Farm Bureau Proud and Optimistic

Cindy Zimmerman

afbf15-stallmanThe 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway in San Diego, kicked off by president Bob Stallman Sunday morning telling the membership that agriculture must push harder for important policy reforms in 2015.

“We cannot ignore the extremes of the left and right, but we must speak to the center: the legislators in both parties who go to Washington because they want to make policy and get things done,” Stallman said. “It’s time for Congress to get back to work – to do their job so you can do yours.”

Acknowledging that preparing for the 2016 elections will shorten time for Congress this year, Stallman detailed a number of important issues the need to be tackled, including immigration reform, food labeling, taxes and energy policy.

Listen to Stallman’s speech here: AFBF president Bob Stallman, 2015 convention

Stallman opening press conference: AFBF president Bob Stallman, press conference
2015 AFBF Convention photo album

AFBF, Audio

Contamination Prevention at Beltwide Cotton

Chuck Zimmerman

Beltwide Cotton Consultants ConferenceEarlier this week the 2015 Beltwide Cotton Consultants Conference took place in San Antonio, TX. One of the hot topics discussed during the event was contamination prevention. Dale W. Thompson, National Cotton Council, spoke to the group in attendance about the potentially growing problem.

Dale said this is no new problem for cotton growers and has a huge impact on the bottom line for growers. The problem is seen when the product has moved down the line to the textile mills and then ultimately the consumer in the marketplace. Dale shared images of what the mills see when harvesting is done improperly. “Once contamination is hit, it is really difficult recapture those markets.”

Dale goes on to share technology used to filter contamination and the publications out there to education growers on ways to implement prevention on their own operations.

“We are trending in the right direction. Contamination on the 2013 survey was less then in pervious years for U.S. cotton. The bad news is we still have a lot of plastics getting into our cotton found in textile mills around the world. That is why we have made an effort to get the word out to growers, ginners, warehouses and the transportation industry that contamination is a serious issue and we look for help from consultants that have good relationships throughout the industry.”

Listen to more about this critical subject here: Dale Thompson Presentation

You can find photos from the opening day of the conferences here: 2015 Beltwide Cotton Conferences

Coverage of the Beltwide Cotton Conference is sponsored by Coverage of the Beltwide Cotton Conference is sponsored by NuFarm
Ag Groups, Audio, Beltwide Cotton, Cotton

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  • Dr. Jodi Scheffler, a geneticist with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service who has compiled an impressive record of outstanding service in basic genetic research, is the recipient of the 2014 Cotton Genetics Research Award.
  • Early bird registration for the 20th Commodity Classic is approaching ends Thursday, Jan. 15, for the event, which will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 26-28.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission seeks eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board.
  • John Deere Insurance Company released a new private crop insurance policy called Added Value Protection insurance policy that protects against yield shortage.
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‘My American Farm’ Reaches 1.5 million Youth

Jamie Johansen

myamericanfarmThe American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has announced that it has reached more than 1.5 million school-age youths through its educational “My American Farm” program. In 2015, the web-based resource will have a new look to improve the user experience thanks to continued support from DuPont Pioneer.

“Over the past four years, we have reached more than a million school-aged youth through the My American Farm platform – from kiosks at agriculture conferences to desktops in the classroom,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “With support from DuPont Pioneer, we are increasing youth engagement in agriculture in classrooms coast-to-coast to improve overall literacy of production agriculture and inspire future food leaders.”

My American Farm is an educational game platform launched in 2011 to engage pre-K through fifth grade learners in agriculture. Today the free site offers 19 agriculturally themed games and more than 100 free educator resources such as lesson plans, activity sheets and comics.

“The My American Farm website is an amazing resource for elementary teachers,” said Lauren Hartzler Arbogast, an elementary school teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia. “Since most of my students are generations away from actual production agriculture, I’m thankful for a resource like My American Farm that makes agriculture exciting and relevant for the students.”

The My American Farm educational resource is a special project of the Foundation and made possible through the support of title sponsor, DuPont Pioneer. Pioneer has contributed more than $1.4 million to advancing the programs in U.S. classrooms in the last five years.

This year, My American Farm will launch two new STEM-related games, pilot food science day camps and increase outreach to elementary school teachers. Users also can now search educational resources and sort games by grade level and subject area. In addition to being more mobile friendly, the site will provide new resources, like downloadable recipe cards, free marketing resources and ideas for setting up a learning experience at a fair or event.

AFBF, Ag Groups

Farm Podcaster Tool

Chuck Zimmerman

Samson MeteoriteI don’t have one but think I’ll get one. I like Samson USB mics and travel with a Go Mic. This looks like a nice desktop/travel mic to add to the bag though. Might even replace my Blue Microphones Yeti. I’ll test it out and let you know what I think.

Samson’s Meteorite is the universal solution for capturing high-quality recordings on your computer. Meteorite is ideal for podcasting, creating audio for YouTube videos and recording music on your favorite software or apps. This sleek microphone will also vastly improve your ability to communicate with friends, family and business associates on programs like Skype, FaceTime and other VoIP software.

Media, Podcasts

What’s Your Opinion on US Ag Coalition for Cuba?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What do you think were the biggest ag stories of 2014?”

We were not limited on the number of important ag stories in 2014. It looks like RFS and the drought in the West topped this poll. Immigration and agriculture documentaries were a few others people added to the list. 2015 has already started off with a bang. It will be interesting to see what the year brings.

Here are the poll results:

  • New Farm Bill – 11%
  • Water of the US rule – 5%
  • California drought – 24%
  • PED virus in swine – 8%
  • High meat prices – 5%
  • Transportation issues – 10%
  • No RFS numbers from EPA – 24%
  • Trade issues – 5%
  • Other – 8%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What do you think about new US Ag Coalition for Cuba?

More than 25 companies and organizations recently launched the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) in Washington to liberalize trade and re-establish Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports. In this week’s ZimmPoll, we want to know what you think about it. Will it benefit all aspects of the ag industry or is it too soon?

ZimmPoll

Lawmakers Back Cuba Ag Trade Coalition

Cindy Zimmerman

Lawmakers of both parties from across the country lined up to back the launch of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) on Thursday.

Democrat Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri made a special point to be in Washington for the event to represent all agriculture states. “This is an extremely bi-partisan issue,” said Nixon. “We have been presented with an historic opportunity – we must not and will not let is pass us by.” Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri at USACC launch

“I think this is going to be one of the great modern events of America,” said Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA). “We have torn down our iron wall.” Cong. Sam Farr of California at USACC launch

Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) says he is excited about the opportunities of increasing trade relations with Cuba. “The real excitement to me is the opportunity to … spread Democracy, the opportunity to do what farmers do naturally and that is feed hungry people,” he said. “Trade ought to be a part of diplomacy.” Cong. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota at USACC launch

usacc-davis“I believe increasing trade we already have with the Cuban nation is going to allow America to invest in a Cuban economy that’s going to free the Cuban citizens from the conditions they live under now,” said Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), pictured here from a National Corn Growers tweet. Cong. Rodney Davis of Illinois at USACC launch

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) said he has long fought to change the sanctions and regulations that restrict the ability of farmers and ranchers to sell their products to Cuba. “After trying somethign for 54 years, you ought to try something different,” said Moran. “If the goal of U.S. policy is to change the nature of Cuba’s citizens’ relationship with their government, it hasn’t worked.” Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas at USACC launch

“We have a historic opportunity right now to modernize our country’s relationship with Cuba – and it’s a moment we must seize,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). “I’m looking forward to working with our agriculture community and members of both parties to help build a practical and positive relationship between the people of Cuba and the United States.” Sen. Amy Klobuchar at USACC launch

Audio, Trade

HarvestMaster Releases New Brand Identity

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2015-01-08 at 5.05.31 PMHarvestMaster™, a Juniper Systems company that provides data collection for agricultural research, now has a new, updated brand identity for a fresh look. The release of the new logo also coincides with the announcement of HarvestMaster’s new H2 High Capacity GrainGage, a high-accuracy harvest data system for agricultural research.

HarvestMaster’s previous logo has been around since the company was first founded back in 1993. So it was with an attitude of continuous improvement and forward-thinking that the company moved ahead with the new design. The new brand identity has subtle ties to the logo of HarvestMaster’s parent company, Juniper Systems, and represents a theme of “new growth,” which resonates well with HarvestMaster’s agriculturally-minded customers.

“With the release of both the new brand identity and the H2 GrainGage, HarvestMaster is taking another huge step forward. The culture here is one of continual growth and evolution, and the new logo really represents that well,” said Allen Wilson, HarvestMaster’s Market Manager. “We’re always striving to provide greater productivity, efficiency, and accuracy for our customers, and we believe the new brand identity embodies all of that.”

Agribusiness, data

Ag Coalition for Cuba Launched

Cindy Zimmerman

usacc
More than 25 companies and organizations launched the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) in Washington Thursday to liberalize trade and re-establish Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports.

Among the speakers who introduced the new coalition were a list of lawmakers from a variety of states, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and representatives from a number of the organizations who are part of the new group. “Today we gather to discuss an expanded opportunity for American agriculture – our farmers and our ranchers,” said Vilsack. “Allow them to expand business opportunities in a country just 90 miles from our border – Cuba.”

Secretary Vilsack at US Ag Coalition for Cuba kickoff

usacc-groupAgricultural organizations representing a variety of commodities including corn and soybeans, poultry, meat and dairy, wheat and rice, have all stepped up to become members of the coalition. “We know the Cuban market for rice is not theoretical. It is real, it is large, and it is compelling,” said Betsy Ward, President and CEO of USA Rice. “With rice imports valued at more than $300 million, Cuba is the second largest importer of rice in the Americas. And there was a time when Cuba was our number one export market — we look forward to a return to those days.”

Others who spoke at the National Press Club event announcing the coalition on Thursday were Alan Tracy with U.S. Wheat Associates, Dale Moore with American Farm Bureau, and Stephen Sothmann of the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association. Ag organizations at US Ag Coalition for Cuba kickoff

The USACC believes that normalizing trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba will provide the U.S. farm and business community with new market access opportunities, drive enhanced growth in both countries and allow U.S. farmers, ranchers and food companies to efficiently address Cuban citizen’s food security needs. Under current sanctions, U.S. food and agriculture companies can legally export to Cuba, but financing and trade restrictions limit their ability to serve the market competitively. The USACC ultimately seeks to end the embargo and allow for open trade and investment.

Audio, Exports, Rice, Trade, USDA

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  • Producers can improve the bottom-line of their farming operation with knowledge, connections and information gained at the 39th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, held at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Jan. 15, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • The Forum, sponsored by The Chicago Farmers, will feature a variety of educational sessions, as well as a diverse blend of exhibitor booths held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center.
  • Farmers National Company, the nation’s leading farm and ranch management company, is pleased to announce that Roy Bracey, Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) of Chenoa, Illinois, has been named the company’s 2014 Farm Manager of the Year.
  • This year, for the first time ever, World Ag Expo will offer guided school tours to students in 9th through 12th grades during 2015 World Ag Expo.
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