I shared the stage for a session at the InfoAg Conference with Jeremy Wilson, Technology Specialist, Crop IMS. We talked social media and wireless connections. I also did a short interview with him afterward. Jeremy says that wireless connectivity has become very important to precision ag service and support as well as communicating with customers. He says “Our biggest investment … Read More
Promoting Precision Ag
To get an InfoAg Conference wrap-up I spoke with Paul Schrimpf, Group Editor, CropLife Media Group. Paul says there were over 700 people in attendance and a record number of booths in the trade show. He says the energy was highly positive across the board. He saw more examples of companies reaching across the aisle to collaborate in finding ways … Read More
GPS Under Seige Session
Closing out the InfoAg Conference this year was a session on a very important topic. Titled, “GPS Under Seige: Lightsquared and the Threat to High-End Global Positioning,” this presentation was conducted by Kevin Kobb, Topcon (right) and Doug Schmuland, NovAtel. I spoke with them after their presentation. The threat comes from a plan to allow high-speed internet service to utilize … Read More
Precision Gadgets and Gizmos
The InfoAg Conference session titled, “Gadgets and Gizmos for Precision Agriculture” got my attention. One of the presenters was Dr. “No-Till Phil” Rasmussen. He had a collection of gadgets and gizmos on display to show and tell. I interviewed him after his presentation. This soil physicist has a love for gadgets. They’ve been a big part of his career. He … Read More
Email Tops In First Online Activity Of Day
Our latest ZimmPoll provides some food for thought and will be used in my presentation on social media here at the InfoAg Conference tomorrow morning. So here’s what you do online first. So here’s the results in answer to our question, “What’s the very first thing you check online each day?” 47% of you say it’s email. 24% say news; … Read More
Doing Precision Conservation In Illinois
This week I participated in the Conservation Technology Information Center’s Indian Creek Watershed Project field tour. Several bus loads of participants visited Livingston County, IL area farms to see and hear how they are implementing best management practices for things like nutrient management. One of the people working on the project with CTIC and a presenter is Harold Reetz. I … Read More
InfoAg Conference App
Going to InfoAg next week? Then you might want to get this app for your smartphone. This is the newest app on my iPhone and will be on my Android phone later this morning. It’s the InfoAg 2011 Conference app. The InfoAg 2011 Conference, hosted at Springfield Illinois’ Crowne Plaza, from July 12-14th, is pleased to add a digital Conference … Read More
GIPSA Rule Proposal Prompts Lots of “Input”
The ZimmPoll is not a scientific, statistically valid measurement of any demographic but rather a gauge of opinion and other information from interested readers. Never has that been more evident than this past week when our poll was highly influenced by a concerted campaign to do so by R-Calf in response to a post Cindy did, “GIPSA Dominates Senate Committee … Read More
Food Price Stability Ideas
Our latest ZimmPoll asked, “What can G20 ag ministers do to stabilize food prices?” The answer is Nothing, 31%; Increase productivity, 23%; End biofuels production, 18%; Regulate markets, 17%; Improve crop reporting, 8% and Stockpile food, 3%. Can they actually do any of these things? Well, I guess they can do nothing. They met recently and did come up with … Read More
Ethanol Might Be Issue In Political Race
So, “Will ethanol be an issue in presidential race?” Maybe, maybe not. But I’m here to tell you, when I talk to anyone in agriculture this is a very hot topic. So it will be interesting to see how the candidates deal with it. In response to our survey, 58% say yes and 42% say no. What do you think? … Read More