2012 Boot Camp Attendees get inside view of the modern farmer.

Marketers. Mechanics. Crop Scouts. These are just some of the hats farmers wear today. Attendees at the 2012 NAMA Boot Camp heard about the many roles farmers play firsthand in a fast-paced kickoff video produced by SFP Productions.

The conversation continued with the beloved producers panel, as farmers from the Midwest and Southwest discussed the factors that influence their purchasing decisions, the challenges they face and how agri-marketers can best serve them with information and offers.

Information was critical, and panelists agreed that rich content was the best use for Facebook and websites. Trust was a recurring theme, and panelists said knowledgeable chemical, seed and equipment reps and extension personnel were their allies in buying decisions.

Conversations during the refreshment break before the morning breakout sessions centered on the ag tour held the day before. Attendees who made it to Kansas City early had the chance to visit Jowler Creek Winery, Green Dirt Farms and Shoal Creek Land and Cattle.

Morning breakouts on the first day of Boot Camp tackled row crops and crisis management communications. Both were basic enough to introduce greenhorns to new terminology, but the presenters were experienced enough to thoughtfully answer the in-depth questions of more seasoned audience members.

NAMA leaders shared how to best take advantage of NAMA membership during the luncheon, and afternoon breakouts looked at livestock production, the history of the cooperative and best practices for using social media wisely to meet business objectives.

The day ended with a reception at Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewery, where Boot Campers enjoyed complimentary beer, wine and appetizers.

Day two began with a discussion of “the Media Mix” and how lines are blurred in today’s communications environment. Panelists urged the audience to think of creating “communications plans” rather than “advertising plans” and to get comfortable thinking outside the box because there’s no single solution to every communications challenge.

A final session, “From the Farm and Back Again,” provided the perfect ending for Boot Camp. Panelists discussed their adventures going from the farm, to the agency and marketing world and back to getting their hands dirty on the farm again.

If you couldn’t make it to Boot Camp this year, never fear. NAMA hosts this annual event every fall to get new hires in agri-marketing up and running and help seasoned pros get a handle on new trends in the industry. Keep an eye on nama.org for next year’s schedule.

Hurry Before You Miss Your Chance!

There is still time to register for Boot Camp, August 21 – 23 in Kansas City.  You’re going to want to be a part of every fast-paced minute of what we have planned.

All attendees will receive a notebook packed with agricultural terminology, facts, case studies and speaker presentations. This notebook has become one of the most popular aspects of the Boot Camp experience.

There will be plenty of opportunities for networking during the reception on Tuesday, in addition to during the Opening General Session. Network during lunch on Wednesday and during the reception at the Boulevard Brewery!

Don’t forget the MoKan NAMA Chapter will be hosting the Ag Tour prior to the kick-off of the Boot Camp. The tour includes a trip to Shoal Creek Land and Cattle, Green Dirt Farm, and Jowler Creek Winery, Missouri’s premier sustainable vineyard and winery. This tour is optional.

You won’t want to miss the 2012 NAMA Boot Camp! To register for the NAMA Boot Camp or the MoKan Ag Tour now, visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=45. 

Check out a list of this year’s Boot Camp attendees at http://www.nama.org/programs/2012bclist.pdf.

The 9th Annual NAMA Boot Camp will take place at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City. Out-of-town attendees are responsible for making their own reservations.

For reservations contact:
Sheraton Crown Center
2345 McGee
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-841-1000
Fax: 816-398-4610

Make sure you mention “NAMA” when making your reservations.

Whether you’ve just entered the rough working world or one who’s been through the NAMA Boot Camp drill before, sign up for this program today to learn more about the agri-marketing industry. This year the Boot Camp will take it to a new level expanding on marketing and agriculture basics. 

Join the National Agri-Marketing Association for the 9th annual NAMA Boot Camp, August 21-23, 2012 in Kansas City.

All attendees will receive a notebook packed with agricultural terminology, facts, case studies and speaker presentations. This notebook has become one of the most popular aspects of the boot camp experience.

Tuesday, August 21

MoKan Ag Tour (optional)
The tour is an on-farm experience where attendees will tour as well as learn about different operations. The tour includes a trip to Shoal Creek Land and Cattle, Green Dirt Farm, and Jowler Creek Winery, Missouri’s premier sustainable vineyard and winery.

Note: You do not need to be registered for the NAMA Boot Camp to attend the MoKan Ag Tour.

5:00 p.m. – Boot Camp Registration

5:00-6:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception

6:00-7:30 p.m. – Opening General Session – Dinner/Networking

Kick off the Boot Camp with a networking activity designed to help you get to know fellow attendees. This highly interactive session will also help you get more familiar with Ag terms and industry lingo.

Wednesday, August 22

8:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast

8:30-10:00 a.m. – General Session

Producer Panel
Moderator: Jim Patrico, Senior Editor – Progressive Farmer
Panelists: Reggie Underwood, David Parris, Billy Thiel
Learn how to communicate effectively with producers. The producer panel has become a Boot Camp favorite and attendees won’t want to miss the valuable insights from producers.

Reggie Underwood grew up on a farm in Eastland County Texas. He was involved in all facets; farming, ranching, cow calf operation, and training/roping horses.

In July 2011, Reggie started with SFP. He covers Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Billy Thiel farms with his brother and cousin in Saline County near Malta Bend, Mo. The family operation includes corn and soybeans. Billy is currently president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and has served as chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. 

10:00-10:30 a.m. – Break

10:30-11:30 a.m. – Breakout sessions (choose one)

Row Crop 101
This highly interactive session will address basics of the row crop industry along with issues and challenges. Hear it straight from the producer.

Deformed Frogs, Oil Spills and Pink Slime: Lessons Learned from a Career in Crisis Management
Daren Williams, NCBA 
Every organization will eventually face the moment when something goes wrong, affecting your people, products or reputation. This session will offer practical tips for managing a crisis based on real-life experiences of an ag communicator who has helped manage producer recalls, oils spills, pink slime and the media onslaught that accompanies a crisis.

12:00 Noon-1:30 p.m. – Luncheon

NAMA 101
Panel Members: Liz Suter Van Leer – Osborn Barr, Jeff Hartz – Wyffels Hybrids, Les Kahl – AdFarm
Learn about the basics of the organization from those in the know and who have come up through its ranks.  This session will address how to get involved as well as other pertinent inside tips on everything from conferences to preparing your Best Of NAMA entries.

1:30-2:30 p.m. – Breakout sessions (choose one)

Livestock 101
Dr. Dan Thomson, Kansas State University Vet School
This session will address basics of the industry along with issues and challenges.

Dan Thomson, PhD, DVM is the Assistant Dean of Outreach, Professor and the Jones Professor of Production Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.

Marketing Efforts, the History of  the Cooperative
Leslie Kaufman, President/CEO, Kansas Cooperative Council
2012 is the International Year of the Cooperative.  Learn about the history and varied marketing efforts employed by cooperatives across the U.S. Kaufman will explain the cooperative structure and showcase how cooperatives have carved out a marketing niche through the years.

2:30-3:00 p.m. – Break

3:00-4:00 p.m. – General Session

Social Media: Beyond Facebook and Twitter
Bill Ye, Director of Digital Services, Global Prairie
Social media is not just a digital strategy. It is an integrated communication strategy using new and old mediums. It should be approached like any other communication strategy using new and old mediums.  This session will show you how to define the business objectives, the audience and message goals, and the key performance indicators – then execute and measure based on timeline and budget.

4:30-6:30 p.m. – Reception at Boulevard Brewery
A shuttle will take attendees to a special reception at Kansas City’s own Boulevard Brewery. Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. The reception will take place in the beautiful Heim Room that features a unique view of the Kansas City skyline.

Thursday, August 23

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast

9:00-10:00 a.m. – General Session

The Importance of the Media Mix
Bob Brunker, J.L. Farmakis
Lannie Dawson, Broadhead
Utilizing the right media is critical to reaching your target customer. What’s the right mix, and what’s the best use for each type of media? Learn more about how producers utilize media for their farming operations to make the most of your marketing efforts.

10:00-10:15 a.m. – Break

10:15-11:30 a.m. – Closing Session

From the Farm and Back Again – Ag Careers On & Off the Family Farm
Moderator: Curt Blades – Successful Farming
Panelists: Janell Aust – Aust Farms, Michael Berry – SFP, Colleen Gerke – Jowler Creek Winery
This session will take a look at careers on and off the family farm from the perspective of those who have done both. Each of these panel members has had a career on both sides of the fence or has juggled both at one time or another.

Janell Aust has more than 20 years of journalism and public relations experience. Most recently, she led the public relations team at McCormick Company.

Janell and her husband Brad also own and operate a diversified farming operation of soybeans, corn, wheat, sorghum and cattle south of Kansas City where they are raising their two daughters.

Michael Berry brings experience in agricultural marketing and farming operations to his role as brand manager with SFP. Berry earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Berry also is a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association and has served as a chairman on several other organizational committees.

Colleen Gerke grew up in the heart of California’s Central Coast in Santa Maria, Calif. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo in 2000 with a degree in Agricultural Science.

From January 2003 through December 2007, she worked as a team lead in the advertising department for John Deere’s Agriculture Division.

Colleen currently owns and operates Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery in Platte City, Mo. along with her husband Jason.

Register Today!

For more informatin on the NAMA Boot Camp and hotel information visit http://www.nama.org/programs/index.html.

To register for the NAMA Boot Camp and/or the MoKan Ag Tour, please visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=45.

If you are interested in sponsoring a session or event at the NAMA Boot Camp, please fill out the sponsorship confirmation form at www.nama.org/programs/bootcamp-spo.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via email at [email protected].

Gateway NAMA is a large supporter of young professionals, helping them gain knowledge and achieve experience within the agri-marketing industry to strengthen their career path. The annual NAMA Boot Camp is a great opportunity for professional development and Gateway NAMA is proud to support it. To help young professionals take advantage of this opportunity, the Gateway NAMA Chapter will be awarding two applicants with scholarships to attend the NAMA 9^th Annual Boot Camp!

Criteria:

1. $500 scholarships with be awarded to two applicants. The funds will offset both registration and travel costs.
2. To nominate an applicant, the nominee must be a NAMA member. The applicant does not need be a NAMA member.
3. Applications must be received by Gateway Chapter, Friday, July 27, 2012. Winners will be announced Wednesday, August 1, 2012.
4. First priority will be given to applicants 25 years or under or with less than two years of agricultural communications experience.
5. Hotels must be reserved by August 5 at the Sheraton Crown Center.
6. Winners are expected to attend the full session, from Tuesday, August 21 to Thursday, August 23. 
7. Winners must show proof of conference registration, reservation at the Sheraton Crown Center as well as receipts for travel costs to receive reimbursement.
8. Submit to Mandy Heth at [email protected].

Whether you’ve just entered the rough working world or one who’s been through the NAMA Boot Camp drill before, sign up for this program today to learn more about the agri-marketing industry. This year the Boot Camp will take it to a new level expanding on marketing and agriculture basics.

Join the National Agri-Marketing Association for the 9th annual NAMA Boot Camp, August 21 – 23, at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City.

All attendees will receive a notebook packed with agricultural terminology, facts, case studies and speaker presentations.  This notebook has become one of the most popular aspects of the Boot Camp experience.

Boot Camp is hosting two networking sessions including a group dinner at the Sheraton Crown Center and a reception at Boulevard Brewing.  Meeting sessions include:

       Producer Panel
       Row Crop 101
       Deformed Frogs, Oil Spills and Pink Slime: Lessons Learned from
           a Career in Crisis Management 
       Livestock 101
       Social Media: Beyond Facebook and Twitter
       The Importance of  the Media Mix
       From the Farm and Back Again – Ag Careers On and Off The 
          Family Farm

Come in early and attend the optional MoKan Ag Tour!  The tour is an on-farm experience where attendees will tour as well as learn about different operations.  The tour includes a stop at Jowler Creek Winery.

For more informatin on the NAMA Boot Camp and hotel information visit http://www.nama.org/programs/index.html.

To register for the NAMA Boot Camp and/or the MoKan Ag Tour, please visit http://www.nama.org/ConferenceRegistration/Default.aspx?confid=45.

If you are interested in sponsoring a session or event at the NAMA Boot Camp, please fill out the sponsorship confirmation form at www.nama.org/programs/bootcamp-spo.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via email at [email protected].

Mark your calendars!  The 9th Annual NAMA Boot Camp dates are August 21st – 23rd at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City.  Whether you’ve just entered the working world or been through the NAMA Boot Camp drill before, learn more about the latest trends in the agri-marketing industry. 

This year the Boot Camp will take it to a new level expanding on marketing and agriculture basics.   All attendees will receive a notebook packed with agricultural terminology, facts, case studies and speaker presentations. This notebook has become one of the most popular aspects of the boot camp experience.

More details to follow.  Sponsorship packages are available, if interested contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or [email protected].

Attendance reaches an all-time high at this signature NAMA event …

It was a record-setting year for Boot Camp—attendance reached the highest level in NAMA history!

Conversations were lively and attendees not only learned from panelists and presenters, but from each other as well. An opening keynote session on networking encouraged Boot Campers to make the effort to get to know new people and expand their networks.

Dan Greers of the Scoular Company had this to say about his first time at Boot Camp:

“I really enjoyed Boot Camp. Even though my dad grew up on a farm, I was a city kid, so being able to hear from many different agricultural aspects–dairy cows, hogs, row crop farming–really helped fill in the gaps and gave me a better understanding of the whole industry.”

The famous Boot Camp panels ranged from producers and growers sharing their thoughts on communication and marketing preferences to seasoned agri-marketers’ words of career wisdom. A “generations” panel also discussed the challenges and rewards of working on a family farm. (Visit YouTube to see how panel members work across generations in this excerpt from the generations panel.)

Producers on the panel emphasized how smart phones and texting make their lives easier. Especially when it comes to immediate access of market information and legislation updates. But they also stressed that well-timed direct mail, smart premiums and local testimonials in traditional advertising still work.

The generations panel shared lessons learned and each speaker agreed it’s important to let the next generation bear their own financial risk and be given the freedom to make–and learn–from mistakes.

A constant thread throughout the entire two-day conference was the need for farmers and those within the industry to tell the real story of American agriculture. Sessions on social media, building customer relationships and consumers’ true perceptions of technology in ag shared some great ideas for how to get those conversations started.

Randa Zalman, Online Strategist, Sr. Account Supervisor for Redstone gave tips for “Making Social Media Simple.” Randa emphasized the benefit of social media is ROR–return on relationships, and urged not to get too caught up in ROI. She shared excellent strategies for pitching a social media plan and other ideas for overcoming internal objections to adding social media to more traditional marketing plans.

Left Field Creative’s brand whiz, Bill Shelton led the charge for “Creating Lasting Emotional Bonds With Your Customers” in his fast-paced presentation. Making good on the claim that he could “take one look at you and tell what kind of beer you drink,” Bill explained how to use emotional triggers and positioning statements to make brands stand out and gain loyal followers.

Another take-away from this year’s Boot Camp is that a magic marketing bullet doesn’t exist. Agri-marketers need to test and ask questions to land on the right mix of face-to-face contact, direct marketing, radio and digital.

Check out NAMA’s Flickr page for photos.