Why RFA Loves Farm Broadcasters

Cindy Zimmerman November 19, 2014

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen loves coming to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk event each year, but not for the reason you might think.

“It’s not just because you get to do 25-30 interviews in a day,” said Dinneen, pictured here with DeLoss Jahnke of WMBD/WIRL in Peoria. “It’s because you’re interacting with REAL journalists!”

Dinneen says farm broadcasters are very unlike the “coastal elite media” he deals with on a day-to-day basis in Washington DC. “I come from a long line of journalists and my forefathers are rolling in their graves today at just how lazy journalists have become,” he said. “But farm broadcasters, they get out in the field, they’re talking to farmers, they’re talking to policy makers … that’s why I enjoy this so much – it restores my faith in the Fourth Estate.”

Thanks, Bob – we love you too!

In my interview with Bob from NAFB, he talks about a variety of issues impacting the ethanol industry – from the need for tax extenders for biofuels, first cellulosic ethanol plants going on line this year, how lower oil could be impacting domestic oil production, rail transportation issues, and of course, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Interview with Bob Dinneen, RFA

2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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Audio, Ethanol, NAFB, RFA

ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo Coming Up

Leah Guffey November 19, 2014

I had a chance to catch up with American Seed Trade Association president and CEO Andy LaVigne at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention last week and talk about the upcoming CSS 2014 & Seed Expo coming up just around the corner.

The event, being held December 8-12 in Chicago, is America’s largest seed industry conference. Over 2,600 attendees representing the U.S. and 20 countries come to CSS for a week of collaboration and networking. The CSS schedule has been expanded and includes programming to fit any interest, offering more focused educational opportunities. Andy tells me that seed treatment will dominate this year’s conference and attendees can check out new products and equipment in the seed expo.

If you can’t make it to the event, no worries – Cindy and I will be there to bring it to you!

You can listen to my interview with Andy here: Interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA President and CEO

2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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ASTA, Audio, NAFB, Seed

On a Roll at the NAFB Presidential Banquet

Leah Guffey November 18, 2014

Friday night of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention concludes the week with the passing of the gavel and a roast of the outgoing president. Following a long week of meetings, interviews and entertainment, the group has known to get gussied up and let their hair down a little bit and this year was no exception. As legend has it, rolls have been thrown more than once during the presidential roast and toast. Pam Jahnke, the Fabulous Farm Babe, may or may not have lobbed the first roll many years ago as a way to liven up the meal. Since then, the wait staff has been generous in our shenanigans, sometimes ducking for cover.

This year our own fabulous farm intern, Taylor Truckey, captured the throwing of the rolls for posterity’s sake. Rick Haines tossed the first one at the head table this year and it was on from there. When Hall of Fame inductee Ken Root got a little long in the tooth, we let him know about it. Someone may have paid the wait staff to not serve the head of the table any more rolls and bring them to our table and even the NAFB staff got into the act by offering to refill our basket with more ammunition!

The real story of the night was honoring outgoing president Janet Adkison of RFD-TV, who passed the gavel on to president-elect, Susan Littlefield, KZEN, Nebraska. Brian Winnekins steps into the role of president-elect and Tony St. James is the newly elected vice-president. Rumor has it, I’ll be part of the head table next year and I am excited about that opportunity!

2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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NAFB

Coalition Calls for Tax Extenders in Lame Duck

Cindy Zimmerman November 18, 2014

The Broad Tax Extenders Coalition today launched a new effort focused on the lame duck session and spearheaded by over 400 nonprofit groups, associations, and coalitions, including the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The group urges Congress to work together during this end of the year session to extend, enhance, or make permanent a number of expired and expiring tax provisions crucial to continued economic recovery.

During a telephone press conference today, representatives from the diverse coalition spoke on the importance of the tax extenders. Organizations included the National Association of Manufacturers, Feeding America, Marlin Steel Wire Products, Alert GPS and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Speaking on behalf of American agriculture was Texas family farmer Mike Friemel, who focused on the Section 179 tax credit. “Congress allowed higher Section 179 expensing levels to expire at the end of 2013,” said Friemel. “Almost one year later, we still don’t know whether they will be extended into 2015 or applied retroactively for 2014.”

Listen to the press conference here: Broad Tax Extenders Coalition press conference

AFBF, Audio

Happy Night for Outgoing NAFB President

Cindy Zimmerman November 18, 2014

Janet Adkison, RFD-TV, ended her year as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Friday night surrounded by family and friends.

“The last year has been just spectacular,” said Janet. “We’ve had a lot of fun, there’s been highs and lows, but that just goes with the territory.”

Janet says she was pleased to be part of launching the NAFB media planner this year. “All of our NAFB member stations, member networks – whether it’s TV or radio – are featured on this media planner,” she said. “We hope more people will check it out and use it.”

In addition, Janet says NAFB has grown its student membership in recent years. “It’s gone from being in the single digits to being about 70 students now,” she said.

Listen to Janet’s end of the year interview with Taylor Truckey here: Interview with Janet Adkison, outgoing NAFB president

2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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Audio, NAFB

Sustainably Grown USSEC Markets

Jamie Johansen November 18, 2014

National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk led me to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) booth where I talked with Laura Foell. She is chairman of the USSEC, member of the United Soybean Board and an Iowa farmer. USSEC is comprised of United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association, state soybean associations and industry members. As a non-profit the council’s job is to ensure there are markets for soybeans produced.

“I think the future is going to be bright. I think we have markets and I think we have made those relationships that are important in trade. We have done a good job making sure our customers have the product to fit their needs.”

Sustainability is also at the forefront of USSEC’s minds. Laura divided their sustainability efforts into three areas which included environment, economic and social. Listen to or download my complete interview with Laura to learn more about what USSEC is doing for soybean growers nationwide. Interview with Laura Foell, USSEC

2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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Ag Groups, Audio, Exports, NAFB, Soybean

New Holland Holiday Contest

Chuck Zimmerman November 18, 2014

New Holland is running a special holiday contest. Four winners will receive great blue toys from New Holland. The contest runs November 1, 2014 to December 19, 2014.

This holiday season, blue is the color of choice. That’s because, from now until December 19, 2014, New Holland fans have a chance to win the season’s most coveted New Holland-branded toys by sharing how New Holland is a part of their holiday.

Whether you bake tractor-shaped holiday cookies or decorate your New Holland equipment, New Holland encourages you to share your story via a short essay or photo, for a chance to win one of four prizes. First place receives a pedal tractor ride-on toy and will be featured on the New Holland North America Facebook page. The second place winner receives a pedal-tractor ride-on toy; third and fourth place winners receive a TJ-4 wheel drive Prestige Collection toy.

You can find official contest rules and entries at NewHollandResourceCenter.com/Holiday and submit a short essay or photo of how New Holland is part of your holiday. Winners will be announced the week of December 22, 2014.

By the way, you can find the complete New Holland holiday gift guide online here.

Agribusiness, New Holland

John Deere Has Green Fever at NAFB

Leah Guffey November 18, 2014

National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Annual Trade Talk allows the chance to sit down with multiple exhibitors. I stopped and talked with Barry Nelson at the John Deere exhibit and they are highlighting the Green Fever Sweepstakes where the grand prize is: $25,000 Landscaping makeover, plus your choice of: a Gator™, a ZTrack™ Mower, 1 Family Tractor, or Signature Series Lawn Tractor. Barry says that they also encourage you to take a look at the new product line up and the discounts that are available.

There’s even more added to the new lineup this year that is making farmers and ranchers take a look at all the latest John Deere has to offer including the 9R and 9RT tractors. Barry encourages producers to stop by and talk with their local dealer as that’s where to select and purchase your iron, but they can also point you in the right direction to choose the right technology to fit every operation.

Learn more in my interview with Barry Nelson: Interview with Barry Nelson, John Deere
2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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Audio, John Deere, NAFB, Tractor

BudStraps for Your Ear Buds

Chuck Zimmerman November 18, 2014

There are a lot of Kickstarter campaigns going on and I will continue to sift through them to bring your attention to something that today’s AgNerd would be interested in.

Here’s one with a product called BudStraps. I don’t know about you but I don’t always want to have my earbuds in my ears. So what do you do with them, especially if you still want them easily available so you can just put them back into your ears? Well Bill Woodward and Jared Green have come up with a brilliant product idea. Here’s how they work:

BudStraps keep your earbuds where you need them – safely around your neck – fastened firmly with a spring-loaded proprietary clip. The neoprene strap can be washed in warm water and dries quickly, and the new Sport cord will be even lighter and more sweat-resistant.

BudStraps can be used with both round and flat cord styles, and the clips allow you to easily re-position them on as needed. Like to color coordinate? BudStraps come in a variety of strap colors.

Bill and Jared need to raise $10,000 by Dec. 18 and are well on their way. See their website for donation ideas and levels. Hint: Companies that are looking for a cool logo’d giveaway in 2015 will find an option just for them!

Uncategorized

Getting to Know the New NCGA CEO

Cindy Zimmerman November 18, 2014

The new CEO of the National Corn Growers Association had his first chance to visit with members of the agricultural media during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention last week in Kansas City, but most of us already know him pretty well.

Chris Novak previously served many years as chief executive officer of the National Pork Board and prior to that, he was executive director of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. So, not only is he no stranger to the ag media, he comes to NCGA with plenty of experience.

“I’ve spent 11 years working on behalf of pork farmers, but I’ve spent more than 10 years working with grain farmers, corn and soybeans, across this country,” he said. “Lots of big challenges ahead for us. Looking at a record crop and lower prices than we’d like to see but that’s an opportunity for me as well.”

I talked with Chris about some of those challenges/opportunities, including increasing demand with yet another record crop, NCGA’s comments on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule, and what he expects from the lame duck session of Congress and the new Congress in January. Interview with Chris Novak, NCGA CEO
2014 NAFB Convention Photos

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Audio, Corn, NAFB, NCGA

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