Ag Leaders Recognized for Excellence

Kelly Marshall

AG_015.smThe Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored three individuals whose leadership in agriculture policy, practice and academia have contributed to the growth of the industry. The Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agriculture Leadership and Excellence was awarded to Senator Bob Dole, Dr. Brady Deaton, retired Chancellor of the University of Missouri, and Dee Likes, Chief Executive Emeritus of the Kansas Livestock Association.

“These three individuals have had a positive and lasting effect on our community. They are strong examples of what being an advocate for agriculture can accomplish,” says Mike Johanning, Chairman of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City.

Sen. Dole holds the record as the nation’s longest serving Republican lawmaker. He is a national leader and Kansas legend, as well as 27-year veteran of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Sen. Dole worked on virtually every major piece of farm legislation during that time, but perhaps none was more important than the 1985 Farm Bill.

Dr. Deaton served as chancellor of the University of Missouri (MU) from 2004-2013, after joining the University as a professor and chair of the agricultural economics department in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources in 1989. In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Deaton the chairman of the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development (BIFAD). He is Director of the Deaton Institute for University Leadership in International Development at the University of Missouri.

Known as the “face of the Kansas livestock industry,” Thomas “Dee” Likes served as CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association for three decades, working tirelessly on behalf of Kansas livestock producers. During his tenure, Likes positioned KLA as one of the most respected lobbying organizations in Kansas. Most recently he received a commendation by proclamation from Governor Sam Brownback and the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives for the leadership he provided to cattle ranchers and the beef industry in the state.

The event was sponsored by John Deere and JE Dunn Construction.  Tom Brand, Executive Director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, served as master of ceremonies.

Agribusiness

Fast Track Makes it to the Finish Line

Cindy Zimmerman

tpaAfter lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38.

“The Senate’s bipartisan passage of Trade Promotion Authority today sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are ready to complete new agreements that will break down trade barriers and open new markets from Asia to Europe,” said American Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman.

“Today is a huge victory for America’s corn farmers and the entire agricultural industry,” said National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling of Maryland. ““With major trade negotiations underway in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, today’s vote could not have come at a better time. The U.S. is back in the driver’s seat, negotiating the best possible deal for American farmers and livestock producers in these and other future trade agreements.”

The National Farmers Union, which is opposed to TPA, issued no comment after the vote on Wednesday. Fast track authority allows for the administration to negotiate trade agreements with other countries and allows Congress to only vote them up or down with no amendments. Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has been granted such authority by Congress.

AFBF, NCGA, Trade

Interns at O+B Advocate for Agriculture

Kelly Marshall

o+bCatalina, an aspiring art director from Argentina, sits down beside Laura, a Midwest farmer’s daughter. Nearby, former FFA state officer Jacob rubs elbows with a songwriter-turned-journalist, Zach. What unites this eclectic group? A passion for agriculture and an internship with St. Louis marketing and communications firm, Osborn Barr (O+B).

Eighteen of the best and brightest interns joined O+B in St. Louis this week.  They were chosen from more than 600 applicants and hail from 12 universities in six states.

“These students are our upcoming industry leaders, and we rely on them to tell the stories of agriculture, lead the way for rural America and connect with urban consumers,” said Michael Turley, CEO at Osborn Barr. “We value our responsibility to invest in them, and we hope to give them a robust and rewarding experience during their time at O+B.”

Participants pair with a mentor who helps them complete real client assignments.  They will focus on their own specialty areas; public relations, art direction, social media, account services, and so on.  Interns attend industry courses, learning to blend ag and communications.  The program also includes a hands-on visit to CEO Michael Turley’s dairy farm.

Historically up to 25% of the class will be hired as full-time associates at the end of the summer.

Agribusiness, Marketing

MZA+Co to Lead Public Relations for AgriGrowth

Kelly Marshall

agrigrowth-logoMinnesota AgriGrowth Council announced it has hired MZA+Co to lead its communications and public relations efforts.

Founded in 1968, AgriGrowth is a non-partisan, non-profit member organization representing all areas of Minnesota’s food and agriculture sectors. AgriGrowth is the only organization in Minnesota whose diverse membership and public policy work is solely devoted to ensuring a pro-business environment for the food and agriculture sector, the second largest sector of the state’s economy.

“AgriGrowth has a long history of effective engagement and advocacy on public policy issues and we’re excited to bring the experienced team at MZA+Co on board to continue to strengthen our outreach,” said AgriGrowth Executive Director Perry Aasness. “Kurt Zellers, Brian McClung and Chas Anderson have decades of experience at the highest levels of government and working with media around the state. We are looking forward to partnering with them on our communications efforts.”

MZA+Co is a public relations and public affairs company known for its strategic approach to helping clients meet their goals.  The company began in January of 2015 and boasts a leadership team with many years of experience in public relations, business, government crafting, communications and public affairs initiatives.

Agribusiness, Public Relations

FFA Members Learn Leadership in Washington D.C.

Kelly Marshall

ffaMore than 2,100 FFA members from throughout the country are gathering in Washington, D.C. this summer to hone personal skills, grow leadership abilities, and create a meaningful community-service plan designed to make a difference in their home communities.

The 2015 Washington Leadership Conference is the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year.  Participants spend a week learning from educators, counselors, and FFA staff in workshops, seminars and small groups.  The students learn personal and leadership skills to help them as they return to their local FFA chapters and their communities.

“Students who attend the Washington Leadership Conference learn their purpose, how to value people, how take action and the importance of serving others,” National FFA Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong said. “They leave with the knowledge and the confidence to act in ways that help their schools, communities and their country.”

Agricultural education teachers attend the conference as well, learning how to motivate and help develop their students’ personal growth and leadership potential and how they can help maximize their local FFA chapters’ community-service initiatives throughout the year.

At the conclusion of each weekly session is a civic engagement activity where participants apply what they have learned at the conference to a real, hands-on service activity. In a partnership with Meals of Hope, students will pack approximately 60,000 highly palatable meals that will be delivered directly to the food insecure of Washington, D.C. 

Participants will also visit many of the sites of D.C., as well as visit with members of Congress.

Ag Groups, FFA

New Holland’s True Blue Salute Supports Heroes

Kelly Marshall

TrueBlueSalute_logoNew Holland has expanded the True Blue Salute program in honor of the bravery, service, and sacrifice of America and Canada’s military and first responders.  This program provides equipment incentives to all current and retired United States and Canadian military and first responders.

“New Holland is honored to show our appreciation and support of our military and first responders through the True Blue Salute program. It’s our way of saying thanks to the heroes in North America who serve and protect us,” says Mark Hooper, Senior Director Marketing for New Holland in North America.

New Holland is extending a special equipment offer to active, reserve, retired military and honorably discharged veterans, and current or retired first responders, including police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians. New Holland will offer $500 off the purchase of select new New Holland tractors, light construction equipment, and hay and forage products purchased from an authorized New Holland dealer in the United States or Canada. A valid, government-issued military ID card or other proof of service is required. Information on eligible equipment is available from local, authorized New Holland dealers.

Agribusiness, New Holland

Will EPA Change RFS Volumes?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will a ban on antibiotics impact your livestock operation?”

Our poll results clearly state that producers are not sure how the change in federal antibiotic guidelines will impact their operations. The livestock industry is currently working with producers to help with his transition and working closely with your veterinarians to create a health plan designed for your operation will be key.

Here are the poll results:

  • It won’t – don’t use them – 7%
  • Positively with correct health plan – 27%
  • Big financial impact – 13%
  • Unsure – 53%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Will EPA change RFS volume proposal?

The EPA recently released a new proposal for biofuels volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard – one that has made no one happy but particularly corn farmers and ethanol producers who note that the agency is not implementing the law as intended. EPA is holding a public hearing to get comments on the proposal but will it lead to a change?

ZimmPoll

Bayer CropScience Celebrates Investments

Cindy Zimmerman

bayer-200Bayer CropScience this week celebrated two recent investment milestones: the completion of a $33 million office modernization project and the groundbreaking of Greenhouse 6, a $34 million research facility at its Research Triangle Park (RTP) headquarters.

“The modern office at our North American Crop Protection and global Seeds headquarters in RTP reflects Bayer’s desire to play a leading role in shaping the future of innovation in the life sciences industry,” said Bayer CropScience CEO Liam Condon. “Whether we are expanding our facilities here in the United States or other locations throughout the world, we seek to do so in a way that promotes and achieves our mission of ‘Bayer: Science For A Better Life.’”

This newly renovated facility boasts a modern and open design where employees have the resources and space to work efficiently, as well as amenities further enhancing Bayer’s reputation as one of the Triangle’s best places to work. Now, more than 700 scientists and specialists work together in this LEED certified $33 million space, which was specifically designed to increase cross-functional collaboration.

Greenhouse 6 is the third in a trio of new, state-of-the-art facilities at the RTP headquarters, which will increase Bayer’s capabilities to analyze and develop crops and find novel seeds and traits that will ultimately lead to solving farmers’ greatest challenges. Greenhouse 5 and Greenhouse 1 are the other two facilities that make up this trio. Greenhouse 5 opened in 2012 and Greenhouse 1 is scheduled to open late 2015.

“We are proud to continue making investments in Research Triangle Park and around the United States,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience North America. “As we expand our business and grow our research hub in RTP, we further enhance our abilities to make meaningful contributions to farming and modern agricultural production ensuring that we all have enough safe, abundant and affordable food. That’s a job we take seriously.”

Agribusiness, Bayer

Corn Growers to Protest EPA Proposal on Ethanol

John Davis

rallyforruralamerica1Corn farmers are going to make their voice heard on the Obama Administration’s cuts to ethanol. The National Corn Growers Association says producers from more than a dozen states are expected to turn out at a public hearing and rally in Kansas City, Kansas, this Thursday, protesting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to slash nearly 4 billion gallons of corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel Standard through 2016.

“Last time, we were very clear to EPA about what we wanted,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “It is simple: EPA should follow the statute. For farmers and others in rural America, this new EPA proposal means low corn prices and ethanol plant and industry cutbacks. And for everyone, it means higher gas prices and dirtier air.”

All farmers who can make the trip are encouraged to attend the hearing and public rally, with free bus transportation provided from several points across four states – Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. The buses are scheduled so growers can depart and return the same day, and free food and refreshments will be provided.

A rally in conjunction with the public hearing will kick off at 11:30 a.m. at nearby Huron Park, with several prominent agriculture, business and political leaders talking about the importance of renewable fuels for rural America.

Ag Groups, Corn, EPA, Ethanol, NCGA

InfoAg Conference Heading for Another Record Attendance

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 479There is an AgNerd’s paradise of a conference coming up in July. It’s the 2015 InfoAg Conference, the premier event in precision agriculture. I will be there courtesy of John Deere and GROWMARK. We learn more about this year’s conference and program from Quentin Rund, Conference Secretary, PAQ Interactive.

InfoAg ConferenceInfoAg 2014 was a record-setting success. Over 1400 participants shared in presentations on a wide range of topics on technology applications and data management and interpretation. As with previous InfoAg Conferences, the networking among participants was again a highlight of the experience. New relationships formed at InfoAg will lead to greater benefits and opportunities for those involved. Ideas exchanged in the hallways and the exhibit hall will form the basis for the new deliverables at the next conference. Those who took advantage of the Pre-Conference Tour on Monday picked up some additional first-hand knowledge and interactions.

Quentin says that pre-registration has already assured a new record attendance at this year’s conference. I asked him what he thought were the most important improvements in precision agriculture he’s seen since the first InfoAg Conference 20 years ago. He says ease of use for precision ag software and hardware coupled with the ease of transferring and using large quantities of data have been big drivers to move the industry segment forward.

Listen to my conversation with Quentin in this week’s program: 2015 InfoAg Conference

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

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