Farm Credit System Celebrates 100 Years

Jamie Johansen August 24, 2016

FCS Financial and the Farm Credit System have spent the last year celebrating their 100-year anniversary. To recognize this occasion, FCS Financial invited all of their member-owners to celebrate with them at the Missouri State Fair. Events for member-owners took place throughout the day along with receiving meal vouchers and admission tickets to the fair.

This was just one festivity FCS Financial held to commemorate a century of service to agriculture and rural communities. I was able to sit down with CEO of the Farm Credit System, Dave Janis, to learn more about the 100-year celebration and what the future looks like as they focus on their customer’s needs.

“Our mission for the last 100 years has been to provide a reliable source of credit and financial services to our members. As we look forward, we want to continue that mission for the next 100 years. We think agriculture and rural communities are specially important. We want to do our part to support it through our programs.”

Learn more in this week’s program: ZimmCast with FCS Financial

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Credit, ZimmCast

Agribusiness TV is Mobile in Africa

Chuck Zimmerman August 24, 2016

During this year’s IFAJ Congress I met again with Inoussa Maïga, an agricultural journalist from Burkina Faso. This young entrepreneur brought my attention to a big project he’s involved with called, “Agribusiness TV.” This is the first web tv channel designed for mobile phones and dedicated to youth who succeed and innovate in the agricultural sector of Africa.

You can get their mobile app here: Google Play – Apple App Store

Agribusiness TV is starting with video reports in 4 countries in West and Central Africa: Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

In each of these countries, a multimedia journalist works on the production of video reports on successful young entrepreneurs along the value chain. Agribusiness TV aspires to gradually cover other African countries.

Agribusiness TV is an initiative of MEDIAPROD, supported by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) through its Agriculture, Rural Development and Youth in the Information Society (ARDYIS) Project.

Take a look at the video below and let me know what you think about this project. Do we need one in the USA?

Caroline HIEN, 25 years, did not know how to read or write. But this did not stop her from creating her own enterprise and succeed in her business of making local fruit jams.

Caroline used to go to the market in Cote d’Ivoire and see that fruits were rotting there. For her, this is not acceptable and it has motivated her to transform these fruits, make it a business and create jobs for others.

Today, through her enterprise “Carol’s Confiture – homemade”, Caroline has won the first prize of the Challenge “Startupper 2016” and is planning to expand her business.

2016 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the IFAJ Congress is sponsored by

IFAJ, International, Media, Video

New Poll Shows Strong Support for TPP Agreement

Jamie Johansen August 24, 2016

A new poll from Morning Consult shows most voters favor fair trade. Which is something the American Farm Bureau Federation said all candidates should keep in mind as a congressional vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement comes closer to reality.

“Most Americans support free trade,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “and most farmers do, too. Exports account for almost a quarter of American farm receipts, so opposing fair trade agreements like TPP doesn’t make a lot of sense to rural America.”

Among other things, the August poll found:
· Fifty-seven percent of registered voters have a favorable view of “fair trade.”
· Fifty percent said they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew it would provide new markets overseas for U.S. farm products.
· After Americans were told TPP would increase net farm income by $4.4 billion and agricultural exports by $5.3 billion, 52 percent said they would be more likely to support TPP. More than half (51 percent) say an estimated increase of 40,100 jobs resulting from the agreement would make them more likely to support TPP.
· Fifty-two percent of voters say they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew the deal would increase annual income in the U.S. by $131 billion.
· Sixty-nine percent of voters support trade policies that will open new markets for U.S. products and U.S. farmers while less than one in 10 (8 percent) oppose.

“Most trade deals start out with loud opposition, only to fade away once the details become known,” Duvall said. “We are convinced TPP is no different: The more people know, the more they will support this vitally important agreement.”

AFBF, Ag Groups, Trade

Immigration/Farm Labor – Important in Upcoming Election?

Jamie Johansen August 24, 2016

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Is agriculture still relevant at state fairs?”

I won’t disclose my age, but I will say I have never missed a Missouri State Fair. No, I am not a carney. I was there with my dad as he managed FFA shows and exhibits, I have exhibited my own cattle and more recently have attended as media. No matter the exact reason, they were all centered around agriculture. And luckily, our pollers agreed that agriculture does and should play a large role at state fairs across the county. I hope your memories of state fairs are as memorable as mine and you do your part to make sure agriculture isn’t lost at future fairs.

Here are the poll results:

Yes, plays a big role – 65%
Yes, but minor – 11%
No, should play larger role – 16%
No need for ag – 5%
Don’t know – 0%
Other – 3%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, How important is immigration/farm labor to election?

One of the hot topics in this year’s presidential election has been immigration. Both sides of the line have mentioned it’s impact, but few can agree on a solution. Farmers and ranchers are in a constant struggle to find farm labor and immigration laws play a big part. Let us know how important immigration and farm labor are in our upcoming presidential election.

ZimmPoll

USDA Assisting #Dairy Producers

Cindy Zimmerman August 24, 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to purchase millions of pounds of surplus cheese to aid both hungry families and dairy producers.

The purchase of approximately 11 million pounds of cheese, valued at $20 million, will assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years. The cheese will be made available through USDA nutrition assistance programs, while the action is also intended to help boost the stalled marketplace for dairy producers whose revenues have dropped 35 percent over the past two years. USDA also announced that it will extend the deadline for dairy producers to enroll in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy to Dec. 16, 2016, from the previous deadline of Sept. 30.

USDA received requests from Congress, the National Farmers Union, the American Farm Bureau and the National Milk Producers Federation to make an immediate dairy purchase. Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 authorizes USDA to utilize fiscal year 2016 funds to purchase surplus food to benefit food banks and families in need through its nutrition assistance programs.

Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall praised the move by USDA. “The USDA’s action will help alleviate the tough realities of the market and keep family farmers in business at a time when too many are leaving,” said Duvall. “More than 1,200 family dairy farms went out of business in 2015. We greatly appreciate USDA’s taking this action to help our beleaguered dairy producers.”

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson says the stop gap aid is too little to help the dairy industry. “NFU appreciates USDA’s continued commitment to dairy producers, especially within a very tight budget,” said Johnson. “The current environment, however, has left dairy farmers struggling with severe economic strain, and it requires a more robust response.” Johnson adds that NFU is urging Congress to help USDA continue to assist dairy producers as funding allows.

While USDA projects dairy prices to increase throughout the rest of the year the agency will continue to monitor market conditions in the coming months and evaluate additional actions, if necessary, later this fall.

AFBF, Dairy, USDA

Announcing 2016 Borlaug Dialog

Kelly Marshall August 23, 2016

Registration is now open for the 2016 Borlaug Dialog in Des Moines, Iowa. The event will be held on October 12-14 at the Marriott Downtown Hotel and will focus on the crucial role of nutrition in global food security.

The 2016 conference celebrates the 30th anniversary of the World Food Prize by bringing together international leaders, policy makers, farmers, executives, scientists, and experts to address critical food issues.

The title of the 2016 Borlaug Dialogue “Let Food Be Thy Medicine,” a quote attributed to Hippocrates approximately 2,400 years ago, best captures the ground-breaking achievement for which the 2016 World Food Prize laureates are being honored – the development and implementation of biofortification, breeding critical vitamins and micronutrients into staple crops, thereby dramatically reducing “hidden hunger” for millions.

The 2016 Borlaug Dialogue will feature presentations by two dynamic women political leaders from Africa: H.E. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius and H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, as well as addresses from Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President, World Bank Group and H. E. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group.

View the full speaker list and register today!

Ag Groups, Events, Nutrition

A Bad Boy Stampede

Chuck Zimmerman August 23, 2016

I want one of these Bad Boys! Some of us are already getting excited about fall hunting and one of these would really get us to and from our stands quicker. I have an old model Bad Boy that I’ve been hunting with for a couple years now and I love it. It’s an electric 4-wheel drive buggy.

So here’s what’s new:

Bad Boy® Off Road, a Textron Specialized Vehicles brand, is proud to announce the Stampede™ 900 4×4, a side-by-side with unmatched power, nimble suspension and handling, unrivaled hauling and storage capacity, an extraordinary driver experience and exceptional reliability.

“We designed Stampede to be industry-leading on the features that drivers told us matter most – power, a comfortable ride, and the ability to haul and store everything they need,” said John Collins, vice president, consumer for Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc..

Read all about it on the Bad Boy Off Road website.

Hunting, Video

International Drone Expo 2016 – New & Upgraded Activations

Jamie Johansen August 23, 2016

International Drone Expo (IDE) has new and upgraded show activations for 2016. IDE will host its first annual Drone Race Cup, a pitchfest competition and film showcase. The third annual IDE is set to take place December 9-10, 2016 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Championship IDE drone race cup is one of the few sanctioned in Los Angeles. The race will feature a challenging state-of-the-art course with demanding obstacles, time chip sensors and display monitors showing first person view for spectators.

The show will also seek the latest innovations through a pitchfest competition. A select panel of venture capitalists will award finalists and an overall winner as pitchers seek investments and growth opportunities for their innovative drone concepts and products. Applications will be open in September on the IDE website.

IDE exhibitors will have the opportunity submit their most compelling drone footage which will be showcased during the expo in the main hall.

“As the leading drone expo, we strive to showcase the cutting edge innovations and exceptional capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles,” said Ned Krause of IDE. “The all-new and upgraded activations, coupled with keynotes, workshops and high level seminars led by industry experts, encompass the best of today’s UAVs and the innovation we can look forward to in the near future.”

Agribusiness, Precision Agriculture

Talking Weeds at Bayer Showcase Plot Tours

Jamie Johansen August 23, 2016

To start the day off in Athens, IL., one of the stops in the Bayer Showcase Plot Tours, Dr. Aaron Hager, University of Illinois, talked weed control with growers and retailers in attendance.

Key weeds Dr. Hager highlighted included marestail, palmer amaranth and water hemp. Two-way resistance is commonly seen in fields across the country, but Dr. Hager talked about three and four-way resistance. He even said a five-way resistant field in Central Illinois was found.

Watch Dr. Hager share his in-depth thoughts on weed control and the latest on dicamba soybeans including issues in Southeast Missouri, reminding growers that no products are labeled yet.

View and download photos from the event here: Bayer Showcase Days Photo Album

Agribusiness, Bayer, Crop Protection, Video, weed management

Women Agribusiness Peer Group Looks For Members

Jamie Johansen August 23, 2016

Farm Journal Media is launching the first-ever exclusive women’s agribusiness peer-to-peer networking and career development group. The Peer Group is looking for additional members and launches as the newest addition to the Top Producer Executive Network™ (TPEN) portfolio.

The Interactive Online Agribusiness Peer Group for Women will kick off with in-person launch meeting Sept. 7-8, 2016. Additional interactions will be interactive, web-based video conference collaborations for the next year. Based on research with members, the online format is a big advantage for working professionals.

“We’re excited to launch this peer group focused on agribusiness women looking to learn from each other and accelerate their success in our industry,” says Melissa J. Sanders Carroll, General Manager, Top Producer Executive Network. The group, like all Farm Journal peer groups, will be led by one of Farm Journal’s professional facilitators. Members will work together to promote an environment of accountability while implementing workshop concepts to achieve career and group goals.

Listen here to learn more from farm broadcaster, Pam Fretwell, on My Farm Radio.

Agribusiness

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