across America—this year’s goal is 500,000 meals. Show stops will also feature opportunities for attendees to learn more about Bayer’s commitment to agriculture through innovation, science and responsibility.

“This tour is all about the farm and the farmer. Given the mutual commitment Bayer and Luke Bryan have towards American farmers, and with how much great work we accomplished together in 2015, we’re proud to team up with Luke for a second year,” said Ray Kerins, SVP for Bayer Corporation. “Once again, for eight nights this harvest season, we’ll join Luke in giving thanks to those in agriculture who dedicate their lives to making everyone’s better. Farming is a 24/7 job so we’re excited to help give them a few nights of fun with one of today’s top stars.”

You can help this campaign by sharing the #Thankful4Ag hashtag. For every share, Bayer Corporation will donate a meal to Feeding America* to help feed families facing hunger. Just do it before November 30, 2016. Visit Thankful4Ag.com for more information.

Agribusiness, Bayer, Video

#Sustainable Farming Info from @USFRA

Cindy Zimmerman October 3, 2016

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) has just released a new animated video short and educational infographics highlighting sustainable farming and ranching practices to help answer questions consumers have about how food is grown and raised, including questions about sustainability practices on and around farms and ranches.

“Sustainability is a vital part of our everyday lives as farmers and ranchers, and we know consumers care about the environment when it comes to how food is grown and raised,” said CEO Randy Krotz. “Since not every consumer has the opportunity to see farming first-hand, our goal is to bring the farm to them. We hope watching this video and sharing these infographics gives people a glimpse into the practices that farmers and ranchers created and adopted to grow safe, nutritional and sustainable food.”

The video, “Farm On: Sustainable Food Production” is narrated by farmer Glenn Brunkow of Kansas and highlights how farmers and ranchers protect and maintain the water, soil and air while caring for their farms. The infographics visually demonstrate, in bite-size information, sustainable farming and ranching practices. USFRA developed these educational tools to demonstrate why and how farmers and ranchers value sustainability and consider it their responsibility to grow and raise food that is nutritional and safe.

Watch the video below:

Education, Food, USFRA, Video

AgCareers.com Offers Leadership Enhancement Workshop

Cindy Zimmerman October 3, 2016

AgCareers.com has a Leadership Enhancement Workshop coming up next month in Omaha for managers interested in taking their leadership to the next level.

This face-to-face workshop is rooted in sound leadership theory but is paired with a unique hands-on, fun approach to reinforce learning principles in a memorable and enriching manner. Participants will gain a holistic view of the importance of becoming an effective manager; key components that play into successful leadership; and practical knowledge and resources to benefit managers at all stages of their managerial life cycle.

AgCareers.com president Eric Spell will present the Leadership Enhancement Workshop. “For new managers finding your stride and leadership approach takes practice and experience. On the other hand, most experienced managers will likely agree that continually fine tuning and revisiting their leadership practices is imperative,” said Spell. “Investing in continuous improvement training benefits everyone involved–the manager, staff and the organization.”

The workshop will be held November 16-17 in Omaha, Nebraska – find out more.

AgCareers, Education

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