Young Farmers and Ranchers Win Big During AFBF

Jamie Johansen

afbf-14-yfr-awards-generalEarlier this week during the 95th American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced.

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibit superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

Brandon and Katherine Whitt of Tennessee won the Achievement Award. They are the winners of either a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or 2014 GMC Sierra. The Whitts will also receive paid registration to attend the 2014 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach, Va., in February.

The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.

Nathan Prill of Michigan won the Discussion Meet. He will have his choice of either a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2014 GMC Sierra, plus free registration to the 2014 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Linda McClanahan of Kentucky won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. She will receive her choice of either a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or 2014 GMC Sierra, plus free registration to the 2014 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference.

Check out photos from AFBF Convention here: 2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups

Ethanol Policy Important to Illinois FB

Cindy Zimmerman

ilfb-guebertNew Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert took an active role in the policy development session at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting this week in San Antonio.

“I’ve always enjoyed policy and being a part of Illinois Farm Bureau and the policy making decisions,” said Guebert, who was elected to replace Phillip Nelson as president of the organization last year. “We have a tremendous grassroots organization and it’s always been a pleasure to be a part of that process and carry what is important to Illinois farmers to the American Farm Bureau.”

Guebert says one of the big issues for Illinois farmers is ethanol and maintaining a strong Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). “Midwest farmers have worked so hard and so long to get those standards where they are today,” he said. “It’s just difficult for us to understand why we’re being forced to rollback those standards.”

Farm Bureau delegates voted to reaffirm “their support for the renewable fuels standard and approved a policy supporting renewable fuels tax incentives for the production of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol and installation of blender pumps” – proposals put forth by Illinois Farm Bureau.

Other big issues for Illinois at the AFBF meeting were ag data and dairy policy.

You can hear all of Chuck’s interview with Richard here: Interview with Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert 2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio, Ethanol

Partnership For Farming Entrepreneurs

Jamie Johansen

afbf-14-ladanThe American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and The Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) recently announced a partnership to help strengthen rural America. The multi-year collaboration will address solutions to building greater economic opportunity and security for those who live in rural communities, starting with a program involving the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative to advance rural entrepreneurship.

Chuck spoke with Ladan Manteghi, Executive Director of Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University, about the collaboration.

“The purpose of the Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative is really to help provide resources to anyone who has an idea for a new business or who have a entrepreneurial spirit and be able to strengthen the economic security of rural America.”

“Farmers are considered the original entrepreneurs and we believe that is the case. But often times there are two components to this. Farmers have ideas beyond whats in the farm gate. We want to be able to provide the tools and resources necessary to bring those ideas to market. Second, there are a lot of people in rural America who aren’t farmers and want the opportunity to build economic security and financial opportunity and need these resources as well.”

Ladan also shared hopes for a future collaboration with USDA. During the AFBF Convention Sec. of Agriculture Vilsack said, “It creates a sense of entrepreneurship so that you have investors and entrepreneurs looking for opportunities to start businesses in rural areas. The program dovetails with what we are doing at USDA– trying to educate investment banks and investors about the opportunities to invest in rural opportunities.”

AFBF President Bob Stallman said, “Our partnership with Georgetown is dedicated to giving them and other leaders in rural communities nationwide both a forum and the practical means to brainstorm, strategize and bring their inspirations to fruition and, ultimately, strengthen their communities.”

Components of the program will include:

– Rural innovation challenge to provide an opportunity for rural entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and business ventures in a collegial, yet competitive environment, and to receive mentoring and recognition
– National summit on rural entrepreneurship that convenes thought leaders in rural economic development, public policy, and entrepreneurship to discuss barriers and solutions to increased business development in rural areas.
– An online rural innovation hub that highlights stories of rural entrepreneurs’ experiences, learning, and successes, and serves as a virtual meeting place for individuals to share information.
– Training workshops and webinars that give business tools and guidance in areas such as market research, concept and product development, pitch development and fundraising techniques, marketing, and more.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Ladan here: Interview with Ladan Manteghi

2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio, Education, USDA

Patron Saint & Protector of Animals

Chuck Zimmerman

Saint Anthony the AbbotToday Saint Anthony Abbot, is commemorated by the Catholic Church. He is the patron and protector of animals. In Rome, St. Peter’s Square will be filled with animals and the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers has organized a series of events to honor their patron saint.

From the Vatican News Service:

The day began at 10:30 with Mass in the Vatican Basilica presided by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, vicar general of His Holiness for Vatican City. At noon there was a procession of horses and riders along Via della Conciliazione in which the military band of the IVth Regiment of mounted police will take part. After the procession, around 12:30, the guests of honor, cows, goats, rabbits, sheep, chickens, etc., and their owners, were blessed.

The members of AIA also invited all residents with pets to join in the celebration and, if they wished, to make use of the free veterinary visit offered to their four-legged friends.

Throughout the day, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, there was an exhibition of animals in the Pio XII Square directly in front of the Bernini colonnade around St. Peter’s Square, an entire farm in the city, showcasing Italian livestock production.

International, Livestock

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

    Zimfo Bytes

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed 13 members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
  • This week the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) held their inaugural benefit dinner at NOBU restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida.
  • FarmLogs announced that it has closed a $4 million Series A round of financing led by Drive Capital, a venture capital fund launched in 2012 by two Sequoia Capital veterans.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed 17 members and 17 alternates to the Cotton Board.
Zimfo Bytes

Sharing the Farmers Voice Through Music

Jamie Johansen

afbf-14-wesleyAttendees of the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention had the opportunity to hear music from James Wesley. Chuck had a chance to chat with him following the concert and James admitted that he was surprised at how many farmers and ranchers were there to take part in the annual convention. A true testament to AFBF members commitment to the organization.

James Wesley grew up in a small town in Southeast Kansas and seemed to always have an itch to get out. You might recognize his song “Thank A Farmer.” Growing up in a farming community James shared that he truly understands how hard it is to be a farmer. James said he has a big heart for farmers nationwide and for those who serve in our country’s military.

James said it was his sophomore year in college when he got the bug for country music. He had been singing for wedding and birthdays in the area, but then sent a demo into Nashville in 1994. Got a record deal and pursued that for nearly ten years. He shared with Chuck that family was his priority and moved back home with his wife. Now his kids are grown and he is back in Nashville to continue his career in country music.

He shared that he excited to start working with the National FFA Convention in the future in an effort to raise money for members who can’t afford a FFA Jacket.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with James here: Interview with James Wesley

2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

NAFB Names Marketing & Communications Manager

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 4.50.19 PMThe National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) has brought Melinda (Mindy) Oberly on as their Marketing and Communications Manager.

NAFB Executive Director Tom Brand says, “Mindy’s past experience and knowledge of agricultural marketing, client relationships, project management and communications planning will be beneficial as the association launches the NAFB Planner Tool this year.”

Mindy spent the last 12-plus years with McCormick Company directing account activities for clients, including DuPont Crop Protection and, most recently, Monsanto. She managed and developed yearly budgets and marketing and communications plans targeting a wide-range of U.S. farmers, from apples and citrus to cotton, corn and grapes. Her wide knowledge of the industry, marketing experience and communications expertise is a great fit for the staff and NAFB members.

Oberly grew up on a family dairy farm in Michigan and was active in 4-H and FFA during high school and college. She earned her American FFA Degree in 1993. Mindy graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications in 1996. She most recently was a Vice-President/Account Supervisor with McCormick Company.

“I grew up listening to farm broadcasters. They play a huge role in delivering valuable news and information to the agricultural industry,” says Oberly. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the farm broadcasters and promote the value of farm radio to advertisers.”

Marketing, NAFB

New YF&R Chair Elected

Jamie Johansen

afbf-14-carterJake Carter from McDonough, GA has been elected the new Chairman for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. He takes over in February and will serve for one year. This honor will also allow him to serve one-term on the AFBF Board of Directors.

Carter graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business management. He then returned to the farm and began transforming the former dairy operation into a 320-acre agritourism site. It is now known as Southern Belle Farm and he operates it alongside his wife, Jennifer. The farm offers u-pick strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, a corn maze and educational school tours year round.

Carter is passionate about connecting with consumers, especially those who have been misled about what farming is all about.

“We need to put a face on farming and show people what we do how, how we do it and why,” Carter said. “We enjoy giving people a sense of where their food comes from. That’s not an option for most farmers and ranchers, but there are other ways to connect, like social media.”

As YF&R Chair, he said the committee is dedicated to Farm Bureau’s grassroots structure will really focus on turning big ideas into action.

Chuck caught up with him and he shared what was on the political plate for 2014 and what opportunities are out there for young farmers nationwide.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Jake here: Interview with Jake Carter

2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

Overcome Adversity to Become a Strong Leader

Jamie Johansen

afbf-14-mcchrystalRetired four-star general and former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stan McChrystal, gave the keynote address at the closing session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Convention. Overcoming adversity both in the military and as civilians was his focus and how important that is in becoming a strong leader.

“When an organization is small it learns very quickly. Over time it continues to learn, but not as fast and it starts to level out,” said McChrystal. “But our society continues to change and the weight of that change has sped up. This leads to a gap that I like to call the adaptability gap.”

He shared the military’s struggle to escape the adaptability gap after tragic events. Including after September 11th. He attributes the combination of team work and cooperation for the military’s ability to adapt to change.

“The best teams that I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been in a lot, are just people like all of us,” McChrystal said. “They have the same hopes, fears, strengths and weaknesses, but when they come together something magical happens and that’s leadership.”

Listen to an excerpt from Gen. McChrystal’s address here: Gen. Stan McChrystal Keynote Address

2014 AFBF Convention Photos

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

North Dakota to Tell the Wheat Production Story

Jamie Johansen

GAWHlogoNorth Dakota leads the nation in hard red spring wheat and durum production. Independent filmmaker, Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC., the North Dakota Wheat Commission, along with other state ag groups have teamed up to sponsor the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film.

Other state wheat sponsors include the Nebraska Wheat Board, Oklahoma Wheat Commission and the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. The film focuses on connecting consumers to those who produce their food and will feature stories of North America’s wheat growers and custom harvesters.

“The North Dakota collaboration is unprecedented and speaks to the powerful message we are compelled to share through the Great American Wheat Harvest,” Weaver says. “Wheat and North Dakota are synonymous and we are proud to work with each representative and Governor Jack Dalrymple to highlight this state’s stories.”

Value-added agriculture remains one of the target industries at the North Dakota Department of
Commerce. In October 2013, Governor Dalrymple and North Dakota Wheat Commission Chairman Francis Leiphon joined members of a Taiwanese agricultural trade delegation in signing a joint statement demonstrating Taiwan’s intent to purchase 62.5 million bushels of U.S. wheat valued at about $485 million.

Commissioner Doug Goehring first endorsed North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s support of the project in November 2012 with a letter. The film’s mission is to provide non-agricultural viewers a better understanding of where food comes from and feature all those involved in food production.

“Wheat is so important to North Dakota that a state-owned wheat milling operation was established in 1919 to guarantee a market and provide a reasonable price for our most important crop,” Goehring states. “Today, the North Dakota Mill is the largest single-site wheat milling facility in the country.”

Others included in the collaboration is the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and Department of Commerce, the North Dakota Mill and Elevator, John Deere, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc., C&B Operations, MacDon Industries, Case IH, Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters, TMCO/National Manufacturing and media partner, AgWired.

For more information about the film and how you can help sponsor visit GreatAmericanWheatHarvest.com. You can also call or email Jody Lamp, GAWH National Executive Co-Coordinator at 406-698-9675, jody@greatamericanwehatharvest.com.

Ag Groups, Video, Wheat