Thanksgiving Dinner Just $5 Per Person

Cindy Zimmerman

turkeyWhere in the world can a person get a sumptuous meal of turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk all for about five dollars? Only in the good ol’ US of A, thanks to the great productivity of our farmers and ranchers.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 30th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table, the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 topped $50 for the first time, but at $50.11 it is still a bargain.

The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at a total of $23.04 this year. That’s roughly $1.44 per pound, an increase of less than 9 cents per pound, or a total of $1.39 per whole turkey, compared to 2014.

“Retail prices seem to have stabilized quite a bit for turkey, which is the centerpiece of the meal in our marketbasket,” AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson said. “There were some production disruptions earlier this year due to the highly pathogenic Avian influenza outbreak in the Midwest. Turkey production is down this year but not dramatically. Our survey shows a modest increase in turkey prices compared to last year. But we’re now starting to see retailers feature turkeys aggressively for the holiday. According to USDA retail price reports, featured prices fell sharply just last week and were actually lower than last year,” he added.

Learn more about this year’s Thanksgiving price survey from AFBF.

AFBF, Food

New NAFB Officers

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 492Congratulations to the new slate of National Association of Farm Broadcasting officers and board members elected during the convention last week.

President: Brian Winnekins, WRDN Radio, Wisconsin
President Elect: Tony St. James, KDDD and KFLP Radio, Texas
Vice President: Tom Cassidy, Ag Radio Network, New York
South Region VP: Lorrie Boyer, KSIR Radio, Colorado
West Region VP: Sabrina Hill, AgNet West, California
East Region VP: Bryan McGarvey, WASK/WKOA, Indiana
Allied Industry Rep: Laura Henke, Charleston|Orwig
Allied Industry Rep: Mark Lambert, National Corn Growers Association
Management Sales Council: Neal Gladner, Louisiana Farm Bureau
Management Sales Council: Breck Von Bank, Brownfield Ag News
M & P Chair: Lance Knudson, American Ag Network

nafb-cassidyI sat down with Tom Cassidy after the election to talk about what he thinks of the state of the farm broadcasting industry, new technology and issues to work on in the future. Tom is a former dairy farmer who got into farm broadcasting by meeting the legendary Ed Slusarczyk, who passed away in 2006. Tom married Ed’s daughter Holly and took over the network, which he now owns.

Learn more about Tom in this week’s ZimmCast: Tom Cassidy, NAFB Vice President

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by
Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by BASF
Audio, Media, NAFB, ZimmCast

Old Things Connect the New Things

Melissa Sandfort

20151117_140332_resizedOver and over I have said life is a funny set of odd circumstances. People are brought together by unforeseen forces, odd coincidences tie us together, and those connections are oftentimes closer than we may realize.

For years now, I’ve written AgWalk stories about “old” antique items. A couple of years ago, my Aunt Jeanette joined forces and started sharing her stories and experiences with us. She and I were brought together by obvious reasons – she’s my aunt, she enjoys storytelling, and she’s a great writer. But we are also connected because of our love of antiques.

I’m not sure I’ve ever mentioned where she lives, but it’s Edgar, Neb. So what’s the other connection, you ask? In a box of old things out in our shop, “my Jeff” (she also has a son named Jeff!) came across this old bank bag from Edgar, Neb.

Maybe it’s just happenstance, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s a greater force at work in our lives. Maybe I just had a vivid imagination. Maybe I just read too much into things. All of these are possible.

But I thought it was entertaining and unique how so many old things in my life have a connection with new things.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

GROWMARK Becomes Partner for STEM Event

John Davis

IALP-Photo-3Some ag students could be better prepared to compete in the job market in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers thanks to a partnership between the Illinois Agriculture Leadership (IALP) Class of 2016 and GROWMARK. The two paired up to host a Job Interview Career Development Event for high school students from around the state on November 17, at GROWMARK Headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois.

The STEM Learning Event was designed to help participants develop, practice, and demonstrate skills needed in seeking employment in the agriculture industry. Each part of the event simulated real world activities that will be used by real world employers. Student teams each consisted of three participants who each choose a position to interview for in the areas of marketing, agronomy, and precision technology. These positions highlight STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in agriculture. Contestants submitted a cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation prior to the event. On event day, contestants filled out an application, were interviewed by GROWMARK employees, and wrote a follow-up letter. They also heard from Gary Swango, GROWMARK Vice President of Human Resources and attended a career fair to learn about the many career paths GROWMARK offers.

Kimberly Meier, member of the IALP team said, “I had the pleasure of having conversations with a number of students though out the day. The enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion they have for careers in the agricultural field was encouraging for the future of agriculture. They mentioned being interested in careers as CPA’s, engineers, communications specialists and more. We need bright, enthusiastic young people like the participants in the GROWMARK STEM Event in agriculture.”Read More

GROWMARK

#NAFB15 Last Trade Talk for AFBF President

Cindy Zimmerman

nafb15-stallmanIt’s been 16 years that Bob Stallman has represented the American Farm Bureau Federation as president and he’s been at NAFB Trade Talk for most, if not all, of those years. But this year was his last as president since he announced in July that he will be retiring from the post – to do whatever he wants.

“I told our leadership that this decision gives me the opportunity to pursue that which I choose, and I haven’t chosen yet,” said Stallman during an interview at NAFB. He says that his time as AFBF president has been a fantastic experience. “Thirty years ago when I was a young farmer, wading around in the rice fields in my rubber boots and fighting mosquitoes, I never would have thought I could have had an opportunity like this,” he said. “It’s been a phenomenal experience but it’s time now for someone else to take up the reins for American Farm Bureau Federation.”

In this interview, Stallman comments on some of the big issues for agriculture this year, including WOTUS and TPP. Interview with AFBF president Bob Stallman

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by
Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by BASF
AFBF, Audio, NAFB

First Female President for National Grange

Kelly Marshall

National GrangeDelegates of National Grange recently elected their national officers.  Of note among them is Betsy Huber, the first woman to be elected president of the organization.

Begun in 1867, Grange is noted as America’s number one rural family advocates.  Huber has been serving as a member of the Board of Directors as chairperson since 2007.  Her new position will require working with the staff to promote Grange policies in D.C. and overseeing the daily running of the program.

Ms. Huber is currently employed by the Pennsylvania State Grange as the Government Relations Director where she works to advance the policies of the Grange within the PA State Legislature. She is a member of Chester-Delaware County Pomona Grange #3 and Goshen Grange #121. Betsy started her Grange involvement at a very young age as a member of the Juvenile (now known as Junior) Grange. She has held numerous positions with her local Grange and with the Pennsylvania State Grange, including serving eight years as President, the first woman to hold that position.

She is also the executive secretary for the Pennsylvania Young Farmers Association. She has also held various positions in the agricultural community that include serving on the boards of the PA State Council of Farm Organizations (President 2011-12), the Governor’s Census 2010 Advisory Panel, the PA Department of Agriculture Fertilizer Advisory Committee, the PA Department of Environmental Protection Ag Advisory Board (Chair 2007), and PA Farm Link. She was employed as district aide to State Representative Arthur D. Hershey from 1992-2002.

Huber represents nearly 880,000 Grange members in 41 states.

Ag Groups

Prayers for Joey+Rory

Cindy Zimmerman

We’ve been keeping the country music couple Joey+Rory in our prayers since hearing that beautiful Joey made the decision last month to stop cancer treatments.

We had the pleasure of meeting this lovely and talented couple three years ago at the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Convention and were so impressed by their devotion to each other. If you have not been following this story, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year not long after the birth of the couple’s daughter, Indiana. After undergoing treatment, Joey announced in June of this year that the cancer had returned and spread to her colon and made the decision to stop treatment and enjoy whatever time she has in this world with her family, which also includes two daughters from Rory’s previous marriage.

Our prayers are with this courageous couple as they continue to share their story with their fans. They say they are still hoping for a miracle, but they consider the outpouring of love and support they have received from around the world to be a miracle in itself. God bless them!

Uncategorized

BASF Crop Protection Aids Growers in 2015

Cindy Zimmerman

nafb15-basf-22015 was a challenging year for growers with low commodity prices, weird weather and heavy disease pressure, but fungicide products from BASF Crop Protection definitely helped farmers get the most from their crops.

“The one thing farmers can do when markets look like they do is increase yield,” said Dr. Megan Andriankaja, BASF Fungicides Technical Marketing Manager, during an interview at NAFB Trade Talk last week. “Making a fungicide application is going to allow a grower to increase his yield, but it’s also about consistency of performance.”

That includes using BASF products such as Headline AMP for corn and Priaxor for soybeans. “They’re going to help that crop increase yield in disease years, like we saw this year, but it’s also going to help crops through drought years and other stressful conditions,” said Andriankaja.

Disease issues in 2015 included Grey Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight in corn and septoria in soybeans. “Protecting crops from those diseases this past year was absolutely critical for maintaining yield potential,” Andriankaja added.

Learn more in this interview – Interview with Dr. Megan Andriankaja, BASF

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by
Coverage of NAFB Convention is sponsored by BASF
Audio, BASF, Crop Protection, Fungicide, NAFB

USDA Looks to Expand Export Markets with MAP

John Davis

USDAThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has handed out the fiscal year 2016 award funds for its program for commerical export markets for U.S. goods. This agency news release says the Market Access Program (MAP) will provide more than $170 million that focuses on consumer promotion, including brand promotion for small companies and cooperatives, and is used extensively by organizations promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products, and bulk and intermediate commodities.

“USDA continues to expand markets for American goods abroad, work aggressively to break down barriers to trade, and assist U.S. businesses with the resources needed to reach consumers around the world,” said Vilsack. “Together market access and market development activities can help agricultural organizations representing thousands of producers and businesses open and grow markets for American products around the world.”

Under the MAP, FAS will provide $172.8 million for fiscal year 2016 to 62 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. These organizations use the funds to help U.S. producers with activities to promote their products around the globe. Activities can include market research, technical assistance, and support for participation in trade fairs and exhibits. MAP participants contribute an average 137 percent match for generic marketing and promotion activities and a dollar–for–dollar match for promotion of branded products by small businesses and cooperatives.

Under the [Foreign Market Development Program (FMD)], FAS will allocate $27.5 million for fiscal year 2016 to 23 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers. The program focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities, rather than consumer–oriented promotion of branded products. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. The organizations, which contribute an average 184 percent cost share, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas.

A study from 2010 shows that trade promotion programs like MAP and FMD provide $35 in economic benefits for every one dollar spent by government and industry on market development.

Agribusiness, International, Markets, USDA

Book Review & Contest – Combines with Casey & Friends

Joanna Schroeder

There is a new strategy this year for “Black Friday” that I’m coining “StayFriday” where one does his/her holiday shopping from home. And today I’m offering up a great gift idea that you can purchase online for the little ones in your life: “Combines” written by Holly DuFek and illustrated by Paul E. Nunn. What better way to review a book then try it out on an adorable four-year old child named Keaton Dicks? Alas, there is none.

Keaton Dicks

Book reviewer Keaton Dicks of Des Moines, IA takes “Combines” for a test drive.

We sat down to read Combines and while he loved the pictures, Keaton soon lost interest in the story. Why? Because I discovered it was a bit too difficult for him at his age. The well-illustrated story kicks off with farm girl Casey who talks about her love of farming. Along with her Case IH friends such as Bailey the Bailer, Kellie the Combine and Cody the Combine (Keaton’s favorite) she tells the story of the fall harvest and the evolution of the equipment used not only to harvest the crops, but grow the crops. Combines has some neat facts and fun games too. While the publisher recommends the book for ages 4-8, my recommendation is to purchase this book for children, both boys and girls, ages 6+.

As a bonus, Keaton and I read, “Casey’s Bright Red Christmas” and he really enjoyed this book. It’s the day before Christmas and Casey comes down with a bad cold. Under the leadership of her friend Tillus the worm, he and her friends put together a great Christmas celebration. In one scene they make cute Christmas tree cookies, which really got Keaton’s interest, and the recipe is included. This book is more suited to younger kids 3+.

Case IH is offering our readers a special contest. For your chance to win, make a comment to my post. You can share your experience of harvesting, tell a funny story on the farm, or just give us your name, but have some fun, and you’ll be registered to win both of these children’s books along with one for adults, “Red Combines” a coffee table book that I will be doing a book review of soon.

Can’t wait to win? Then click here to purchase either of the books or another in the series.

Case IH, Equipment