Congresswoman Dishes on Nutrition

Cindy Zimmerman April 10, 2015

As a lifelong Missouri farmer and a former nutritional science teacher, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) has a bone to pick with the 2015 Dietary Guideline’s Advisory Committee’s (DGAC) report.

In a recent letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Hartzler and 70 House colleagues said the report strayed “from purely nutritional evidence and venturing into areas like sustainability and tax policy.”

“This year they are recommending to decrease the consumption of red meat,” said Hartzler in an interview. “They’re very much trying to minimize and marginalize the eating of meat and we know by science that lean meat can be and should be part of a healthy diet.”

Rep. Hartzler says the agencies making the final guidelines need to make them “solely on what is good for the human body, solely on proven science and not on any political agenda.”

In this interview, Vicky also talks about the Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act she is co-sponsoring, actions the House is considering on WOTUS, and the Country of Origin Labeling issue: Interview with Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)

Audio, Nutrition

Happy National Order Apple Watch Day

Chuck Zimmerman April 10, 2015

The big day is here for wearable technology. The latest entry is Apple’s new Watch. Today is the first day you can order the new gadget.

I have read a lot of reviews and decided to go ahead and place my order. I think an AgriBlogger has to have one. Don’t you? One of the common things reviewers have said is how much less they are pulling their iPhone out of their pocket. That tells me that the Watch has enough functionality and ease of use to be a viable tool. You can count on an AgNerd Cloud special when I get mine.

Our latest ZimmPoll shows some real hesitation to jump on this brand new product. I think that is understandable. That’s whey we need pioneers to travel the risky road and help you make a more informed decision later!

The first person who properly guesses which Watch/Band I ordered will receive a free gift from the AgWired stash.

Let’s move on to another big celebration today. An Android celebration as Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 is available nationwide today.

This gadget is expected to be a big hit since there are many changes from previous models. There are two versions, the S6 and the S6 Edge. I’m not sure I see the big deal with the Edge screen for more money. I’m planning to go to my local Verizon store today and make a deal to upgrade from my S4 mini to an S6.

If I’m successful then I’ll let you know what I think about this newest entry to the smart phone market.

Both of these products have quickened the pulse of every AgNerd out there. I hope you’ve been saving all your spare change . . .

Gadgets, Technology

The #AgNerds Have Spoken in Latest ZimmPoll

Jamie Johansen April 10, 2015

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Will you order an Apple Watch on April 10 or buy a Samsung S6 smartphone?”

The crowd has spoken and many who took our most recent ZimmPoll feel they have no use for either. Honestly, no one needs either one, but I sure want an Apple Watch. I am still in the minority though. The #AgNerds have spoken and the Samsung S6 has won. It will be exciting to see how the products make it in the real world or let’s say the farm world.

Here are the poll results:

Apple Watch – 17%
Samsung S6 – 32%
Both – 3%
No use for either one – 48%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What is your favorite alternative fuel (to gasoline)?

Alternative fuels are all the rage and/or future necessity. The agriculture community seems to be torn as to which is the best for the industry. We want to know your opinion. If gasoline wasn’t an option, which alternative fuel would be your choice? Biodiesel, ethanol, propane, etc?

ZimmPoll

10th Alltech/IFAJ Young Leaders Award Winners

Jamie Johansen April 10, 2015

Ten participants have been selected for the 2015 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) – Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism award. The award supports the winners’ participation in an IFAJ congress and in an intensive journalistic boot camp-style workshop. This year’s boot camp takes place October 12-13, prior to the IFAJ congress in New Zealand.

The successful applicants for 2015 are:
Brett Worthington, Australia, rural reporter in Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Ewald Wurzinger, Austria, journalist
Trevor Bacque, Canada, managing editor for Grains West
Christian Erin-Madsen, Denmark, journalist for Landbrug & Fødevarer
Andrea Bergman, Finland, journalist for Landsbygdens Folk
Doerte Quinckhardt, Germany, journalist for Landwirtschaftliche Wochenblatt Westfalen-Lippe
Ben Pike, Great Britain, freelance journalist
Mary Phelan, Ireland, journalist for Farmers Journal
Camilla Olsson, Sweden, journalist for Land Lantbruk
Candace Weeda, USA, journalist

The selection process consisted of points for a written submission, judges’ impression of the candidates’ leadership potential, their proven leadership abilities and a narrative explaining their interest in the young leaders’ program.

The boot camp was started 10 years ago by IFAJ vice-president Owen Roberts of Canada and Alltech, with close guidance from company president and founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. Since then, almost 90 young journalists have received the chance to strengthen their skills and expand their global network through this program.

“Over the last 10 years, we have seen young agricultural journalists from across the globe bring to the forefront of discussion, topics such as reducing methane emissions, abolishing milk quotas, incorporating solar-powered cameras to check cattle and using a smartphone to complete daily chores,” says Lyons. “These sharp wordsmiths are critical to the ongoing transformation within the agriculture and food sectors and beyond, and Alltech is proud to promote these young leaders in their journalistic pursuits.”

Agribusiness, Alltech, IFAJ, Journalism

Coolbean the Soybean Teaches Science

John Davis April 10, 2015

A new e-book is teaching kids to think likes scientists. Coolbean the Soybean, now available as an interactive book for grades 3-5, helps children learn about agronomic, crop and soil sciences.

Author Shawn Conley is an agronomy professor and the Soybean and Wheat Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I wanted to develop a fun, yet educational, tool to help teach today’s youth about where food comes from, career opportunities in agriculture, and explain why soybeans are so important, not only here in the US, but around the world,” says Conley. “My daughters were the main reason for writing this book, but I also remember being inspired at an early age by my first and second grade teacher, Mrs. Swiggum. Hopefully this book can help inspire the next generation of agricultural scientists.”

Previously released as a traditional graphic children’s book, Coolbean the Soybean transformed to an e-book in response to a generation of “digital native” students who want educational texts in a friendly format.

“We wanted to make it welcoming and accessible to boys and girls alike, and not intimidating,” says Lisa Al-Amoodi, managing editor. “The narration helps kids who may have a range of reading abilities.”

Coolbean explains modern farming techniques, how a seed becomes a plant and then produces a crop. The book tells the story of how soil, sunshine, and water affect the growth of the plant, intentionally following Next Generation science standards.

Check it out online at www.coolbeanthesoybean.org/.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Soybean

COTTON USA Campaign Shows Everyone Loves Cotton

John Davis April 10, 2015

COTTON USA shows that everyone loves cotton in its new global advertising campaign. This year’s campaign has the slogan “I Love My Cotton” and cast five individuals from different corners of the globe, wearing cotton in different ways.

“These portraits reflect the authenticity and passion unique to COTTON USA: the singular mark that symbolizes purity of fiber, quality of fabric and responsibility for the planet,” said Cotton Council International President Dahlen Hancock.

The Texas cotton producer said U.S. cotton sets the global standard for quality and purity. With this campaign, he said COTTON USA hopes to show that U.S. cotton is a premium fashion ingredient, pushing the COTTON USA logo to the forefront and encouraging the growth of U.S. cotton worldwide.

The campaign was shot by renowned photographer Paola Kudacki and styled by the talented Karen Kaiser, and cotton garments ranging from T-shirts to dress pants and jeans to towels are worn effortlessly by models Julia Hafstrom, Lais Oliveira, Gaspard Menier, Bregje Heinen, and young Caitlin Espirtu.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Cotton

AAEA/LPC Midwest Regional Workshop

Chuck Zimmerman April 9, 2015

It’s that time. Registration time if you’re interested in a little journalistic professional development.

2015 Midwest Regional Workshop

Register by April 27 for the joint AAEA / Livestock Publications Council workshop in Omaha, Neb., May 4-5, 2015 ($80 for members, $100 for nonmembers). Hotel reservation deadline is April 10 at the Embassy Suites Omaha-Downtown/Old Market ($129/night).

The workshop starts with tours of Omaha-based ag businesses on Monday, May 4, 1pm-5pm. A networking reception that evening is followed by a full day of sessions on Tuesday. Topics include multi-media assignments, breaking news tips, generational gap, transportation issues and storytelling. Hear from experts and sharpen your skills!

The first 20 to register get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Omaha Steaks!

Click here for more details about the sessions and how to register. Contact Diane Johnson with questions, dianej@flash.net.

ACN, LPC, Media

Trapped!

Melissa Sandfort April 9, 2015

A few weeks ago, the Lion’s Club held their annual Holbrook auction. It was a HUGE gathering with thousands of items for auction ranging from cattle panels to coins to furniture. About any treasure you wanted to find could be found there.

I’ve been to auctions before but never bid on anything. When the festivities began at 9:30, I put my bidder number in my purse and moseyed along, just taking in the excitement. I had my eye on a few things, and when they began on the trailer where “my” items were and I threw out my first winning bid, it was a rush! My first purchase? A #6 crock and #4 butter churn. From there, I moved on to some apple baskets but planned on staying all day or until I went home with an old feed bunk, matching weathered table and wooden gate.

Finally at 6 pm, the feed bunk came up for auction. There were a few eager men gathered around the items and my plan of attack was put in motion. I told myself I wouldn’t pay more than $100 for all three items and much to my surprise, I was the only bidder and took them home for $10 total! I’d say I got the best buy of the day.

As with any sale, they grouped smaller items together in hopes of speeding up the process. When we looked through my stack of apple baskets, this old rat trap was there. I chuckled to myself because out of the hundreds of auctions and farm sales my grandfather has been to over the years, his best finds have come from buying a box of miscellaneous items they threw together. The best treasure was oftentimes hidden at the bottom of the box.

I’m not saying the rat trap was the best treasure by any means, but it sure did conjure up fun memories of grandpa digging through his $5 box. I’m hoping the cats that enjoy laying in the feed bunk (which was, by the way, the best treasure) will keep rodents away and I won’t have a use for this rat trap.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Propane Program Pays Off for Growers

Cindy Zimmerman April 9, 2015

The Propane Farm Incentive Program paid off for participants last year, according to the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

PERC reports that participants of the program, which provides up to $5,000 toward the purchase of new propane-powered irrigation engines, reduced their per hour energy costs by more than 40 percent in 2014 compared with their previously owned diesel-fueled irrigation engines. “Today’s propane engines are built from the ground up for efficiency, power and reliability,” says PERC agricultural director Cinch Munson. “Results from our 2014 Propane Farm Incentive Program show that these new engines are cutting producers’ operating costs, while using an American-made fuel source that’s better for the environment.”

Over the course of the year, the 87 propane-powered irrigation engines demonstrated through the 2014 Propane Farm Incentive Program irrigated nearly 9,000 acres of 10 different crops. Ninety-five percent of those engines received overall performance ratings of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale, with 5 being high performing.

“Since 2009, PERC has helped bring over 30 new engines in a variety of sizes and horsepower ratings to the agriculture market,” said Munson. “These engines cost less than comparable Tier 4 diesel engines, and have lower operating and maintenance costs.”

PERC also reports that 90% of the 2014 program participants say they are likely to purchase another propane-powered irrigation engine and 96% are likely to recommend a propane-fueled irrigation engine to others based on their experience operating their incentive engine.

Learn more in my interview with Cinch here: Interview with Cinch Munson, PERC

Watch PERC’s testimonial video from Walvoord and Sons farm in Nebraska about their experiences using propane for irrigation and much more.

Audio, Irrigation, PERC, Propane, Video

Page 789 of 2,376
←
1
...
788
789
790
...
2376
→