ZimmComm Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Cindy Zimmerman

ZimmComm is celebrating 20 years of serving the agricultural business, marketing, and media industries in 2024.

The company was founded in 2004 by former farm broadcasters Chuck and Cindy Zimmerman with the idea of helping agribusinesses and organizations reach media outlets with their message in a new way.

“What is now social media was called ‘new media’ at the time,” said Chuck Zimmerman. “The idea of using the internet for communications was just starting with blogs and podcasts.”

First, ZimmComm created AgWired as an on-line publication for news and information from the world of agribusiness. It was the first blog targeted to agriculture, and still is a blog, which was a new term at the time that meant “web log” – a simple website that allowed users to post new messages in a chronological format. “We became agribloggers,” said Zimmerman, who adopted that name as his Twitter handle (@AgriBlogger) when the platform, now known as X, was launched in 2006.

ZimmComm started the first agriculture-focused podcast in early 2005 and coined the term “farm podcasting” with the ZimmCast, which continues to include interviews from around the agribusiness world.

ZimmComm developed “Talking News Releases” as one of its first services in 2005, creating AgNewsWire.com for posting and sharing content with audio, in addition to direct distribution by email. “As former farm broadcasters, we recognized the importance of having sound bites for stories,” Cindy said. “We wanted to make it easier for both the newsmakers and the news reporters to get quality audio without having to set up interviews.”

The first blog dedicated to the U.S. biofuels industry was developed by ZimmComm in September 2005, just one month after the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was signed into law. Called DomesticFuel.com at the time, Energy.AgWired continues to work with the industry and includes the Ethanol Report podcast, sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008. Both the ethanol and biodiesel industry were early adopters of new media.Read More

ZimmComm Announcement

Farm and Biofuel Groups Pleased with E15 Waiver

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency Friday issued a waiver to allow E15 (15 percent ethanol fuel) to continue to be sold this summer. The temporary waiver under the Clean Air Act was issued “to address extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances caused by a confluence of events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, that are affecting all regions of the Nation.”

Ethanol organizations and stakeholders welcomed the action, which the Renewable Fuels Association says will help American consumers save money at the pump this summer, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions and harmful tailpipe pollution. However, RFA Senior VP for Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp says the ultimate goal is to find a permanent solution to allow E15 sales in the summer. “We are certainly seeking some sort of legislative solution to solve this long term so we don’t have to keep begging and pleading to make sure that E15 does not disappear during the summer.”

Learn more in this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast with Bredenkamp and Chief Economist Scott Richman.
Ethanol Report 4-19-24 28:13

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings said he was grateful to see the administration respond to the industry’s requests. “Earlier this year, the Biden administration finally confirmed E15 can permanently be offered in eight Midwest states, but postponed year-round access in those states until the summer of 2025….A permanent solution to year-round E15 will ensure these benefits aren’t left to the whim of ad hoc agency decision making in the future.”

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn grower organizations also praised the decision. “This waiver is good news for corn growers and those in rural America who will benefit economically from this decision and for consumers who will save money at the pump during a busy travel season,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle.

ACE, Corn, EPA, Ethanol, RFA

Industry Ag News 4/19

Carrie Muehling

  • USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) appoints Lance Honig as Chair of USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Board, as well as the Methodology Division Director. Honig has served in an acting capacity for both roles since November 2023. As the chair, he will lead the preparation and dissemination of market-sensitive agricultural forecasts and estimates.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation urged USDA to reverse its decision to cancel livestock and crop surveys that are crucial to the success of America’s farmers and ranchers. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently announced it would no longer provide a July cattle inventory survey, as well as county-level estimates for crops and livestock and the objective yield survey for cotton.
  • Farm Journal Foundation welcomes new Farmer Ambassadors and two new staff members to the team. Sarah Tweeten is new Farmer Ambassador from Iowa, and Brad and Joyce Doyle are new Farmer Ambassadors from Arkansas. Karleigh Creighton, who recently worked as senior producer at RFA-TV, is new Communications and Events Manager, while Larissa Villegas joins as a staff Communications and Programs Coordinator.
  • Growing a resilient food supply has never been easy but it’s even more difficult when you have a variety of weather, labor, water and environmental challenges. That’s the topic for the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit on June 4, 2024 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento, CA.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced the addition of Carbogenesis and Octent Automation to its distinguished group of associate members. This expansion signifies the RFA’s ongoing dedication to broadening its network with organizations that are at the forefront of technological and environmental advancements within the renewable fuels industry.
  • The National Pork Producers Council announced several staff updates to enhance the organization’s advocacy efforts. Andy Curliss will join the organization as vice president of strategic engagement, effective April 22, 2024. In this new role, Curliss will lead a range of efforts focused on expanding the reach and influence of the U.S. pork industry. Maria C. Zieba has been officially appointed vice president of government affairs. Chase Adams has been promoted from senior director to assistant vice president of domestic policy.
  • Six of the nation’s major commodity groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission encouraging it to vote negative in advancing a petition by Corteva Agribusiness to place antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D shipped from India and China.
  • Alltech announced a new marketing structure designed to better serve both the company’s customers and the needs of its internal teams. These new roles and responsibilities will allow for increased agility in meeting stakeholder needs while cultivating closer alignment and collaboration across Alltech’s U.S. business.
  • Meyocks, a leading branding and marketing agency, hires Marcie Garcia to lead its strategy function. In her new role, Garcia is responsible for brand strategy work across the agency’s roster of food, agriculture, health, and mentor brands. Garcia joins Meyocks with more than a decade of agency experience, including roles at TBWA/Chiat/Day, Wunderman Thompson and McCann. In that time, she built an impressive portfolio of work for global brands such as Amazon, KFC, Moderna, Nestlè, T-Mobile and The Hunger Project.
  • C.O.nxt announced two recent promotions on their team of employee-owners. Brandon Maly and Cheryl DeShambo have both been promoted to the role of account supervisor.
  • Torrey Advisory Group, a boutique lobbying firm specializing in food, agriculture, and forestry issues, welcomes Nona McCoy as a Vice President on the policy team. McCoy’s 25 years of bicameral, bipartisan congressional experience will elevate the firm’s services in appropriations support and provide TAG clients with a strategic approach for engaging Congress and federal agencies.
  • The American Pecan Promotion Board has selected Signal Theory as its agency partner for a consumer retail and communications campaign to drive demand and consumption of pecans not just during the holidays, but year-round. The announcement comes just in time for National Pecan Month, an industry-wide celebration held each April to showcase the versatility and nutritional benefits of American pecans.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Land O’Lakes CEO on TIME100 Most Influential People

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Land O'LakesTIME named Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford to the 2024 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Land O’Lakes operates in all 50 states and more than 60 countries and Ford has served as President and CEO since 2018.

    Ford, who has held senior positions in seven companies in six industries, leads not only by delivering financial performance, but also by addressing the important global issues and structural changes that can improve areas directly impacted by food and agriculture. During her tenure, Land O’Lakes has focused on its members, the technology that enables them, and on ensuring the vibrance and connection of the communities in which they live and work. Working to close the digital divide, she convened the American Connection Project and contributed to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which included $65 billion for rural connectivity. She regularly addresses issues around global food security, noting food security is national security.

    Ford’s acknowledgement in TIME, available here, was authored by Larry Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock. Ford was named to the inaugural TIME100 Climate List last November.

    Agribusiness, Cooperatives

    Precision Ag News 4/17

    Carrie Muehling

  • Nestlé Purina is investing in farmer adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across the company’s corn and soy supply chains through a new partnership with Cargill, one of the largest ingredient and agricultural solutions companies in the U.S. This work will support soil health and reduce the carbon footprint for Purina dry pet food products across North America, contributing to a more sustainable future for people and their pets.
  • Get ready for an extraordinary journey through Arkansas’s vibrant agricultural landscape at the 17th Annual Conservation in Action Tour, taking place on June 10-11, 2024! The esteemed keynote speaker for this year’s tour is Carolyn Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, (MMFA). For more information and to register, visit here.
  • John Deere, with the help of quarterback Brock Purdy, launched an epic hunt for the company’s first-ever Chief Tractor Officer (CTO) — a witty and charismatic content creator ready to help the iconic American brand celebrate farmers, contractors, groundskeepers, and brand fans. To apply, candidates must submit a short-form video with their pitch for the position, showing the creativity, humor, and passion they’d bring to the job. Candidates are also encouraged to publish their entries to TikTok and/or Instagram tagging @JohnDeere.
  • Biolevel and My Yield announced that My Yield will distribute Biolevel bionutrition products for use in My Yield’s customized treatment solutions. The partnership expands the availability of Biolevel products to farmers and seed dealers across the U.S.
  • For the second straight month, unit sales of 100+ horsepower ag tractors increased in the U.S., according to the new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). March sales jumped 3.2 percent compared to last year, following February’s increase of 2.8 percent compared to 2023. Total year-to-date unit sales of ag tractors and combines are below 2023’s pace. Tractors are down 13.3 percent while combines fell 20.4 percent.
  • As GROWMARK, Inc. continues to position itself to lead in the digital agronomy space, it has partnered with Intelinair, an ag data analytics company, on a new digital agronomy application to equip its farmer customers with data-driven insights to improve agronomic outcomes throughout the growing season.
  • On April 9th, U.S. and Israeli officials convened at the U.S. National Arboretum for a seminar and dinner reception marking the 45th anniversary of BARD, the US-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund.
  • Custom Agronomics, a leading provider of private-label liquid plant nutrition and other specialty products for the agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets, announced that Tom Snipes has been appointed CEO.
  • Peterson Genetics, Inc., is pleased to announce that Ben Peterson has been named President of the Company. Mike Peterson continues as the Chief Executive Officer.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Custom Agronomics Acquires BioTek Ag

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Florida-based specialty products company Custom Agronomics has acquired North Carolina-based BioTek Ag to expand its focus on nutrient use efficiency products.

    Custom Agronomics is a formulator and manufacturer of private-label liquid plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, and other specialty products for the agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets. BioTek Ag has more than three decades of experience helping farmers improve and protect crop yields with specialized nutrients, nitrogen stabilizers, and other specialty products that improve soil biology and enhance the effectiveness of crop inputs.

    “This acquisition immediately enhances our portfolio of nutrient use efficiency products, expands our footprint, and strengthens our overall team,” said Greg Thompson, chairman of the Custom Agronomics Board of Directors and a senior operating partner at Inverness Graham, a private investment firm that acquires innovative companies where technology is transforming traditional industry. Inverness Graham’s investment in Custom Agronomics is part of its Green Light initiative that invests in businesses where environmental sustainability is a key driver of growth.

    BioTek Ag will become part of Custom Agronomics. Financial terms of the deal are confidential.

    Agronomy, AgWired Precision, Fertilizer, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture, Soil

    Golden Harvest Corn Still Growing Strong

    Cindy Zimmerman

    With corn planting underway now across the Midwest, there are likely quite a few Golden Harvest hybrids going in the ground after a successful 2023.

    “Golden Harvest has made a lot of innovation over the past 50 years,” said Rex Gray, Golden Harvest Corn Product Manager, at the recent Commodity Classic. “Over the past two years we’ve brought 39 new products to the market.”

    Gray said they are excited to launch Enogen DuracadeViptera™ this year. “That’s something farmers have told us they wanted and needed for a some time,” he said.

    Learn more in this interview about the 50 year legacy of Golden Harvest.
    Classic24 Rex Gray, Golden Harvest/GHX 4:08

    2024 Commodity Classic Photo Album

    Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Golden Harvest, Seed, Syngenta

    Animal Ag News 4/15

    Carrie Muehling

  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found in a South Dakota dairy herd last week, becoming the eighth state with HPAI-infected dairy cows. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s HPAI website now shows a total of 26 detections, in Texas (11), New Mexico (6), Kansas (3), Michigan (2), Idaho (1), Ohio (1), North Carolina (1), and South Dakota (1).
  • The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) expressed disappointment in the final rule released to update the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which maintained the proposed rule’s cuts to dairy in the WIC food packages.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit will feature panelists from Protect the Harvest, American Kennel Club, and CloverLeaf Animal Welfare Systems who will share their experience navigating animal rights activism. The 2024 event, themed “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture,” is set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo.
  • The 2023 Cattlemen’s Beef Board Annual Report is now available. See how the Beef Checkoff utilized your producer dollars to support and strengthen the entire beef industry through research, promotion and education.
  • Managing livestock grazing on federal public lands in a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak will pose unique challenges for ranchers and animal health officials. That is why the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) received USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) funding to work with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and other stakeholders to develop movement decision criteria guidance that addresses the unique scenarios that would arise for federal lands grazers. Resources are now available on the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply and Secure Beef Supply websites under the Public Land Grazing pages.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced it will host its third-annual TSCRA Cattle Raisers Roundup July 22-26 in East Texas. The event is open to high school students who have completed their sophomore through senior years and are interested in gaining knowledge about the beef supply chain, natural resources and other important issues impacting agriculture. Cattle Raisers Roundup will include tours at cattle operation and beef packing plants, as well as the opportunity to speak with industry leaders. The program is structured to allow for practical application of everyday activities of those who buy, sell, produce and rely on beef protein. Applications are due May 1 and are available at tscra.org/what-we-do/students/.
  • King Ranch, Inc. announced that it has acquired a 50% stake in Cobalt Cattle, the nation’s fourth-largest cattle feeding operation with six feedyards in Colorado, Kansas and Texas.
  • The Milk Cup launched April 10th as part of Gonna Need Milk’s efforts to connect with Gen Z. Gonna Need Milk’s inaugural gaming activation at Vidcon Anaheim featured a creator competition that streamed on Twitch’s front page, and the organization is committed to maintaining the momentum through this groundbreaking tournament.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Water Awards. The awards recognize outstanding performance of wastewater treatment plants that operate at poultry and egg processing facilities. Winners will be announced at USPOULTRY’s Environmental Management Seminar to be held Sept. 19 – 20, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida.
  • Advancement and change continue at a rapid pace in today’s poultry industry. As increasing automation and new management techniques occur, the poultry processing plant feels the impact perhaps more than any other operation in the company. Throw in labor challenges and talent development, and managing the plant becomes more complicated day by day. Learn about ways to overcome these challenges and increase efficiency and effectiveness during USPOULTRY’s 2024 Poultry Processor Workshop that will be held May 15-16, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 4/12

    Carrie Muehling

  • The Food and Agriculture – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC) announced the launch of a new University Partnership Program to drive improved collaboration between the industry and leading universities on a range of security issues impacting America’s food and agriculture sector. The partnership program has launched with four founding collaborators: Iowa State University of Science and Technology, the University of Nebraska, Purdue University and PARI, and Virginia Tech.
  • The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) just concluded its second annual conference, PBPC2024: Circular Solutions, in Omaha, Nebraska, where industry leaders explored the latest innovations, business models, and policies shaping the lifecycle of plant-based products and advancing a circular economy. Keynote speakers included Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Cooperative Service.
  • American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, which sets maximum contaminant levels at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS and 10 parts per trillion for PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA.
  • Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the spring session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the April Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. CT! This session is titled “The Greatest Stories We Ever Told” with Wyatt Bechtel, Broadhead; Megan Silveira, Angus Media; and Kylene Scott, High Plains Journal. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration necessary. It’s open to members and non-members.
  • The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council proudly announce the 2024 Missouri Corn Scholarship recipients. Each student will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to contribute to their college education.
  • Nutrien Ag Solutions recently announced a multi-year commitment of nearly $850,000 to the National FFA Organization (FFA) in support of its commitment to shape future agriculture leaders. The yearly donation of $282,500 supports a variety of National FFA Organization programs and events during the three years (from 2024 to 2026), including supporting FFA members in competitive events, assisting FFA advisors in their professional development, as well as providing National FFA Officers with a $10,000 scholarship at the end of their year of service. In addition, the donations will also support alumni chapter grants.
  • Registration is now open for the Agri-Pulse West Food & Ag Issues Summit on June 4 in Sacramento. Experience a day full of illuminating speeches and panel discussions, an immersion into California agriculture and food issues. Click here for more information and registration.
  • Amid concerning reports that potatoes could be reclassified as grains in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Congressman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) are leading a bipartisan effort to express opposition to efforts to declassify potatoes as vegetables. In a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, Pingree, Simpson, and 27 Members of Congress voiced their strong opposition to any reclassification of potatoes, which they say would “call the scientific credibility of the entire process into question.”
  • Yanmar America Corporation has announced its continued sponsorship of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team. Official Partner of the Atlanta Braves Grounds Crew, Yanmar supported the Braves as they met the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 5th, for their Home Opening Day at Truist Park, Atlanta, GA.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    ZimmCast 729 – Preview of the 2024 Agri-Marketing Conference

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    It’s almost time for the 2024 Agri-Marketing Conference that is put on by the National Agri-Marketing Association. ZimmComm will be there to celebrate our 20th anniversary in our Connection Point booth. We’ve got more to come on this when we get to the conference later this month.

    2024 Agri-Marketing ConferenceIn this episode I’m talking with Lori Kruger, Signal Theory, and Chair for the Agri-Marketing Conference committee. We’ll do a preview of what you’ll find.

    In case you haven’t registered it’s easy to go to the NAMA website and get it done.

    Listen to the episode here:ZimmCast 729 - Preview of the 2024 Agri-Marketing Conference (12:14)

    That’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Audio, NAMA, ZimmCast