Now, I thought I would go and get a great deal of information out of the press conference, but they only let her speak for a short time. ALthough she was limited to what she could say, she did have some interesting points. She is a great speaker who really captivates the audience. Trade is a major issue right now with deals needing to be made and a lot not getting done, especially with the upcoming Farm Bill. 2007 could be another tough year as far as trade goes, but we’ll see, I know everyone here is stressed out with the Farm Bill, wanting to be heard in the writing process. But, Susan answered what she had time for reminding us all, trade deals need to be made.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Trade remains a key issue for producers here at the Classic
U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab was on hand today for producers. After she spoke upstairs in the Convention Center, she came down for a short press conference, and I mean short. I recorded it for your listening pleasure.
Now, I thought I would go and get a great deal of information out of the press conference, but they only let her speak for a short time. ALthough she was limited to what she could say, she did have some interesting points. She is a great speaker who really captivates the audience. Trade is a major issue right now with deals needing to be made and a lot not getting done, especially with the upcoming Farm Bill. 2007 could be another tough year as far as trade goes, but we’ll see, I know everyone here is stressed out with the Farm Bill, wanting to be heard in the writing process. But, Susan answered what she had time for reminding us all, trade deals need to be made.
Now, I thought I would go and get a great deal of information out of the press conference, but they only let her speak for a short time. ALthough she was limited to what she could say, she did have some interesting points. She is a great speaker who really captivates the audience. Trade is a major issue right now with deals needing to be made and a lot not getting done, especially with the upcoming Farm Bill. 2007 could be another tough year as far as trade goes, but we’ll see, I know everyone here is stressed out with the Farm Bill, wanting to be heard in the writing process. But, Susan answered what she had time for reminding us all, trade deals need to be made.
YieldGard VT new to the field
Right after the Soy2020 press conference, Monsanto jumped right in to introduce YieldGard VT. Dion McBay, U.S. Marketing Manager for Asgrow and DEKALB soybeans spoke to me about the new seed technology yesterday. I can tell he truly cares about the product and had a lot of good information for me, providing me with an overview of what benefit YieldGard VT will provide for farmers.
Tami Craig Schilling mediated the press conference this morning. By the way, Alyssa and I love Tami. She is fun, entertaining and great to work for because she cares about not only how we are doing, but what we are getting out of the internship. So, now I will get off my little soap box and move on with the Press Conference. Ernesto Fajardo, vice president of Monsanto’s U.S. crop production business kicked things off and Dion followed with great insight to what the product will do for U.S. farmers. He talked about what kind of insect control the crop provides and the genetics that went into improving the YieldGard product.
Tami Craig Schilling mediated the press conference this morning. By the way, Alyssa and I love Tami. She is fun, entertaining and great to work for because she cares about not only how we are doing, but what we are getting out of the internship. So, now I will get off my little soap box and move on with the Press Conference. Ernesto Fajardo, vice president of Monsanto’s U.S. crop production business kicked things off and Dion followed with great insight to what the product will do for U.S. farmers. He talked about what kind of insect control the crop provides and the genetics that went into improving the YieldGard product.
Getting the most out of soy products for producers
Producers always want to get the most out of their product. And soybean checkoff dollars from across the country are going towards Soy2020, an industry-wide effort that strives for continued competitiveness in the global market. It also gives producers insight to the future and knowing what opportunities and challenges to expect.
This morning they had a press conference and after it was over I caught up with the past and current chairman of the United Soybean Board. This is what they had to say.
I think they both bring up good points and staying competitive is extremely important for producers. And as they said, the demand is continuing to be strong and the pressure remains for the soybean industry to produce enough food, fuel and fiber for the world.
This morning they had a press conference and after it was over I caught up with the past and current chairman of the United Soybean Board. This is what they had to say.
I think they both bring up good points and staying competitive is extremely important for producers. And as they said, the demand is continuing to be strong and the pressure remains for the soybean industry to produce enough food, fuel and fiber for the world.
DEKALB and Asgrow growers treated like stars
So, do you remember that yacht I posted a picture of earlier this week? The one with the hot tub in the back? Well, I went on a yacht last night that was bigger, much bigger. And even though this yacht didn’t have a hot tub, the producers made it worthwhile. Alyssa and I grabbed a quick picture before we got on!
Last night, growers who won the National Corn Growers Yield Contest with Asgrow or DEKALB seed, got the privilege of taking a boat ride. They were wined and dined and treated like stars. First, all the women were given corsages. The picture is of me actually pinning people. This woman was brave because I warned them that I would more than likely draw blood, but I got better as I went along. I admit I was slow, but the consequences were much better if I took my time. Then, when they got on the boat they got food, drinks, awards, and a great atmosphere with a live band. To top everything off and wrap up the night, we enjoyed a firework show.
While I was having a good time, I actually did some work and interviewed a Nebraska state winner. Bruce Wiles, a grower from Plattsmouth, Nebraska talked about the contest, as well as his time here in Florida. And the one thing that he is enjoying the most, is the people. I agree with him. I mean, producers put all the stress of the farm behind them and come to Classic to have a great time. Last night definitely proved that!Alyssa and I took time for a great photo on the boat. It was great weather and as I said before, the growers made the night enjoyable and memorable.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
VISTIVE soybeans kicks things off...
I had no idea how big of a role Monsanto plays in events like the Commodity Classic. After spending a day with the Monsanto crew and seed growers, I can say I am proud to be associated with this group.
I am learning more and more about the vast number of products Monsanto has out there. It’ll take a long time to understand all of them fully and every company and seed variety that is through Monsanto, but I am taking it step-by-step and learning about the products along the way.
Well, today the Trade Show opened and Monsanto was right there in the lead and even cut to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony. VISTIVE soybeans were the main attraction and Monsanto used great marketing techniques to grab people’s attention. They used the KFC logo to talk about the soybeans and what kind of opportunities there is for the product. In fact, KFC has switched 5,500 of their restaurants to low-linolenic soybean oil and the majority of that oil being VISTIVE. So, what a great partnership to have and the opportunities remain endless in this area.
Kurt Wickstrom, U.S. Soybean Traits Manager for Monsanto, was the front man today and actually spoke about VISTIVE during the opening ceremony. I spoke with him about the opportunties available and what we should expect in the near future. During the opening ceremony, he was standing next to the Presidents of NCGA, ASA and NAWG who are all hosting the Classic. The crew handed out colorful buttons for people to wear on their shirts that not only grabbed people’s attention, but was a tool used to draw them into the booth. In order to get a treasure map, they had to be wearing the buttons. Then, they had to follow certain clues to fill out questions on the map. Once it was all filled out, they were able to enter it in for a drawing and have the chance to win two free plane tickets anywhere they choose. That’s something I want to win.
So, Monsanto continues to amaze me with the marketing and planning they do. Every detail is ironed out and perfected so things are able to run smooth. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings at the Trade Show!
I am learning more and more about the vast number of products Monsanto has out there. It’ll take a long time to understand all of them fully and every company and seed variety that is through Monsanto, but I am taking it step-by-step and learning about the products along the way.
Well, today the Trade Show opened and Monsanto was right there in the lead and even cut to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony. VISTIVE soybeans were the main attraction and Monsanto used great marketing techniques to grab people’s attention. They used the KFC logo to talk about the soybeans and what kind of opportunities there is for the product. In fact, KFC has switched 5,500 of their restaurants to low-linolenic soybean oil and the majority of that oil being VISTIVE. So, what a great partnership to have and the opportunities remain endless in this area.
Kurt Wickstrom, U.S. Soybean Traits Manager for Monsanto, was the front man today and actually spoke about VISTIVE during the opening ceremony. I spoke with him about the opportunties available and what we should expect in the near future. During the opening ceremony, he was standing next to the Presidents of NCGA, ASA and NAWG who are all hosting the Classic. The crew handed out colorful buttons for people to wear on their shirts that not only grabbed people’s attention, but was a tool used to draw them into the booth. In order to get a treasure map, they had to be wearing the buttons. Then, they had to follow certain clues to fill out questions on the map. Once it was all filled out, they were able to enter it in for a drawing and have the chance to win two free plane tickets anywhere they choose. That’s something I want to win.
So, Monsanto continues to amaze me with the marketing and planning they do. Every detail is ironed out and perfected so things are able to run smooth. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings at the Trade Show!
The future for corn is looking bright!
The National Corn Growers Association is excited to be at the Classic this year. I mean what corn producer wouldn’t? $4 corn makes all growers happy and so I have a feeling they’ll be celebrating their current position in the U.S. market and the opportunities ahead.
Although things look good, policy must be set and trying to get the upcoming Farm Bill written to fit the best interest of corn growers is still extremely important. So, I caught up with NCGA President, Ken McCauley, a corn grower from Kansas. During our interview we discussed not only policy, but also challenges ahead. Most of us have heard about the Food versus Fuel Debate that many people are bringing up, saying farmers can’t produce enough corn to both feed and fuel the country. But McCauley told me he doesn’t look at it that way and they are approaching it as Food AND Fuel. This is a concept Monsanto is also trying to address. And as McCauley talks about in the interview, the kind of attention corn is receiving right now with ethanol is creating a interest for agriculture with the general public. And he has a good point, because he thinks that interest will then overflow into the livestock industry, as well.
I have McCauley before, and he is an extremely nice and friendly guy that doesn’t forget his agricultural roots. He is excited about the future of corn and it’s good to know someone with that mindset is leading the National Corn Growers Association.
Although things look good, policy must be set and trying to get the upcoming Farm Bill written to fit the best interest of corn growers is still extremely important. So, I caught up with NCGA President, Ken McCauley, a corn grower from Kansas. During our interview we discussed not only policy, but also challenges ahead. Most of us have heard about the Food versus Fuel Debate that many people are bringing up, saying farmers can’t produce enough corn to both feed and fuel the country. But McCauley told me he doesn’t look at it that way and they are approaching it as Food AND Fuel. This is a concept Monsanto is also trying to address. And as McCauley talks about in the interview, the kind of attention corn is receiving right now with ethanol is creating a interest for agriculture with the general public. And he has a good point, because he thinks that interest will then overflow into the livestock industry, as well.
I have McCauley before, and he is an extremely nice and friendly guy that doesn’t forget his agricultural roots. He is excited about the future of corn and it’s good to know someone with that mindset is leading the National Corn Growers Association.
It's officially the first day and everything is underway...
Although many people arrived yesterday and groups have already been getting together discussing issues and setting policy, today is when the Trade Show opens. That is a major part of the Classic, and I will have more on that later. Our morning started at 9 a.m. and Alyssa Bane, the other intern, and I had a short walk over. So, we grabbed a quick picture overlooking some water and this is calm me. I guarantee you will be able to tell when things get really hectic by the photos and my appearance.
First thing this morning, we met with Willie Vogt, Corporate Editorial Director for Farm Progress Companies. Farm Futures and Rural Life magazine are just a couple of their publications. As I mentioned earlier, a total of 5,000 people will be here this week. Not only is that company representatives, producers and representatives from the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and for the first year, the National Association of Wheat Growers, but media, and specifically agricultural journalists. So, while I had Vogt cornered, I interviewed him about how agricultural journalism has changed and where he sees it going. Vogt didn’t come in with an agricultural background, so it was interesting to see what kind of things he had to overcome within the industry.
We also talked to Chuck Zimmerman, who linked us from his blog! Thanks, Chuck!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tampa Bay on the First Day
Well, all the preparation and excitement has all come down to this- the 2007 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Florida. I can’t explain how glad I am to be here, enjoying beautiful weather and a great atmosphere, while leaving all the winter weather behind. In fact, on my way to the airport extremely early this morning (before 5 a.m.), I heard on the radio snow could be headed Missouri’s way tomorrow. I know Iowa is supposed to get some more as well, and after the bad winter storm that hit recently, many Iowa residents are still trying to recover. Also on my way in, we ran into a hailstorm. So, needless to say, I was glad to finally touch down in Tampa Bay and see gorgeous weather with sunny skies.
When I got to the media room, I met Bob Callanan, Communications Director for the American Soybean Association. He was very helpful with getting me registered, and while he was helping me get squared away, we were talking about his involvement with Commodity Classic and what kind of preparation goes into an event like this. With a total of 5,000 people expected, I can’t even imagine what goes on behind the scenes. So, I did an interview with Callanan to not only talk about the preparation involved, but to provide you background information on what the Commodity Classic is all about. He has been with ASA for 13 years and has been helping with Commodity Classic for 11 years.
This is a picture of a yacht I could see from my hotel room. I just added this in for your viewing pleasure. And that little circle on the back – yes, that is a hot tub. So, I may go try to find the proud owners of “Just Lucky II” and see what they do for a living, because whatever it is, I think it might be my calling.
When I got to the media room, I met Bob Callanan, Communications Director for the American Soybean Association. He was very helpful with getting me registered, and while he was helping me get squared away, we were talking about his involvement with Commodity Classic and what kind of preparation goes into an event like this. With a total of 5,000 people expected, I can’t even imagine what goes on behind the scenes. So, I did an interview with Callanan to not only talk about the preparation involved, but to provide you background information on what the Commodity Classic is all about. He has been with ASA for 13 years and has been helping with Commodity Classic for 11 years.
This is a picture of a yacht I could see from my hotel room. I just added this in for your viewing pleasure. And that little circle on the back – yes, that is a hot tub. So, I may go try to find the proud owners of “Just Lucky II” and see what they do for a living, because whatever it is, I think it might be my calling.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A once in a lifetime experience...
Let me start of by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia majoring in Agricultural Journalism. What led me to choose this major? Well, actually, a lot of things factored into the decision. Although I didn't grow up directly on a farm, agriculture has always been a strong presence in my life.
I have several family members that are farmers and ranchers in Missouri, which allowed me to get involved at a young age. My father is an agricultural education instructor at Santa Fe High School and he suggested I join FFA in high school. Looking back, I can honestly say that was one of the best decisions I ever made and one that truly was life-changing. I started participating in public speaking events, which allowed me to research current events in agriculture. By doing so, I gained a strong passion for Missouri's largest industry and a love for agriculture that is stayed with me throughout my life.
Because of my public speaking experience, I began working in broadcast during high school at the age of 16. I often say opportunities fall into my lap. But the only reason I have these opportunities to begin with is because of the experience I gained through FFA. Now, as a college student, I am a farm broadcast intern for Brownfield, the largest ag radio network in the country. I anchor news, write web stories and interview agricultural leaders. I am surrounded my agriculture everyday at work and couldn't enjoy what I do anymore. I expanded my knowledge of broadcasting to the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources where I produce a weekly podcast (photo, taken by MU AgJ sophomore Kyle Spradley, of an interview with Former Tigers Head Basketball Coach Norm Stewart during the Ag Day BBQ). I started the podcast last semester as a way for student to keep up on news from the college and agriculture. Now, it is a way for younger Agricultural Journalism students to learn first hand about broadcasting, and in particular, farm broadcasting.
My goal as an agricultural communicator is to tell agriculture’s story in everything I do. I am currently serving as the 2006 Missouri State Fair Queen, and Missouri’s Ambassador for Agriculture. This really puts the icing on the cake for my communications experience, because I am able to travel across the state communicating agriculture's story. My personal goal when fulfilling my duties as Missouri State Fair Queen is to allow everyone (both rural and urban residents) to truly understand the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives.
Well, that is enough about me; let's move on to what you should expect from me next week!
I am extremely excited about this post for two reasons: 1) It is my first blog post and I can officially call myself a "blogger" and 2) I know that I am preparing for an experience of a lifetime that will allow me to network and learn more about U.S. agriculture.
Before I go any further, I just want to give you my own definition of a blog/blogger is. I think of a blog as a way for “bloggers” to post personal insight about anything they desire, but in a conversational format. Blogs are meant to be informative, as is any type of news or media, but are usually presented in a more fun or enjoyable format. So, a “blogger” is able to use the internet to add personal opinion about the topics they want to make public.
Monsanto is giving me the opportunity to get first-hand experience and speak to leaders from across the country through the Future Ag Journalist Fellowship program. Right now, I feel a little overwhelmed getting everything together for the trip (and school doesn't ease that pressure any) to the 2007 Commodity Classic. But I look at it this way: I am going to get out of my trip what I put in. So, I am putting in a great deal of thought into planning for the Classic because I definitely don't want to miss anything.
Monsanto has been extremely helpful by sending me agendas, plans, etc. While looking everything over, I realized I will be extremely busy during the Classic. So, I decided to make a goal of what I want to accomplish while I am there.
Here is what I came up with: providing Monsanto and the general public with as much news possible, so they feel like they are actually there getting the same experience I am. So, what does this mean? I will communicate what is going on at the Commodity Classic to you through stories, blog posts, audio and pictures. I know by doing this you will be able to see and hear the highlights that I am without having to be there.
So, I hope you enjoy my posts and the total experience as much as I know I will. You can count on posts that are full of detail and personal comments that might even make you smile a time or two!
I have several family members that are farmers and ranchers in Missouri, which allowed me to get involved at a young age. My father is an agricultural education instructor at Santa Fe High School and he suggested I join FFA in high school. Looking back, I can honestly say that was one of the best decisions I ever made and one that truly was life-changing. I started participating in public speaking events, which allowed me to research current events in agriculture. By doing so, I gained a strong passion for Missouri's largest industry and a love for agriculture that is stayed with me throughout my life.
Because of my public speaking experience, I began working in broadcast during high school at the age of 16. I often say opportunities fall into my lap. But the only reason I have these opportunities to begin with is because of the experience I gained through FFA. Now, as a college student, I am a farm broadcast intern for Brownfield, the largest ag radio network in the country. I anchor news, write web stories and interview agricultural leaders. I am surrounded my agriculture everyday at work and couldn't enjoy what I do anymore. I expanded my knowledge of broadcasting to the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources where I produce a weekly podcast (photo, taken by MU AgJ sophomore Kyle Spradley, of an interview with Former Tigers Head Basketball Coach Norm Stewart during the Ag Day BBQ). I started the podcast last semester as a way for student to keep up on news from the college and agriculture. Now, it is a way for younger Agricultural Journalism students to learn first hand about broadcasting, and in particular, farm broadcasting.My goal as an agricultural communicator is to tell agriculture’s story in everything I do. I am currently serving as the 2006 Missouri State Fair Queen, and Missouri’s Ambassador for Agriculture. This really puts the icing on the cake for my communications experience, because I am able to travel across the state communicating agriculture's story. My personal goal when fulfilling my duties as Missouri State Fair Queen is to allow everyone (both rural and urban residents) to truly understand the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives.
Well, that is enough about me; let's move on to what you should expect from me next week!
I am extremely excited about this post for two reasons: 1) It is my first blog post and I can officially call myself a "blogger" and 2) I know that I am preparing for an experience of a lifetime that will allow me to network and learn more about U.S. agriculture.
Before I go any further, I just want to give you my own definition of a blog/blogger is. I think of a blog as a way for “bloggers” to post personal insight about anything they desire, but in a conversational format. Blogs are meant to be informative, as is any type of news or media, but are usually presented in a more fun or enjoyable format. So, a “blogger” is able to use the internet to add personal opinion about the topics they want to make public.
Monsanto is giving me the opportunity to get first-hand experience and speak to leaders from across the country through the Future Ag Journalist Fellowship program. Right now, I feel a little overwhelmed getting everything together for the trip (and school doesn't ease that pressure any) to the 2007 Commodity Classic. But I look at it this way: I am going to get out of my trip what I put in. So, I am putting in a great deal of thought into planning for the Classic because I definitely don't want to miss anything.
Monsanto has been extremely helpful by sending me agendas, plans, etc. While looking everything over, I realized I will be extremely busy during the Classic. So, I decided to make a goal of what I want to accomplish while I am there.
Here is what I came up with: providing Monsanto and the general public with as much news possible, so they feel like they are actually there getting the same experience I am. So, what does this mean? I will communicate what is going on at the Commodity Classic to you through stories, blog posts, audio and pictures. I know by doing this you will be able to see and hear the highlights that I am without having to be there.
So, I hope you enjoy my posts and the total experience as much as I know I will. You can count on posts that are full of detail and personal comments that might even make you smile a time or two!
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