Bayer’s #Thankful4Ag Surpasses Goal

Chuck Zimmerman October 30, 2015

Bayer CropScience has smashed another goal for their annual #Thankful4Ag campaign. In this week’s program I talk with Jeff Donald about the program and its progress.

Jeff says that last year the program had a goal of donating 200,000 meals to hungry people via Feeding America. That goal was broken and this year it is 330,000 by tomorrow October 31st. That has been surpassed too!

This third year the #Thankful4Ag campaign introduces consumers to the types of crops they were born to grow with a fun, interactive quiz, all while introducing them to real American growers and helping to feed the 48 million Americans living in food insecure households through Feeding America®.

#Thankful4Ag invites everyone to visit www.Thankful4Ag.com to take the “What type of farmer are you?” quiz, where participants will learn if their calling is to be an Idaho potato grower, a South Georgia kale grower or one of 10 other crops. From now until Oct. 31, each time someone takes the quiz and shares the results, or uses the hashtag #Thankful4Ag, Bayer CropScience will donate $1*, or 11 meals to Feeding America, up to 330,000 meals.

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 12, the campaign traveled with Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, sparking a social media frenzy with this PSA featuring the country music star.

Listen to this week’s program for more: Bayer #Thankful4Ag

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

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Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer, ZimmCast

Deputy Ag Secy Harden Believes FFA is the Difference

Jamie Johansen October 30, 2015

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden attended her first National FFA Convention and took the stage to address FFA members during the third general session of the 88th annual event. She said she doesn’t use prepared notes but her message was clear. She believes in the future of agriculture and doesn’t just think FFA members will make a difference. She believes wholeheartedly that they are the difference.

Before she took the stage, Deputy Secretary Harden spent time with the media to not only address the future of agriculture, but USDA’s programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Yesterday USDA also announced a tailored web tool designed to connect farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.

“This announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge, has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future,” said Harden. “No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.”

Listen to Deputy Secretary Harden’s remarks here: Ag Deputy Secretary Harden Presser

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA, USDA

Webinar for Farm Transition Planning

Kelly Marshall October 30, 2015

Ag Transition Partners, and American Agri-Women (AAW) are hosting a no-cost farm transition webinar to help producers plan for the future. Three webinars are planned and on-site or virtual coaching and action templates will be provided as well.

The first webinar is already avaliable for download on the AAW website. The second webinar will be held November 17 at noon Central. This webinar will help growers use the Ag Transition tool to learn the process and gather information to develop a plan.

You can register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5386075726088145410
Webinar ID: 118-664-379

The third session “Making it Happen” is scheduled for December 8. Registration detail will follow later.

The project’s multi-layer approach sets it apart from other planning processes, better helping farm families ensure the legacy of their operations. Each family will be coached by a member of the Ag Transition Partners and action plans will be developed using the University of Minnesota’s Ag Transitions online templates.

This project is free for participating farm and ranch families and is made possible through a grant from North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center (NCERMEC) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

An estimated 70 percent of farms and farmland are expected to transition ownership in the next 20 years, with less than half having estate plans in place. Fewer than 70 percent have chosen a successor, and only 11 percent have a transition plan. An estate plan can help families work together, rather than leave family members overwhelmed with taxes and unable to run the business.

For more information, or to sign up to for the project contact Kristine Ranger, project manager, at kristine@knkowledgenavigators.com or (517) 974-5697.

Ag Groups

Novozymes is Ranked Best Science Employer

Kelly Marshall October 30, 2015

Science Magazine released it’s annual Top Employers Survey, and Novozymes has been ranked number one. The survey encompasses employees from biotechnology, pharmaceutical and related companies and ranks the top 20 globally. Novozymes was selected because they are leaders in their industry, treat employees with respect, and are socially responsible.

“We are very proud to be recognized as the best employer by this leading scientific journal,” says Per Falholt, Chief Science Officer at Novozymes. “We develop biological answers to some of the greatest challenges of our time. Our growing world needs more food, better farming, renewable energy, and clean air and water. Our products really make a difference, and I believe that is a great motivation for everybody at Novozymes.”

Novozymes has pioneered the field of industrial biotechnology since the 1940s. One in five of its 6,500 employees work in research and development (R&D), with the company’s main research centers located in Denmark, China, U.S. and India. Novozymes invests 13-14% of total revenue into R&D each year.

As the world’s largest maker of industrial enzymes and microorganisms, Novozymes’ biotechnology is used by companies everywhere to save on energy, water and raw materials in a wide range of products. From laundry detergents, textiles and beer, to biofuels, animal feed and crops. In 2014, the worldwide application of Novozymes’ biological solutions helped customers reduce their CO₂ emissions by an estimated 60 million tons, equivalent to taking 25 million cars off the road.

“Many answers to the world’s biggest problems can be found in some of the smallest things in nature,” says Per Falholt. “Proteins and microorganisms have helped humans since the dawn of time. They are right there waiting for us to discover just how much biology can do to create a world in balance.”

Science Magazine is a production of the American Association of the Advancement of Science and considered one o the top scientific publications. Results were taken from 5,701 surveyed responses. View the complete ranking at www.sciencecareers.org/TopEmployers2015.

Agribusiness, Biotech

Ag Groups Welcome Ryan as Speaker

Cindy Zimmerman October 30, 2015

Agricultural organizations are pleased with the election of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to succeed Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman says they look forward to working with the new speaker. “Speaker Ryan has been a faithful friend of farmers and ranchers in his time in Congress,” said Stallman. “He has supported sensible changes in enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, backed open and fair trade with the rest of the world, fought chronic overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency and has been working to bring needed relief on the tax burden farmers and ranchers face.”

National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling is hopeful Ryan will bring more unity to the House. “Speaker Ryan called the House ‘broken’ and urged his colleagues to come together, re-establish order, and find unity and common ground. We hope Congress will heed the advice of their new leader,” said Bowling. “It’s time to get back on the path of doing the people’s business. From reforming our tax code to finding long-term solutions for our nation’s roads and bridges, there is important work to do. We ask Congress to take Speaker Ryan’s words to heart. Let’s wipe the slate clean, put aside partisan differences, and commit to moving our country forward together.”

Ryan is the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the first person from Wisconsin to hold the title. As Speaker, Ryan – who was the Republican nominee for Vice President in 2012, is now third in succession to the presidency.

AFBF, NCGA

The World Series of Agriculture

Jamie Johansen October 29, 2015

The head owl himself, Dr. Steve Brown, National FFA Advisor, took the stage to issue a challenge to all FFA members across the country during the opening session of the 2015 National FFA Convention. He asked members if they were readying to change the world of agriculture.

Native to the state of Missouri, Dr. Brown is an avid Kansas City Royals fan. His message to members was focused on courage, confidence and commitment while comparing the many similarities of baseball and agriculture.

“Baseball might be America’s favorite past-time, but I am hear to declare that at the 88th National FFA Convention, FFA is agricultures favorite past-time.”

“I want to tell you I believe in you. I believe in your mind, your dreams and your intelligence. With courage, confidence and commitment you can accomplish anything. You are here at the 88th National FFA Convention, the World Series of Agriculture. I hope that you will amplify your courage, amplify your confidence, amplify your commitment to win the World Series of Agriculture.”

Listen to Dr. Brown’s complete remarks to FFA members here: Interview with Dr. Steve Brown, National FFA Advisor

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA

Tyler Watkins – How Do You #SpeakAg?

Jamie Johansen October 29, 2015

Scattered throughout the New Holland booth at the 88th National FFA Convention are cutouts of the Pennsylvania FFA Officers. New Holland asked them how they #SpeakAg and advocate for the agriculture community.

First I spoke with Tyler Watkins, Pennsylvania FFA Vice President, who has aspirations of soon beginning a career in ag law with the mission to provide a better understanding of the industry.

“I am really passionate about education. More importantly, educating the public about misconceptions. The general thing is if it bleeds, it leads journalism. The negative aspects are what generally leads in agriculture. I am trying to get people to do their own research to find out what is actually going on instead of jumping to conclusions.”

Listen to my complete interview with Tyler here: Interview with Pennsylvania State VP, Tyler Watkins

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA, New Holland

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes October 29, 2015

JCB was recognized as the 2015-Mid Sized Company TAG (Technology Across Georgia) Excalibur award winner.
In support of promoting a more sustainable and efficient agricultural industry, Verdesian Life Sciences has been named a partner of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program.
The Equipment Dealers Association (EDA) announced that Fred J. Whyte, retiring president of STIHL Inc. in Virginia Beach, VA, has been recognized as an Honorary Member of the association.
Polaris Industries Inc., a recognized leader in the powersports industry, is proudly introducing the all-new Polaris GEM®.

Zimfo Bytes

USFRA Celebrates 5th Birthday

Kelly Marshall October 29, 2015

The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) marks a major milestone in it’s work to lead consumer dialogue on how food is grown in America. October represents five years since the 20 initial organizations joined together to make a shared vision into a reality.

To visually highlight this historic occasion USFRA also released a birthday event graphic that illustrates several major milestones the organization has made in the past five years. These accomplishments include launching their “Food Dialogues” website, providing factual research to impact and change food conversations, introducing the “Faces of Farming” spokespersons, and the release of the publicly-acclaimed movie “Farmland.”

“USFRA’s 5th birthday is symbolic for farmers and ranchers nationwide since we all can share a sense of pride and accomplishment we’ve made in the past five years in influencing the diverse dialogue from the farmer and rancher perspective about how food is produced and reaches American consumers,” noted Nancy Kavazanjian, Chairwoman of USFRA.

“USFRA has received tremendous support from the agricultural community right from the start and we would not be where we are today without our 90 affiliates and industry partners,” said USFRA CEO Randy Krotz, adding “we are grateful and lucky to have a dedicated Board, committee members, affiliates and industry partners who are vitally committed to USFRA’s mission and provide valuable time, knowledge and resources to help us succeed.”

Ag Groups, USFRA

Connecting with the Future of Ag

Jamie Johansen October 29, 2015

Connecting with the future of the agricultural industry is what brings the New Holland crew to the National FFA Convention each year. Mark Lowery works in marketing for New Holland and he shared with me what students swarming their booth can get out of the experience.

“Visitors to the New Holland booth will be able to take advantage of some educational pieces. We have our Precision Land Management simulator here. Students can race against an auto-guidance enabled tractor in the field while sitting in a cut-out tractor cab. This allows us to talk a little about our advanced farming systems and what they can do to be more efficient in their own operations.”

Mark said New Holland wants all the students to know that they are a progressive agricultural company that wants to help them with their future careers in and out of the field. Also in the booth FFA members can take their ‘Smart Story’ photo in front of a green screen to help #SpeakAg.

Listen to my complete interview with Mark here: Interview with Mark Lowery, New Holland

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA, New Holland

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