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

Growth Energy Supports Next Gen #Ag Teachers

Joanna Schroeder October 29, 2015

Growth Energy has made a commitment to support the next generation of agriculture teachers through $90,000 in scholarships over the next three years for students during their student teaching assignments. The funds were donated to the National Association of Agricultural Education who will give the “Upper Division” awards to students majoring in ag education.

“Student teaching can be a financial strain on agricultural education majors,” said Dr. Wm. Jay Jackman, NAAE executive director. “They spend every day teaching, so they are essentially working a full-time job with no pay. There is a national shortage of agriculture teachers, so anything we can do to help students finish their degree and get into the classroom is critical.”

Previously, NAAE’s Upper Division Scholarships were $750 each, and approximately 15 were given each year. Growth Energy’s gift means that the scholarship amounts will be doubled, and beginning in 2016, more of these larger scholarships will be awarded.

Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy added, “There is nothing more important to the future of agriculture than those who wish to enter a career that will help further the innovation, promise and bounty of America’s farmers. American agriculture and those invested in it are the backbone of this nation and Growth Energy is thrilled to help support the future leaders of this industry. We are thrilled to help support those who will write the next great chapter of American excellence by providing food, feed and fuel to move our nation forward.”

Growth Energy’s gift is a special project of the National FFA Foundation and was announced during the first day of the National FFA Convention taking place in Louisville, Kentucky this week.

AgCareers, FFA

National FFA Officers #AmplifyFFA

Jamie Johansen October 28, 2015

The 88th National FFA Convention & Expo is in full swing and the streets of Louisville, KY are flooded with corduroy jackets. This week the lives of the National FFA Officers are crazy to say the least, but I had a chance to chat with two of them this morning before the organized chaos got too deep.

Nearly 365 days ago Andy Paul was selected to serve the National FFA Organization as their National FFA President. Today you can still see that excitement in his eyes. He has traveled to 29 different states, dozens of airports, given keynote addresses and put on many workshops. But Andy said his favorite part of the year has been the time when he simply got to hangout with the members.

“A third of my year has been with the members, a third of my year has been with the sponsors who really drive this organization and a third of my year has been in training and preparation for this convention and other programs.”

Andy wants all members to be comfortable with who you are and knowing what’s important to you. “Holding on to the things that make you you is really my take home message.”

Listen to my complete interview Andy here: Interview with National FFA President, Andy Paul

I also spoke with Central Region Vice President, Kristen Schmidt, who calls Colorado home. She said she looks back at her year serving FFA members from across the country and sees the personal growth in herself and can’t wait to put that into great use as she continues to pursue her passion for the agriculture community.

“Amplifying is all about taking something and making it louder, stronger or better. It is not just about cranking up the volume, it is also cranking up that intensity and taking those things that we already have and using them to serve a greater purpose.”

Listen to my complete interview with Kristen here: Interview with National FFA Central Region VP, Kristen Schmidt

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA

CEO Council on Sustainability and Innovation

Taylor Truckey October 28, 2015

Leading agribusiness CEOs, with the assistance of the Bipartisan Policy Center, have announced a new joint effort aimed to identify and promote innovative approaches to improving sustainability in agriculture and food production.

The CEO Council on Sustainability and Innovation will officially be launched tomorrow, October 29 by leaders of DuPont, Elanco, Kellogg Company, and Land O’ Lakes. Over the next several months, the council will research, collect and amplify innovative approaches within the agribusiness industry to combat and adapt to the realities of a changing climate and its impacts on food production.

As the event is open to the public, the details are below for the official launch.

WHO:
Jeff Simmons
President, Elanco
@JeffSimmons2050

John A. Bryant
Chairman and CEO, Kellogg Company
@KelloggCompany

Chris Policinski
President and CEO, Land O’ Lakes
@LandOLakesInc

Secretary Dan Glickman
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Senior Fellow, BPC
@DanRGlickman

WHEN: Thursday, October 29th 2015 02:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m. ET
WHERE: Bipartisan Policy Center, 1225 Eye St. NW, Suite 1000, Was

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Elanco, politics

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