The 2013 Fall Conference was a big success with nearly 200 attendees in St. Louis at the Ritz-Carlton.

The Gateway Ag Tour kicked off the conference with a visit to the Monsanto Chesterfield Village facility and Chandler Hill Vineyards.

Keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Akande opened the Fall Conference with a discussion on “Leading From Where You Are.”  He shared thought-provoking ideas and suggestions on how to be an effective, results focused leader within your organization.

Afternoon breakout sessions on the first day of  Fall Conference targeted agri-marketers ready to move up the career ladder and included in-depth topics such as mobile digital strategy, dealing with data storage in the Cloud and an Addy-winning case study.

The day ended with a networking reception at the new offices of  Brighton Agency.  Attendees enjoyed appetizers and cocktails courtesy of Brighton.

Former NFL head coach Brian Billick was the morning keynote speaker on day two.  Billick,  Super Bowl winning coach for the Baltimore Ravens and now an analyst for Fox Sports, talked to us about the essential elements for success that make up any dream team – on the football field or in the workplace. Listen to snippets from his talk – Billick1 or Billick 2.

Morning breakout sessions included topics on climate change and agriculture, baseline agriculture outlook and a panel discussion on the need for a new farm bill.

At the closing lunch, NAMA presented the 2013 Professional  Awards of Excellence.  These awards honor NAMA members with hands-on responsibility in marketing  and communications, public relations, product/species management and sales.  Congratulations to Gary Sakin – Monsanto, Linda Romander – broadhead., Zach Hetterick – Case IH, and Jay Carlson – Penton/Farm Progress.  Listen to the audio presentation of the PDA awards.

A perfect closing to the Fall Conference was  Tom Wilson, Monsanto US Marketing Lead, Deeds, Traits and Chemistry.  Tom provided a view of what ag is facing today and what lies ahead.

This meeting also marked the passing of the gavel from 2013 NAMA President Paul Redhage, FMC Agricultural Products, to incoming president Kenna Rathai, Kenna B. Rathai Communications.  Listen to Passing of the Gavel remarks.

An ABEF fundraiser was added to the conference this year to raise funds and create awareness about ABEF and how the foundation funds and supports student opportunities. This effort raised over $1000 that will go towards  scholarships, internships, student competitions and more to agri-marketing students across the country.  Attendees could purchase squares that referenced “ABEF” trivia  for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Starbucks or Best Buy.

A special congratulations to our incoming  executive committee members!  Scott McClure – Brighton Agency and Amber Harrison – United Suppliers, Inc.

View photos from the Gateway Ag Tour and the Fall Conference on Flickr or Agwired.com

NAMA is proud to introduce this year’s recipients.  Congratulations!

Marketing Communications – Gary Sakin, Monsanto
Gary joined Monsanto in November of 2006, and has made impactful changes to how Monsanto approaches branding, measures marcom impact, and engages with its audiences. Currently, Gary is a key member of Monsanto’s U.S. Marketing Leadership Team, serving as Director of  Advertising,  and is involved in providing strategic recommendations and counsel that includes Monsanto’s seed, biotechnology, prescriptive agriculture and chemistry brands. He manages multi-agency relationships, oversees tradeshow contracts and participation, identifies and monitors industry trends and their impact on Monsanto marketing objectives, drives overall brand planning, and helps guide Monsanto’s significant overall advertising presence.

In the last 2 years, Gary has led efforts to create a digital vision for Monsanto that includes efforts ranging from external and internal communications to online measurement of both digital and traditional media and customer reach. He also has provided support for efforts as diverse as the 100th anniversary of the DEKALB brand to the successful launches of new products and technologies.

Gary serves on the Advisory Board for the Marketing Supply Chain Institute, a dedicated knowledge center focused on benchmark studies, cost audits and competency assessments, content aggregation, report publication and syndication, peer-to-peer interactions, best practice development, vertical industry analytics, and global models and frameworks for strategic sourcing and supplier management.

NAMA has tremendously benefitted from Gary’s energy and imagination, both personally and professionally. He has served as a Best of NAMA judge at both the regional and national levels for multiple years, and encouraged both Monsanto and agency personnel to volunteer as regional judges. He is chair of the 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference Committee, leading the committee as it identifies topics and speakers in support of the professional development of conference attendees. Gary also helped shape sessions as vice chair in 2013 and served as a session moderator in 2012 and 2013.

Public Relations – Linda Romander, broadhead.
A senior public relations manager at leading agribusiness marketing agency broadhead., Linda has achieved a great deal since her arrival in 2005. Since day one, she has fast become the go to resource for clients seeking sound PR strategy and vision, as well as a mentor for our firm’s younger staff and teams.

At broadhead., Linda is a long-time and deeply trusted counselor for the Almond Board of California (ABC). Since 2009, Linda has spearheaded content development for ABC, deploying more than 300 pages across ABC’s grower and handler websites (www.almondboard.com/growers, www.almondboard.com/handlers). Linda is now working on re-branding ABC’s California Almond Sustainability Program, including an outbound initiative to inform almond growers of the program and its value for them.

Linda is overseeing the creation of several industry pieces for the California Avocado Commission (CAC). The CAC came to broadhead. after witnessing the food safety communications program for ABC. Projects assigned include assisting in the development of the CAC’s sustainability program and Good Agricultural Practices/Good Harvesting Practices program, which serve as resources for California avocado growers to help them make their operations as efficient as possible.

Linda first joined the National Agri-Marketing Association in the early 1970s. In addition to helping develop regional and national Best of NAMA winning work, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including serving as president of the Western Pacific Chapter. Linda is currently a regional director for Region I. In the more than 40 years she has been involved with NAMA, she has participated in NAMA programs and has consistently provided leadership at the local and regional levels. Linda has always been an outstanding voice for the agriculture industry and has led by example for countless fellow NAMA members.

Product/Species Management – Zach Hetterick, Case IH
Zach has distinguished himself in the past two years, leading the charge at Case IH for the Livestock/Hay/Forage business as Livestock Marketing Manager. While in this role, he has successfully spearheaded several new product launches, including the Case IH LB4 large square baler, and current launches for the WD3 series windrower, DC3 series disc mower conditioner, and RB565 round baler. In addition, he’s overseen Farmall marketing managers in successfully launching the Case IH Farmall B CVT, C, and U tractors. These may seem just like ordinary product launches, but for livestock producers, this equipment will meet their unique needs for versatile, rugged equipment, and Zach keenly understands and communicates to others the impact this equipment can have to a livestock producer’s operation.

In addition to successful product launches, Zach has confidently weathered internal Case IH business model changes directly affecting the livestock/hay/forage area. The livestock/hay/forage division has recently added eight new livestock/hay/forage specialists out in the field to assist Case IH dealers and customers, and Zach has played an integral role in this effort.

Zach has been invaluable to the growth of the mutually beneficial working relationship between Case IH and Farm Bureau, both on state and national levels. He has overseen the expansion of the Farm Bureau discount program, allowing farmers in many states to receive $300 to $500 off when purchasing qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealerships, including tractors, hay tools and utility vehicles that can boost their productivity and add value to their operations.

Zach has stepped up his NAMA involvement in the past year, attending various events to improve his professional expertise and build his professional network. In addition, he has served as an excellent Case IH representative and has helped build and maintain positive business relationships through his NAMA participation. In April, he joined the Badger NAMA Board of Directors, and is already contributing value to the group by offering new, refreshing ideas, agricultural business perspective, and enthusiasm. He also serves as a Best of NAMA co-chair for the Badger chapter and is assisting with planning for special events and professional development opportunities for his fellow marketing colleagues.

Sales – Jay Carlson, Penton Media – BEEF Magazine
As regional sales manager for BEEF magazine and its digital communications properties, Jay is arguably the nation’s top marketer on a volume basis of print and online livestock advertising. He has been a key innovator in U.S. livestock publishing, developing a number of key instruments and programs that continue to meet the needs of both U.S. livestock producers and U.S. product marketers.

Among these is his role in the creation of BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly, the most successful weekly newsletter in livestock publishing; American Cowman, a digital newsletter and website for small-scale U.S. beef producers; BEEF Daily electronic newsletter; and BEEF Vet, a spring 2012 startup print publication for U.S. beef cattle veterinarians that began running quarterly in 2013.

Jay Carlson has long been a top promoter of livestock publishing in North America. He was awarded the Ed Bible Distinguished Service Award in 2006 for his record fundraising efforts on behalf of the Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Gala.

Jay has been a member of the MoKan chapter since 1987. His NAMA duties and recognitions include: Chapter, Agri-Marketer of the Year chair; Chapter, Careers chair; National Agri-Marketing Conference Trade Show Committee member; Chapter, Recognition chair; Chapter, Special Projects chair; Chapter, 2nd/3rd Vice President; Chapter, Membership chair; National Membership Committee member, vice chair and chair; and Chapter, President. Under his leadership, the chapter earned the Gold Outstanding Chapter award.

Once again NAMA is pleased to report that we exceeded last year’s attendance numbers and brought even more agri-marketers to Kansas City for the 2013 national conference with a total of  1,248 professionals and students from across the country.  This is the highest attended conference since 2000!

Anders Sorman-Nilsson kicked off the conference with a discussion of  his concept of “digilogue.”  Simply stated it’s taking the measurability of digital communications and combining it with emotion and accountability of more analog style outreach.  Analog is needed for transformation, digital for information.  He urged conference attendees to take advantage of new media tools to embrace the transparency being demanded by customers and use them to tell the real story of American agriculture.

Josh Linkner explained the virtues of creativity calling it the “currency of success.”  He noted creativity is 85% learned and shared simple ways to nurture creativity in the workplace.

Throughout the rest of the conference, agri-marketers enjoyed time to meet face-to-face with clients, attend breakout sessions on diverse topics like developing web content and monetizing social media and walk through the Connection Point Trade Show.  Attendees were encouraged to visit each of the 65 exhibitors to enter to win great prizes.  Congrats to Teresa Roof, Rosemary Schimek, Cait Schneckloth and Justina Frost, who each won an iPad Mini.

The Closing Brunch speaker, Damian Mason, had the audience laughing out loud with his special brand of humor.  Each attendee received a special departing gift from Mason – a bumper sticker carrying the words, “Agriculture: Because Starvation Sucks.”

During the conference, NAMA presented two distinguished awards. Thad Simons, President and CEO, Novus, accepted the 2013 Agribusiness Leader of the Year.  Steve Vandeberg, Director, Edectocide Marketing, Merial Limited, was named 2013 NAMA Marketer of the Year.

Congrats to  Best of Show Winner – Advertising, Beck’s Hybrids; and Best of Show Winner – PR, Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Pork Producers Association! Click here for a complete list of winners.

Visit NAMA on Flickr to see the full Agri-Marketing Conference album.

Steve Vandeberg, director, endectocide marketing, Merial Limited has been named the 2013 NAMA Marketer of the Year. The NAMA Marketer award will be presented during the Second General Session of the 2013 Agri-Marketing Conference, “Forging New Frontiers” on Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. in Kansas City, Missouri and is sponsored by Agri Marketing magazine.

Steve’s work in parasiticides pioneered a golden era for the cattle industry. He developed the launch campaign for IVOMEC^® (ivermectin) – the iconic industry brand; thus creating the cattle endectocide category and one of the first 100 million dollar dose form cattle products in the United States. Steve has worked to maintain the IVOMEC Brand sales and margin in the face of branded competition and one of the most aggressive generic onslaughts seen in the industry. Steve continues to play key roles in groundbreaking work that grows awareness and sales – leading key product introduction efforts and authoring training materials.

Steve’s depth of experience grants him the knowledge he needs to guide innovative work. But, Steve doesn’t rest on past successes. He’s always staying one step ahead in the field, quick to share the latest findings with any and all. Steve is driven to make sure that veterinarians, beef and dairy producers and the media understand best practices and treatments for strategic parasite control. He is a tireless sponsor of industry conferences, and events and shares his 30+ years of knowledge in the cattle endectocide business.

Steve has been integral in creating tools and platforms to enhance producer knowledge. He developed and launched a new Merial dairy campaign and new EPRINEX^® (eprinomectin) beef campaign relying on heavy digital advertising, digital producer contact and print. In November 2012, Steve led the charge to launch LONGRANGE^TM (eprinomectin). LONGRANGE is an innovative product for parasite control in cattle and the first in its category of extended-release dewormers. Steve leveraged his tenured experience within the cattle industry to create a dynamic and innovative marketing plan that focused not only on bringing LONGRANGE to market and raising awareness at launch, but first on educating producers on common misconceptions about deworming and reasons why current practices are not effective.

Steve has been a NAMA supporter for many years, participating in conferences and judging Best of NAMA.  Steve is also an active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

Thad Simons, president and CEO, Novus, has been awarded the 2013 Agribusiness Leader of the Year.  This award, which is NAMA’s highest honor, will be presented at the Opening General Session of the 2013 Agri-Marketing Conference, “Forging New Frontiers,” April 18, 2013, in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.

As President and CEO since 2001, Thad continues Novus on a path to achieving the vision of “helping to feed the world affordable, wholesome food.” Novus started out as a small B2B company with two products for the poultry industry, but Thad saw the potential to transform the organization’s global reach and impact. He established the organizational framework to develop solutions specific to new markets based on Novus’s established core technologies. His strategy was successful, and today the Novus product portfolio contains over 100 products that provide a holistic approach to health and nutrition for poultry, cattle, pigs, equine, companion animals, farm-raised fish, seafood and people. Novus has employees working in over 100 countries, serving more than 3,000 customers worldwide.

Under Thad’s leadership, Novus has created a unique business model which marries excellence with innovation, sustainability and sharing best practices. The company maintains a culture of collaboration both internally and through interaction with a global network of agricultural students, academia and customers to identify solutions to move the agriculture industry forward.

Thad shares his vision for feeding the world through an ongoing campaign of industry event participation and sponsorships worldwide.  His message is reaching an ever-larger audience of agribusiness leaders.

Thad is currently President-Elect for the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA), and is committed to advancing the IFAMA mission – to improve the strategic focus, transparency, sustainability, and responsiveness of the global food and agribusiness system.

Thad serves on the Board of Directors for Novus International, Inc., the Nine Network of Public Media, Grand Center, Inc., United Way of Greater St. Louis, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, St. Louis Zoo, Corporate Council on Africa, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, and ESM Technologies. He is a member of the Missouri and Georgia Bars.

Thad’s additional awards and recognitions include: International Businessperson of the Year, World Trade Center of St. Louis, 2001; International Visionary Award, Boeing Institute of International Business, 2007; Heroes of the Planet Award, St. Louis Business Journal, 2009; Entrepreneur of the Year, Central Midwest-Bioscience, Ernst & Young, 2010; Entrepreneur of the Year, National Distribution and Manufacturing, Ernst & Young, 2010.

A few days are left 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 2013 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 17 – 19, in Kansas City.  Celebrate the achievements and impressive careers of the very best in agriculture with NAMA.

Submission deadline is January 18, 2013.  Visit nama.org and click “Awards” to find nomination forms.