MidSouth NAMA News

Tim Price Named Ag Association Leader of the Year

Tue, 02 May 2023 13:31:21 GMT

The Ag Association Leader of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement and excellence among senior executives who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry in their roles with a trade association or commodity organization.

Timothy L. Price, Executive Vice President, Southern Cotton Ginners Association (SCGA), is NAMA's 2023 Ag Association Leader of the Year.

Described as a servant leader and true collaborator, trust, integrity and generosity are foundation to Price's approach to business. Growing up on his family's Louisiana farm, he learned at a young age that by taking a sincere interest in and advocating for those he leads, incredible results are possible.

Throughout his career, Price has played a role in agricultural policy making and helped spur cooperation and trade negotiations between the United States and other countries. That expertise and his leadership acumen have helped sustain SCGA and maintain its annual trade show, which attracts more than 300 agribusinesses, despite a global pandemic.

Price's special ability to build relationships has forged powerful connections between his association and legislators, agribusiness leaders and ag-based funding groups. As a result, the SCGA trade show has blossomed into an invaluable experience for those in the industry, offering the chance to launch a venture, learn the state of international trade and a great deal in between.

2023 Best of NAMA Award Winners

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:09:02 GMT

Last night, we recognized the best of the best in agricultural communications at the MidSouth Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony. We celebrated our chapter winners and recognized those that won in the Region V competition. Region V includes four chapters stretching from the MidSouth to the Carolinas and south to Florida. Those receiving a Regional First or Merit Award are eligible to compete at the national competition. National winners will be announced at the annual conference in Saint Louis in April.

Click here to view the awards presentation.

2022 Best of NAMA Winners

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:35:03 GMT

Congratulations to all our winners from the MidSouth. Good luck at nationals! Click this link to view the awards presentation.

Congratulations MidSouth Best of NAMA Winners

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 01:01:19 GMT

Congratulations to the 2019 MidSouth Best of NAMA Award Winners! Good luck at Nationals!

Best of Show - Advertising: Corteva Agriscience, Introducing Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture to the Cattle Industry

Best of Show - Digital: Archer Malmo & The Cotton Board, Forever Cotton Campaign

Best of Show - PR: Trilix & Helena Agri-Enterprises, Commodity Classic 2019 Grower Event

Best of Show - Specialty: Trilix & Helena Agri-Enterprises, Resurge Professional Product Launch Video

Click here to see the winners in all categories.

Congratulations to Tim Price!

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:32:04 GMT

At the NAMA conference earlier this month, our own Tim Price, executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, received the President’s Award. This prestigious award is given to the individual who has played a significant role in helping the national NAMA president accomplish established goals, advance the president’s agenda or otherwise help throughout the year. Outgoing president, Amy Bradford, GROWMARK FS, selected Tim for this award to recognize the long-standing career support and friendship he has generously provided.

While presenting the award to Tim, Amy remarked that he “has been a friend and mentor for more than 20 years. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone – many times – which resulted in professional and personal growth and development.” This certainly describes the man we all know and respect.

The MidSouth chapter is proud to have Tim as a local member and we are excited to see him have a few well-deserved minutes in the spotlight!

Midsouth NAMA sponsors Agricenter’s Ag Day Student Art Contest + Exhibition

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 19:49:38 GMT

In recognition of National Ag Day, Midsouth NAMA is proud to partner with Agricenter’s Ag Day Student Art Contest & Exhibition. This inaugural event is designed to celebrate the economic impact of agriculture, innovation in the industry and student artwork that illustrates the “Farm of the Future." The program will focus on raising awareness and increasing understanding of the ag industry with participating educators, students, businesses, community leaders and media in our community.

The “poster contest” has been a long-standing tradition with local schools, but in effort to bring more attention to the contest and its significance to the Agricenter’s mission of education, the contest will get an upgrade this year. To be in step with the “Farm of the Future: How Agriculture Will Feed the World” theme, digital as well as physical art media will be accepted. Categories include: drawing, painting, collage, photography, graphic design and short video.

The contest is open to students, 3^rd to 12^th grades, in Shelby and DeSoto County. Entries will be due by March 9^th and winners will be announced at the Agricenter’s Ag Day celebration on March 29^th.

The other exciting addition is the Ag Day celebration program, which will feature the TN Commissioner of Agriculture, a panel discussion with innovative ag companies and the student art contest awards ceremony. Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the partners and sponsors who will be on hand to showcase their company’s contributions and vision for the ag industry.

More details and invitations for the Ag Day celebration will be forthcoming. Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Please contact Margaret Oldham, head of Agricenter’s Development Committee: 901-351-2904 or mwoldham@comcast.net.

For more information, contest rules, and judging criteria, please visit www.agricenter.org/art.

Midsouth Best of NAMA Award Winners

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:18:28 GMT

Congratulations to our 2017 Best of NAMA Award Winners. Check out all our winners in the PDF below. Good luck at Nationals!

BON17-Winners-Handout-NAMA.pdf

Support the Future of Ag through the Cultivator Mentor Network

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 14:27:52 GMT

The opportunities in agriculture are enormous. By working with startups and technologies through mentoring relationships, speaking engagements, and office hours you can help shape the way food, fuel, and fiber are produced and consumed around the world.

AgLaunch is looking for people with a positive attitude and a willingness to share personal experience and knowledge of the ag industry to serve as Cultivator Mentors. Cultivator Mentors work with entrepreneurs and startups with ag innovations. They act as a coach by investing time and effort and sharing expertise and/or connections to help bring new technologies to market.

As a Cultivator Mentor you will:

Spend two to five hours a month (more if you would like) working with startup teams, particularly during the AgLaunch365 program;
Participate in networking events as you can;
Only assist where you are have expertise;
Be represented on the website with a headshot and professional bio; and
Use sound business judgment to maintain the confidentiality of all teams and organizations and provide expertise to the startups involved in AgLaunch’s work.

If you are interested in serving as a Cultivator Mentor, download the mentor agreement and send the completed agreement along with a biography and headshot to Margaret Oldham at moldham@aglaunch.com. The next dates for the 1 hour orientation webinar for new mentors are Thursday, October 26 at 9am and Monday, November 13 at 10am.

About AgLaunch

AgLaunch™ accelerates new innovations in food and agriculture. The organization addresses global issues while creating local opportunities in the Mid-South. AgLaunch connects agricultural researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, investors, corporations and nonprofit organizations to address real farm and supply chain needs.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 19:28:39 GMT

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is currently working with Journal Communications/Farm Flavor Media on the 7th edition of the Tennessee Ag Insider. This publication is produced in print, online and digitally and is used to share the story of agriculture in Tennessee and the impact it has. You can see the website and digital magazine at www.tnagriculture.com.

Advertising space is now being reserved for the 2018 edition. For more information contact Herb Harper at Farm Flavor Media, hharper@farmflavormedia.com, 615-947-6733.

Vote for Tennessee Entry in Farm Bureau Challenge

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 17:38:05 GMT

A Knoxville-based startup company founded by a team of students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is making their ‘Shark Tank’ style presentation on Sunday, January 8, as a finalist in the American Farm Bureau’s Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge.

And in addition to an opportunity to be awarded $15,000 for first place, these students can win $10,000 by tallying the highest number of votes from online viewers of the competition.

Live video stream of Challenge event

The Challenge event will be video streamed live on Sunday, January 8, beginning at noon CST. The video will be available at http://www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge/. The Challenge event will also be recorded and posted to the website.

Public voting for People’s Choice Award

The general public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Challenge finalist team. The finalist team with the most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice Award and $10,000. To vote, go to http://www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge/ and click on the voting link (http://2017peopleschoice.questionpro.com/). Make sure you select “Grow BioPlastics” and share the link with your friends and coworkers!

Voting will open on Friday, January 6, 2017, at 7 p.m. CST and will close on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 7 p.m. CST.

About the Tennessee team

UTK doctoral candidates Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle created a biodegradable alternative to the plastic mulch film widely used in agriculture to improve and protect crops. As one of the top four teams selected in a nationwide competition, the team will be presenting at the American Farm Bureau National Convention on January 8, 2017, in Phoenix, AZ.

The Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge focuses exclusively on rural entrepreneurs who are committed to helping rural communities. “The prize money will help close the gap between producing lab samples and full-size prototypes,” says Bova. “It will help us launch planned pilot programs and answer the call of farmers knocking on our door.”

Their company, Grow BioPlastics (www.growbioplastics.co), is providing an alternative to plastic mulch film used in agriculture. Comprised of lignin, naturally occurring glue that holds plant cell walls together, this new technology provides a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic films. Bova says this technology helps growers save time and money—and reduces environmental waste without sacrificing quality of product.

Bova is a doctoral candidate at UTK and a polymer chemist. Jeff is also a doctoral candidate at UTK and a bioengineer.

No MidSouth NAMA Chapter Event in April

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 14:35:04 GMT

There will be no MidSouth NAMA Chapter event in April so everyone can join us in Kansas City for three fast-paced days guaranteed to grow your professionalism and widen your professional circle...and have a little fun. You’ll walk away with ideas you can put to work in your organization immediately.

2016 Agri-Marketing Conference
Kansas City, MO
April 13-15

Conference Program
Register to Attend
More Information

Save the Date: Student NAMA Presentations

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:30:50 GMT

Please save the date for one of the chapter’s favorite annual events — the NAMA Student Marketing Competition. Our two university affiliate chapters — University of Tennessee – Martin and Mississippi State University — are preparing for the national New Products Marketing competition in April. Their eyes are on the prize and we want to do all we can to prepare them for the NAMA national convention.

We’ll hear both groups’ presentations, review their business plans and offer much-appreciated feedback to help them in the national competition. Please be a part of this important meeting to help future MidSouth agribusiness professionals. This year we will be asking our student groups to join us via video conference to help simplify things and save on travel time.

Learn more about the overall student competition.

When: Friday, February 19th, 11:30am (first presentation begins at 11:30 so arrive in time)
Where: Archer Malmo Offices, 65 Union Ave, 5th Floor
Cost: TBD

Registration is not open at this time.

MidSouth NAMA Goes To The Farm

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 15:14:57 GMT

To kick off our new year, the MidSouth chapter hit the road for an Ag Tour. On September 25, we boarded a bus heading East into the beautiful rolling countryside of western Tennessee. Our destination – John & Debra Bradley’s heritage Spring Valley Farms. Along with his lovely wife, our very own John Bradley, formerly of Monsanto and FBSciences, played host to the group.

John and Debra have both “retired” to a more than full time job running John’s family farm. It has been designated as a Century Farm as it has stayed in his family for over 100 years. They manage 150 head in a cow/calf operation. The beef they produce is sold custom and direct to customers. They raise natural beef because they believe in the quality it gives their customers. John is proud of their herd health program and believes it keeps them from having to use as many antibiotics (part of their natural beef pledge). As if this wasn’t enough, Debra has 40 bee hives which she manages. She has a waiting list for the honey that these hives produce. John and Debra have equal roles in all of their operations and it keeps them going 24/7. They look forward to taking on some help so that maybe they can slow down in their “retirement”.

The NAMA bus arrived mid-morning at the Bradley’s house which was stunning in every aspect. The group was able to hear the history of the farms and what they currently do while hamburgers cooked outside on the grill. After a wonderful lunch, featuring Debra’s homemade fixings, we boarded the bus to see more of the farms. It was like a walk back through John’s childhood as he showed us where he grew up and the houses his family owned. The tour was complete with an up-close look at the 100+ year old barn built by his grandfather. Hand hewn lumber, no nails or hinges. It was a masterpiece. It was a great day for the MidSouth chapter. Full of learning, friends, and good food!

Best of NAMA Call for Entries

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:30:27 GMT

Best of NAMA: Creative Feed

The Call for Entries is now live on the NAMA website! Click here to access all the information you need to submit your best work.

New for 2016!

As you look over the Call for Entries you’ll notice some changes. Over the past several months a special task force met and has made enhancements and updates to the Best of NAMA Program. We think the changes reflect what’s happening in the industry today. Of course if you have questions or need category clarifications, please call the national office at (913) 491-6500. The deadline to submit your work is October 9, 2015.

Special thanks to Colle+McVoy for creating the Call for Entries!

AMA Chapter Event: Trade Show Marketing & Metrics

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 16:41:39 GMT

The Memphis Chapter of the American Marketing Association is hosting their September luncheon at Skyline Exhibits MidSouth. Below is the information about their event.

How can you promote your business to hundreds of potential new customers while gaining new contacts and service providers for your company? By participating in a trade show! But as with all marketing, measurement is key.

Who: Micheal Segliman

What: Trade Show Marketing & Metrics

Where: Skyline Exhibits MidSouth, 3895 Vantech Drive Suite 9

When: Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

**Must RSVP by Monday, August 31, 2015 at 5:00 pm

More than ever, metrics are needed everywhere and trade shows are no exception. Some of the ways successful trade show marketing strategies can be measured is through generated leads and profits. Our September luncheon will focus on several essential activities that can be done throughout all stages of the trade show to get the results that you want.

Join the Memphis Chapter of the American Marketing Association on Thursday, September 3rd, to find out what strategies you need to be implementing at your next trade show.

Get more details about the event and our guest speaker Michael Segliman, Skyline MidSouth sales and general manager!

Progeny Ag Products Seeks Marketing Specialist

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:02:57 GMT

Progeny Ag Products is looking for a Marketing Specialist. Please forward this information if you know a good candidate!

Overview: The Marketing Specialist is responsible for communicating the desired message to the public to ensure Progeny Ag Products meets their sales goals.

Job Description:

The successful candidate for this position will demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving skills and will exhibit the capability to lead and coordinate complex, business-critical projects, working with multiple departments and agencies.
Strategic and tactical marketing/communications competency and a successful track record of building and managing business-critical communications projects is desired.
Works with the sales team to develop a deep understanding of client needs and define marketing strategies for our products. Implementation of annual marketing strategy which would include but not limited to the following:
- Public relations
- Advertising
- Brand development
- Design brochures, direct mail, newsletters
- Manage & develop website
- Manage social media accounts & develop social media campaigns
Help coordinate & execute meetings, presentations, programs, & special events and participates & represents company in some activities. (Midsouth Farm & Gin Show, Annual Field Day, Roll-out Meeting, Crop Consultant Days, etc.)

Job Skills & Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Marketing, Graphic Design or Agriculture areas.
Ability to communicate & interact effectively with internal & external contacts.
Team-building and leadership skills required.
Experience with graphic design, Microsoft programs, & website development.
High attention to detail & organizational skills.
Must live or be able to commute to Northeast Arkansas.

Qualified candidates send resume to Hillary Spain, Customer Development Manager at hillary@progenyag.com.

www.progenyag.com

Gate to Plate Farm Visit

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:33:05 GMT

We are excited to kick off another great year of programs with a Gate to Plate farm visit. On Friday, September 25, 2015 we will be visiting John and Debra Bradley's family farm, Spring Valley Farms (SVF), where they raise beef cattle, honey, and hay that is sold direct to consumers.

This will be a full-day event. We will board a chartered bus and travel a couple of hours east to spend the day learning about their operations and enjoying a home-cooked meal of SVF burgers with all the fixings.

Want to learn more about SVF, John and Debra are very active on their farm's Facebook page or you can visit their website.

Check out the Events section of our website for more information about this trip and to save your seat on the bus!

MidSouth NAMA Chapter Event Survey

Wed, 27 May 2015 10:00:00 GMT

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Wish You Were There!

Fri, 15 May 2015 17:47:26 GMT

Our May meeting backdrop was the world-famous World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, a part of the Memphis in May International Festival. Our very own Kelli Polatty, a member of the legacy Swine & Dine Cooking Team, hosted our MidSouth NAMA group on Thursday, May 14th. Kelli has been a member of this team for 17 years, and was nice enough to step away from her team duties to entertain our NAMA friends.

Everyone on the team has a job to do, the most important one being the pit master. Carl Pfeifer has been one of the team's BBQ pit masters for over 30 years. Carl took the group behind the scenes to show off the team's brand new custom cooker, and walk through the whole cooking process. Without giving away too many trade secrets, the Swine & Dine’s winning pork shoulder is based on cooking temperature, seasonings, and timing of when things are seasoned during the 17 hour cooking process.

Along with their new $12,000 custom cooker, Carl was also boasting about the new technology that the team was using this year. A new "Guru" website application allows him to monitor the temperature of the meat from his hotel room. If the temperature rises too high, he can turn on a fan with a click of a button. "It's new level of cooking" Carl said. He added, "It's all about consistency. Consistency of meat, preparation and temperature yield a consistent product". This concept was immediately familiar to our fellow agri-marketers, not so different from Precision Ag!

It was a good end to our year. Twenty-four members and guests were in attendance. And the pulled pork was to die for!

Thanks to the Swine & Dine team for hosting!

BBQ Fest Parking & Logistics

Mon, 11 May 2015 15:24:05 GMT

The Swine and Dine booth (S-347) is in the section with other shoulder teams near the south end of the park (between the Bluff entrance and South entrance).

There are no parking garages near these entrances, however, there is street parking available.

Bluff/Butler Stairs Entrance
Located near the TN Brewery with street parking on Tennessee St., Wagner, Butler, and Front St.

South Entrance
Street parking near the South entrance is on W. Georgia Ave

Register to Attend by Tuesday, May 12th

PLEASE NOTE: The $20 cost for this event is for LUNCH ONLY and does not include any tickets. On Thursday, gates are open at 11 and there is no admission fee for people entering between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

WCBCC Map on MemphisInMay.org

Additional Parking from DowntownMemphis.com

Tickets Now Available: AgriCenter's Feast on the Farm

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 20:25:27 GMT

Join the AgriCenter International for an evening of country elegance. In partnership with farmers market vendors and friends of the farm, enjoy a unique farm-to-table tasting event. Sample culinary creations by some of Memphis’ most acclaimed chefs including:

Jeff Dunham
Mac Edwards
Kelly English
Simpson Hughes
Ryan Trimm

You’ll also enjoy partying to the sounds of Party Planet and a Moonlight and Moonshine cruise aboard Agricenter’s “country limousine.”

Friday, June 5, 2015
Show Place Arena
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Tickets - $100 per person

Buy Tickets at www.FeastontheFarmMemphis.com.

A portion of all proceeds are tax deductible and will benefit AgriCenter International, a non-profit organization pursing the future of agriculture through research, education and exposition.

Agri-Marketing Conference Recap

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 20:50:03 GMT

Last week was the annual Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City, MO. Here are a couple of highlights from the conference:

Congrats to archer>malmo and DuPont Crop Protection for their Best of NAMA wins!
Congrats to Mississippi State University's Student NAMA team who made it to the semi-finals of the student marketing competition!

Our own Laura Svec, DuPont Crop Protection, will be chairing the committee that organizes next year's annual conference so make sure you plan to be there.

Find out more.

Save the Date: Feast on the Farm June 5, 2015

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 16:42:50 GMT

Feast on the Farm will be held Friday, June 5 at the AgriCenter International. This is a tasting event featuring produce from the AgriCenter's Farmers Market vendors, cooked by “celebrity” level chefs in Memphis like Kelly English of Restaurant Iris, The Second Line and Mac Edwards, the Farmer. The Butcher Shop is also partnering as part of the AgriCenter Family.

There will be a live band, a silent auction, libations and hayrides after the sun goes down. The goal is to bring awareness to the AgriCenter’s true mission: pursuing the future of agriculture through research, education and exposition and to showcase the Farmers Market producers.

Australian Ambassadors Visit the AgriCenter

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 16:30:33 GMT

The AgriCenter is hosting Australian Ambassadors next week and wants to extend the offer to our NAMA chapter members to participate in the event.

Next Friday, April 10, AgriCenter has been asked to provide an information sharing opportunity with two members of the Australian Trade Commission. Cheryl Stanilewicz, the Senior Trade Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC and Santiago Foldvari, the Director of investment at the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC will be on AgriCenter campus between 9 am and noon.

Members of our agricultural community are invited to share information regarding potential technologies and trade opportunities that may be shared between Australia and the United States.

These distinguished guests will be in the AgriCenter International’s Board room, located across from the main offices at 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN. There will be a meet and greet type social event for these guests from 9:00 am until 10:00 am.

Please RSVP to Jessica Watts at (901) 757-7777 or jwatts@agricenter.org no later than this Thursday at noon.

No MidSouth NAMA Chapter Event in April

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:28:14 GMT

2015 Agri-Marketing Conference
Kansas City, MO
April 15-17

Conference Program
Register to Attend
Conference Brochure
More Information

Win an iPad Mini from NAMA!

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 16:18:04 GMT

Recruit someone you know to become a NAMA member and be entered into a drawing for an iPad Mini!

The "Member-Get-A-Member" campaign runs from March 1 through April 1, 2015. The drawing will take place in the Silent Auction Area in the Connection Point of NAMA’s Annual Conference on Thursday, April 16.

Simply tell your recruit to join online at https://nama.org/NAMA.OrchardWeb/MemberRegistration/Register and add your name and company in the box titled “Referred By.” They can also call the NAMA office at (913) 491-6500 to join - just remind them to say they were referred by you.

The more members you recruit, the more your name will be entered into the drawing!

MidSouth Best of NAMA Winners!

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:30:00 GMT

Tonight we celebrated the best of the best in the MidSouth NAMA Chapter and beyond! Smiles were seen all around this evening as we learned whom among our group won at the chapter level and which entries would go on to compete at nationals in April.

Download a list of the winners.
Download full presentation.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Special Thanks to the Best of NAMA Committee: Laura Svec, Lesley Landry, LuElla Sprout, Jessica Skinner and Grace Fong.

Fall Series Recap & Save the Date

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:30:00 GMT

Season’s Greetings to you, our Midsouth NAMA members!

We are very proud to wrap up an exciting Fall Program Series devoted to Advocacy in Agriculture. Advocacy is one of the three pillars of our Chapter mission. We all want to be better educated on the things that shape our industry so that we can communicate effectively and have more informed conversations. It is this idea that gave our Fall Program Series shape.

In September, we invited our local “Bartlett Bee Whisper” David Glover to talk to us about Bees. Honey Bees have slowly been dying the last 60+ years. There is a lot of speculation on the causes, but David explained firsthand what our good pollinators are up against. From numbers as high as 5 million bees in 1940 to only 2.4 million in 2014, these bees having been disappearing due to diseases and viruses. We learned that 60% of the honey bee population is sent to California to pollinate almond trees in the Spring. David also shared interesting facts relating to bee keeping, and that bee keepers are disappearing along with the bees. And finally, we learned the real reason bee keepers use smoke when they work with the hive, it’s not what you think!

Our October program featured a night at the movies. Popcorn and pretzels were served as we listened to Larry Stoller, the Affiliate & Industry Relations Manager for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, speak about the movie Farmland, and how it came to fruition. The USFRA vetted 20 producers before James Moll was selected as both producer and director. Mr. Moll wanted total creative control and selected all the farmers that were featured in the movie. While the movie was funded by the USFRA® there was very little input from them on how the film and the farmers would be portrayed in the documentary – contrary to popular belief.

In addition, Larry talked about how they marketed the documentary. The USFRA has long term goals to have this film be a part of school curriculum, much like Food Inc, appears in schools today. Our younger generation needs more exposure to farmers, and this film will help that. To help further distribute the film, the USFRA is rallying support through an “I Am Farmland” campaign. For more information, visit www.iamfarmland.com.

In November, we wrapped up our series with a panel discussion on Farmers Markets. There has been tremendous growth in this business segment, very much driven by the heightened consumer interest in “local” food. Mac Edwards, former Memphis Farmers Market board member and current restaurateur, and Mark Hoggard, current manager of the Agricenter Farmers Market joined us to go over the nuts and bolts of running a successful farmers market. We learned that different markets have different rules on whether they allow resellers or co-opers, or insist it be the actual farmers bringing the food to market. Most markets have basic controls in place, such as going by pre-determined lists of what produce they will offer (watermelon in December makes everyone suspicious). Many market directors also make site visits so they know exactly how their growers operate. One key learning here is the various certifications needed – organic, health department, etc., are on the onus of the grower and not the market.

Of course the big question on our minds was “what impact does this have on Big Ag – are you discouraging commercial farming with this approach?”. From Mark and Mac’s perspective – the answer is no. They feel that they are doing something important, giving a face to the American farmer. This is a common goal. Along with this, they are giving smaller farmers an opportunity to succeed at their business. You could see the pride beaming from Mark’s face as he relayed a tale of “a guy with a dream”, a young guy that wanted to make Pimento Cheese. He did just that, got his start in the Farmers Markets, and is now looking at larger retail distribution.

These are just a few snapshots of the great content that was shared this Fall. We rely on your support to put on these great programs, and appreciate those who have been able to join us. We are sorry for those that could not join us, but hope this is intriguing enough to see you in the future!

We have an exciting Spring ahead of us!

Upcoming events:

January 20th – MidSouth Best of NAMA (Jim's Place Grille, Collierville)
February – Student NAMA competition
March – Ag Day celebration
April – National Convention
May – fun event TBD

Look forward to seeing you next year!

No December Chapter Meeting

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:30:00 GMT

There will be no MidSouth NAMA meeting in December. We know it is a busy time of year. Our first event of the new year will be the Best of NAMA awards banquet in January.

Congratulations to Gary Adams, Next President, CEO of National Cotton Council

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:07:47 GMT

National Cotton Council leaders have named Gary M. Adams to be the next president and CEO of the National Cotton Council of America, the organization that represents all seven segments of the U.S. cotton industry.

He will succeed Mark Lange, who has announced he will retire at the end of February, 2015. The official transfer of duties will take place at the Council’s annual meeting at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 6-8.

Dr. Adams joined the Council in 2002 as vice president of economic and policy analysis. His responsibilities included economic outlook for global cotton markets, as well as analyzing the impacts of farm and trade policies as they relate to the U.S. cotton industry.

In recent days, he briefed more than 500 farmers on the latest information available to the Council on enrollment in the Agricultural Act of 2014 in a series of STAX/Farm Bill update sessions. Adams spoke to growers in Monroe, La.; Stoneville, Miss.; McGehee, Ark.; Jackson, Tenn.; and Blytheville, Ark.

He also has represented the cotton industry on USDA’s Advisory Committee on Trade from 2005 through 2011 and the NASS Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics from 2003 through 2009.

Prior to joining the Council, he was a research assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri. During his 13-year tenure at the university, His primary responsibilities included policy analysis and market outlook for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, also known as FAPRI. While at FAPRI, Gary and his colleagues were recognized by the American Agricultural Economics Association for their policy contributions.

Adams holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in Applied Mathematics from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Carol, have four children. They live in Memphis.

For more information on the National Cotton Council, visit www.cotton.org

November Meeting: Farmers Market Panel

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 21:08:48 GMT

Did you know that in the last 20 years, the number of Farmers Markets tracked by the USDA has increased by nearly 400%? The growth of Farmers Markets, CSAs, “Farm-to-Table” restaurants, etc. are all a product of the “locavore” movement. But how does that fit into the agricultural landscape overall? How do they work? How do you effectively manage this new business unit? These are all questions we are hoping to answer at this panel discussion.

Join us on Thursday, November 20th to hear from Mac Edwards, former Memphis Farmers Market board member and current restaurateur, and Mark Hoggard, current manager of the Agricenter Farmers Market. We will engage this panel to educate us about what they do, and how they participate in these channels.

Join us at the AgriCenter’s Horticulture Room for this program, a Farmers Market inspired lunch will be served!

When: Thursday, November 20th, 11:30am
Where: AgriCenter, Horticulture Room
Cost: $25

October MidSouth NAMA Meeting - FARMLAND

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:24:09 GMT

Have you seen the documentary FARMLAND? Chances are, if you work in agriculture, it was on your radar screen, even with its limited release at theaters this spring. For our October meeting, we are offering a unique chance to learn what led to the creation of the film followed by a viewing.

This is an opportunity to get together with other MidSouth agribusiness professionals to participate in an important discussion so we are opening up this event to other ag associations as well as anyone who works in agriculture. Please invite others and share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Join us at 4pm for a behind the scenes look or at 5pm to watch the film or both!

There will be time for networking with drinks and hors d'oeuvres between the 4pm and 5pm events. It will be a cash bar, no credit cards so stop by the ATM on the way!

Farmland: Behind the Scenes

Join us at 4pm to hear from Randy Krotz, CEO of US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, the organization whose generous support made the film FARMLAND possible. Randy will discuss the research and events that led to the creation of the film. He will share details related to the cinematic success, consumer reaction and the launch of the I Am FARMLAND campaign.

Time: 4pm

Farmland: Watch the Film

Join us at 5:00pm to view the FARMLAND film - a must see film for ag professionals! The run-time for the film is 77 minutes.

Check out the film's trailer here: www.farmlandfilm.com

Time: 5pm

Visit the Events section to register!

New Meeting Registration Process

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 20:36:55 GMT

The new website includes functionality designed to handle meeting registrations and allow us to better manage Chapter records.

One of the new features of the website is a password-protected section. We have already setup an account for each of you. The only thing you will need to do is setup your password. See instructions below.

We know it can be a pain to keep track of your online accounts and passwords so we made this optional. You DO NOT have to login to your account to register for any MidSouth NAMA event.

There are benefits to setting up a password and logging in. Your account provides access to your registration information if you need to make changes and you can access invoices and receipts for payments. You also have access to full contact information in the Chapter directory if you need to get in touch with a fellow MidSouth NAMA colleague (only limited info available without logging in).

How to Setup Password (optional)

Go to www.MidSouthNAMA.org.
Under the banner image, click on the blue button on the right side that says LOGIN.
Enter your email address and click Forgot Password.
This will generate an email that will walk you through setting your password.

How to Register & Pay Online for a Meeting/Event

Go to the Events page of www.MidSouthNAMA.org and select the appropriate event.

Click on the REGISTER button.
Enter your email address. Click NEXT.
At this point, you have the option to LOGIN to auto-fill your contact info or proceed without logging in. If you choose to LOGIN but have not setup your password already, simply click LOGIN and follow the instructions above. If you choose not to LOGIN, simply fill in your contact info.
Click NEXT.
Review and confirm the info is correct. Click CONFIRM.

Payment: Online credit card payment is not integrated within the registration process at this time, which is why you may have noticed a reference to "Free" while registering. The cost and link to pay for the meeting via credit card online is included in the confirmation email you will receive after clicking CONFIRM. As usual, cash and checks will be accepted at the meeting or we can send an invoice.

If you have any problems or questions, feel free to contact Jessica Skinner (jskinner@fbsciences.com).

September Meeting: The Buzz about Bees & Agriculture

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:53:27 GMT

You’ve seen the headlines: "Bees in Crisis” and “Pesticides Killing Bees.” You know bees are important to agriculture. Do you know why? Do you know enough about the situation to discuss it with others? Do you know what we, as members of the agriculture industry, can do to help?

Join us on Thursday, September 25^th at the AgriCenter to hear David Glover, The Bartlett Bee Whisperer answer these questions and more. David spends his days tending hives and rescuing honeybees who have built their homes in our homes and businesses. He removes the bees and their combs and relocates them to farms located in Shelby, Fayette and McNairy Counties where they can pollinate crops. In addition, David gives presentations about bees to schools, garden clubs, and at events like the groundbreaking ceremony last week for Bayer CropScience’s new greenhouse at the AgriCenter where he discussed bee health, habitat and value to agriculture.

Look forward to seeing everyone again and learning more about what is happening with the bee population in the MidSouth!

When: September 25, 2014, 11:30am

Where: AgriCenter International, C Wing, Horticulture Room

Cost: $20

Register for Meeting

Best of NAMA Call for Entries

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:30:27 GMT

The Best of NAMA awards program honors the best work in agricultural communications. NAMA members are encouraged to enter their company's communications materials produced for first use in 2014. Entries are open to any ag-related products or services.

For complete details visit http://www.nama.org/amc/bon/index.htm.

The deadline for submitting entries is October 10, 2014.

Watch your inbox for an email about how you can get involved with planning our Chapter BON Awards Banquet.

Fall Meeting Series: Advocating for Agriculture

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:02:47 GMT

This Fall we are launching a series of chapter meetings dedicated to advocating for agriculture. As agri-marketers, it is vital we understand the issues and know how to serve as ambassadors for our industry.

Our first meeting in September will address the issues surrounding honeybees and crop production. Watch for more info!

2013-14 Chapter Membership Survey

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 19:46:57 GMT

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our 2013-14 Chapter Membership Survey! We had great participation and the feedback has been used to shape our 2014-15 programs and other efforts.

We welcome feedback and ideas anytime! Send an email to our chapter email address or contact one of the Executive Committee members directly.

As promised, here is a summary of the survey results.

Industry Experience

46% of respondents have been in agri-marketing or agri-business for more than 10 years
33% of respondents have been in agri-marketing or agri-business for 1-5 years
What we learned: We need to provide more opportunities for less experienced members to get to know and learn from those who have been around a little longer.

Member Companies

20% of our chapter works for companies that manufacture crop products or equipment
17% of our chapter works for marketing/ad agencies
17% of our chapter marked “other” (guess we need to do a better job of providing options)
The remaining members work for media companies, industry associations, seed companies, marketing product/service companies, universities/extension and market research companies.
What we learned: We love the diversity of our chapter!

NAMA Involvement

50% of respondents have been NAMA members for 1-5 years
33% of respondents have been NAMA members for more than 10 years
What we learned: Recent membership efforts are paying off. While we want to grow, we want to make sure we don’t lose the participation and interest of our more senior members.

Why Participate in MidSouth NAMA

92% of the chapter participate to network with people involved in agri-marketing in our region
67% of the chapter participates for career development
42% participates because they feel it is important
30% participates to support the local student chapters
25% participates to learn about specific skills
What we learned: We need to have more social events, which are better suited to networking than meetings with a presenter.

Meeting Attendance

35% of respondents attended 5 or more chapter events (out of 7 total events)
35% attended 1-2 chapter events
30% attended 3-4 chapter events
What we learned: We are thrilled that one-third of the chapter attended so many events. We are going to work on the 35% who attended 1-2 events this year!

Top 3 Drivers for Chapter Meeting Attendance

Workload
Meeting location (part of town)
Meeting topic

What we learned: We know everyone is busy so we weren’t surprised that workload was the number one driver. We will continue to move the meetings around geographically.

Meeting Topics/Ideas

Local food/ag industry
How to be a better marketer
Technology in the ag community
More topics related to farms; things to help us meet the farmers needs
Trends in ag and marketing
Social media
Industry updates
Media trends
Branding
High-concept marketing ideas
What MidSouth agri-marketers are doing
Tradeshows
Media relations with ag crisis situations

Preferred Meeting Time (in order)

Mid-day 11am-2pm
Early evening 5-7pm
Afternoon 2-5pm
Morning 7-10am
Later evening 7-9pm

What we learned: Mid-day lunchtime meetings were heavily preferred so we will continue to use that as our standard meeting time; however, we are going to incorporate at least one early evening event this year.

Communications

92% said chapter communications were “about right”
What we learned: We’re glad you don’t feel like we are stalking or ignoring you. We’ll keep it the same.

Website

65% only visit the website when they receive a notification or email that links to it
22% only visit monthly for meeting info
What we learned: We will continue to use the chapter website as the primary location for all chapter news and event info.

Other Feedback: What else can we do?

Earlier notification of meeting dates
More early evening events
More social events
More interaction with student chapters
What we learned: Our meetings are typically on the third Thursday of the month but that does change. We are finalizing the meeting dates for 2014 right now and we will share that info as soon as it is available. We are reaching out to the student chapters to find out what they want from our relationship. We have considered mentoring opportunities, campus visits and streaming our meetings online so they can participate.

Invitation: I Make America Harley Davidson Tour

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Your fellow MidSouth NAMA Chapter members from Krone North America would like to invite you to their office next week for the I Make America Harley Davidson Tour. It will begin at 11:30am with a few words about the campaign. They will be grilling lunch and you can register for a chance to win a Harley.

Date: Tuesday, July 8th
Time: 11:30am
Location: 3363 Miac Cove, Memphis, 38118

I Make America is the domestic public policy advocacy platform for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) which advocates to dramatically improve American manufacturing policies and to create more jobs in the U.S. They focus on policies that will expand and preserve the economic growth of our great nation and keep us competitive with other countries. More information about I Make America and the Harley Tour can be found at www.imakeamerica.com.

NAMA Webinar: Why You Don’t Work in Agriculture Anymore

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Today, consumer perceptions about everything from animal welfare and antibiotics to GMOs and government regulations can have a substantial impact on farming operations of all kinds and sizes. If agricultural marketers hope to shift how consumers see things, it will first require a shift in our own thinking.

“Why you don’t work in agriculture anymore,” showcases the very latest consumer research from Sullivan Higdon & Sink’s influential FoodThink studies and delves into real-world examples that will both inform and inspire agricultural marketers.

Presented by Ali Mahaffy, SVP, Brand Management, and Samantha Scantlebury, Brand Strategist, of Sullivan Higdon & Sink.

Ali Mahaffy has more than 20 years of experience in marketing on both the client and agency side. Today, Ali helps lead Sullivan Higdon & Sink and helped establish its food value chain practice which includes clients such as Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Merial Limited and Sonic Drive-In. The agency also works with leading ag-related brands such as Tractor Supply Co. and Trimble Agriculture.

Samantha’s interest in agriculture began at the family dinner table (her father owns a grain silo technology company, and her brother is on the path to a plant sciences degree). As a brand planner and FoodThink researcher, Samantha dives deep into what’s driving today’s food conversations and applies her insights for clients such as Borden Cheese, Cache Valley Dairy, VFT Global and Granola Jones.

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014
Time: 1:00pm CDT
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $50

Welcome the New Chapter Exec Committee

Thu, 29 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT

On May 8, we welcomed newly elected officers to serve on the MidSouth NAMA Executive Committee! We are grateful to have a great group of volunteers and look forward their leadership as we continue to grow the chapter. The new Executive Committee is geared up for 2014-15 planning which will begin at their first meeting on June 19.

MidSouth NAMA Executive Committee

President: Lesley Landry, archer>malmo
Vice President: Jessica Skinner, FBSciences
Secretary: Grace Fong, Skyline Exhibits
Treasurer: LuElla Sprout, Horizon Ag
Best of NAMA: Laura Svec, DuPont CropProtection
Communications: Jessica Skinner, FBSciences
Membership: Darrah Pierce, Delta Farm Press
Programs: Kelli Polatty, Entira & Margaret Oldham, Beck Ag

Contact us if you would like to get involved with the chapter leadership team!

Want to Get More Involved?

Thu, 01 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Here’s Your Chance…It’s that time of year when we start looking ahead at our activities for 2014-2015, and that starts with the selection of new MidSouth NAMA board members. Interested in participating?

Join us May 8 at 10 a.m. undefined just prior to the May chapter meeting undefined for an informational meeting. You’ll hear from current officers and get a chance to review job descriptions. We need your help to keep making MidSouth NAMA the best it can be!

Here is our roster of our proposed 2014-2015 leadership positions:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Programs Chair (two openings)
Membership Chair
Best of NAMA Committee Chair
Ag Day/Special Events Chair
Communications/Publicity Chair
Careers and Student Chapter Liaison

Click to download details about these positions.

Questions or to RSVP: Email Emily at emily.dahlbeck@gmail.com for more information.

May Meeting: Innovation & Opportunity

Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMT

Connecting Ag Professionals for Secure Experience Sharing

Ag professionals are connecting in new ways and it’s changing how they communicate. Conversations aren’t just voice-to-voice now, they’re increasingly taking place online since rural internet access has improved, social media usage is growing, and mobile technology is being adopted quickly. Yet much of the social media focus has been targeted toward consumer interaction and many ag websites with discussion forums are open to the public. To address the business needs of their clients, Beck Ag identified the opportunity for a secure online community for ag professionals to connect about issues that are important to them and to feel confident that they are having conversations with others who are just as passionate about agriculture as they are.

Join the Mid-South NAMA group to learn more from Margaret Oldham, Director of Innovation and Opportunity at Beck Ag, Inc. Margaret will share an overview of the market research and social media landscape in agriculture that helped shape the development of BeckAgConnects, a members-only online community that was created to connect ag companies with their customers and end users. In an industry known for long hours, unpredictable working conditions, and few opportunities for professional development, BeckAgConnects offers ag professionals the opportunity to access subject matter experts, gain information tailored to agriculture, discuss their experiences and seek out potential new solutions.

BeckAgConnects.com, which now has more than 15,800 members, serves as a gathering place to have on-line conversations about agriculture – but in a secure environment where ag professionals can trust that they are among people who care about agriculture just as much as they do. If you’re not already a member, take time to join before our meeting by going to www.beckagconnects.com and “join now.”

When: May 8, 2014, 11:30am
Where: Spaghetti Warehouse, 40 West Huling, Memphis
Cost: $25
Pay with credit card.
Cash or check also accepted at the event.

2014 NAMA Annual Conference Recap

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 13:48:14 GMT

We hope everyone enjoyed the NAMA Annual Conference in Jacksonville, FL! The weather was wonderful and the company was even better!

We are very proud to share with all of you that Emily Dahlbeck was the recipient of a Horizon Award at the Best of NAMA award ceremony. Horizon awards recognize achievements by up-and-coming members on local, regional and national levels. Emily’s selfless dedication to the MidSouth NAMA chapter and general enthusiasm about everything NAMA is contagious and are perfect examples of why she has been an amazing chapter president. We are very grateful for everything she has done to grow the MidSouth Chapter.

Congratulations to Zoetis and archer>malmo for their first place Best of NAMA award for Specialty PR Campaign and to Monsanto and Brighton Agency for their merit award in the Customer Events category!

While Mississippi State University and University of Tennessee – Martin may not have won the student marketing contest, we are very proud of their performance and how they represented the MidSouth. Don’t worry guys…you’ll get ‘em next year!

A special thanks goes to the Agri-Marketing Conference Planning Committee for all their hard work putting together a great conference! Our own Margaret Oldham, Beck Ag, and Laura Svec, DuPont Crop Protection, both volunteered their time and energy to this committee and did a great job.

U.S. Corn Planted Acreage Lowest Since 2010

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:57:52 GMT

The USDA released its highly anticipated Prospective Plantings report Monday, and the report showed a cut in corn acreage and uptick for soybeans.

According to the report, the USDA estimates 2014 corn planted area for all purposes at 91.7 million acres, down 4 percent from 2013. If realized, this crop will be the lowest planted acreage since 2010 but the fifth largest since 1944.

Iowa, the nation’s top corn-producing state, expects to see a slight increase in corn acreage. The USDA anticipates Iowa to plan 400,000 more acres of corn in 2014 than in 2013.

The USDA estimates soybean planted acreage at a record high of 81.5 million acres, up 6 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage intentions are up or unchanged across all States with the exception of Missouri and Oklahoma.

Read the report here.

The report shouldn’t come as a surprise to most traders, who already anticipated a drop in corn acreage. In a Reuters survey, analysts expected high prices for soybeans to encourage more U.S. farmers to pull back on corn. However, while corn acreage was expected to shrink, it was still expected to be higher than announced at the USDA’s annual outlook forum.

“I think the big unanswered question is, ‘what happened to the prevented planting acres when USDA did their ag outlook?'” said Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics in Atchison, Kansas.

Uncertainty surrounding the acreage numbers kept the market on edge ahead of big report. The plantings report is based on a survey of more than 80,000 U.S. farmers.

“Why would we not plant 4 or 5 million acres that we tried to plant last year? That makes no sense to me. The USDA forum numbers are wild guesses, and I just think they are all too low,” said Terry Roggensack, analyst with the Hightower Report in Chicago.

Read, “U.S. farmers to sow record soy acres, scale back on corn.”

Reposted from Ag Professional.

Farmland: A Film by James Moll

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 14:03:02 GMT

Most Americans have never stepped foot on a farm or ranch or even talked to the people who grow and raise the food we eat. Farmland will take an intimate look at the lives of farmers and ranchers in their ’20s, all of whom are now responsible for running their farming business.

Through this film from award-winning director, James Moll, you’ll step inside the world of farming for a first-hand glimpse into the lives of young farmers and ranchers. Learn about their high-risk/high reward jobs and passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation, yet continues to evolve.

Director James Moll traveled across the country meeting young farmers and ranchers. Watch the trailer below or visit the movie’s website to catch a glimpse of stories shared during his interviews.

The film will have a limited release across the US beginning May 1, 2014. Visit the website to find a theater near you.

This film was made with the generous support of the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

See You Next Week in Jacksonville!

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:07:40 GMT

If there was ever a time to turn your trip to NAMA’s Agri-Marketing Conference into a vacation, this is it.

Gain a Fresh Perspective…then hit the beach!

Here are some quick ideas for making the most of your time in Jacksonville:

Check out the shops, restaurants and vendors along The Landing.
Claim your spot in the sand – Jacksonville has over 20 miles of beaches.
Hike, bike, run. This city has the largest urban park system in the country.
Grab a drink at a local haunt then dine at one of the many restaurants to choose from – The Core in downtown Jacksonville has over 23 bars.

There are more great suggestions here.

Here is some other helpful info for those making the trip:

The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is located at 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida32202. The hotel is approximately 15 miles (20 minutes) from the Jacksonville Airport.Below is a list of services for planning your travel from the airport to your hotel:

Gator City Taxi & GO Shuttle
5320 Springfield Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32208
904 493 5240
Taxi: www.yellowcabflorida.com
Shuttle: www.goairportshuttlejacksonville.com

Gator City Taxis
$37.00 for 1-2 passengers and $8 for each additional passenger in the party. For groups of 4 or more, request a van. There is no additional charge for the vehicle upgrade.

GO Airport Shuttle (a shared ride transportation service)
$20.00 for one passenger and $8 for each additional passenger in the party.

GO Towncar
$50.00 for one way transportation between the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and the Jacksonville International Airport.

Hyatt Parking – Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront offers a parking deck managed and operated by ProPark that provides direct access into the hotel.

Overnight self parking: $15
Overnight valet parking: $20

Garage clearance: 6’ 7”

Once you arrive at the hotel, please register as soon as possible. The conference registration desk will be located in the Grand Foyer on the 2nd level of the Hyatt.

The dress for the conference is business casual, except for the Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony where we encourage business attire.

Take a look at the conference schedule-at-a-glance to help you plan your time more effectively.

A Couple of Notes:

The Best of NAMA Finalists’ Reception will take place from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by Penton Farm Progress

USFRA will be screening Farmland on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:45 p.m.

A partial registration list can be downloaded. It includes attendees who registered on or prior to noon on April 2, 2014. A complete registration list with addresses will be available at the registration desk throughout the conference.

The ABEF is once again conducting an auction of media packages, Web related donations, and other services as part of its annual Silent Auction.

The Media portion of the auction is NOW available through the NAMA App. All bidding will be through the NAMA App for the Media and Silent Auctions. If you would like to bid on items please download the App or make sure you have updated your current NAMA App. Note: The rest of the auction will open on-site in Jacksonville.

Download the NAMA App for iPhone or iPad.

Download the NAMA App for Android or Android Tablet.

Follow the Conference on Twitter. Simply use #NAMA14 to see what people are saying about the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference.

Get NAMA Info You Want Delivered Right to Your Phone. Sign Up for NAMA Mobile Updates Today! Just text NAMA to 283342. NAMA Mobile Updates is powered by Farm Journal Mobile.

If you have other questions about the conference, call the NAMA national at (913) 491-6500.

ARA Accepting Retailer of the Year Nominations

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 14:10:32 GMT

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is now accepting nominations for the Agricultural Retailer of the Year Award. The award, sponsored by Monsanto, ARA and AgProfessional magazine, honors retailers who consistently exceed their customer’s expectations and serve as a positive example for other retailers through their outstanding, sustainable and innovative business practices.

The winner of the ARA Retailer of the Year Award receives two round-trip airline tickets and two nights of accommodations at the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street during the ARA Conference & Exposition, Dec. 4-6, 2014; round-trip flight to meet with Monsanto representatives and ARA officers for a VIP dinner and tour of Monsanto’s state of the art research facilities in St. Louis, Mo.; special award presentation at the ARA Conference; and a crystal award to display at the retail facility. In addition, Monsanto and ARA will produce a professional video about your operation and AgProfessional magazine will include a two-page article featuring the winning agricultural retailer in their magazine and on the ARA Retailer of the Year Award website at www.agprofessional.com/retailer-of-the-year.

The process for nominating a company to receive the ARA Retailer of the Year Award is simple. Click here and complete the online entry form by Friday, July 11, 2014. Retailers welcome to nominate their own operation for the award. A panel of judges will select finalists and determine a winner later this summer. Retailers will be evaluated on criteria including employee relations, environmental stewardship, reliability, community and industry involvement, relationship-building, technology utilization and innovation.

Find out more about ARA.

NAMA Annual Conference

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:13:30 GMT

Soak up the rays as well as the latest trends in ag communications, social media, and industry news.

No need to worry…there may not be a MidSouth Chapter meeting in April but you can still get your agri-marketing fix with the NAMA Annual Conference April 9-11 in Jacksonville, FL.

There are a fair number of people attending from our chapter so let us know if you would be interested in getting together. Maybe a MidSouth NAMA breakfast or happy hour before dinner? Contact us if you are interested.

Good luck to all MidSouth Best of NAMA entries and don’t forget to support our student chapters as they participate in the marketing competition!

Find out more about the conference.
Register for the conference.
See who’s coming.

The next Chapter Meeting is scheduled for May 8th. More info to follow as the date nears.

Delta AgTech Symposium: Advancing UAVs in Agriculture

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:15:00 GMT

UAV Technology Symposium to Demonstrate Potential Uses of Unmanned Aircraft in Agriculture

Entira, Inc., an agricultural marketing and management firm, with support from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), is pleased to announce a conference that will showcase the on-farm uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Applications and opportunities for this technology will be the focus at the “Delta AgTech Symposium: Advancing UAVs in Agriculture,” which will be held July 7-8, 2014, at Agricenter International in Memphis, Tenn.

The Delta AgTech Symposium will bring together crop consultants, agronomists, farmers, and the businesses who serve them, along with UAV manufacturers and researchers, to collectively explore how this technology can be integrated into farming practices. The two-day event will include demonstrations of the aircraft, speakers, and a trade show for organizations to share their knowledge and solutions.

“Agriculture is expected to be the predominant user of these specialized aircraft when the FAA finalizes regulations for commercial use. Now is the time for agribusinesses and farmers to learn more and consider the important role this technology will play on farms in the near future,” says Mike Karst, Entira senior partner.

According to a report from AUVSI, it is estimated that agriculture will account for 80 percent of all UAV commercial usage, with public safety use coming in at a distant second. More of UAVs’ potential role in agriculture is discussed on Entira’s news page.

AUVSI Executive Vice President Gretchen West explains, “Our mission is to help create efficiencies for a variety of industries using unmanned and robotic technologies. Unmanned aircraft are a well-suited technology to allow the farming community to collect reliable information in a safe and efficient manner and can help the future of farming.”

“Our Entira team is committed to helping agribusiness companies integrate this technology into their business plans and educate farmers on incorporating these cutting-edge tools into their farm management strategies,” Karst says. “We are excited to host this event and to help initiate productive partnerships between ag businesses and UAV technology providers, which will advance this emerging opportunity for agriculture.”

A schedule of demonstrations and presentations, as well as registration information will be available soon on the Delta AgTech Symposium web site. Companies interested in sponsorship or exhibit details should contact Kelli Polatty at kpolatty@entira.net.

About Entira
Entira is a marketing and management consulting firm for food and agribusiness. More information is available at www.entira.net.

About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems and robotics community. Serving more than 7,500 members from government organizations, industry and academia, AUVSI is committed to fostering, developing, and promoting unmanned systems and robotic technologies. More information is available at www.auvsi.org.

Your Conference Promotion Can Support ABEF undefined Here’s How!

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:19:52 GMT

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) is calling on leaders in ag like you and your company to make an investment in the future of the industry at the NAMA 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference. You’ll be extending a hand of welcome to the next generation … and gaining some high-profile exposure for your organization.

Support ABEF at the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference:

Make a $100 personal contribution or more to the Century Club undefined you’ll automatically be entered to win a Suitcase full of Chocolate! Contribute online now.
Conference Sponsorships undefined Too many to mention! Contact Jenny Pickett for a complete list of offerings.
Conference Auction undefined We’re looking for donations of collectibles, artwork, media packages and more. Make your pledge.
Golf Outing undefined Register to play or sponsor a hole. Donations also welcome. Register to play. View Golf Outing sponsorship availability.

There are more easy ways to support ABEF throughout the year. Get in touch with Jenny Pickett to get started.

March Meeting: Flying robots coming to a field near you?

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:16:36 GMT

Remote-controlled robotic crop scouts in the sky? Tiny helicopters with HD aerial video capabilities for recording weed infestations in a field? Yes, it’s happening.

According to a March 2013 report from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (UAVSI), UAVs have the potential to generate $82 billion in economic activity between 2015 and 2025. It’s predicted that agriculture will be the biggest user of UAVs in the near futureundefinedaccounting for 80 percent of all UAV commercial usage.

As the commercial regulations for these specialty aircraft start to loosen up over the next couple of years, agribusinesses need to be thinking about how to help farmers integrate the technology once they’re cleared for takeoff. The same technology used by the military for reconnaissance missions can be used to scout diseased crops or irrigation issues, help farmers more strategically and efficiently plan when they plant, fertilize, water, and even harvest their crops.

Join us for lunch at The Grove Grill where our own Kelli Polatty, Associate with Entira, Inc. will give us an overview of this exciting new technology and its possible uses and benefits for agriculture.

When: March 20, 2014, 11:30am
Where: The Grove Grill, 4550 Poplar Ave, Memphis
Cost: $25
Pay Online in Advance

A Fresh Perspective on New Topics and Trends

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 15:20:51 GMT

We’re amping up some tried and true favorites … and throwing in some new sessions to mix things up. Here’s what you can expect to learn in Jacksonville this April

The Power of Persuasion. Learn to influence people and build more trust, respect and cooperation with your team, mentors and colleagues.
Branding From the Inside Out. Hear bold ideas about how to get your team to believe passionately in your brand, live the values in their daily interactions and create a brand that customers will connect to emotionally.
Marketing to Multiple Generations. Find out how to talk to different generations of customers when you have limited dollars, channels and resources to meet your marketing objectives.

And don’t miss new content on measuring the ROI of social media, the PR revolution, developing compelling creative and consumer influence on business model development.

You can find all the details and register for the conference at nama.org/amc.

Beck Named 2014 Agribusiness Leader of the Year

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:21:42 GMT

NAMA is pleased to announce Sonny Beck, president, Beck’s Hybrids, as the 2014 Agribusiness Leader of the Year. This award, which is NAMA’s highest honor, will be presented at the Opening General Session of the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference, “A Fresh Perspective,” April 10, 2014, in Jacksonville, Florida. The award honors outstanding leaders in agribusiness, education, government service or other agribusiness related areas who exemplify excellence in agribusiness by their significant contributions to the industry.

Sonny Beck, president of Beck’s Hybrids, has led the company to unprecedented growth. As the largest family-owned seed company in the United States, Beck’s Hybrids is now the sixth largest seed company in the U.S. Under Sonny’s leadership, Beck’s Hybrids has experienced a 20 percent increase in sales each year for the last 20 years, doubling in size every four years.

As soon as Beck joined the family operation in 1964, after graduating from Purdue University, he never let grass grow under his feet. Always aiming at building closer, stronger relationships with customers, Beck immediately launched a couple of customer events that are now long-standing traditions.

It was in that same year, Beck started what is now called the Practical Farm Research (PFR)® program. Still today, the PFR program is unlike any other in the seed industry. Focused on farmer’s needs, hundreds of studies are completed at five Beck’s locations in an effort to look at how different management practices perform in different environments. The information is delivered to farmers across the Midwest in a 280-page summary book, website and field shows.

Beck has frequently stated that before 1992 Beck’s Hybrids was a seed producer who happened to do some marketing, but with the arrival of traits, Beck’s became a marketing company who happened to produce most of their own seed.

But it was not just traits that Beck and the Beck’s Hybrids team pursued. In 2001, Beck’s Hybrids was the first to market 100 percent of its seed corn with a seed-applied insect control system called FaSTart®. Over time the seed treatment evolved and in 2009 Beck’s Hybrids became the first seed company to put together a unique set of yield-enhancing products called Escalate® yield enhancement system. Escalate comes standard on all Beck’s corn, soybean, wheat and alfalfa products.

Beck’s dedication and passion for agriculture extends far beyond Beck’s Hybrids. He has played an integral role in leading several agricultural organizations, providing each with a unique leadership approach, ultimately guiding them to newer heights.

Join NAMA & AAEA at Commodity Classic

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:24:06 GMT

Join NAMA & AAEA at Commodity Classic

As a NAMA member, you are invited to a joint cocktail reception hosted by AAEA and the National Agri-Marketing Association at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

When: Friday, February 28, 2014
Where: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Room: 006A
(on the River Level, below street level)
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Stop by after the trade show closes but before you head out to dinner!

No cost or registration necessary.

Thanks to BASF, Great Plains, Southwest and Rocky Mountain NAMA Chapters.

Find out more about Commodity Classic.

Ag PR Hall of Fame Nominations Due March 15

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:25:48 GMT

Nominations are due March 15 for the Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame, an award program honoring agricultural public relations professionals who have made lifetime contributions to the industry.

The program, sponsored by the Agricultural Relations Council and AgriMarketing magazine, will recognize its third group of recipients at the June 2014 ARC annual meeting in Madison, Wis.

Previous winners have been:

Don Lerch
Lyle Orwig
John Harvey
Paul Weller

Nominees must be current or past members of ARC to be considered. Inductees will be selected based on criteria including:

Years of membership in ARC;
Service to ARC (president, board member, committee chair, etc.);
Professional accomplishments/achievements in ag communications; and
Awards/Recognition in service to ag communications within ARC and also outside of the organization.

“We had a tremendous response to our Hall of Fame award program and another stellar class of honorees will be inducted in Madison next June,” said ARC Board President Mike Opperman. “This is the single-best opportunity for the industry to recognize the professionals who’ve shaped agricultural public relations.”
For 2014, up to two inductees will be chosen. Nominations will be reviewed and chosen by a committee of ARC members.

“We hope all members of the agricultural communications community will consider nominating a deserving individual,” said ARC Hall of Fame committee chair Deron Johnson, of Zoetis. “Recognition of this type not only honors the individual, but validates all of the professionals who work in agricultural public relations every day.”

For additional questions, please call the ARC office at: 952/758-5811. Use the 2014 nomination form or E-mail ARC at arc@gandgcomm.com for more information.

For more information, visit www.agrelationscouncil.org.

February Meeting: Student Presentations Thursday at Las Delicias

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:27:44 GMT

Join us this week for one of the chapter’s favorite annual events undefined the NAMA Student Marketing Competition. We will hear presentations from our two university affiliate chapters undefined University of Tennessee – Martin and Mississippi State University. Please be a part of this important meeting as we review their business plans and offer much-appreciated feedback.

When: February 20, 2014, 11:30am
Where: Las Delicias Mexican Bar & Grill, 5680 Quince Road
Cost: $25

RSVPs NEEDED: We had a technical glitch with our website that prevented the delivery of any RSVPs. Please RSVP for this meeting even if you have previously done so. Sorry for the inconvenience.

February Meeting: Student NAMA New Products Marketing Competition

Fri, 07 Feb 2014 15:28:57 GMT

MidSouth Students are Going for the Gold undefined NAMA Style!

Though all eyes may be on Sochi as the Olympics officially kick off this week, we’re gearing up for a little competition of our own!

Join us this month for one of the chapter’s favorite annual events undefined the NAMA Student Marketing Competition. Our two university affiliate chapters undefined University of Tennessee – Martin and Mississippi State University undefined are in the final weeks of their own training as the prepare for the national New Products Marketing competition in April. Their eyes are on the prize and we want to do all we can to get them both onto the medal platform at the NAMA national convention. We’ll hear both groups’ presentations, review their business plans and offer much-appreciated feedback to help them on their course to victory. Please be a part of this important meeting to help future MidSouth agribusiness professionals.

We will send out a reminder the week of the meeting and hope to include the student’s provided marketing plans in their current state, so they can be reviewed prior to the meeting.

Learn more about the overall student competition.

When: February 20, 2014, 11:30am
Where: Las Delicias Mexican Bar & Grill, 5680 Quince Road
Cost: $25
Pay Online in Advance

Best of NAMA Awards Night --- We officially let it go to our heads!

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:30:34 GMT

Tonight we celebrated the best of the best in the MidSouth NAMA Chapter and beyond! Spirits and enthusiasm were definitely in “Flight” this evening as we learned whom among our group won at the chapter level and which rockstars would go on to compete at nationals in April.

Download a list of the winners.

Download full presentation.

Congratulations to all our winners!

You Think You’re a Rockstar?

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:31:35 GMT

Apparently someone else does too! 34 entries from the MidSouth NAMA Chapter will be advancing to the national judging for the annual Best of NAMA marketing contest.

RSVP and join us at 6pm Thursday, January 23rd at Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar for a fun night of dinner and drinks to find out who deserves to have a big head as their work goes on to compete nationally!

Entries that win at the national judging will be announced at the Best of NAMA Ceremony that kicks off the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 9-11, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.

Again, congratulations! We are very proud of our chapter.

Best of NAMA Chapter Awards Banquet

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 15:33:15 GMT

Our MidSouth Best of NAMA event is just around the corner!

You did the work…now it is time to brag about it…let it go to your head. We will celebrate our MidSouth Chapter First Place and Chapter Merit winners and learn which entries will continue on to compete at the national competition in April.

Join us to see who is the best of the best in the MidSouth!

Date: January 23
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar

Cost: $50
Pay Now: Click here

NCGA Announces National Corn Yield Contest Winners for 2013

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:34:11 GMT

Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2013 National Corn Yield Contest. Entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, setting a contest record with a new all-time high yield of 454 bushels per acre. Additionally, a record five national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark. The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 49th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members, setting a new participation record this year with 8,827 entries. This surpasses the previous record of 8,431 entries, set in 2011, and far outstrips the 8,263 entries received in 2012.

“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 354.6 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 160.4 bushels per acre in 2013. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 454.9837.

The all-time high yield record of 454 bushels per acre was set by David Hula of Charles City, Va. The five national entrants recording yields of more than 400 bushels per acre are: David Hula of Charles City, Va.; Johnny Hula of Charles City, Va.; Double ‘SA’ Farms Inc. of Hart, Texas; Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Ga.; and Dowdy Farms/Curtis Davis/Renato Lamas of Valdosta, Ga.

Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.

Job Opening: Marketing Coordinator at Krone NA, Inc.

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:36:11 GMT

One of our member companies, Krone NA, Inc., is looking for a Marketing Coordinator. Please read the description below. If you are interested or know someone who would be qualified, send resumes to Kristine Walker, Marketing Manager, at kwalker@krone-na.com.

Krone NA, Inc., a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, has an opening for a Marketing Coordinator reporting to the Marketing Manager.

NECESSARY SKILLS/ABILITIES

Microsoft Office – specifically strong Excel skills
Adobe Creative Suite – specifically PhotoShop, InDesign, and Illustrator
Ability to take quality pictures of Krone equipment
Website maintenance experience is a plus
Mapping software experience is a plus
Ability to complete tasks in an efficient time frame and handle multiple projects at a time
Demonstration of strong written communication skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with an individual or large group
Ability to provide accurate, professional and error free documents
Ability to think out of the box and contribute new ideas to the Marketing department
Must be a self-starter

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with field personnel to maintain an up to date customer prospect lists
Manage all output of market share data and distribution
Expand Krone’s presence on social media sites by bring in new ideas and making regular posts
Work on various mapping projects using BusinessMap software
Assist with farm shows, product tours and other Krone events
Create sales and product update presentations
Maintain and provide updates for various marketing programs to Krone personnel, dealers and dealer salesmen
Travel to customers in order to write customer testimonials and take equipment pictures
Assist with gathering and writing content for the KroNews, a Krone newsletter
Assist with updating the Krone website and Media Center

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Communications, Marketing with Agriculture Experience, or Related Field

Find out more about Krone.

Email your resume.

SAVE THE DATE: Best of NAMA Chapter Awards Banquet

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:37:11 GMT

It’s that time of year! Time to sit back and reflect on the amazing work done in 2013. You did the work…now it is time to brag about it…let it go to your head.

Join us on January 23, 2014 at 6pm at Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar to celebrate the Chapter First and Merit winners.

Check back here for more details soon.

December Meeting: Cancelled

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:39:32 GMT

Due to the increasing chance of inclement winter weather, we have decided to cancel our MidSouth NAMA meeting for December. Please stay tuned for more information on our upcoming January 2014 meeting to celebrate our Best of NAMA award winners!

We wish everyone the warmest of holidays in the coming weeks and a wonderful New Year. Looking forward to a great 2014!

Nominations: Agribusiness Leader & NAMA Marketer of the Year

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:38:06 GMT

It’s that time of year to nominate the cream of the crop – Agribusiness Leader of the Year and NAMA Marketer of the Year.

Click here to view a list of current and past winners for Agribusiness Leader of the Year and NAMA Marketer of the Year.

The winners of these prestigious awards will be honored at the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 9 – 11, Jacksonville, Florida. Celebrate the achievements and impressive careers of the very best in agriculture with NAMA.

Submission deadline is January 17, 2014. Visit nama.org and click “Awards” to find nomination forms.

NAMA Webinar: Critics in the Social Media Sphere

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 15:40:36 GMT

The National Agri-Marketing Association and the Agricultural Relations Council invite you to participate in their webinar on Tuesday, December 10, at 1:00 pm central time.

Presented by Janice Person, Social Media Director at Monsanto Company

Social media has empowered individuals and small groups to build the reach of their voices online, shifting the way issues management is done for many. How likely are you to encounter controversy? What are some of the steps you should consider proactively and reactively? When should you engage? Hear some of the lessons learned by participating in social media both individually and professionally at one of agriculture’s most socially discussed businesses.

Register to attend NAMA’s next webinar on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at 1:00 pm central time.

Record-Breaking Number of Exhibitors for Potato Expo 2014

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:41:38 GMT

Earlier this month, the organizers of POTATO EXPO 2014 announced that 150 exhibitors have signed up to demonstrate the latest in potato production, harvesting, storage and services. In 2013, POTATO EXPO attracted a record-breaking 1,902 attendees and 149 exhibitors to Las Vegas, Nevada. With just over a month left before the next EXPO, organizers are hopeful they can add to this year’s number of exhibitors.

Now in its 6th year, the POTATO EXPO is the largest conference and tradeshow for the potato industry held in North America. Potato growers and industry members meet annually to network with key decision makers and international industry leaders, learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry and grow their business. This year’s featured speakers include Ben Stein and Jim Abbott.

More info on POTATO EXPO 2014.

Exhibitor info.

Corn Growers Remain on Track for Record Production Year

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:43:08 GMT

U.S. corn growers remain on track for a record high 14.0 billion bushel production year, according to the Crop Production report, released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In addition to corn numbers, the report also included updated forecasts for U.S. citrus production, and major field crops, such as soybeans and cotton.

Based on administrative data, NASS revised the acreage planted to corn this season to 95.3 million acres, down 2 percent from the previous estimate. Despite the decrease, however, production forecast remained high due to high forecasted yields. This season’s yields are expected to average 160.4 bushels per acre, with corn growers in 18 states forecast to reach record yields this year. The weather also remains good for harvest so far this year, allowing growers to harvest 73 percent of the corn crop by November 3, which is 2 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average harvest rate.

NASS also reduced the planted area for soybeans to 76.5 million acres, down 1 percent from the previous forecast. Just as with corn, however, favorable weather conditions account for higher pod counts compared with the 2012 yield. Soybean yields are expected to average 43.0 bushels per acre, with the final production forecast at 3.26 billion bushels. If realized, this will be the third largest production year on record.
U.S. cotton growers are forecast to produce 13.1 million 480-pound bales this year. This forecast is an increase of 2 percent from the September report, but is down 24 percent from last year’s production. Cotton yield is expected to average 808 pounds per harvested acre, up 79 pound from 2012.

On the citrus front, U.S. all orange production for the 2013-2014 seasons is forecast at 7.96 million tons, down 5 percent from the previous season’s final utilization. Grapefruit growers are forecast to produce 1.13 million tons this year, down 5 percent from last season. In contrast, tangerine and mandarin crop is forecast to increase 6 percent from last season’s production to 726,000 tons in 2013-2014 growing season.

NASS interviewed approximately 10,000 producers across the country in preparation for this report. In addition to farmer interviews, NASS also used its national and state level objective yield measurements to determine accurate yield and production forecasts.

The Crop Production report is published monthly and is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Over 1440 Best if NAMA Entries Submitted!

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:44:38 GMT

There was a thunderous response to the call for Best of NAMA entries with over 1440 submitted for Regional Judging on November 12th & 13th. This is the highest amount we have seen since 1999!

Thank you to every agency and company that submitted their best work for consideration. Every submission strengthens local NAMA chapters and showcases the talent and vitality of NAMA members.

A special thanks to our 40 plus wonderful judges who participated in the judging process that took place at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City. This program could not be successful without their help and expertise.

We hope to see you at a regional or chapter banquet in January to see the results of your hard work. Check out the banquet dates and locations. Be sure to check back often as details are still being finalized.

Originally published on the NAMA Blog.

Upgrade Your View at the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:48:28 GMT

Gain a fresh perspective on your career and the big issues facing ag and agri-marketers today. NAMA is putting you front and center with internationally known experts on:

Brand positioning
Cultures of innovation
Blending big picture ideas with strategic planning
And more …

Plus, we have breakouts in the works that will have you talking about:

The evolution of social media
Marketing to multiple generations
The power of consumers to shape brands
PR and its role in the media mix

Register today to save money and get a jump on your 2014 calendar!

NAMA has a wide range of choices for you to get maximum exposure with decision makers in 2014. Check out our Sponsorship Opportunities.

For more information about exhibiting at the Connection Point, contact janc@nama.org. But act fastundefinedwe sell out.

CropMobster: Fighting Food Waste

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 15:49:35 GMT

CropMobster is an online crowd-sourcing platform that connects farmers, ranchers, food wholesalers, bakers, grocers, restaurants, and non-profit food organizations to address the problem of “food waste, hunger and importantly, the challenges farmers and food companies face to remain economically viable.”

According to research cited at CropMobster.com, 40-50% of food produced in the US goes uneaten. The United Nations (UN) states global food waste is equivalent to 28% of the world’s agricultural land area. A majority of the waste comes from unsold perishable food at farmer’s markets, farms, restaurants, grocery stores and other food sellers.

Instead of throwing the food away and taking the loss, these groups can post an alert on CropMobster to extend discounted offers, donations or offer the food for free. When a producer posts an opportunity, alerts are automatically sent to subscribers who can then act on the opportunity. CropMobster is primarily used in California.

CropMobster launched in March of 2013 and has since posted numerous success stories.

November Meeting: So What’s the Deal with Tradeshows?

Thu, 07 Nov 2013 15:50:40 GMT

It’s almost tradeshow season…are you ready?
(Oh, wait…it’s ALWAYS trade show season somewhere…)

Tradeshows, events and experiential activities drive many of our marketing calendars every year. These activities often provide some of the best one-on-one moments we have to connect with customers and other influencers in our industries. But with new technologies and social media on the rise, tradeshows are evolving from the days of the basic 10×10 booth and a literature rack. Showgoers expect greater start-to-finish engagement; marketing departments expect greater results-oriented measurement.

MidSouth NAMA Member Grace Fong of Skyline Exhibits MidSouth will provide us with an update on what’s new and exciting in the tradeshow arena undefined from structural displays to engagement trends. We’ll meet at the Skyline Exhibits showroom for some hands-on looks at new materials as well as roundtable discussions on best practices for these annual events. And with a busy Q1 agricultural tradeshow season right around the corner, this session will offer practical knowledge NAMA members may begin putting into play immediately. Please join us for a great session and an excellent lunch!

Have a burning tradeshow or event question you would like answered in the session? Please email Grace (GraceFong@skylinemidsouth.com) before Nov. 14 and she’ll work to address it during our session.

Date/Time: Thursday, November 21, 11:30am

Location: Skyline Exhibits MidSouth, 3895 Vantech Dr. #9, Memphis, TN 38115

Cost: $25

Pay Ahead: You may always pay at the door or pay online in advance by credit card

Winners Announced Agrow Awards 2013

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:51:48 GMT

The 2013 Agrow Awards winners were announced last week at a black tie ceremony. Congratulations to all the winners!

Best R&D Pipeline: DuPont Crop Protection

Best Novel Agricultural Biotechnology: Morflora (TraitUP)

Best New Biopesticide: Stockton (Timorex Gold)

Best Formulation Innovation: Dow AgroSciences (Enlist Duo herbicide with Colex-D technology)

Best New Crop Protection Product or Trait: Bayer CropScience (Indaziflam)

Best Packaging Innovation: DuPont Crop Protection (Grower bag with PrecisionPac custom dispensing system)

Best Company from an Emerging Region: Sanonda International

Best Supplier: PI Industries

Best Supporting Role: EPL Bio Analytical Services

Best Stewardship Programme: Dow AgroSciences (Refuge advanced powered by SmartStax)

Best Marketing Campaign: BASF Corporation (Planet Xemium)

Best Public Outreach Programme: CropLife America (Social media pollinator engagement program)

Best Off-patent Pesticide Strategy: Indofil Industries (Mancozeb)

Lifetime Achievement: Wang Wei (Zhejiang Wynca Chemical Industry Group Co)

Read more.

ARA Early Registration Discount Ends Today

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 14:52:46 GMT

Early registration discount ends today for the 2013 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference & Expo, Play Like A Champion: Winning Strategies for Ag Retail. This conference provides attendees a place to meet, network, and learn practical ideas and management solutions to improve their businesses.

The 2013 ARA Annual Conference & Expo will be held at Trump’s Doral Resort & Spa in Miami, FL December 3-5, 2013. All Conference registrations allow you to hear from industry leaders during the general session, participate in breakout sessions, and visit over 85 exhibit spaces showcasing a variety of products and services in the tradeshow. Registration also covers breakfast and lunch on Dec. 4-5, and two receptions that give you the opportunity to network with customers and suppliers in the exhibit hall. Click here to view the Registration Brochure.

More Information

Food Dialogues: Iowa, A Frank Discussion about Food

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:53:35 GMT

Food Dialogues panel: A Frank Discussion about Food
November 19, 2013
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE FOOD DIALOGUES
The Food Dialogues signature events are designed to bring together farmers, ranchers, industry experts, pundits, media and consumers together for dynamic panel discussions on some of today’s most pressing topics related to food and food production. Since its launch in 2011, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance has hosted five major events, including 13 panels across the country that streamed live online. To watch content from past events, visit www.fooddialogues.com and follow USFRA on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD.

ABOUT THE EVENT
Food Dialogues®: Iowa, A Frank Discussion about Food, is your chance to join the conversation about where your food comes from and how it is produced. Farmers and industry leaders will be on hand to answer your questions on GMO’s as well as local and organic foods.

REGISTER OR WATCH ONLINE

SPONSORS
Food Dialogues®: Iowa is being planned in collaboration with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA).

Find out more.

2014 National Ag Day

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:54:42 GMT

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 25, 2014. This will mark the 41st anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day is “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed.”

On March 25, 2014. The ACA will host major events in the nation’s capital including the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Additionally, the ACA will bring approximately 100 college students to Washington to deliver the message of Ag Day to the Hill.

These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.
The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

In addition to the events in Washington, DC on March 25, the ACA will once again feature the Ag Day Essay Contest as well as the 2014 Ag Day Poster Art Contest.

Keep checking www.agday.org for more information on National Ag Day in 2014.

NAMA Webinar: How are Ag Marketers Different Than Those in Other Industries?

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 14:56:00 GMT

How are Ag Marketers Different Than Those in Other Industries?

Presented by Jan Johnson, Millennium Research

Ag marketers use print ads more than other industries. And, they rely on repeat customers more than any other industry.

When you are talking to people you already know, what’s the best thing to say?

What is the best way to communicate, connect and motivate prospective customers?

Join Millennium Research as it presents 10 keys to capture attention and increase advertising effectiveness.

Register to attend NAMA’s next webinar on Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 1:00 pm central time.

Mid-South Farm & Gin Show Accepting Exhibitor Applications for 2014

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 14:57:00 GMT

Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is accepting Exhibitor Applications for the 2014 show scheduled for February 28 – March 1, 2014 in Memphis, TN.

Also, the space deadline for advertising in the 2014 show program is December 17, 2013. Don’t worry, we will remind you again as the date gets closer.

The 62nd Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
February 28 – March 1, 2014
The Memphis Cook Convention Center

The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is one of the South’s largest indoor tradeshows and feature interactive exhibits from across the nation. The show attracts thousands from a multi-state region for a first-look at innovative technology and the latest information on the challenging issues in the agricultural industry. The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is sponsored by The Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation and Delta Farm Press.

Job Opening: Advertising Specialist at Helena Chemical Company

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 14:58:24 GMT

One of our MidSouth NAMA Chapter member companies, Helena Chemical Company, is looking for an Advertising Specialist. Please read the description below. If you are interested or know someone who would be qualified, please use the information link at the bottom to see the post on AgCareers.com.

Helena Chemical Company, a national agricultural chemical company, has an immediate opening for an Advertising Specialist in Memphis, TN.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree preferably in Communications and/or Marketing and 2 years of work experience. Agricultural experience is a plus.
Excellent knowledge of the latest communications tools, procedures and methodologies.
Excellent interpersonal and problem resolution skills.
Excellent computer skills including knowledge of the Microsoft Office package.
Ability to proofread, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to effectively review and judge graphic designs and layouts.
Excellent spelling and grammar skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Photographic ability and knowledge.

JOB DUTIES

Development and execution of advertising materials (magazine ads, brochures, flyers, direct mail, press releases, e-mail blasts, videos, etc.) to support sales of HPG products.
Assists the A&P Manager in the execution of the HPG advertising and communication plans
Develop advertising and communication materials for Business Unit marketing groups, Division Product Managers and HPG Brand Managers.
Anticipates all advertising needs based on thorough understanding of HPG goals.
Assists with editorial / graphics content for Helena’s electronic advertising including HCC website and social venues.
Develop and update content and structure of Helena Resources internet site and other media communication tools.
Develop presentations for various HPG staff members that are standardized and consistent in delivery of product messages.
Track print media to ensure delivery of scheduled ads

More information?

VOTE TODAY! Support Fellow MidSouth NAMA Member!

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 15:00:52 GMT

Our own MidSouth NAMA member, Margaret Oldham, and her team have been selected as finalists for a Constellation SuperNova Award.

The BeckAgConnects.com teamundefinedwho is responsible for bringing a secure online community for those in agricultureundefinedis a finalist for the prestigious award from Constellation Research that celebrates and recognizes leaders and teams who have overcome the odds to successfully apply emerging and disruptive technologies for their organizations.

Beck Ag is one of 13 finalists in the Future of Work category, and the only ag finalist among other companies such as Nationwide insurance, TGI Friday’s and Dollar General.

The final SuperNova award recipients will be chosen partly by public vote and partly by a group of judges. To ensure that the ag industry is represented, please consider voting for Margaret Oldham and Beck Ag, Inc.

Vote NowundefinedVoting closes October 9! Margaret Oldham, Beck Ag, Inc. is listed in Category 5 – Future of Work.

Learn more about the nomination.

October Meeting: Are bio-derived products a practical answer for sustainable agriculture?

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:59:30 GMT

Consumers claim to want their food to be grown with more environmentally friendly, “natural” products but how practical are bio-derived products for agribusiness? And could this trend affect all facets of agriculture and agribusiness?

FBSciences’ Jessica Skinner will discuss the challenges bio-derived products present to manufacturers, dealers, and farmers and whether these products serve the goals of sustainable agriculture and the needs of an increasingly hungry world. She’ll lead a discussion about this trend and the possible cost to agribusiness to develop a chemical pesticide and generic market.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 17, 11:30 a.m.

Location: Grove Grill, 4550 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN

Cost: $25

Pay Ahead: You may always pay at the door or pay online in advance by credit card

Less Than One Week for Best of NAMA Submissions!

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 15:01:44 GMT

This is it! Best of NAMA submissions are due this Friday! If you haven’t reviewed your work from this year and picked out a couple of winners, you don’t have much time left. Find out how to prepare and submit your entries.

Don’t forget…the MidSouth Chapter receives a portion of each entry fee! This is a great way to support the chapter and make sure we have the resources needed to bring you quality programs and activities…and you have a chance to win an award too.

What is Best of NAMA?
The Best of NAMA awards program honors the best work in agricultural communications. Actually, the best of the best, since companies/agencies must first qualify through regional competition in order to advance to the national level. The national awards ceremony will take place April 9, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. More info.

Win an iPad Mini | NAMA Membership Campaign

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 15:02:48 GMT

Recruit someone you know to become a NAMA member and be entered into a drawing for an iPad Mini!

The member-get-a-member campaign will run from October 3 to December 9. The drawing will take place on December 10.

The more members you recruit, the more your name will be entered into the drawing!

Visit our Get Involved page or www.NAMA.org for more info on joining NAMA!

2013/14 Chapter Meeting Schedule

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 15:04:01 GMT

The 2013/14 chapter meeting schedule is now loaded into the website calendar. The only exception is the January Best of NAMA meeting. There is a conflict with the original date so it is being rescheduled. Free free to contact us if you have questions about future chapter events or if you know of a major conflict with any of the dates. Details about each month’s meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date. Can’t wait for another great year!

Thursday, October 17
Thursday, November 14
Thursday, December 19
Mid-January – Best of NAMA
Thursday, February 20 – Student Meeting
Thursday, March 20
Thursday, April 17
Thursday, May 15

2 Weeks Left for Best of NAMA Submissions!

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 15:04:50 GMT

The Best of NAMA entry deadline is October 11, 2013! That means you have 2 weeks left to pick out your best work, prepare your entry, and send it in!

Support Your Local NAMA Chapter! Your local chapter receives $20 per regional entry. So, enter your work in Best of NAMA and support your local chapter at the same time.

More Info?
NAMA.org
Call for Entries

Opening of “Rotan Switch” Photography Exhibit

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 15:05:58 GMT

Saturday, September 28 is the opening reception of the Cotton Museum’s newest temporary art exhibit, Rotan Switch: an Exhibit of Photographs by Lisa McCord. Through compelling and personal photographs, the collection documents life on one of the last tenant run cotton farms to operate along the Mississippi River. During the opening reception from 6pm to 9pm guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist, sip beer from the local High Cotton Brewery, and enjoy live music by the Swamp Katz. The event is free and open to the public.

The event is part of the Cotton Museum’s “Making the Delta” program, supported by Arts Memphis, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Downtown Memphis Commission. The exhibit will remain on view at the Cotton Museum (65 Union Avenue) through October 20, 2013. The opening reception is at 6pm on September 28 and is free and open to the public.

Making the Delta is funded by an Arts Build Communities grant – a program funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission and ArtsMemphis.

See The Cotton Museum website for more info.

Groupon for Discount Cotton Museum Admission

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:10:34 GMT

Groupon has a current offer for reduced admission to The Cotton Museum. The discount varies depending on the number of tickets you purchase but could be as much as 76% off. Only 5 days left to buy! Want more details?

According to The Cotton Museums’ website, There is a free admission day tomorrow (Saturday, September 21st) as well!

The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange building showcases the cotton’s industry’s past and future through interactive exhibits, documentary films, and oral histories telling the story of the plant that built the Bluff City.

2013 NAMA Professional Development Award Winners

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 15:13:34 GMT

During the concluding lunch to the 2013 NAMA Fall Conference, Chuck Zimmerman from AgWired had a chance to talk to the 2013 NAMA Professional Development Award winners and find out what the award means to them. Read more and listen to the remarks.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Marketing Communications – Gary Sakin, Monsanto
Public Relations – Linda Romander, broadhead
Product/Species Management – Zach Hetterick, Case IH
Sales – Jay Carlson, Penton Media – BEEF Magazine

Update: 2013 Fall Conference

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 15:15:03 GMT

The 2013 Fall Conference kicked off yesterday with nearly 200 attendees in St. Louis, MO. Check out photo’s of Monday’s Gateway Ag Tour on Flickr and follow the Fall Conference on Twitter at #namafall13!

Best of NAMA Call for Entries Deadline Oct 11th

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:15:40 GMT

One Month Left!!!

The Best of NAMA awards program honors the best work in agricultural communications. Actually, the best of the best, since companies/agencies must first qualify through regional competition in order to advance to the national level. The national awards ceremony will take place April 9, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

What’s Eligible? If you’re a NAMA member, you’re eligible to submit your company’s communications materials produced for first use in 2013. (If entered in 2012, the EXACT SAME entry will not be eligible in 2013.) Additions or modifications to an ongoing campaign will not be eligible year after year. You must enter through chapters where your company has a member. Entries are open to agricultural, ornamentals, turf, livestock veterinarians, and any other ag-related products or services whose primary audience is farmers, ranchers and growers (except as otherwise noted). Each entry should be submitted through one region only.

Best of NAMA operates on a regional judging format. Entries are sent directly to the national NAMA office and judged by industry professionals at a regional level for possible advancement to national competition. A minimum point standard will be used and enforced at the regional level. Work that is not above a certain point standard will not be eligible to be advanced. If you place first or merit at the regional competition and score above the minimum point standard, you are eligible to advance to the national competition. The NAMA office will notify you by Feb. 1, 2014, regarding entries eligible for advancement. An entry fee at the regional and national levels is required. If your entry advances to national, however, it will not be necessary to create another entry.

Support Your Local NAMA Chapter!
Your local chapter receives $20 per regional entry. So, enter your work in Best of NAMA and support your local chapter at the same time.

Additional Submission Details

Attending Ohio Farm Science Review?

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:16:20 GMT

Ohio Farm Science Review NAMA Social

What: Ohio Farm Science Review NAMA Social Gathering
When: September 17, 2013 (Tuesday of the show)
Where: Tobin Building at the Ohio Farm Science Review Show Site, London, Ohio
Time: Starts at 4:00 p.m. – ?

Snacks and drinks will be provided! Please stop by, enjoy some food and drink and network with fellow NAMA members. Hope to see you there!

Questions? If so, please contact Andy Unverferth, Ohio NAMA President, at andyu@unverferth.com.

September Meeting: Kickoff the Season with a New Kind of “Meet & Greet”

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 15:17:03 GMT

(RSVP FOR THE EVENT BELOW…)

It’s time for a new year of NAMA! And what better way to start the season than with a chance to meet your peers in MidSouth agri-marketing? And bring a guest for FREE!

Last year, we had a significant number of new members join our chapter. So our September meeting will focus on MidSouth Networking undefined NAMA style. Join us for an afternoon happy hour where you will have a chance to meet individuals from some of the most important companies, organizations, agencies and media groups in not only MidSouth agriculture, but around the globe. We’ll even do a take on “speed networking” undefined a fun opportunity for you to get to know the new faces in our chapter as well as those NAMA veterans with a long presence in the organization.

And special for our September meeting kickoff, you may bring a guest for FREE! What better way to introduce others to MidSouth NAMA?

Date/Time: Thursday, September 19, 4 p.m.

Location: Owen Brennan’s Memphis, 6150 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN

Cost: $25 per person; BRING A GUEST FOR FREE

NAMA 2013 Fall Conference

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 15:17:40 GMT

Agri-marketers are always looking for opportunities to learn more … to challenge themselves and get better at what they do. The NAMA Fall Conference does all that and more. Take advantage of this chance to reconnect with colleagues and clients and sharpen up your skill set before the end of the year.

Inspired by the best of Agri-Marketing Conference, the Fall Conference was created to provide outstanding professional development opportunities and help you take your career to the next level.

How is it different? The breakouts are more specific and in-depth. You’ll find presentations on mobile digital strategy and dealing with data storage in the Cloud. The ag topics are also anything but run of the mill. We’ll be talking policy and climate change.

So get ready to engage with high level content and high level leadership … energize your career and amp up your professional development … and empower yourself to take it to the next level.

Another excellent Fall Conference is just around the corner.

Want more information?

National Ag Day Essay Contest Announced

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:18:15 GMT

The theme for the 2014 Ag Day Essay Contest is “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed”

Ag Day Essay Contest Rules & Entry Form

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) calls on ninth- to 12th-grade students to submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed” and the deadline is January 31, 2014. The ACA asks teachers and parents to encourage student participation.

The theme, “Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed,” presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry is an endless source of opportunity for growth and development. Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video focusing on how today’s growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

“CHS enthusiastically supports rural youth and is proud to showcase their ideas,” says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc., one of this year’s essay contest sponsors. “The essay and video contests provide an engaging platform for their voices, vision and dreams to be shared with a broader audience.’”

The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 25 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.

This is the 41st anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry. The ACA not only helps consumers understand how food and fiber products are produced, but also brings people together to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association, Country Living Association, Farm Progress Companies and McCormick Company.

All written entries should be sent to: 2014 Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by e-mail to essay@agday.org. Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries on a compact disc to the address above. Visitwww.agday.org or http://www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

Farmers Night with the Redbirds

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:19:10 GMT

Friday, August 2, 2013 at 7:05pm

Farmers Night

Discounted Tickets for All
Live Music in the Plaza Beginning at 5pm
T-Shirt Giveaway for the First 1000 Fans in Attendance

Presented by Cotton Farming

For more information or to reserve tickets

Contact: Matt Szczupakowski
901-722-0285
matt.szczupakowski@memphisredbirds.com

Wish You Were There!

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:19:49 GMT

The June meeting was a ton of fun at AutoZone Park even if our Redbirds didn’t beat the Zephyrs! Wish you were there!

Hope everyone has a great summer. Look forward to seeing everyone again in the Fall!

June Meeting: Memphis Redbirds!

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:21:11 GMT

Get ready for some peanuts, Cracker Jacks and good times at the June NAMA Chapter event with the Memphis Redbirds! Enjoy the sun and bring a friend to introduce them to NAMA!

Pre-Game Program – meet at the Will Call office by 10:30 a.m.:

For those who can come early before the game, we will meet with a representative of the Redbirds to learn unique ways on how they market this team. Also, for anyone who arrives at this time, join us for an on-the-field photo before the game starts!

Game – opening pitch is at 11:00 a.m.:

If you can only make the game, join us at 11:00 for a great game against the New Orleans Zephyrs! Our seats will be in the Party Deck section.

Date/Time: Thursday, June 13 – pre-game program starts at 10:30 a.m.; game at 11

Cost: $25/ticket – includes lunch and soft drinks – Please note: since we have to purchase the tickets ahead of time, these tickets are non-refundable and must be pre-paid. THANKS!

Registration: http://www.nama.org/store/index.php?p=product&id=152&parent=21

How to pick up your tickets: Once you have reserved/purchased tickets via the link, please pick them up on June 13 at the Will Call office. They will be saved there under your name. Any issues, call Lesley at 225-335-4209 or Emily at 901-371-6872.

Directions: http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t235&ymd=20100310&content_id=8744634&vkey=team1

Downtown Parking Options: http://www.downtownmemphis.com/parking.asp

April Meeting: 2013 Crop Outlook: What does it mean for you and your organization?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:22:01 GMT

The USDA crop plantings intentions report is out, and Rob Westmoreland, executive vice president at Informa Economics, Inc. will be joining us to provide analysis and interpretation that Informa is known for among our industry.

Please save the date and join us for some good barbecue over at the Agri-Center while we all get better Inform-a-ed!

More about Rob:

Rob oversees the Informa Economics grains, oilseeds, and other crop and food ingredient economic research and forecasting functions. His many food and agribusiness consulting assignments include commodity market planning, price risk management, and business strategic planning for a wide spectrum of US and international food, agribusiness, and investment companies. He is also director of Informa’s education and training programs in commodity marketing and risk management. Mr. Westmoreland joined Informa, formerly Sparks Companies, in 1987 and was previously an executive of The Pillsbury Company. He is an economics graduate of Rice University and of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He and his wife Shirley reside in Germantown, Tennessee.

More about Informa:

Informa Economics, Inc., a division of Informa plc, is a world leader in comprehensive agriculture, food industry, agribusiness and commodity research, information, analysis and consulting. With a core team of research analysts and consulting specialists, Informa Economics serves many of the world’s leading agribusinesses. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company has offices in Washington, D.C.; Grand Rapids, Michigan; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Winnipeg, Canada, Sao Paulo Brazil, London and Brussels. It is the company’s economic expertise and client base that combine to provide unique insights and strategic and long-term planning for agribusinesses around the world. For more information, visit the Informa Economics website at www.informaecon.com.

Any questions? Please contact llandry@archermalmo.com

Where: Agricenter International; 7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120 – Link to MAP

When: Thursday, April 25; 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $15

RSVP:

PAY AT THE DOOR: Click here to RSVP, checks/cash/credit cards accepted at the door

Any questions? Please contact llandry@archermalmo.com

February Meeting: Student New Products Marketing Competition

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:22:55 GMT

Each year, the student NAMA chapters at Mississippi State University and the University of TennesseeundefinedMartin visit us to present their marketing plans, and graciously accept our feedback! This year we are getting them in a little bit earlier in the game so our feedback can be more impactful. Please save the date and join us at the Butcher Shop for a little “fresh meat”!

We will send out a reminder next week that will include the student’s provided marketing plans in their current state, so they can be reviewed prior to the meeting.

Learn more about the overall student competition: http://nama.org/student/guidelines.htm

Any questions? Please contact llandry@archermalmo.com

Where: The Butcher Shop; 107 S. Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018 – Link to MAP ***Please note, at The Butcher Shop’s request, please park in lot across the driveway to the left of the restaurant
When: Friday, February 22; 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $25

RSVP Options: (our apologies, the credit card link is forthcoming, please still RSVP with the link for now)

PAY AHEAD: Credit Card link coming soon! Will include this in the reminder J
PAY AT THE DOOR: Click here to RSVP, but pay at the door via check/cash

January Meeting: MidSouth Best of NAMA Celebration

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:23:35 GMT

Hello, MidSouth NAMA members and guests:

We are excited to remind you of the details for next week’s Best of NAMA celebration. Do you have what it takes to stand out from the rest of the flock?

This year, we have a wide variety of award winners – more than 20 different companies, organizations and agencies will “strut their stuff” for their work in MidSouth agriculture. It promises to be a good event for the entire chapter!

Best of NAMA Award Ceremony and Banquet

When: Thursday, Jan. 17, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Texas de Brazil, 150 Peabody Place, Memphis, Tenn.http://texasdebrazil.com/location/memphis

RSVP and Payment

Now here’s the best deal of the year! This eveningundefinedcomplete with an excellent Texas de Brazil dinnerundefinedwill only cost you $35 per guest.

PAY BY CREDIT CARD NOW: If you want to pre-pay for you and any guests, please click here now: http://www.nama.org/store/index.php?p=product&id=140&parent=21
RSVP NOW, PAY BY CHECK LATER: If you prefer to continue to pay via check in person, just fill out the RSVP form and click “Close” on the confirmation page. Then just bring a check to the event. RSVP Now… http://survey.archermalmo.com/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=78LH464

We look forward to seeing you next week!

December Meeting: A Paperboy Looks at 40: From the Glory Days to the Digital Haze

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:24:52 GMT

After almost four decades in the business, Paul Jewell, marketing director for The Commercial Appeal, will address the challenges facing the newspaper in the current economic and disruptive digital environment.

Where: Owen Brennan’s; 6150 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119 – Link to MAP
When: Thursday, December 6; 4 p.m. (We will convene at 4 and have Paul speak for 15-20 minutes and then happy hour with heavy apps.) PLEASE NOTE AFTERNOON TIME
Details: $25 for the afternoon

RSVP Options:

PAY AHEAD: Click here to RSVP & pre-pay with credit card
PAY AT THE DOOR: Click here to RSVP, but pay at the door via check/cash

Beltwide 2013: Early Registration Deadline – Dec. 17!

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:24:11 GMT

Don’t forget! Beltwide is just around the corner and so is the deadline for the early registration!

Learn more now: http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/index.cfm?page=registration

November Meeting: Weather, NAMA Style

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:25:35 GMT

‘To kick things off this fall, our November meeting at the Spaghetti Warehouse was definitely: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs!

Weather has played a critical role in recent seasons and, therefore, the performance of the markets. And with the MidSouth still in drought conditions, 2013 promises to be another interesting ride. Jim Belles, supervisory meteorologist with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at Agricenter International, will be joined us to talk about what could be on the weather horizon and what we as marketers and communicators should be braced for in the coming season.