The end of this year’s Forum overlaps with the NAFB.

Here’s Dan Basse, AgResource Co., after his panel discussion.

This is a sight you don’t normally see at a NAMA convention.

It looks to me like there’s good attendance from both organizations.

I found Eldon and his camera card.

Here’s the Professional Development Awards of Excellence winners.

Pictured (l-r) are Brian Markwardt, Tru-Test, Inc. Professional Recognition Committee Chairman, Anita Vanderwert, Brownfield Network (Sales), Stephanie Gable, Ft. Dodge Animal Health, NAMA President, Barry Nelson, John Deere (Public Relations) and Steve Engle, Woodruff Sweitzer (Marketing Communications).

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

One of the afternoon sessions is taking place right now. It’s the Food, Fuel & Feed – Frontiers of Change session.

There are several panelists talking about how to communicate and market this topic for the benefit of agriculture.

I’ll try to have some audio for you after they’re done and are on break.

One of the panelists is Sano Shimoda, who will also be conducting the final presentation.

I got here very late but at least I’m in KC finally.

I’m going to get a picture from Eldon later of all three Professional Development Award of Excellence winners. I did get to speak with winner, Anita Vanderwert, Brownfield Network.

She won her award for her efforts in the area of sales.

I also got to speak with Anita about what her award means to her. You can hear my interview with Anita here: Anita Vanderwert Interview (2 min MP3)

It’s time once again for the Agribusiness Forum. I’ll be your Forum Blogger again this year starting on Wednesday.

In case you haven’t heard it here’s a link to an interview with chairman, Jessica Lamker, Director of Member Development & Communications, CHS-Land O’Lakes Member Services.

I’m looking forward to a great program. See you there.

Kick-off the 2006 Agribusiness Forum on November 14 with Jim Wiesemeyer, Informa Economics, for Global Forces Shaping Agriculture at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City.

The rapid emergence of the bio fuels industry has shifted production emphasis from food and feed to fuel. Global economic pressures are impacting where and how products are grown. And, consumer trends further compound this very complicated picture. Wiesemeyer will set the stage for our look at the Global Forces Shaping Agriculture as he explains the interaction of these global forces and Washington’s reaction. Wiesemeyer will also give attendees a fresh peek at how the election results will impact agriculture.

From his office in Washington, DC, Jim Wiesemeyer contributes daily to Informa Economics’ Morning Comments report, providing clients with the latest information on agricultural policy and trade developments. Since 1978, Wiesemeyer has frequently reported on and interviewed senior government officials, including Presidents Reagan and Carter, as well as several USDA Secretaries; he has traveled extensively in his assignments and is a frequent speaker on farm policy and trade issues.

Prior to joining Informa Economics, Wiesemeyer most recently was the Washington editor and bureau chief for ProFarmer, Inc. where he still contributes a daily analysis and commentary on policy and trade developments in his column Inside Washington Today. Also while at ProFarmer, he was the Washington editor for Oster Communication’s ProFarmer newsletter and Futures magazine. Wiesemeyer also was the Washington bureau chief for Futures World News (FWN), formerly owned by Oster. Prior to ProFarmer, he was a Washington editor with Doane’s Agricultural Report and Washington editor and managing editor of the Washington Farmletter. Wiesemeyer received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Southern Illinois University.

Informa Economics, Inc. (formerly known as Sparks Companies, Inc.) is a world leader in broad-based agricultural and commodity market research, analysis and consulting. Informa Economics, Inc. serves hundreds of firms and institutions worldwide from their headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.

Don’t forget to register for the the 2006 Agribusiness Forum, November 14-15, in Kansas City.

Join us as we hear from noted economists, innovative producers, consumer food marketers, commodity leaders as well as bio-fuels experts, as they set the stage for how your business will add value to this evolving system now and in the future.

The Forum will take place at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center (near the NAFB hotel).

To register for the Agribusiness Forum visit, http://nama.org/forum/register.htm.

We look forward to seeing you in Kansas City at the 2006 Agribusiness Forum!