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

AFBF Sets Policy for 2014

Cindy Zimmerman

AFBF DelegatesVoting delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual meeting concluded this week by approving resolutions that will provide the organization with its marching orders in 2014 on unfinished business like the farm bill and immigration, as well as setting policy on new issues such as drones and agricultural data.

“Congress is still haggling over dairy policy, but for the most part, they are very close to completing a five-year farm bill,” said AFBF president Bob Stallman. The Farm Bureau delegates reaffirmed policy supporting changes to the dairy safety net, including margin insurance programs.

When it comes to drones, delegates adopted new policy that supports the use of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial agricultural, forestry and other natural resource purposes. They also supported the requirement for drone users to gain the consent of the landowners, if operating below navigable airspace However, delegates opposed federal agencies’ use of drones for regulatory enforcement, litigation or natural resource inventory surveys.

Delegates approved new policy supporting the protection of proprietary data collected from farmers and maintaining that such data should remain their property. Delegates also voted to support efforts to educate farmers regarding the benefits and risks of collaborative data collection systems. They also approved policy stating that farmers should be compensated if companies market their propriety information, and that farmers should have the right to sell their proprietary data to another producer, such as in the case of a land sale. Delegates voted to oppose farmers’ data being held in a clearinghouse or database by any entity subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

Stallman closing Press Conference
AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio

Passing of Gary Wilhelmi

Cindy Zimmerman

wilhelmiSad to hear that long-time market analyst Gary Wilhelmi has passed away. We remember spending so much time with him on the phone during our days at Brownfield when he would do the midday market analysis. Will always fondly recall his droll sense of humor and great sense of what the markets were doing. Rest in Peace, friend.

Here’s the notice from NAFB:

Gary originated thousands of market reports and commentaries from the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange during his 30 plus year career and was a regular guest speaker on television and at commodity group meetings. In addition to his love of visiting with broadcasters, Gary was an avid baseball fan and always appreciated the opportunity to talk about his family. Gary had been ill since last fall and passed away on Monday. A private service for family is planned in the spring. Cards of condolence and memories of Gary can be sent to:

Nancy Wilhelmi
709 Lytle Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Markets, NAFB

Busy Hands, Happy Heart

Melissa Sandfort

QuiltToday Aunt Jeanette writes:

I come from a family that likes to have busy hands. When I was growing up, I remember seeing Mom knitting, crocheting, writing in her daybook (diary – which has answered countless questions!), writing letters to people – you get the picture. It was rare for her to just sit. Same with Dad. He was always reading, doing crossword puzzles (not the fun ‘n easy ones!), playing solitaire, working on jigsaw puzzles, or keeping up to date with the latest farming news and plans for our family’s farm.

As far as I know, all my grandparents were the same way. Our family has a hard time just sitting and doing nothing. Even now, at ages 89 and 91, you will find Mom and Dad keeping their hands and minds challenged and occupied.

imageI was cleaning my closet this afternoon and found this bedspread my grandma made many, many years ago. I decided to put it on my bed because it is just too beautiful not to share. The story behind the bedspread is even more beautiful. Mom tells about Grandma using her egg money, after buying groceries, to buy the crochet thread. Whenever she had enough money saved up, Grandma would buy more thread and add to the bedspread. This took place during the Depression and money was scarce. I cannot even imagine all the work, time, and patience involved in creating this work of art. However, I can imagine how pleased Grandma must have felt when she finally finished her project. It is a piece of my history, a testament to my family’s tenacity, and a story I will always treasure.

I just finished knitting this pair of slippers for my dad. Even though my handiwork isn’t as intricate and delicate as Grandma’s, knitting kept my hands busy. Now my dad will have toasty toes during the next cold snap! And that makes my heart happy.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

ACA Assumes Assets, Programs of Farm-City Council

Jamie Johansen

National Ag DayThe Agriculture Council of America (ACA) Foundation has agreed to assume the assets and selected programs of the National Farm-City Council. The Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents. With this action, the Farm-City Council will move to dissolve on a national level after decades of narrowing the “understanding gap” between urban and rural America on issues of mutual interest.

“The National Farm-City Council, in discussions with the ACA Foundation, determined that the two organizations have very similar missions – to promote the important role of agriculture in our society,” says Hugh Whaley, chairman of the National Farm-City Council. “Given that, the Council has decided to transfer its assets and responsibilities to ACA where these efforts to communicate the value of agriculture will continue. I am confident that the spirit of the mission of the National Farm-City Council will be carried on through the work of the ACA Foundation.”

The ACA Foundation takes care of the charitable aspect of the ACA, which is an organization composed of leaders in ag, food and fiber communities. Public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in society is their goal.

President of ACA, Jennifer Pickett agrees with Hugh in that their missions are similar and the transition will run smoothly.

The annual Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award and stewardship of the Farm-City trademark are among the programs taking part in the transfer. Recipients will now be selected and awarded by ACA. Those interested in nominating candidates for the 2014 Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award can do so by clicking here. The Farm-City Symposium will also be worked into National Ag Day.

Ag Day, Ag Groups

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Poynter Institute has created a set of online courses just for AAEA members in 2014, available to you at reduced cost.
  • Fortune Fish & Gourmet President & CEO Sean O’Scannlain is the new Chairman of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the seafood industry’s leading trade association.
  • American Lamb Board (ALB) is elevating its 2014 strategic communications program to focus more on educating consumers about the basics of lamb, from cuts and cooking methods to the responsible practices of the industry’s 82,000 shepherds.
  • Missouri Cattlemens Association is currently hiring for a Communications Manager.
Zimfo Bytes

Would You Wear Google Glass?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Would you wear Google Glass?”

Some are still unsure what Google Glass is and even more have no desire to wear them at all. But those techies out there look willing to jump on the bandwagon with Chuck and see how these computers you wear on your face could make work easier or simply life more entertaining. Chuck brought his ZimmGlass with him to AFBF earlier this week and captured a few photos and video interviews. But admits there is a learning curve to master them.

Our poll results:

  • Yes – Depending on price – 38%
  • Yes – No matter what – 8%
  • No – 42%
  • What are they? – 12%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “How did the ‘Polar Vortex’ affect you??”

Last week the country faced record lows. Some trudged through heavy snow and blizzard like conditions and others battled ice and freezing rain. Chuck and Cindy even suffered in Florida with temps in the teens. Windchill conditions closed schools and cancelled events. But farmers and ranchers nationwide still had work to do. Even more of a reason to thank a farmer! How did last week’s extreme cold affect you?

ZimmPoll