Thirty-nine percent of respondents to a recent ZimmComm poll said they did not have a crisis communications plan and believe they don’t need one. Yikes! As a former public relations person, I was surprised and a bit disturbed by this finding. Especially in light of the rise in undercover videos, avian flu outbreaks, meatless Mondays, (cow farts causing) climate change, … Read More
BASF Finds More Seed Treatments on Soybean Acres
According to a recent survey by BASF Ag Products, a growing number of farmers are utilizing seed treatments on their soybean acreage to protect their crop and maximize their return on investment. The survey of 250 growers with at least 1,000 corn and soybean acres found that 93% used a seed treatment or inoculant for soybeans in 2015. “The seed … Read More
#ASTACSS Offers Communications Advice
Washington Post columnist and Cape Cod oyster farmer Tamar Haspel (@tamarhaspel) provided some good food for thought at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Thursday with a session that focused on science communications and influencing public opinion. In a lively discussion with attendees, Haspel stressed the need for the agriculture industry to be more effective when communicating about science … Read More
Notter Discusses Millennials at #ARA15
While at ARA, Jamie Notter, Culture That Works, gave a presentation on organizational culture to the retailers attending. He specifically spoke about the value in attracting millennials and how to build a successful working relationship with them as most management teams have an older management style that millennials don’t relate to. Attracting millennials as employees or customers is less about … Read More
Early Planning Makes #ARA15 A Success
Leroy Startz, Chair of the ARA Conference Planning Committee since 2009, spoke with Chuck Zimmerman while at the ARA Conference & Expo in Palm Desert, CA recently. After wrapping up a busy week, Startz was pleased with the overall event. He highlighted the importance of early planning to put together a successful, relevant week for ag retailers. Early planning helps … Read More
ASTA Officers Pleased with #ASTACSS
Officers of the American Seed Trade Association are very pleased with the outcome of the CSS 2015 and Seed Expo last week in Chicago, with great attendance and an informative program hitting on many key industry issues. American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon was thrilled with how the big session on cover crops turned out. … Read More
John Deere Gen 4 CommandCenter Premium Activation
Here’s a gift idea for your John Deere AgNerd. John Deere introduces new precision ag solutions with Generation 4 CommandCenter™ Premium Activation. It will be available on new tractors but customers may also be able to upgrade their existing equipment by contacting their local dealer. I spoke with Jarred Karnei, John Deere to learn more about what is new with … Read More
NCCPB Awards Scholarships at #ASTACSS
Three graduate students received scholarships during the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo this week from the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders (NCCPB). The organization presents the scholarships annually to outstanding graduate students in the field of basic, applied, or developmental research in genetics and plant breeding. The students recieve $2,500 for their education, plus a travel allowance to … Read More
Seed Treatments Highlighted At #ASTACSS
The application of seed treatment technologies in agriculture is such a growing and important segment of the industry that it was the very first session at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo this week in Chicago. The session on Monday afternoon featured (pictured left to right) Terry Meyer with INCOTEC, moderator Jim Shearl with AgReliant Genetics, and Eda Reinot … Read More
#ASTACSS Taking Cover Crops Mainstream
A diverse panel covered the topic of cover crops at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Tuesday, exploring how the practice is starting to hit the mainstream. David Pearl with the CISCO Companies in Indianapolis, who serves as chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Cover Crops Working Group, says this was the first full cover crops session … Read More