Celebrating an Anniversary

Chuck Zimmerman April 4, 2014

Ten Golden Years. That’s what we’ll be celebrating next week at the Agri-Marketing Conference.

Cindy and I started out with Talking News Releases before moving on to blogging, podcasting and social networking. Being the very social kind of people that we are it all made sense. An online conversation in which you can communicate and share all kinds of information with people all over the world was easy to adapt to. We did our first online coverage of an event at the February, 2005 NRECA convention at which we produced and distributed news releases with audio files and also did posts on AgWired. It has just grown from there to where we are today.

We officially launched the company at an Agri-Marketing Conference so next week’s conference is a special one for us. If you’re attending please stop by our booth for some anniversary cake and other goodies as well as ZimmGlass Demos.

Actually, Chuck will be doing ZimmGlass demos while Bruce Rasa, TekWearAg, will be demoing his Google Glass. If you don’t know Bruce you need to. He’s THE Glass pioneer for agriculture. If you have not seen Glass in action and are wondering what this new thing is then we’ve got the opportunity for you to get an in-person look at the coolest new wearable technology. How can this apply to agribusiness and ag communications? Stop by and we’ll give you some ideas.

NAMA Agri-Marketing Conference week is going to be a big one with professional development, awards, networking and some Brownfield Honky Tonk and Rhea + Kaiser After the After Pancake Ray breakfast thrown in. We’ll be seeing you there.

ZimmComm Announcement

Deputy Sec. of Ag Stresses Need for Communication

Jamie Johansen April 4, 2014

The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Hardin addresses the crowd during the Ag Day banquet. Her words push us to communicate beyond ourselves and connect the dots for those across the country who have yet to hear the good news about agriculture.

“Most of you who know me, know that I am a farmers daughter. That is my first identity. That’s where I get everything, my motivation, my inspiration. It comes from that farm in Southwest Georgia. We do a good job talking about agriculture I’m afraid to often with each other. We have great dinners and great programs with each other, which is great. But we also need to branch out. This is something I have learned so well from Secretary Vilsack. I think most of you know he does an hour of press everyday and it’s not just agriculture press. He talks to other people. People who don’t know they should be interested in agriculture.”

She shares Secretary Vilsack’s passion for wanting people to understand why it is so important that we all support farmers and ranchers nationwide. Deputy Hardin also issued a challenge to all present for the banquet. That challenge was for everyone to bring someone not involved in agriculture to next year’s Ag Day creating an overflow room for the banquet. A neighbor, an allied industry, a friend, a young person who does not yet have the appreciation for agriculture that has been instilled in so many of us for years.

Listen to the Deputy’s complete speech here: Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Hardin's Address

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, USDA

Today’s Youth Promoting Agriculture

Jamie Johansen April 4, 2014

Young agriculturists from across the country entered this year’s National Ag Day Essay Contest in an effort to help promote the importance of agriculture throughout our country.

Clara Knipp is from Tipton, MO and her essay titled, “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths To Feed,” was selected as this year’s written winner. Clara presented her essay as part of National Ag Day activities in Washington, D.C. You can listen to it here: Clara's Ag Day Essay

Brackston McKnight of Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, TX submitted a video essay winning that category. You can view his creative ag promo video below.

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, Video

Extended Tech Support Hours

Melissa Sandfort April 4, 2014

Whether it’s good (hopefully!), bad or “help me before I throw this thing out into the field and run over it”, Ag Leader’s customer support staff wants to hear from you. And during busy seasons such as planting and harvest, customer support specialists are on hand extended hours to be sure that across all time zones, day or night, if you have a question in the field you can get an answer over the phone.

They may be called the silent heroes of the day, but Jordan Dittmer, Ag Leader Machine Guidance Support Supervisor, says, “We’re here to help. If you have something going on and you don’t tell us, we can’t help you. We want to hear from you.”

Listen to Dittmer explain

So think of these silent heroes as your next door neighbor, even though they may be thousands of miles away. In fact, most of the support staff are farmers just like you!

Listen to Dittmer explain

You can find Ag Leader’s 2014 Tech Support Extended Hours schedule here.

On behalf of Ag Leader’s support team, we wish you a safe, successful 2013 planting season!

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Ag Leader, Agribusiness

First ResponsibleAg Board of Directors Selected

Jamie Johansen April 4, 2014

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the selection of individuals to serve on the newly formed ResponsibleAg Board of Directors.

The nine representatives include:
– Alicia Duke, Director, Health and Safety, Simplot
– Justin Gough, Director, Agricultural Products, LSB/El Dorado Chemical Company
– Dave Ito, Manager, Human Resources & Regulatory Affairs, Lyman/Tremont Group
– Pete Mutschler, Environmental and Safety Director, CHS Inc.
– Tim McArdle, Executive Vice President & COO, Brandt Consolidated, Inc.
– Rosemary O’Brien, Vice President, Public Affairs, CF Industries, Inc.
– Billy Pirkle, Sr. Director, Environmental, Health & Safety, Crop Production Services
– Scott Rawlins, Director, Regulatory & Governmental Affairs, Wilbur-Ellis Company
– Rod Wells, Manager, Plant Food Division, GROWMARK, Inc.

ResponsibleAg is an independent, not-for-profit organization designed to support fertilizer retailers’ compliance with federal safety and security regulations. Under ResponsibleAg, retail fertilizer dealerships will have access to comprehensive inspections based on federal regulatory requirements. The inspections will be carried out by trained auditors who will have successfully completed an intensive training course based on the objectives of ResponsibleAg.

“We are pleased to have named the representatives who will lead this groundbreaking safety and security initiative forward,” said TFI President Chris Jahn. “I am confident the Board’s broad spectrum of knowledge and experience will contribute to the success of ResponsibleAg.”

“Engaging these key industry leaders is a critical step as ResponsibleAg continues to develop and evolve,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “We are privileged to have volunteers committed to making this initiative a success.”

The Board of Directors will hold its first meeting on May 5 at the offices of Asmark, Inc., in Owensboro, Ky. During its first meeting, the board will adopt ResponsibleAg bylaws, create an annual operating budget, elect officers and begin the selection process for a business manager to oversee day-to-day operations of ResponsibleAg. After the board meeting, the new directors will tour the auditor training facility site, which is also located in Owensboro.

Agribusiness, Fertilizer

Where Does Your Marketing Budget Go?

Jamie Johansen April 4, 2014

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Do you think farm movies can help the public image of agriculture?”

It looks like the majority polled believe these farm movies can play a positive role in improving the agricultural industries image. Getting people to theaters to watch them might be tricky, but the old fashioned word-of-mouth advertising could be the ticket. I, personally, am eager to watch them and share with friends and family.

Our poll results:

Definitely – 38%
Maybe – 27%
No – 11%
Not sure – 4%
Can’t hurt – 15%
Other – 5%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s the largest percentage of your 2014 marketing budget?”

Next week is the annual Agri-Marketing Conference in Jacksonville, FL. Agribusiness/agency/media and more will be networking and participating in professional development activities. We’re pretty sure this question will be a part of the conversation.

ZimmPoll

Industrial Hemp Making its Case

John Davis April 4, 2014

Industrial hemp could be on the verge of becoming a respectable alternative crop in the United States, as it once was back when the country was founded and our first president grew it on his farm.

Ben Droz with Vote Hemp was one of the attendees at National Agriculture Day last week in Washington, and he’s thrilled to talk about how hemp is part of the latest farm bill.

“It allows states to conduct pilot program research projects at the university level and through the state departments of agriculture,” but just in those 10 states where it’s already legal to grow hemp. “Ultimately, I’m sure that we’ll get positive results, and those results will encourage lawmakers to change these laws so farmers can grow this profitable crop.”

Ben said the Farm Bill defined industrial hemp, not to be confused with marijuana despite its similar appearance, as having just 3/10 of a percent or less of THC – the active ingredient in the drug. Even if you smoked a hemp joint the size of a telephone pole, Ben said you still wouldn’t get high. Historically, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp, and Henry Ford was actually doing research on hemp fuels and hemp biocomposites. In the picture, Ben’s carrying a hemp composite briefcase and wearing a tie made of hemp, and he says hemp food products are available in many grocery stores.

“There’s literally thousands of uses for hemp.”

Listen to all of Cindy’s conversation with Ben here: Interview with Ben Droz, Vote Hemp

2014 Ag Day Photo Album

Ag Day, Audio, Farming

Tour de Fresh Launches Official Website

Jamie Johansen April 3, 2014

Organizers of the inaugural 2014 Tour de Fresh are happy to announce the launch of the official website. Donations can now be made through the website to support the event’s riders and benefit the United Fresh Produce Association’s Let’s Move Salad Bars to Midwest Schools campaign. Each participant aims to raise enough money to fund one salad bar for his or her selected school, for a grand total of close to $120,000 for the campaign.

This collaborative effort will bring together 40 fresh produce industry members to cycle 275 miles between Carmel, CA and Anaheim, CA over the four days leading up to the 2014 PMA Fresh Summit Convention and Expo.

“We are extremely pleased by the enthusiastic response we have received from all corners of the industry,” said Brock Nemecek, event participant and Account Manager at DMA Solutions. “Originally we had planned for 30 riders, but we had to increase this number due to the overwhelmingly positive support.”

In addition to the funds that will be raised for selected schools, the Tour de Fresh has also become a great promotional opportunity for participants and sponsoring companies. With a multi-pronged public relations plan, including outreach to the local media in communities benefitting from the Tour, the fresh produce industry’s passion for this cause has never been more apparent.

“It’s exciting to step out of our day-to-day business roles and not only get outside and have some fun with our industry colleagues, but also give back to a deserving community,” said Chris Ford, Vice President of Sutherland Produce, riding for The Dearborn Academy in Dearborn, Michigan.

“We saw partnering with Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools as a great chance for our industry to increase accessibility to the fresh products we are so passionate about,” said Cindy Jewell, Director of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms. “By providing funds for salad bars in at least 40 schools, we are encouraging these children to develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.”

While sponsorship opportunities and the rider roster are both full, there are still many avenues for involvement. In addition, The Official Tour de Fresh Training Guide is available for download on the website. This guide will help you prepare for your next race or ride, perhaps even the 2015 Tour de Fresh.

“We’re thrilled that the Tour de Fresh sponsors and riders have chosen to support the United Fresh Foundation and our work to bring more salad bars to schools,” said United President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “With over 3,400 salad bars donated to date, the Lets Move Salad Bars to Schools campaign is making a huge difference in schools across the country.”

Ag Groups, Food

Soybean Growers Applaud Tax Extenders Package

John Davis April 3, 2014

Soybean growers are welcoming news of a couple of important measures moved forward in one bill. The American Soybean Association says a two-year extension of the dollar-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive and a reinstatement of the pre-2014 expensing amounts for farm infrastructure and equipment under Section 179, both in the Senate Finance Committee Chairman’s Tax Extenders Package, are key issues for group’s members.

ASA First Vice President Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas, issued the following statement on the committee’s proposal:

“The extension of the biodiesel tax credit is huge. Biodiesel blenders create a renewable and safe domestic energy source for our country and a valuable market for the soybean oil American farmers produce. The credit further encourages the development and sustained success of the biodiesel marketplace, and much credit goes to Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Hatch and specifically Sens. Grassley and Cantwell for recognizing the importance of the biodiesel tax incentive and including it in their proposal…

“The proposal’s Section 179 reinstatement is also important. This enables farmers and other small business owners to expense investments made in new technology, equipment and infrastructure in their operations. Given the land-based and capital-intensive nature of farming, not to mention the ever-advancing technology we need to farm sustainably and competitively, this program helps us to stay on the cutting edge of our industry.”

Cowan also pointed out the biodiesel industry has been operating without the credit since the end of the fiscal year in September and called on the full committee to take up the measures quickly and move them on to the full Senate and House for final approval.

ASA, Biodiesel

Generate Event for Next Generation of Co-op Leaders

Jamie Johansen April 2, 2014

Generate is a new Wheat Growers program dedicated to “growing the most important crop of all, our next generation of cooperative farm leaders.” Those words from Wheat Growers CEO Dale Locken summed up the first Generate event, held in Aberdeen on Friday, March 14. Wheat Growers hosted the event in cooperation with Mitchell Technical Institute and the South Dakota Center for Farm and Ranch Management.

“We are committed to providing the best products and services for our members and also the best farm business insights, knowledge and advice,” Locken said.

The agenda included farm programs with an overview of programs and options available, a financial session, and sessions on production, risk management, managing producer risk and safety. The programs were developed in coordination with Mitchell Technical Institute and the South Dakota Center for Farm and Ranch Management.

There were 22 Wheat Growers Emerging Farm Leaders at the full-day event, including Scott Anderson from Andover, S.D., and Jamason Larson from Langford, S.D.

Anderson found special value in the risk management session and said the event was a good opportunity to get ready for the planting season. “After the winter, it’s always good to get a refresher of things to think about and to keep at the front of your mind when you’re getting back into full-force farming again.”

Larson thought the sessions were very informative. “They covered a lot of things and got me thinking about some important areas like record keeping, giving me an idea of how to break things down to the field level, which I don’t always do.”

“The theme of this event was Cultivating the Future,” Dale Locken said. “The positive input we received from this event will help Wheat Growers develop more forward-looking programs that we hope will reach even more of our next generation of farmers.”

Ag Groups, Cooperatives, Wheat

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