cropvillage

CropVillage update for July 22, 2010, Will Recent Roundup Ready Alfalfa Court Rulings Impact Ag Access To Biotechnology?

John Blue — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:08:20 -0700

Below are some recent additions to CropVillage to help you manage your operations.

Crop Conversations

Audio: Will Recent Roundup Ready Alfalfa Court Rulings Impact Ag Access To Biotechnology? - Iowa State Agricultural Law Specialist Roger McEowen discusses the issues and ramifications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Roundup Ready Alfalfa.
Audio: How To Manage Your Organization Through Industry Disruption - The unusual aspect of the most recent economic and corporate calamity is that nearly everyone experienced severe industry disruption. Today's presentation is from Otto Scharmer, Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management. This Back To The Classroom series overviews his considerations on changing organizational innovation in the 'new normal' of increased industry turmoil. Listen to this while you're on the road. You'll need time to think about it.
Via SwineCast Audio: Who Will Take Charge Of Livestock Health? Veterinarians Or Regulators - Dr. Howard Hill helped make the case to "follow the science" recently at a congressional hearing on antibiotic use in livestock production and antibiotic resistance in humans.

Agriculture Telling its Story

Agriculture Sustainability - What does it mean to be 'sustainable' in agriculture? How do biodiversity and water issues play a part in ag sustainability? This Agchat discussion provides information, resource links, and discussion on agriculture sustainability.
Video: Risk Assessment As A Bio-security Improvement Tool - Dr. Derald Holtkamp explains Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program (PADRAP) and how it helps the industry.
Audio: The Human Cost of the Animal Rights Movement - Wesley J. Smith, Award winning author and Senior Fellow in Human Rights and Bioethics at the Discovery Institute, states "you are not dealing with people who want to reach accommodation with the animal industries about what is proper animal husbandry‑‑and what are proper welfare practices."
Agriculture Uses Contests To Create Engagement - Creating media is a fun way to bring people together and share ideas about a cause or an idea. This summer there are several agriculture focused media creation contests being run.
Summer Farming Stress - AgChat conversation on summer farming stress and thoughts on approaches to caring for animals and staff.
Enough: Why the World's Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty - Roger Thurow, former Wall Street Journal correspondent and co-author of Enough: Why the World's Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty, shares the "complexities of economic dysfunction" in trying to help the countries in Africa feed their people. Audio: Part 1 and Part 2.

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Ned Arthur
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1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
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CropVillage update for April 14, 2010, One World, One Health: The global food basket

John Blue — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:35:53 -0700

CropVillage^™ Conversations

One World, One Health: The global food basket

Dr. Corrie Brown, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about the concept of One World, One Health: The global food basket.

Ballot Initiatives HSUS and The Ohio experience

Mike Bumgarner from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation shares his experience in dealing with the Humane Society of the United States as the HSUS worked to eliminate animal confining crates in Ohio.

Food Borne Mycotoxins, The Threat To Poultry

From PoultryCast: Dr. Trevor Smith, University of Guelph, shares thoughts on his Mycotoxin presentation at the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention.

Agriculture Telling its Story

Truth, Lies and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security?

Animal Agriculture Alliance's 9th Annual Stakeholder Summit is April 28-29 2010 at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The main topic is "Truth, Lies and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security?" This event will feature a keynote by Dr. Elizabeth Parker, Chairman, Animal Agriculture Alliance and Chief Veterinarian, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Topics being covered include: an animal agriculture legislative update, terrorism against the food industry, and proactive animal well-being initiatives. See program for details.

Global Agriculture

Global Agriculture Agchat discussion looked to understand the global agriculture issues to be addressed so more people can be fed in the future. Of note is the video from the Earth Institute: Global Agriculture Systems and Food and National Security and the FAO ag trade visualization tool.

New Ag Foundation Embraces Social Media to Share Agriculture's Story

AgChat Foundation launches with four program areas focused on social media: Agvocacy 2.0 Training, Strategic Agvocacy Coordination, Data Analysis, and Technology Scholarships.

Looking to discover other agriculture focused conversations? Start by looking into these agriculture tags: Farm, Ag4all, Profood, AgChat, and Crop.

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Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for March 29, 2010, What is Ahead In The USDA March 31st Planting Intentions Report?

John Blue — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:18:31 -0700

CropVillage^™ Conversations

What is in store for the corn & soybean markets this growing season?

Dan O'Brien, Kansas State grain market economist, looks ahead to the USDA's March 31st planting intentions report and the impact of this growing season on feed prices.

What is the Agriculture 2.0 Conference?

Janine Yario, NewSeed Advisors, talks about how media and conferences are bringing together investors and presenting companies to create and develop new ideas around ag sustainability, food production, energy, and agri-tech.

What Should Be Considered When Using DDGs In Poultry Feeds?

From PoultryCast: Dr. Danny Hooge, Hooge Consulting, presented his thoughts on the use of DDGs in poultry rations and potential issues to be aware of at the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention Pre-Show Nutrition Symposium.

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Agriculture Telling its Story

Foodchat on Food and Health. What are the ways in which food, health, and education can be formulated to improve lives and create a future in which all children are not at risk of obesity?

The Persistence of the Primitive Food Movement From the Freakonomics Blog, "Americans are currently embracing a strange sort of primitivism. Bicycles are losing gears, runners are afoot in shoes designed to creatae a barefoot sensation (some are even running barefoot), and men are growing bushy Will Oldham-like beards. It’s all very curious and entertaining. But nowhere has our love for the supposed simplicity of the past been more evident than in food trends."

Food Cannot Be Ethical. Only People Can. A recent report, Ethical Food, attempts to address "Are ethical brand claims influencing food purchases? And if so, which claims matter most to consumers?". Unfortunately, this report is about creating a divisive environment around food, its production, and the people who work in the food and agriculture industries.

Looking to discover other agriculture focused conversations? Start by looking into these agriculture tags: Farm, Ag4all, Profood, AgChat, and Crop.

Forward CropVillage^™ to your colleagues and start the conversation!

Changed your name? Work at a new company? Update your CropVillage email profile.

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for February 26, 2010, Farmers Answer Consummers' Food Questions

John Blue — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:00:22 -0700

CropVillage^™ Conversations

Leadership Involvement Ideas

Fred Rogge, Washington, Kansas, shares his thoughts on community leadership involvement after winning the Community Leadership award at the 2010 AgConnect Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Reducing Ammonia Volatilization By Feeding Char

From PoultryCast: Researchers at the University of Georgia are looking at ways to use utilize biofuel byproducts discover a process to limit ammonia volitilization by feeding 'char' to broilers.

Updating The Mycotoxin Factsheet

From SwineCast: Dr. Joel DeRouchey provides an update of the recently updated AASV mycotoxin fact sheet. He provides his takeaways for producers and nutritionists.

Agriculture Telling its Story With Social Media

Farmers Answer Consummers' Food Questions Farmers address consumer questions around food quality, organics, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the use of herbicides/pesticides/fertilizers on crops.

Farming Your Online Community: Social Networks and Beyond Michele Payn-Knoper, Cause Matters Corp., says "If you do not learn how to use social media to tell your story in agriculture, others will, and possibly already are!"

Food Consumer Insight Panel #Foodchat brought together four non-agricultural food consumers to share their thoughts on issues and concerns on food and its production. This was an opportunity for those in agriculture to listen.

Farmers and Ranchers Are Using New / Social Media FollowFarmer has a set of curated set of Twitter based agricultural participants. And here are a few crop focused professionals using social media to tell their story.

Crop brief: What is on your mind?

Over the last several months CropVillage ran a series of surveys and here are the top issues on your mind: Cost of inputs, Risk management, and Equipment and technology. Not as much of a concern: Estate Taxes.

CropVillage^® Headliners

Orlando Gil

The 2010 Census – Helping Your Community by Helping Latinos Be Counted Spread the word about the 2010 Census. Tell your Latino employees about their right to privacy and how important their response is. Tell them that it is safe to fill out the form and that it is important to be counted.

Meggie Foster

NAIS is Out, Animal Disease Traceability is in – Translate, Please! It’s no secret that the USDA’s National Animal ID System (NAIS) has encountered its fair share of critisism during its first six years on the drawing board. In fact, following hearing sessions hosted by the USDA last year, industry buffs called the program unworkable and unnecessary. Hence, in its current form, NAIS has been called off and USDA officials have rallied to create a new, more flexible framework for Animal Disease Traceability in the United States.

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for December 29, 2009, Monitoring and Managing: The 2009 Crop

John Blue — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:40:54 -0700

What do you see as important crop industry topics in 2010? Please take our quick 1-minute survey to improve CropVillage. Plus, by completing the survey, you can be entered to win a $100 Target gift card.

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0197 How Will Carbon Legislation Affect Various Ag Segments?: A group of Kansas State researchers evaluated several reviews of the House bill dealing with climate change and carbon credit markets to determine which segments of agriculture could be most affected. Research assistant Bill Golden shares the results.
CropVillage 0196 Monitoring and Managing: The 2009 Crop: Iowa State's Dr. Charlie Hurburgh discusses the issues producers must face in dealing with a wet crop along with storage concerns and handling suggestions as he talks with Doug Cooper.
CropVillage 0195 Cargill Crop Insurance Good Fit With CAMS Marketing Program: Cargill AgHorizon's Kyle Keupker discusses the crop insurance program rolled out by Cargill and how it fits with Cargill AgHorizons Marketing Services (CAMS).

CropVillage^™ Headliners

Should You Require Your Latino Employees To Speak Only English At Work?: by Orlando Gil "We are in America, %^&* it, they should speak English!!!" This is what a farm manager told me sometime ago as he complained about his newly hired Latino employees speaking Spanish at work and him and other employees not being able to understand what they were saying…

CropVillage^™ Conference Connection

Twenty-Ten kick start on events: Here is a short list of events to keep an eye on.
- AFBF 91st Annual Meeting Jan. 10-13, 2010 Seattle, WA. Interested In Attending the AFBF 91st Annual Meeting? Members must register through their state Farm Bureau office to attend the AFBF annual meeting. Many state Farm Bureaus offer group travel arrangements. If you’re not sure who to contact, find your state Farm Bureau.
- Ag Connect Expo 2010 Jan. 13-15, 2010, Orlando, FL. Introducing a world-class event that brings together the very latest in equipment, technology and ideas from all areas of agriculture production—all around the globe. Registration and event details available.
- International Poultry Expo Jan. 27-29, 2010, Atlanta, GA. The International Poultry Expo has information and displays representing the entire "All Feather" industry. Poultry and egg research, education, communications and technical services will be on display.
- Iowa Pork Congress Jan. 27-28, 2010, Des Moines, IA. Who should attend? Producers, contractors, feeders, students, consultants... Anyone interested in the swine industry.
- Cattle Industry Annual Convention & NCBA Trade Show Jan. 27-30, 2010, San Antonio, TX. "Its a good opportunity to interact with members of the livestock industry and to become more informed on a variety of topics of interest."

Forward CropVillage^™ to your colleagues and start the conversation!

Changed your name? Work at a new company? Update your CropVillage email profile.

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for December 10, 2009, Grain Molds Continue To Raise Concerns For 2009 Crop

John Blue — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:33:13 -0700

As the 2009 harvest crawls to a close (some areas of the country are still in the 50’s for completed percentage) that grain going into storage or hopper cars is highly suspect. Molds and mycotoxins are major concerns with the possibility of another flush when bins warm up in the spring. What to look for and what to do with it? Current and upcoming programs on CropVillage.com brings this conversation to you.

What are your thoughts? Send us a note: feedback@cropvillage.com

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0194 New AgConnect 2010 Expo In The Right Place At The Right Time. Connecting with the Show Manager for AgConnect, Sara Mooney.
CropVillage 0193 Grain Molds Continue To Raise Concerns For 2009 Crop. Extension Row Crop Specialist Doug Jardine discusses dealing with this year's crop, storage options and some points for consideration as you select next year's seed.
CropVillage 0192 Dow Technology Update Provides Good News For Growers. Dow AgroSciences highlights agreement with DuPont on Dow AgroSciences Herbicide Tolerance (DHT) trait use.

CropVillage^™ Headliners

Making the time to get it ALL done: by Meggie Foster. "As grain farmers in the Midwest begin to wrap-up an unusually long harvest, it’s finally time to cross one more thing off the list, but not without adding a few new 'to dos'.".
Professional Advice on Staying Positive: by Don Tyler. "When working with clients I often provide some very personal guidance when asked, and use practical experience and logic to help them determine answers to their questions and concerns. I thought it might me good to hear from a professional on the challenge of "Keeping a positive outlook when under financial stress." Angeline Brechlin; APN, CNS is a career mental health professional and a lifelong friend of my wife and I. Here are thoughts on staying positive from Angeline Brechlin."

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for November 19, 2009, What other industry segments say about the future of economy

John Blue — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:16 -0700

We have a special presentation from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange that features Texas A&M’s Dr. Danny Klinefelter, director of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP) and co-director of the Texas A&M Family and Owner-Managed Business.

This valuable presentation overviews The Forces Driving the Ag Credit Market and Its Impact on Producers. This presentation should be reviewed by your senior management team and others involved in the financial area of your operation.

Also this week a conversation with American Farm Bureau Federation’s Senior Director for Congressional Relations Rick Krause reviews the current climate legislation conversation in Washington and what it means for livestock and crop producers.

What are your thoughts? Send us a note: feedback@cropvillage.com

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0188 Leadership Comments from Tony Haywood, CEO of BP. Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, discusses his leadership style and the importance of bringing 'who you are' to the workplace.
CropVillage 0187 Ag Lending Issues. Special presentation from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange looking at Ag Lending issues. Not what you want to hear but what you need to know!
CropVillage 0186 Climate Change Legislation Is Still Moving in Washington. The climate for Climate Change Legislation in Washington is still stormy, its just hiding behind the health care debate clouds. American Farm Bureau Federation's Senior Director for Congressional Relations Rick Krause provides this update on an important topic.

CropVillage^™ Headliners

Cap-and-trade bill: What’s in it for me?: by Meggie Foster Tyler. "While President Obama is expected to focus on challenges in Afghanistan and a hefty new health care bill this week, many in the farm community are growingly concerned about the future of cap-and-trade legislation, and its implications for farmers. According to University of Illinois agricultural economist and environmental policy guru Madhu Khanna, there are both positive and negative consequences for American farmers in a climate bill that would define the nation’s first-ever mandatory limit on heat-trapping gases, in an effort to slow-down global warming effects".
Hybrid Outlook for Agribusiness Careers: From CropVillage "Employment prospects for farmers, ranchers, and production managers are expected to decline over the next seven years, with notable exceptions in organic farming, horticulture, and aquiculture. The overall outlook for careers in agriculture and food science is brighter—job growth in these areas is expected to keep pace with the average of other occupations in the United States."

CropVillage^™ Conference Connection

Conversations from 2009 National FFA Convention, October 21-24, 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
- Audio: Rachael Arkfeld and Arbor Country Meats, 2009 FFA Agri-Entrepreneur. Rachael challenges the assumptions about what a bratwurst is and uniquely defines her product.
- Video: Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs provides perspective and reflection on agriculture as in industry 2009 National FFA Convention.

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for October 26, 2009, National FFA Convention wraps up

John Blue — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:44:17 -0700

October brought to Indianapolis several thousand young adults to the 82nd National FFA Convention. The Truffle Media team was on the floor talking with career floor exhibitors and students about their experience. Of particular interest are the 2009 FFA Agri-Entrepreneurs winners. They are energetic, optimistic, and are pursuing their ideas with passion. These are people to keep your eye on!

What are your thoughts? Send us a note: feedback@cropvillage.com

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0183 Kansas State Views Enterprise Profit and Loss.. A conversation with Kansas State's Troy Dumler, looking at aggregate records of enterprise profitability and project returns on a state-wide basis.
CropVillage 0182 Watch For Corn Molds On The Ear In Your Field. Purdue's professor of plant pathology Dr. Charles Woloshuk discusses mold development in the field with suggestions to watch out for a recent reappearance of an old problem.

CropVillage^™ Headliners

"The "Bickering" Family": by Don Tyler. "We know these people. The family with the siblings who can’t seem to see eye-to-eye on anything and end up bickering over who, even now that they are in their 40’s, got the larger ice cream cone at the State Fair when they were 8 and 10 years old. (Yes, that’s an actual argument that I heard…..)."

CropVillage^™ Conference Connection

Conversations from 2009 National FFA Convention, October 21-24, 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
- Audio Clayton Carley and The Sweet Corn Shack, 2009 FFA Agri-Entrepreneur winner.
- Video Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs was the main keynote at 2009 National FFA Convention.

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for October 9, 2009, Is the USDA's interpretation of "Active Engagement" wrong?

John Blue — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:17:55 -0700

Harvest continues to move north and east amid damp, cool conditions. The major concern of an early freeze is alleviating day by day and being replaced by U.S. dollar weakness as a driver for grain purchases. Lower dollars buy more bushels when you are trying to feed a hungry populace.

I want to draw your attention to a post by one of our Headliner Bloggers, Don Tyler. We’ve been told by many of our community members that insight from other industries is many times directly transferable to their own situation. Some of those non-ag presentations are among our highest rated. In his post How the Mighty Fall—and Why Some Companies Never Give In , Don takes a look at why companies succeed. A good read for you, no matter where you’re coming from.

Also, a good presentation this week from Iowa State’s Roger McEowen on ‘Active Engagement ’. If you’re dealing with Farm Program payments, please understand this issue.

What are your thoughts? Send us a note: feedback@cropvillage.com

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0181 What is SmartStax and Dow Herbicide Technology?. Updates on SmartStax technology and Dow Herbicide Technology provides producers additional tools for the toolbox and will go a long way toward meeting the grain needs of a growing world.
CropVillage 0180 Court Rejects USDA Finding on "Active Engagement". Iowa State Ag Law Professor Roger McEowen discusses a recent ruling which calls the USDA's interpretation of "Active Engagement" into question.

CropVillage^™ Headliners

Beware of the Latino that says: "Yes, yes, I understand...". Post by Orlando Gil "That Latino employee that nods his head up and down and says: “Yes, yes, I understand…” may not really understand what is being said and that can be a real problem for your operation." So what’s the big deal, you might ask?
"How the Mighty Fall--and Why Some Companies Never Give In": by Don Tyler. "Jim Collins’ new book, 'How the Mighty Fall' is a great read for any business going through difficult financial situations—and those who want to avoid them. Though the title may initially cause you to think, ‘That’s all I need, more negativity!” the book provides empirical information on the common steps that highly visible companies have gone through in their decline, and others that turned it around mid-crisis."

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com

CropVillage update for September 24, 2009, Tracking The Crop - Midwestern Corn Development Report

John Blue — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:07:04 -0700

Soybean harvest getting underway with corn growers hoping for a late frost in much of the midwest. A special report from Iowa State looks at crop maturity issues for growers there. Futures prices anticipate the estimated record crop will reach maturity and move into the pipeline eventually. (The ability of the pipeline to handle those supplies is another consideration.)

Additional audio now online from the Farm Progress Show. An interesting side note is the ‘Social Media’ channels getting press at the Show. The latest innovation on display at the 2009 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, may not be a new tractor or biotech trait, but rather a Twitter community for agriculture known as #AgChat.

This weekly moderated conversation for people in the business of raising food, feed, fuel and fiber recently caught the eye of national news organizations such as CNN, which plugged #AgChat in its July “Twittering from the Tractor” report on the growing popularity of online social networks on farms.

Michele Payn-Knoper, principal of Cause Matters Corp., Lebanon, Ind., founded #AgChat in April 2009 as a part of her work to build stronger connections between the farm gate and consumer plate. She provides agricultural advocacy tools through keynotes, training programs, a blog and webinars that help address media misinformation and consumer pressures.

What are your thoughts? Send us a note: feedback@cropvillage.com

CropVillage^™ Conversations

CropVillage 0179 Tracking The Crop - Midwestern Corn Development Report. Iowa State's Roger Elmore discusses the crop progress in this important midwestern corn state.
CropVillage 0178 Nitrogen Stabilizer Improves Availability Under Wet Conditions. Dow AgroSciences researcher Sam Ferguson discusses nitrogen loss in wet conditions and the expanded research effort looking at keeping nitrogen from animal manures in the soil and accessible to the plant.

CropVillage^™ Headliners

Do you have to know the language in order to train your Spanish speaking employees?: by Orlando Gil. "This is a question that sometimes comes up when discussing the opportunities and challenges of having Spanish-speaking employees in agricultural operations. Often, the perception is that if you don’t know the language, it can be pretty hard to train these individuals to do what you need them to do. Knowing the language helps, but this by itself, won’t guarantee success when training your Spanish-speaking employees." Here are more thoughts on knowing the language and providing effective training.

Don't forget to add CropVillage^™ to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your CropVillage^™ Host

1.877.55TRUFFLE (1.877.558.7833)
information@TruffleMedia.com