As a farmers daughter, I have a sincere appreciation for rain. It was always a blessing when the rain came and I often felt it was a security factor. No matter how the farming season faired, there never seems to be enough precipitation, which was always welcome.
However, I will not complain this time though, as we did miss the rains. For my sake, I am very thankful, as during the 2004 Farm Progress Show in Henning, Illinois, the entire show was rained out. As a young girl, I always remember my parents talking about taking me to the "big show," but with school, we never made it. Then in 2004, I had the opportunity to attend the show for the first time and work at it! I was thrilled and the one day I was able to attend was magnificent ! Arriving at the show at 5:30 in the morning that year, watching the sun rise with my dad was an amazing site. The site that shocked me the most, was the massive grain cart that rotated 50 feet above the ground on a flag pole! That was I a site I had never witnessed before. With so much to see besides the great grain cart, I couldn't wait to roam the grounds. However, days two and three of the 2004 show never happened as a major storm blew through Vermilion County Illinois on the evening of day one. My hope to fully immerse myself in the show were squelched, as the final two days of the show were cancelled.
Today, as I count down one more day to the show, I was excited to hear that the rains avoided Decatur, Illinois. With a great line up for the show, I hope all enjoy this agricultural super show. The Farm Progress Show is an event to see and I am anxiously counting down the hours until I arrive!
A Look at Day Two
The sunrises on day two of the 2007 Farm Progress Show.
7:00 a.m.- A crowd waits to enter the Farm Progress Show, which opened at 8:00 a.m.
Me with my prize winning sheep!
On my tractor outside of the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent.
Illinois State Police Officer, Bill Emery worked hard to ensure safety at the show.
New Holland sponsored a carpenter at the show. Her designs were amazing!
The American Quarter Horse Association sponsored free rides. This little girl enjoyed hers!
Street signs of Progress City. I was glad to see a Tate & Lyle sign, as their company treated my boyfriend, Andrew Bowman, very well while he interned there this summer.
A demonstration on erosion and conservation practices.
This rain fall simulator shows how run off differs in various environments.
A fellow Karlie/ Carly! Carly Kaufman, with Osborn & Barr, worked for Monsanto Company at the show. I was glad Carly introduced herself, as I always enjoy meeting another Karlie!
Get your Farm Progress Show gear! This was the first year that Farm Progress offered official apparel.
One of my favorite Farm Progress Show views! This wagon sets high about Progress City.
Inside the media tent, the stage is prepared for the United Sates Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.
Welcome Secretary Johanns to the Farm Progress Show! Here, the Secretary announced a $13.7 million grant for Rural Development that will benefit 48 states.
Secretary Johanns presents EJ Water Cooperative, Inc., of Effingham, Ill., a $8.8 million dollar grant to improve their areas water quality.
The media questions Johanns on pertinant agricultural issues.
Secretary Johanns talks with producers.
Secretary Johanns greets a producer.
Orion Samuelson (left), Secretary Johanns (middle) and Max Armstrong (right), discuss agricultural issues, live on WGN's noon radio show.
The crowd was allowed to ask questions of the Secretary. Pictured here, (far left) is Andrew Bowman, listening to Secretary Johanns answer his question.
Andrew and I were excited to see American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman (far right) at the show.
Orion Samuelson announces an open session in the Monsanto tent on Free Trade, with Secretary Johanns, President Stallman and Jill Appell.
From l-r, National Pork Producers President Jill Appell, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns.
Andrew Bowman and Lynn Bowman look at machinery.
Ending a long day with Andrew's family. From l-r, Lynn Bowman, Andrew Bowman, Sally Bowman and Una Bowman.
Andrew and I ending our first day together at the show. We look forward to attending many more Farm Progress Shows together.
Welcome To Day One of the 2007 Farm Progress Show
American flags line the entrance of the Farm Progress Show.
Follow me (and the arrow) to the big show!
Farm Progress Show Media Tent
The Media Tent is where major press announcments were made, including the Dekalb WingWear introduction.
Monsanto Vice President of U.S. Branded Business, Jim Zimmer, announces new agricultural youth initiative. Zimmer is shown accompanied by Kaitlin Weitekamp, Illinois FFA president and Sam Meteer, Illinois FFA vice president. This announcement launched Dekalb's new line of custom- designed apparel, WingWear, is for men and women. A portion of WingWear apparel proceeds will go towards ten scholarships for students interested in agriculture for a career. These ten scholarships each award $2,500.
Jason Hoag, Dekalb Marketing Manager, also participated in the WingWear announcment. Shown with Hoag are models sporting WingWear apparel.
A model sports Dekalb's new WingWear line during the news conference on Tuesday.
Dekalb's new Wing Wear apparel logo. Thank you Monsanto Company for my Wing Wear gear!
State FFA President Kaitlin Weitekamp and state FFA Vice President Sam Meteer are interviewed by the media Tuesday morning. Jim Kraft, Illinois FFA advisor (not pictured) said he appreciates the value of Monsanto and Dekalb. "These scholarships being sponsored by Dekalb WingWear are a great opportunity because they will encourage kids to learn about the agriculture industry and with the money going to college funds for students preparing for the agricultural industry, these scholarships will continually give back."
The Many Sites to See!
The wagon sits high above the Farm Progress Show grounds, greeting all visitors.
The show's streets, full of attendees.
Inside the Prairie Farmer Hospitality Tent
Crowds gathered at the show's hospitality tent sponsored by Prairie Farmer.
This statue of President Abraham Lincoln greets guests inside the Prairie Farmer Hospitality Tent.
Students Practice Interviewing Skills at Show
Darius Burie (left) and Courtney Hockaday, prepare to interview me to fulfill an assignment for one of their classes. Burie, a senior and Hockday, a junior attend Decatur Area Technical Academy. Thanks Darius and Courtney for asking me to assist you!
It is always nice to see friends at the Farm Progress Show. Pictured here (left to right) Rick Ketner, Doug Cunningham and Greg Cunningham, all Illinois farmers.
Inventors Challenge
Inventors Challange finalists showcase their innovations inside the hospitality tent.
Inventor Glenn Solberg of Zahl, N.D., explains the hitch he created that relieves pressure from heavy hookups.
Solberg further explains his innovative hitch. His project was a result of frustration from trying to hookup heavy loads to his truck.
Paul Scholbohm, of Aurora, S.D. demonstrates how his invention speeds the process of emptying and rinsing chemical jugs.
Seminar Center
Farms.com Present Grain Marketing & Ethanol's Impact in the Seminar Center
Victor Aideyan, with Farms.com, presented the many facts and figures of ethanol and how ethanol production affects producers marketing plans. Aideyan said, "Ethanol is one of the best things that has happened to United States farmers in a long time."
Producers Listen For Marketing Advice
Sandy and Gary McGrawl of Richmond, Ind. listened to the Farms.com presentation in hopes of obtaining marketing advice. Mrs. McGrawl, markets their family's production and especailly worried about her approach for this year, as they are experiencing a severe drought.
Show attendees listen to Aideyan explain marketing strategies and how the ethanol boom is affecting farmers financial planning. Aideyan said, "Ethanol is one of the best things that has happened to U.S. farmers in a long time. However, even if we double ethanol production, we will still produce less than 10 percent of U.S. gasoline needs."
Orion Samuelson & Max Armstrong Entertain Visitors
Spectators braved the 98 degree heat to listen to Samuelson and Armstong, from WGN Radio, two of the country's best agricultural broadcasters.
Samuelson and Armstrong tell listeners about the pink Ertl pedal tractor, shown here. The pink tractor was created by Joe Ertl of Ertl Farm Toys. He made this tractor for his grandaughter, because his grandsons would never let her play with their toys. Of course, the boys wanted nothing to do with a pink tractor!
2007 National Lincoln Agriculture Awards
The 2007 National Lincoln Agriculture Award winners were announced Tuesday. Award recipients are John Block, an Illinois farmer and former U.S. ag secretary; Leon Corzine, an Assumption farmer and former chairman of the National Corn Growers Association; Jim Evans, a University of Illinois agricultural communications professor emeritus; and Congressman J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; and John Huston, executive vice president emeritus of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). To learn more about this award visit, http://www.prairiefarmer.com/index.aspx?ascxid=fpStory&fpsid=29701&fpstid=2.
Illinois Farm Bureau
The Illinois Farm Bureau gladly welcomed visitors!
This Flexfuel car, showcased inside the Illinois Farm Bureau tent runs on E85 Ethanol.
Attendees brave the intense heat to enjoy the show.
One of the many pieces of farm equipment for attendees to see.
America's Beef Producers Beef Checkoff van.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture tent presented a wide variety of exhibits.
This Centennial Farm display inside the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent, explains the significance behind centennial and bicentennial farms.
A look at Illinois agriculture.
This friendly farmer and his pigs help explain the Illinois Farm Service Agency.
This grain bin explains the extreme pressure and suction that full grain bins present. This exhibit, sponsored by Monsanto Compay, was part of the Farm Safety Just 4 Kids display.
A closer look at the grain bin display.
Dennis Allen, with Illinois Speciality Growers, explains how his associations goal is to, promote Illinois produce through education. " We work food expos and food booths at the Illinois State Fair, to raise money for education, research and promotion," Allen said. Illinois Speciality Growers is comprised of vegetable, fruit and herb growers, plus the irrigation association.
Pumpkins on display at the Illinois Speciality Growers booth.
More vegetables from Illinois Speciality Growers.
Karen Fraase, with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, shows off her hard- cooked egg on a stick. The hard- cooked egg on a stick began in Iowa, with its creator putting a hard boiled egg on a popsicle stick and then seasoning the egg, as a new breakfast item. Fraase said that David Letterman recently contacted them about showcasing this, "great way for people to enjoy breakfast on a stick."
A closer look at the hard- cooked egg on a stick!
Sandy Shetler, with University of Illinois Extension, introduces Market Maker. Market Maker is an online tool that helps farmers and food entrepreneurs identify potential markets and assists consumers in locating locally grown fresh foods. Visit www.marketmaker.uiuc.edu for more information.
Welcome to the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
Robin Orr, with University of Illinois Extension tells Farm Progress Show visitors about her work with Food Science and Human Nutrion. Orr's booth educated about food preservation and preservation methods.
A closer look at Orr's food preservation exhibit.
Dean Wayne Banwart, from the College of ACES, promotes ACES programs and the multitude of opportunities available to College of ACES students. Thank you College of ACES for all you do for me!
Dr. Gayle Saunders, President of Richland Community College, an official host of the Farm Progress Show, said that her favorite part of the show is how serious visitors are about seeing the new and emerging agricultural technologies. Saunders Richaland College, hosts Progress City and its students contribute to the show's planning. The beautiful landscaping at the show was compliments of Richland Community College agriculture and horticulture students. This is Saunders seventh year working with Farm Progress and she said, "it is one of the better parts of the job being president."
Show visitors fish for prizes!
Chris and Janet Elliott, my parents enjoy fishing for prizes.
This adorable little boy caught a great prize from fishing.
Kyle Finley, of Bismarck, Ill., explains his Live Line Demo exhibit. Finley's Live Line Demo is a show explaining electrical safety for all ages. Finley is a former line man.
Me with the Ameren Services mascot.
The world's largest boot, sponsored by Red Wing.
A replica of the first ethanol pump. This exhibit was sponsored by Monsanto Company.
Kristin Morgan, with Monsanto Company in U.S. Crop Prodcution Business, pictured here with me. Morgan, is a dear friend and mentor who greatly assisted me in getting involved in college.
"Road to Success"- Monsanto Technology Showcase
Rob Freely, with Monsanto, explains on of Monsanto's newest innovations on the Technology Showcase.
Freely explains new breakthrough soybean advancments.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Mission Possible- Farm Progress Show 2007
As I prepare for my mission to blog for Monsanto, I am overwhelmed by the opportunities that await visitors. I hope all Farm Progress Show attendees are as excited as I am for the event and all of the scheduled programs.
Just yesterday, I was informed that United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is attending the show on Wednesday. With my interest in agricultural policy, this is a great chance for me to communicate about agricultural policy and learn more about this sometimes abstract area. My goal as a professional is to better the communication of agricultural policy, especially to farmers and ranchers. Often, there seems to be a disparity between rural and urban America. With this, there is an even greater lack of understanding between rural life and Capital Hill. Events such as Secretary Johanns visiting the Farm Progress Show, help link our farmers and ranchers to The Hill. Thus, I highly encourage all show attendees to come see the secretary as now especially is a critical time as we wait for the passing of the 2007 Farm Bill. I hope all agriculturalists take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the secretary to voice their concerns and learn how Washington is working for all of us. Welcome Secretary Johanns to the 2007 Farm Progress Show, I look forward to seeing you there!
Be sure to check in daily as I count down to the 2007 Farm Progress Show!
Just yesterday, I was informed that United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is attending the show on Wednesday. With my interest in agricultural policy, this is a great chance for me to communicate about agricultural policy and learn more about this sometimes abstract area. My goal as a professional is to better the communication of agricultural policy, especially to farmers and ranchers. Often, there seems to be a disparity between rural and urban America. With this, there is an even greater lack of understanding between rural life and Capital Hill. Events such as Secretary Johanns visiting the Farm Progress Show, help link our farmers and ranchers to The Hill. Thus, I highly encourage all show attendees to come see the secretary as now especially is a critical time as we wait for the passing of the 2007 Farm Bill. I hope all agriculturalists take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the secretary to voice their concerns and learn how Washington is working for all of us. Welcome Secretary Johanns to the 2007 Farm Progress Show, I look forward to seeing you there!
Be sure to check in daily as I count down to the 2007 Farm Progress Show!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Preparing to Journey to the 2007 Farm Progress Show
Join me, as I prepare for my Fellowship with Monsanto Company at the 2007 Farm Progress Show. It is my utmost pleasure to share this show with you, through my eyes. Learning more about how Monsanto Company initiatives work every day to improve our agricultural industry is a great experience.
Whether you have visited the Farm Progress Show in the past, or this is a whole new experience for you, I highly encourage you to learn more about this "Super Bowl" of agriculture! Comments and questions are highly encouraged, as I too look forward to learning with you!
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