On Tuesday, January 13, seven members of the North Central NAMA Chapter gathered at The Food Group (formerly the Emergency Foodshelf Network) for their annual volunteer event.  The task was to transfer banana chips from 15lb. boxes to more manageable 2lb. bags.

They packed 204 bags (408 lbs) of banana chips!!   This will feed 816 individuals and will be sold at Fare for All, a program that provides balanced, nutritious options made available at 73 food sites across the metro at up to 40% off grocery store prices.

Thanks to all who participated!

Due to the winter weather central Iowa experienced during the January 9 meeting, Iowa NAMA invited Dr. Kris Boone-Payne to conduct an open Q&A session via an online video conference with attendees, rather than drive through a blizzard.  She answered many questions related to Crisis Communication and is planning on answering more in-depth when she comes up to Iowa in March to present to the chapter in person.

Don’t forget to nominate the cream of the crop – Agribusiness Leader of the Year and NAMA Marketer of the Year.  Check out a list of current and past winners for Agribusiness Leader of the Year and NAMA Marketer of the Year.

Winners of these prestigious awards will be honored at the 2015 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 15 – 17 in Kansas City, MO.  Celebrate the achievements and impressive careers of the very best in agriculture with NAMA.

Agribusiness Leader of the Year Application:

Please download the application in Adobe PDF format. Or fill out the online nomination form.

NAMA Marketer of the Year Application:

Please download the application in Adobe PDF format. Or fill out the NAMA Marketer of the Year online nomination form.

Submission deadline is January 16, 2015.

If you have any questions about these awards, please contact Jenny Pickett at (913) 491-6500 or [email protected].

Register now  for the 2015 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 15-17, in Kansas City, MO. Visit the AMC homepage for conference, hotel and registration details.

Check out our lineup for the 2015 Breakout Sessions:

–DIY Video: Tips for Production

–Going Native: Can Multi-Media Advertising Pass Media Ethics Sniff Test

–The Drive to Feed the World

–Brainzooming

–Ads in the Crosshairs: Editorial & Advertising in this New Multi-Media Age

–If I Take Away Your Title, Will They Follow You?

–Bringing Consumer Digital into the Ag World

–Video Content is King

–Tapping Pivotal Talent to Stay Ahead of the Curve

–Brand You: Ten Strategies to Re-Image You

–Multi-sensory Marketing for Maximum Impact

ABEF Golf Outing:

The Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF) will host a Golf Outing, Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Gather your foursome and enjoy a relaxing day of golf in Kansas City before the 2015 Agri-Marketing Conference begins.

The ABEF Golf Outing will take place at The Duece at the National Golf Club. A chartered bus will leave the hotel at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course – boxed lunch and beverages will be provided. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. An awards ceremony and reception will cap off your day on the greens. Cost for this outing is $195 per golfer. This does not include golf club rental. For more information, visit the Activities Page on the AMC website.

Connection Point:

Looking for opportunities to place your company’s products and services before decision-makers in the ag marketplace? NAMA’s Connection Point is for you. Contact Lauren Giarratano to book your booth today.

Sponsorship:

Looking for other ways to get noticed? Get in touch with Jenny Pickett for sponsorship opportunities.

Register today to save money and get a jump on your 2015 calendar! #NAMA15

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and Meredith Agrimedia encouraged young artists to celebrate modern agriculture through the 3rd Annual National Ag Day Poster Art Contest. A winning original piece of art has been chosen as the Official National Ag Day poster.

Congratulations to Clinton Walker, Kansas City Art Institute, for being selected as the winner of the contest. Walker was selected amoung many young artists in the competition. The contest theme was Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.

In addition, his artwork and profile will be prominently featured in Successful Farming magazine and Ag Day correspondence. He will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Meredith AgriMedia. Media releases will also be sent to all Ag Day sponsors and supporters. The original artwork will be on display in a public location.

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.

On March 18, 2015, 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.

Watch for details at www.agday.org.

Thomas P. Schomisch, age 70, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, January 4, 2015. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Kiel, WI. After earning a B.S. degree in Dairy Science (1966) and M.S. degree in Agricultural Journalism (1967) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he was named the first Director of Public Relations for Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative, Manitowoc.

He served as an advisor for the National Agri-Marketing Association student chapter for 17 years. The NAMA chapter won the Outstanding Chapter award 9 years and was a finalist in the marketing plan competition 6 times. Dr. Schomisch was named Outstanding National NAMA Advisor in 1997 and 2003. Visit this website for the full obituary and for information on the visitation.

January 22, 2015
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
6:00 p.m.
Des Moines, IA
Click here to register for this event!