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EU Agriculture Commercial for CAP

Chuck Zimmerman

EU CAP VideoThe European Union is trying to sell the public on their Common Agriculture Policy while promoting agriculture with a campaign, “Taking Care of Our Roots.”

Designed to be greener, fairer and more efficient, the CAP reform aims to reinforce the partnership between Europe and its farmers and deliver real benefits to more than 500 million EU consumers. It also provides an excellent opportunity to bring together EU citizens, farmers, NGOs, other rural actors, national, regional, local authorities, and the European Commission to better understand and debate the importance of agriculture in our lives – and those of future generations.

Here’s a video that delivers the message, Our Life, Our Roots. What do you think? Should USDA run a campaign like this?

Farm Policy, International, Video

HSUS and Missouri Agriculture

Jamie Johansen

The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) has been forming “Ag Councils” around the country, most recently in Missouri, with the stated purpose of fostering “better animal welfare and environmental stewardship.” The councils – which have also been been formed in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio – are made up of farmers, ranchers and conservationists, but some are understandably skeptical.

Wes Shoemyer, former state senator and “sustainable” farmer from Monroe County, MO., is one of the new Missouri Agriculture Council members. “Over the last few decades farmers have been driven off of the land by industrialized agriculture and it has drained our rural economies,” he said. “We need to reinvest in these communities by promoting independent farmers and sustainable agriculture, and I’m happy to work with the HSUS to do that.”

mo-farmersSince Shoemyer has just formed a PAC called “Missouri Food For America” opposing the state’s Farming Rights constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot this fall, the Missouri Farmers Care agriculture coalition is suspicious of his intentions. “HSUS can’t be trusted,” said coalition chairman Don Nikodim. “Even a failed politician like Wes Shoemyer should be ashamed of selling out Missouri farmers.”

“The Missouri Farming Rights Amendment, is a common-sense way to protect Missouri family farmers from those who want to destroy our way of life,” Nikodim continued. “So, it’s no surprise that HSUS, the number one threat to Missouri farmers, would create this Trojan Horse in an attempt to deceive voters and stop this essential effort.”

This week’s ZimmPoll touches on the topic. What are the true intentions of these ag councils? Do the farmers on them really have the best interests of agriculture in mind or are they simply orchestrating the agenda of HSUS? As a member of the agriculture community, I can’t trust anything that has the mark of HSUS. As a Missourian, I fear these front groups could have a serious impact on farming and the livelihood of my family, friends and other fellow agriculturists across the state. Let us know what you think!

Ag Groups, Animal Activists, Animal Agriculture, Farming

Truth Behind the Star of Every Big Game – BACON

Jamie Johansen

As millions of Americans gather around their televisions on the first Sunday in February, there’s one star that’s already a winner even before the kickoff. Whether it’s a main ingredient, an appetizer or simply a garnish, bacon is the standout star of any dish. But, there’s a side of the bacon story that most Americans aren’t so familiar with.

Just like a conditioned star athlete, a lot of hard work, dedication and countless hours go into making sure the bacon found in fan-favorite recipes is top quality.

Modern animal housing provides a well ventilated, warm (a must-have for those cold, snowy days) and clean home where the pigs receive a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. And these are just a few of the ways that pig farmers across the country are dedicated to making sure the bacon on your table, and theirs, is a top pick.

“Our pigs are our highest priority on our farm,” says Jennifer Debnam, a pig farmer from Kennedyville, Md. “We constantly have to be at the top of our game, using the latest technologies and advancements in animal health. No matter the weather, time of day or time of year, we make sure that our pigs are healthy and well taken care of – not only for the well-being of the pig, but so that you never have to worry about bacon being available at the grocery store.”

This video from the United Soybean Board, titled “The Truth Behind Bacon,” shows that from the farm field to the football field, hard work is part of the recipe to bring home a winner.

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Pork, USB

Farm Progress Show Will Reap International Exports

Jamie Johansen

FPS14-flagThe nation’s largest outdoor farm show, Farm Progress Show, has been selected to participate in the 2014 International Buyer Program (IBP). This year’s event takes place in Boone, IA, August 26-28.

The IBP is an export program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. companies exhibiting at major industry trade shows.

“We are honored to be selected to be among this elite group of trade shows,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events manager. “The IBP program will bring a new level of international attention to those companies who participate in the Farm Progress Show.”

The goal of the IBP is to connect U.S. companies with overseas buyers to produce U.S. export sales. The program promotes their approved events to over 170 countries worldwide, to attract international buyers interested in the latest and most advanced agriculture technologies and products.

The IBP also will be offering unique matchmaking services at the Farm Progress Show, matching overseas buyers with U.S. exhibitors. U.S. exhibitors at the Farm Progress Show, through the IBP’s Showtime Program, will have excellent opportunities to meet with U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. State Department delegation leaders and export partners to discuss overseas market-entry strategies and potential markets and sales for their products/services.

For companies new to exporting or even more experienced exporters, seeking to export to additional target markets, the IBP offers export market advice and counseling. The IBP Team can also provide expert strategic advice and guidance to U.S. companies on which overseas trade show to participate in, what market entry strategies to use in their target markets, and how to locate and qualify overseas distributors and sales representatives.

“The U.S. Department of Commerce is committed to assisting U.S. companies at the Farm Progress Show establish export connections that lead to U.S. export sales. Behind every U.S. export, is a job, a family. That’s the heart of why we support U.S. domestic trade shows, like the Farm Progress Show. It doesn’t get any more important than that.” Mark Wells, IBP project officer, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Events, Exports, Farm Progress Show, Farm Shows

April Fool?

Melissa Sandfort

Today Aunt Jeanette writes:

Every once in a while a story from my teaching days pops in my head. Since farming is at a standstill for now, you get an “off-season” story.

579924_4105704733888_56432155_nIt is amazing what I find in my closet. Maybe I should clean it out more often! Last week I found the bedspread my grandma made during the Depression. This week I found something funny – an old, black, frumpy dress that I wore to play a trick on my third graders.

If you know me very well, you know I like books and reading. Another thing I loved doing was reading aloud to my third graders. Every class that entered my door heard the beloved story of “Charlotte’s Web.” And every class saw a tear in my eye when Charlotte died. I tried to read different types of literature – as I feel that is an important part of a child’s development.

Some of my favorite books were “Miss Nelson is Missing,” “Miss Nelson is Back,” and “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day.” Whenever I read aloud, I always tried to really get into the characters. As I was reading these books, I thought, “Why not BE Miss Nelson? Or, even better, the substitute teacher, Miss Viola Swamp?”

So, with the help of the school secretaries, the physical education teacher, and anyone else who happened to be standing around, I literally transformed into Miss Viola Swamp! My third graders thought I was sick as I had been working at my desk and suddenly ran out of the room holding my stomach with one hand and covering my mouth with the other hand.

I will never forget the looks on the kids’ faces when their substitute walked in the room about 15 minutes later! I played the role of Miss Swamp all day and we had a fantastic time! There was actually learning that took place – just in case you were wondering.

It was undoubtedly one of the best April Fool’s tricks I have ever pulled off!

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Kirk Leeds Receives Biodiesel Award

Chuck Zimmerman

Kirk LeedsOne of the National Biodiesel Board Awards was presented this morning for Industry Partnership to Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association.

Kirk is Chief Executive Officer of the Association and has been a leader among soybean organizations in supporting biodiesel efforts since the industry’s inception. ISA’s support of the National Biodiesel Board over the years has allowed the industry to prepare and face the challenges of being a billion-plus-gallon Advanced Biofuel. His visionary leadership has helped to maintain a mutually-beneficial, strong connection between the soybean and biodiesel industries. Kirk and ISA have been at the forefront of improving agriculture’s environmental performance. Through partnerships with farmers, environmental groups, agri-business and academia, ISA is helping lead efforts to identify practical solutions for complex environmental issues.

You can listen to Kirk’s remarks here: Kirk Leeds Remarks

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Soybean

What’s your opinion of state HSUS Ag Councils?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How did the ‘Polar Vortex’ affect you?”

Old man winter hasn’t left and chances are won’t anytime soon. This winter’s buzz word has been polar vortex. Has your winter been different then others? If so, has it been caused by this new buzz word. Or has winter at your house been about normal? Well, in this week’s ZimmPoll the majority said it made work more difficult. Farmers and ranchers around the country are among many other’s who don’t get a day off when the weather gets bad. I was surprised to see the number of people who weren’t really affected. Maybe they live in the deep South or maybe they are used to brutal weather and adapt.

Our poll results:

  • Not at all – 26%
  • Somewhat – 26%
  • Made work more difficult – 33%
  • Couldn’t work – 14%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s your opinion of state HSUS Ag Councils?”

HSUS has been organizing state Agriculture Councils with the intention to unite farmers. These councils are made up of farmers, ranchers and conservationists and HSUS says the goal is to foster better animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Councils have been established in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio. Most recently they have created one in Missouri. Many question the legitimacy of these councils and claim they are front groups for HSUS. What do you think? Do you trust HSUS?

ZimmPoll

Riding in a New B20 Chevy Cruze

Chuck Zimmerman

Ride and Drive DayYou can ride or drive a brand new diesel vehicle at the 2014 National Biodiesel Conference today. Not only conference attendees but the general public.

There are four vehicles outside the San Diego Convention Center from Hino, Ford, General Motors and Jeep. I chose the Chevy Cruze and rode along and made a little video clip with my Google Glass. It will give you an idea of what the experience is like. I had to choose the Cruze since my new grandson’s name is Cruz!

There are lots of new photos in our online album now too:
2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Video

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Talia Goes

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  • Register for a media badge to access World Ag Expo for interviews, pictures, media day breakfast and tours and more.
  • The Arkansas Agriculture Department announces the release of Arkansas Grown.
  • Calling all cooperative communicators, the superheroes of communications with creative muscles of steel, to enter your latest and greatest projects into the 2014 CCA Communications Contest.
  • Humane Farm Animal Care announces new standards for products that are labeled Certified Humane and either “Free Range” or “Pasture Raised.”
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