2014 John Deere Product Launch

Chuck Zimmerman

John Deere Product LaunchJust in time for the fall farm show season, John Deere is announcing new products and updates to many existing ones. The event is taking place in Milwaukee, WI. The company is running daily presentations for dealers and I was invited in as part of the media group this week.

We’re going to not only be in the classroom at the Wisconsin Center but also out in the field. I’ll be sharing interviews, stories and photos as I get them and can get some online editing time.

I’m sharing photos from the event here: 2015 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

Agribusiness, Equipment, John Deere

Policy is Priority for ASA

Jamie Johansen

ams-14-asa-ray-gaesserRay Gaesser farms with his family in Southwest Iowa. They harvest about 3,000 acres each of corn and soybeans each year along with serving as President of the American Soybean Association. Chuck spoke with him recently at Ag Media Summit and they talked policy.

Ray said that policies are ASA’s priority and reiterated their work to get the farm bill passed. He said they are continuing to work with USDA to make sure it is implemented and that farmers understand the programs within it. Of course another hot topic is Waters of the United States. Ray said they have met with the EPA a lot and recently hosted a webinar with Nancy Stoner to allow growers to ask questions concerning this issue.

“It appears to many of us in agriculture that the new rules and regulations allow EPA to reach even farther from our farms. Originally we thought navigable water was navigable water.”

Along with the rest of the agricultural community, ASA, is questioning EPA’s definition of navigable.

“We are really confident that a farmer knows how to manage their land much better then someone in Washington D.C. or even someone at the regional or state level. All the farmers I know really do want to take care of their land. They want to sequester the nutrients and keep the soil in place.”

You can listen to my interview with Ray here: Interview with Ray Gaesser, American Soybean Association

Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Coverage of the Ag Media Summit is sponsored by
Ag Media Summit coverage is sponsored by FMCAg Media Summit coverage is sponsored by New Holland
Ag Groups, Ag Media Summit, Audio, Soybean

Join ZimmComm Team This Fall

Jamie Johansen

zimmcomZimmComm New Media is now taking applications for a fall intern. Students in the agricultural communications field interested in attending and learning how to “agri-blog” some of the most important industry events held every year should apply.

The opportunities will include all-expense paid trips to one or more industry events where students will assist in the compiling of photos, audio, video and posting of activities on pertinent websites. Interns will learn and develop communication tools, techniques and technology to gather and distribute information through various social media channels. Per-diem and college credits may also be available.

Right now we are looking for an intern to travel with us to World Dairy Expo, National FFA Convention and/or National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention.

YES! I’m interested in learning how to do some agri-blogging. Apply Below.
[gravityform id=”1″ name=”ZimmComm Internship” description=”false”]

Education, ZimmComm Announcement

John Deere’s History at Ag Media Summit

Jamie Johansen

ams-14-jd-barry-nelsonJohn Deere’s, Barry Nelson, has been attending Ag Media Summit for 14 years and is simply amazed with the amount of relationships and friendships he has built.

“The value for us, John Deere, is if an editor needs any information they know the person to go to. They can get the images, the information needed. It’s a great convention to get to know people.”

This year’s Summit had record attendance and has truly evolved from Barry’s first conference 14 years ago. He said as media has moved from only print to include all media types, events like this are needed to aid in the education process allowing all to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest.

Barry also talked about John Deere’s upcoming product launch where they will debut the expansion of their entire commercial hay line. They have invited media to take a quick first-glance at the equipment, which will take place tomorrow and we will be there to take it all in.

“We think that is going to be a growing market in the next few years because of what is happening with beef right now. We are going to have a whole new array of products for hay producers out there.”

You can listen to my interview with Barry here: Interview with Barry Nelson, John Deere

Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Coverage of the Ag Media Summit is sponsored by
Ag Media Summit coverage is sponsored by FMCAg Media Summit coverage is sponsored by New Holland
Ag Media Summit, Agribusiness, Audio, Equipment, John Deere

Farm Progress Show Keeps Growing

Jamie Johansen

2014-fpsFor the 9th consecutive year the ZimmComm Team will be at Farm Progress Show to cover all the happenings. A special thanks goes out to our generous sponsors New Holland, FMC, GROWMARK, Ag Leader, John Deere and Bayer CropScience for making all the news we bring you possible.

Growth projections for the Farm Progress Show site in Boone, Iowa, continue to exceed the original site development plans. Visitors at the 2014 show to be held next week Aug. 26, 27 and 28 will find the largest show held on this site to date, including an annex created in the north visitor parking lot, immediately outside Gate #1 to satisfy this increased need for more display area.

“The exhibitors with lots in the annex did not participate in the 2012 show,” says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events manager. “Plus, some companies who have not exhibited for a while, such as McCormick and Caterpillar, are coming back.”

“A brand new exhibitor at the Iowa show is Beck’s Hybrids, from Atlanta, IN. Until now the company did not market in Iowa or exhibit at the Iowa show,” adds Jungmann. “Beck’s has announced a territory expansion into two crop reporting districts in eastern Iowa and three crop reporting districts in Missouri. We’re happy to have them at the show.”

This additional Annex space brings the permanent show site to Boone to 3.68 million square feet of exhibit area, nearly 85 acres. Since the Farm Progress Show held in Boone in 2008, the exhibitor count has grown by more than 100, now with more than 600 exhibitors. Additionally, the show occupies 300 acres for field demonstrations and test drive areas, plus an additional 150 acres for visitor parking.

Ag Groups, Farm Progress Show, Farm Shows

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • The USDA announced to industry stakeholders that it would rein-in misleading language on organic packaging that all too often has been suspected of confusing consumers.
  • Laura Wood Peterson joins Syngenta as manager of federal government relations, based in Washington, D.C. In this role, Peterson will support the company’s strategic federal government relations including outreach and advocacy.
  • AgGateway announced that President and CEO Rod Conner is resigning effective January 1, 2015, in order to lead the newly formed AgGateway Global Network; and that current Executive Vice President and COO Wendy Smith will move into the role of AgGateway President and CEO beginning in 2015.
  • POET-DSM’s Project LIBERTY will open its doors to the public at its Grand Opening celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 3 in Emmetsburg, Iowa, showcasing first-of-its-kind technology that is poised to dramatically expand our world’s resources for transportation fuel.
Zimfo Bytes

A Unique and Functional iPad Holder

Chuck Zimmerman

LazepadDo you get tired of holding your iPad when lying down or sitting in your favorite chair? Here’s a possible solution for you. It’s the Lazepad and it is compatible with ipad 2/3 and the new ipad ( not ipad air). I got one to test out.

My favorite way to use it is on the kitchen counter and especially since I have an iPad Air. One side of the case has a ledge you can set your tablet on. Another side is an actual case frame you put your iPad in. This is not a case to travel with since it doesn’t fold up. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Life Happens & LazePad is Here to Hold You – Best iPad holder for bed!

The Lazepad brand stands for innovation, fun and comfort way to work, play or browse with an ipad. Lazepad is taking a big step forward in providing intuitive comfort.

Because we’ve thought of everything and obsess over the smallest details, we know that you’ll find value in our products. We take pride in carefully crafting each Lazepad with you in mind. We know what it takes to bring you a quality product that you can enjoy indoors, outdoors, while doing yoga in the living room, kitchen or iPad holder for bed.


Equipment, Video

AgRowers Support Farmers and Rivers

Cindy Zimmerman

agrowers-logoMissouri corn and soybean growers were rowers last week in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of the state’s rivers for agriculture.

The Missouri Corn and Soybean Rowers, also known as the Ag Rowers, spent nearly 77 hours last week paddling their tandem kayak across the state from Kansas City to St. Charles in the Missouri American Water 340 (MR340). The Ag Rowers are sponsored by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC), Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and industry partners.

ag-rowers1Teammates MSMC Executive Director Gary Wheeler and MCGA Director of Public Policy Shane Kinne joined fellow paddlers and spectators to test their physical abilities and highlight the river’s relationship with Missouri agriculture. They were among 283 registered kayaks and canoes at the start of the race.

“It was an honor to compete and complete this race representing Missouri farmers,” Kinne said after they landed their kayak on the river bank in St. Charles. “Our goal in competing was to bring some awareness to the benefit of the river to Missouri agriculture. It is a vital resource for corn growers, whether it is transporting grain and other ag products or providing the rich bottom ground needed to grow crops to help feed the growing population.”

Wheeler and Kinne were the 119th boat to cross the finish line after hitting all nine race checkpoints within the allotted time frame. Competitors are allowed 88 hours to paddle the 340 mile course and must finish by midnight tonight.

“Participating in the MR340 provided a unique opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for the river and to highlight the important role this river plays in Missouri agriculture and our state’s economy,” Wheeler said. “It is important we work together to maintain this valuable resource for the benefit of all Missourians – for agriculture, transportation, and recreation, among other uses.”

Read more here.

Ag Groups, Corn, Soybean, transportation

New Holland FR Self-Propelled Forage Harvester

Chuck Zimmerman

New Holland FR HarvesterHere is one serious looking machine. Looking at the New Holland FR Self-Propelled Forage Harvester from the business end it looks like it’s ready to chomp through just about anything you can imagine. During the New Holland Media Day Doug Otto did a walk around for us to explain what’s new in this model.

New Holland has been at the forefront of the forage harvesting world since it introduced its first Self-Propelled Forage Harvester in 1961. The new FR Forage Cruiser line follows in its predecessor’s footsteps by showcasing more than 50 years of innovations. Decorated for its performance, the FR Forage Harvester has received numerous awards for its developments including gold medals for its advanced precision farming technology and a Machine of the Year award from Agritechnica.

These units feature the largest crop channel and cutting components of any forage harvester to date. The only thing that will stop an FR Forage Harvester is the end of the field. The FR can cut in a variety of different conditions and have the ability to process up to twelve rows of corn at the time. We invite you to take a look around at all that the FR Forage Cruiser has to offer. We think you will be pleasantly surprised. We know our customers are.

For those of you who are looking for precision options in all your new machinery this one has plenty for you to consider. Watch Doug explain more.

2014 New Holland Media Day Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Equipment, Forage, New Holland, Video

Hawaii Pictures by Vincent K. Tylor

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 449In this week’s program we’re going to talk photography. Hawaiian photography with Vincent K. Tylor, Hawaiian Landmark Images. I want to be like Vince! Taking photos in Hawaii!

Hawaii Photography by Vincent K. Tylor

Hawaii Photography by Vincent K. Tylor

A lot of you in the AgWired community are photographers or at least like taking pictures. I think you’ll enjoy our conversation. I asked Vince what was his favorite type of photography or favorite photo. As you’ll hear him say, that’s a tough question to answer. There are so many photos and so many different situations to take creative photos in.

We didn’t talk about specific equipment or brands in case you’re wondering. The fact of the matter is that great photos are taken by great photographers. It’s all about composition and timing and perseverance. We both agree that when you’re trying to get a specific image you need to take a lot of photos. Hopefully, at least one of them will be okay.

Hawaii Photo Tours by Vincent K. Tylor

Hawaii Photo Tours by Vincent K. Tylor

Besides taking stock photos or doing custom photo work Vince also operates a photo tour business in Hawaii offering two different types of tours.

Vince will take a tour out to landmark sights in Hawaii and let you take photos of your own. He will also take you out on a portrait tour where he will take your portrait in those landmark settings. Either way you get a fantastic tour and come away with photo memories to take home.

Vince also sells his images via his website. He offers them in many sizes. In addition to photos for framing and hanging he also offers his photos with a stock usage option.

So, all in all, when you need good photography in Hawaii you need to call Vince!

Listen in to this week’s program to hear my conversations with Vince here: Vincent Tylor Photography

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

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The ZimmCast podcast is sponsored by GROWMARK
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Photography, ZimmCast