The Grass Isn’t Always Greener

Melissa Sandfort January 30, 2014

We’ve all heard the saying that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. That quote goes on to say if you take the time to water your own grass, it would be just as green. I think like an animal that is corralled by a fence, we sometimes feel there’s something better out there – just out of arm’s reach. Our fence may be a job we’re not completely satisfied with, a car that has a few dents, or a house that has old carpet and is in need of a good makeover. But in farm terms, I like to believe that where the cow is standing is the greenest because it’s been fertilized. (Yes, pun intended!)

Best of luck telling a cow that the grass isn’t greener over at the Jones’s when she’s spent all day chomping on dried clumps of grass or weeds! This week, grandpa recalls a story of a yolk they used to put around a cow’s neck to stop her from trying to reach through the fence.

Listen to Grandpa’s story

No one is putting a yolk around our neck in the literal sense of the word, but maybe we need to let go of wanting to stick our heads through the fence and water/fertilize what we already have to make it grow!

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

NAMA Executive Committee Meets

Chuck Zimmerman January 30, 2014

The Executive Committee of the National Agri-Marketing Association met yesterday in Austin, TX. Here’s our group hard at work.

A big part of our meeting was reviewing the NAMA Strategic Plan to see how we’re doing and consider any tweaks or changes. We’re in year three of the three year plan and according to our calculations NAMA gets a high grade for accomplishing the goals set out by the plan. Helping us work through the process was Kevin Oschner, Adayana, who did a great job keeping us focused and on track to accomplish something that is well thought out and with measurables so we can see how we’re doing at the end of this first three year process.

There was a lot of other mundane “business of NAMA” we went through like reviewing the budget and getting a report from Jenny Pickett, our Executive Director. NAMA is in good shape and primed for another good year.

Ag Groups, NAMA

Farm Bill Could be Final This Week

Cindy Zimmerman January 30, 2014

Agricultural groups hailed passage of the compromise farm bill by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday and look forward to swift action in the Senate.

National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre of Illinois observed the floor vote from the House gallery while visiting the Capitol. “This legislation provides an adequate and flexible farm safety net, as well as a strong federal crop insurance program,” said Barbre. “More importantly, farmers need the certainty of a new five-year law, and we are happy to see this legislation includes many reforms we’ve supported and stressed over the years, reforms that make sense both for farmers and taxpayers.”

American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman says the bill includes many Farm Bureau-supported provisions, including risk management for fruit and vegetable farmers and support for livestock farmers during disasters. “It is imperative that all of agriculture unify behind this farm bill, for the good of the whole of American agriculture, consumers, our hard-working farm and ranch families and the rural communities they support,” he said, referring to livestock interests opposed to the bill.

The House vote was 251-166 and many voted for the bill even though it did not contain everything they wanted, like Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN). “The report before us today represents a compromise – I know this is rare in Washington but that’s what’s needed to actually get something done around this place,” said Peterson on the floor, noting he was not completely pleased with the dairy title or the commodity title. Rep. Collin Peterson during Farm Bill debate

Most of the 166 members who voted against the did so because of cuts to the nutrition program, which were far less severe than the original House bill, but some like Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) also had a few farm program concerns, particularly crop insurance and cotton. “We’ve got a domestic cotton program that’s gotten us into trouble with Brazil,” said Kind. “This bill does not fix that cotton problem and now it’s up to Brazil whether they want to level economic sanctions against us.” Rep. Ron Kind during Farm Bill debate

AFBF, Ag Groups, Audio, Farm Bill, NCGA

Ag Leader Proud to Sponsor Iowa Power Farming Show

Joanna Schroeder January 29, 2014

Ag Leader had a great 2013 and 2014 is shaping up to be even better. I caught up with Mike Olson, Ag Leader North America Sales Manager, who gave me an overview of what 2014 will bring as well as spoke to me about their sponsorship of the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show.

Olson said they have been an event sponsor for the past five plus years and the event in is their backyard (they are located in Ames, Iowa) so Iowa Power Farming is a good show for them to sponsor. He also noted that it’s become the third largest farm show in the country, is very well run and has been very successful.

“We’re really proud to be a part of it,” said Olson. “We have a lot of our customers who come in and share their experiences and learn about new technologies, and it just a good way to meet our customers and spend time with them.”

During the show Ag Leader held some educational seminars including one focused on “AgFiniti– Ag Leader Technology’s Cloud-Based Platform,” presented by Luke James; “Designing a Tile Drainage System Using Your Precision Ag Data,” presented by Aaron Friedlein; and “Put Your Mind at Ease and Your Seed at Proper Depth with Hydraulic Down Force,” presented by Brett Buehler.

Precision agriculture has really grown over the past few years but Olson said that an estimated 50 percent of farm operations don’t use any precision ag technology. He said because of this there are a lot of great opportunities for people to get started and the technology has gotten a lot easier to use. He said the technology is also less expensive and some of the equipment like tractors and planters are easier to interface with. “So people who aren’t in it yet shouldn’t be scared to get into it,” said Olson.

He noted that another big trend in the industry is the value of data and more operations are beginning to see the value in collecting and analyzing data. In addition, for those farmers who have been using precision technologies, Ag Leader continues to innovate and has launched some great new products including AgFiniti and Ag Leader Hydraulic Down Force.

Listen to my full interview with Mike Olson. Ag Leader Proud to Sponsor Iowa Power Farming Show

Click here to view the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show photo album.

Ag Leader, Audio, Precision Agriculture

2014 Iowa Power Farming Show Round-up

Joanna Schroeder January 29, 2014

The 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show is in full swing this week in Des Moines, Iowa and according to Tom Junge, show director nearly 25,000 people are expected to attend the third largest farm show in the United States. The show expands 7 acres and features exhibitors from 29 states and 4 Canadian Provinces; represents 750 companies and more than 1,800 booths. Junge says there is an exhibitor waiting list of more than 100 companies.

Junge said the show has been growing each year for the past six plus years and people are driving from out of state to attend. “People are finding out how good the show is and how many exhibitors we have here and once they talk to their neighbors they seem to come the next year,” said Junge.

The farming show features a plethora of different agriculture products ranging from tractors to skid steers, combines to sprayers, planters to utility vehicles to grain trailers, landscape and turf equipment and outdoor power equipment. In addition, there were companies showcasing their precision ag electronics, management software and ag-related accessories.

Junge said that show also features seminars and workshops and new this year are workshops on covercrops. He said that out east they are doing a lot of this although Iowa may be lagging a bit behind the trend. Due to the interest of this topic, over the three days there will be 45 one-hour sessions on just this topic alone. In addition, AgLeader hosted some precision ag seminars and Stewart-Peterson gives the attendees updates on the commodities markets.

Special thanks to Ag Leader for sponsoring ZimmComm coverage of the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show.

Listen to my full interview with Tom Junge who gives a great overview of the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show. 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show Round-up

Click here to view the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show photo album.

Ag Leader, Audio, Iowa Power Show, Precision Agriculture

IPPE Show Goes On Despite Weather

Cindy Zimmerman January 29, 2014

The International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) carried on Wednesday in Atlanta, despite the few inches of snow that nearly paralyzed the city.

Attendance was still pretty good today considering and with so many flights cancelled lots of people are actually staying longer for the show than they planned. “Our crowd has held up today in spite of very severe logistics getting them here to the venue,” said show manager Charlie Olentine with the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, adding that they actually expect a stronger than normal attendance on Thursday, the last day of the show.

The expo got its new name last year with the addition of the American Meat Institute and got a lot bigger. “We’re positioning the show to basically take meat and animal protein production from the farm to the point of sale,” Charlie said. Two years ago, before AMI came on board, the expo had about 21,000 visitors – last year it was more than 27,000. This year, it’s hard to say right now, but Charlie says most of the nearly 6,000 international visitors came in before the storm hit.

Listen to my interview with Charlie here: Charlie Olentine, IPPE Show Manager
International Production and Processing Expo Photos

Ag Groups, Audio, Events, IPPE, Poultry, Poultry Expo

EcoEngineer’s Jim Baker Wins John Deere FFV Mower

Joanna Schroeder January 29, 2014

If there was one item that was coveted above all others at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, it was the E85, flex fuel riding lawn mower donated by John Deere. Attendees who submitted comments to the EPA in regards to their proposed 2014 renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were registered to win.

As soon as the show floor opened at 8:00 am, people began jockeying for position to run up to the podium when their number was announced….and the winner is…Jim Baker with EcoEngineers. He noted that he is going to have to buy a new house with a bigger yard to get the full value out of his new toy.

Jim was so excited he was hoping to drive it home but, well, it was a tad cold out. EcoEngineers, who is based in Des Moines, is a company specializing in biofuel compliance issues such as RIN management, plant registrations and more. EcoEngineers also hosts webinars for the industry as well as workshops. It is anticipated that when the weather gets warmers Jim will ride to work on his E85 John Deere riding mower and as a gal about town, I will be sure to get a photo and tweet it out.

Want to get a peek at this bad boy? Jim is taking applications for lawn mowing jobs. I suspect there will be a lot of people lining up to mow his lawn this summer.

Monte Shaw, the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (Iowa RFA) whose association was the host of the event, said that he wanted to give special thanks to John Deere for their support of the event and the industry. John Deere has been selling agricultural equipment designed to use biodiesel for years as well as other biofuel compatible products.

Listen to my interview with Jim Baker here: EcoEngineer's Jim Baker Wins Coveted FFV Mower

View the 2014 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit photo album.

Audio, Biofuels, Equipment, Ethanol, John Deere

I Love Farmers Announces Ag Advocates

Jamie Johansen January 29, 2014

The non-profit agricultural advocacy group, I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul (ILF), has selected their 2013 Agriculture Advocates of the Year. Ryan Goodman of Montana and Malorie Bankhead of California are the two receiving the coveted honor.

The organization wanted to recognize and reward young people who volunteer their time advocating for American family farmers and ranchers and established this award in honor of the late Gus Settrini, a cattle rancher from Salinas, CA. who enjoyed helping young people in agriculture.

Ryan, 25, maintains an active blog called Agriculture Proud, has more than 13,000 followers on his Twitter and Facebook profiles and is a guest writer for the CNN Eatocracy food page. He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has a graduate degree from University of Tennessee. He is the manager of communications for the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

Malorie, 22, maintains a blog called MalTheBeefGal and is active on Facebook and Twitter. She has traveled the country as a member of the National Beef Ambassador Team and with the Hunger U educational campaign. She is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. She is the associate director of communications for the California Cattlemen’s Association.

Winners were selected based on their advocacy efforts online in social media channels and at various public events in 2013. Ryan and Malorie will receive custom silver buckles and a cash award.

Megan Silcott, ILF President said, “We are excited to identify and reward a strong group of young advocates for our inaugural Agricultural Advocate of the Year program. Each winner is an outstanding model for others to follow in advocating for agriculture.”

Those receiving Honorable Mentions include Taylor Short of Missouri, Sam Wildman of Ohio and L. Jade Halliburton of Arkansas.

Ag Groups, Social Media

Most Don’t Trust HSUS Ag Councils

Jamie Johansen January 29, 2014

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your opinion of state HSUS Ag Councils?”

We had an overwhelming large turn out of voters for this controversial ZimmPoll question. The majority of voters agree that if the HSUS label is present in anything, then it can’t be trusted. However, many are eager to work with the group. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It will be interesting to see how productive these HSUS Ag Councils are and if their goals aline with those of the agricultural community.

Our poll results:

Can’t trust HSUS – 55%
Should work with HSUS – 32%
Waste of time – 7%
Don’t know – 2%
Other – 4%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Could drones (UAV’s) serve a purpose on your operation?”

Precision technology in the agricultural industry is impossible to ignore and continually growing interest with farmers and ranchers globally. We have been seeing a lot of talk about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) or better known as drones. The use of drones to fly over crops and livestock to maximize profits is one of the hottest topics entering the agriculture sector. The sky seems to be the limit when it comes to the possibilities with this new technology, but advancements won’t be seen at all until approval is given from the FAA. The price tag might seem high to some, but others may see only see the benefits. We did a similar ZimmPoll on this topic last year asking, “What use would you have for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?” Could you see yourself utilizing these unmanned aircrafts to increase profitability on your operation?

ZimmPoll

Perfect Storm Causes Propane Shortage

Leah Guffey January 29, 2014

Freezing temperatures, a wetter than normal harvest, and more exports have all contributed to a “perfect storm” scenario for short supplies of propane right now.

According to Scott Long, manager of propane marketing and business development for GROWMARK, the wet harvest meant nearly 5 times the amount of propane was used to dry the crop than normal. This put the market behind during a winter that has been bitterly cold. Add to that the fact that we have had increased exports since the United States has the some of the lowest priced propane in the world.

Scott believes that things are starting to turn a corner and the prices are starting to come down a little, but it’s going to take some time for the market to correct itself. In the state of Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn has declared an energy emergency to help bring more propane to the state and relax some of the rules for energy assistance and help small businesses with increased costs associated with the supply shortage. Scott says that this can be prevented in the future and the market is going to recover. He asks people to just “bear with us” as the marketers and wholesalers work through this issue.

You can listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Long, GROWMARK

Audio, GROWMARK, Propane

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