Written by NAMA on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 5:01 pm
The final panel discussion of NAMA’s Trends in Agriculture “Connecting
with the New Ag Community” focused on “Speaking for Agriculture.” The
panelists talked about the issues, both environmental and political,
that face agriculture. They also shared insights on how to communicate
farmer’s values and the value of farm families. Tami Craig Schilling
is the Director of Strategic Communications for Monsanto, and a fifth-
generation agriculturalist. She spoke about how agriculture can
effectively help consumers understand those values.
This NAMA conference focusedd on the sociological, technological and
political forces that are affecting the ag community and produced
practical ideas agri-marketers can use to stay engaged in the new
marketplace.
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Written by NAMA on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 4:06 pm
NAMA’s Professional Development Awards of Excellence luncheon honored four NAMA members. Lou Ireland, Pioneer Hi-Bred International was honored in Marketing Communications, Deron Johnson of Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications was honored in Public Relations, Gary Robertson of Fort Dodge Animal Health in Product/Species Management, and Pete Weil of High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal in Sales. Each winner spoke about the challenges and opportunities in agri-marketing.
Also at today’s luncheon the gavel symbolizing the presidency of NAMA was passed from Carol Anderson to Susie Decker.
View a series of snippets from the awards luncheon below:
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Written by NAMA on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 10:46 am
Another presenter on the “How Marketers are Building New Community
Ties” panel was Joel Jaeger. He is president of the mobile technology
provider Commodity Update. He sees significant potential in the mobile
market for agriculture, but emphasizes that it should be an element in
the blend of social media.
In addition to Commodity Update, Jaeger is also a partner in his
family’s farming operations in Colorado and Belize.
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Written by Chuck on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 10:38 am
The first panel discussion on day two of Trends focused on How Marketers are Building New Community Ties.
3G-enabled smart phones, the “Tweeting Farmer,” and unusual partnerships are all part of the new ag community. This general session will feature practical case studies from marketers inside and outside of agriculture that have forged new links with their customers using new media and non-traditional collaboration. Joe Grigsby, VML, Leslie Bradshaw, a farm kid and University of Chicago educated Communications Manager with New Media Strategies in Washington, D.C., and Joel Jaeger, Commodity Update shared their experiences.
Written by NAMA on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 10:35 am
NAMA Trends in Agriculture Day Two began with a panel on “How
Marketers are Building New Community Ties.” Leslie Bradshaw is the
Director of Engagement, Public Affairs for Bradshaw Vineyards. She
provided insight into the question many farmers and producers have
about social media.
Bradshaw is also planning to launch a community and industry-friendly site, www.SocialMediaforAgriculture.com and is seeking input for the
site.
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Written by Chuck on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 8:49 am
It’s not all work, work, work at a NAMA meeting.
Last night at the Trends in Agriculture conference attendees could get their picture taken with the Car of the Heartland which is being promoted by Furniture Row Racing. They were our reception sponsors.
Even during the receptions though, connections are being made and future business is being started. One of the great benefits of participation.
Written by Chuck on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 , 8:03 am
It’s one thing to say there’s a new ag community. It’s another thing to live in it as a farmer. At the NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference a panel of producers addressed this subject. The panel included a row crop farmer from Texas, a dairy producer from Wisconsin and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.
Their task was to share specific examples of how success and growth today require more than good agronomic practices. A lot of the discussion focused on the growing anti agricultural forces that are reaching consumers with messages that are not based on good science and often meant to obtain a political agenda. They all agreed that new technology offers communications channels that can help farmers tell their story.
I spoke with one of the panelists, Daphne Holterman, Rosy-Lane Holsteins, after the session. She says that they all realize that they can’t just be “a farm in our little neighborhood or rural communities anymore but we have to be a big player in a bigger pond.” She says it’s important to talk out about being the true environmentalists. The digital age is making this more necessary than ever.