NACD Names New CEO

Jamie Johansen April 10, 2015

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased to announce that former Chief Operations Officer (COO) Jeremy Peters has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage the association and lead advocacy efforts on behalf of the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts.

“NACD is extremely fortunate to have an ‘in-house’ candidate that understands the needs of our association,” said NACD President Lee McDaniel. “Jeremy is a humble and sincere young man who knows our staff, our partners and many of our members, and understands the issues facing conservation districts today. His strong work ethic, passion for our mission, and ability to follow through on our various projects will serve NACD well in our future endeavors. We are pleased to welcome Jeremy as our new CEO.”

Peters rejoined NACD as COO in October 2014. Prior to that time, he worked for American Farmland Trust (AFT) where he led AFT’s efforts on Capitol Hill as the Director of Federal Policy. Earlier in his career, Peters served as NACD’s Legislative Affairs Manager, and directed climate, conservation and energy programs for National Farmers Union. He has also previously worked on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Earl Pomeroy, D – N.D., who sat on the House Agriculture Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.

“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve NACD and the nation’s conservation districts as CEO,” said Peters. “With a rapidly growing world population, this is an important time for natural resource conservation. I look forward to working with NACD’s officers, elected leaders and staff, and our national partners, to promote and advance voluntary, incentive-based conservation solutions.”

Peters grew up on his family’s farm raising beef cattle in rural southwest Virginia. He holds B.A. degrees in Political Science and History from Emory and Henry College, as well as a Masters in Public Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Ag Groups, Conservation

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes April 10, 2015

Cathleen Enright, PhD, has been named the new president and CEO for the Pet Food Institute, effective April 27, 2015.
The Missouri Dairy Association (MDA) applauds Governor Jay Nixon for signing the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act of 2015 into law.
Archer Daniels Midland Company announced that Mark Schweitzer has been appointed vice president, Investor Relations, where he will represent the company to the investment community and act as an advocate for shareholder value creation.
AgSense, LLC announced its release of the “Field Commander Ultimate” precision irrigation package.

Zimfo Bytes

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

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