Brooke's Commodity Insider

Can't Resist the Cinnamon Rolls!

2009-03-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission attracted large crowds at the show with their fresh, out-of-the-oven, wheat cinnamon rolls and bread.

Producers from all over the country had the opportunity to work in the booth and serve over 8,000 slices of bread and rolls to those passing by. One farmer said, “I grow the wheat and once a year I serve the delicious end product to satisfied consumers.”

Listen to what this Oklahoma Wheat Commission Representative has to say about the Classic.

For more information about the National Wheat Growers Association and their yummy Cinnamon Rolls visit:
http://www.wheatworld.org/
http://www.wheat.state.ok.us/
Rolling the Dough At the Commodity Classic

You can't always be here. But ASA can.

2009-03-03T20:55:00.000-08:00

Hear why the Commodity Classic is important for the Amercan Soybean Association.

For more information visit http://www.soygrowers.com/

First Year at The Classic

2009-03-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

This year was a first for the Nation Sorghum Producers to be involved at the Commodity Classic. It is exciting to learn their contributions to the agricutlure industry in the United State.

The Commodity Classic is full of producers that grow diverse crops. Farmers now have the opporuntiy to network and learn about corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum all at the same time.

In 2007, Sorghum was planted on 7.7 million acres in 21 states. Texas is the second leading state in Sorghum production, behind Kansas.

Hear why National Sorghum Producers were excited to be part of the Commodity Classic.

To learn more visit http://www.sorghumgrowers.com/

Monsanto at The Commodity Classic

2009-03-01T17:35:00.001-08:00

This experience at the Commodity Classic gave me a realistic view of how companies utilize their communications specialist on the Tradeshow floor.

Listen to how Monsanto’s Ms. Laura Grapes, Scientific Communications Manager, feels about Monsanto's booth at the Commodity Classic.

Interviewing Laura Grapes

A visitor playing Monsanto's interactive game to introduce the new Genuity icons.

Audio Amateurs

2009-02-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

This whole experience is about learning. Today Megan and I practiced our audio interview skills on the Tradeshow floor with representatives from Monsanto, National Wheat Growers Association, National Sorghum Association, National Sorghum Checkoff and American Soybean Association. These audio interviews are “in progress”. We are excited to get them posted and share our new skills.

Meeting a Media Expert

2009-02-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

If there is one person who has found a niche in the agriculture media industry it is Chuck Zimmerman. Just check out AgWired.com and you will see why!

ZimmComm is a “new media” company that publishes several agricultural industry news websites and specializes in blogging, podcasting and covering events like the Commodity Classic. Chuck has made a career in multi-media. He is truly a fascinating man and a great mentor! Chuck is also the creator of AgWired. He is hired by agriculture companies to cover their events through podcasts, interviews, pictures, facebook, blogs and twitter. He really is always connected! What an amazing job right!

Not only did I have the privilege to meet Chuck but was excited when he asked to interview Megan and I. Chuck has a weekly podcast on AgWired called “zimmcast”. To learn more about our interview go to agwired.com; Megan and I are featured on the homepage. Also, be sure to check out “zimmcast” Monday, March 2 to hear our interview!

Rural America's Network

2009-02-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

RFD TV is known as “Rural Americas Most Important Network”. From personal experience I know how important the Clinton Anderson Equine Show or Imus In the Morning can be to regular viewers, like my boyfriend and Dad.

At 1:00 p.m. I had the opportunity to attend the live tapping of RFD on the Tradeshow floor. The show, Commodity Classic “Live”, which aired earlier this evening, was a panel discussion introducing Genuity™ with Monsanto’s Dion McBay, Trait Marketing Lead and Roy Fuchs, Soybean Technology Lead. Being "behind the scenes" gave me a great understanding of tv broadcast!

Time Marches On

2009-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Last night was so much fun! Circle R Ranch hosted the invitation only event for DEKALB, NCGA and NSA Yield Contest Winner. Monsanto representatives presented yield awards to farmers from all over the nation.

To end the evening, guests were treated to a concert by 17 time billboard artist, Tracy Lawrence. I was extremely giddy about the concert! I have always loved what I call his “old music” like If the World had a Front Porch, Time Marches On, Cowgirl Says Goodbye, and Alibias. Megan and I had so much fun singing all of his great songs!

NCGA Encourages Farmers To Get Involved

2009-02-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

As I approached the NGCA I noticed the large crowds gathered around. The NGCA is giving away a free ipod to anyone who registers! Of course I tried my luck. The Nation Corn Grower Association’s booth is mainly comprised of an interactive area to encourage farmers make an impact on today’s legislative issues.

They called this area the Legislative Action Center. The NCGA have an automated internet site that allows farmers to send a letter to their Members of Congress.

Just to see how the Legislative Action Center works, I tried it myself. I think this is a clever way to not only express the need to pass both issues the NCGA is supporting but also an easy way for farmers to use the computers and get involved.

The NCGA representatives explain the two policies they are trying to pass right now.
· Urge for support for lock and dams fund.
· Express concern on scope of Clean Water Act.

To get involved in your area, go to: http://capwiz.com/ncga/home/

Farmer's Forecast

2009-02-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

Weather.com is the number one most visited site by farmers. Monsanto has teamed up with the leaders in weather reporting to provide every farmer his "Farmer’s Forecast". This partnership allows viewers to get weather, soil moisture, agriculture news, and anything else to help farmers make their day to day decisions. Check it out! http://www.weather.com/farming

Let the Commodity Classic Begin!

2009-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Every Farmer's Disney Land!
Upon arrival at the Gaylord yesterday morning there was a sea of farmers, media, producers and employees. At 2:00 p.m. I attended the Trade Show Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting, sponsored by Genuity™. This marked the official beginning of the Commodity Classic, which is said to be the largest in attendance. Monsanto’s U.S. Commercial Lead Ernesto Fajardo welcomed everyone to Grapevine, introduced Genuity™ and encouraged everyone to visit the booth.

A slue of farmers, producers, media and employees lined up to enter into the Tradeshow. The convention center is filled with bright lights, blue carpet and an amazing view of products from tractors to GPS Systems, to seed, to touch screen HD TVs. It is every farmer’s Disney World. The booths are so elaborate and high tech. Whoever said technology doesn’t apply to farmers was way wrong! The Tradeshow is full of the latest technology the industry has to offer.

I ventured around the Tradeshow checking out all the gadgets and lasted innovations offered by Monsanto, DuPont, Pioneer, Tractor Supply, BASF and Sygenta. (Just to name a few.) I learned that most farmers are sponsored by a company to attend the Commodity Classic.

Check out these sites! http://www.ncga.com/ http://www.wheatworld.org/ http://www.pioneer.com/ http://www.monsanto.com/ http://www.syngenta.com/ http://www.basf.com/ http://www.bayercropscience.com/

Small World

2009-02-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

When I introduce myself to someone new 2 things usually happen. I have to say my last name twice and no one has ever heard of Miles, Texas, forcing me to refer to my hometown as San Angelo, Texas or give geography lesson about Texas.

Last night Monsanto provided me with the opportunity to attend the Media Conference to launch the Genuity™ platform. I had the opportunity to network with ag journalist and broadcasters from all over the nation covering Monsanto’s event. Amongst the crowd, I ran into 3 San Angelo, Texas natives. Sitting at a table during the dinner reception I introduced myself to the man sitting to the right of me. When I said “ Brooke Hoelscher”. He said, “You aren’t from around San Angelo are you?” Mr. Roy Fuchs is an employee of Monsanto and was raised in the Rowena/Olfen area. He graduated from Texas A&M with both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. After talking for a while I found out that his nephew Scott Fuchs, is my boyfriend’s first cousin and a very close friend of mine.

After dinner, I decided it was the perfect position to mingle with some of the biggest names in today’s Agriculture media. Being the person that I am, I confidently approach Mr. Curt Lancaster, Director of Advertising, Sales and Marketing for the Texas Farm Bureau Media. When I said “Hi, I am Brooke Hoelscher” Mr. Lancaster smiled and said “Hmm..Hoelscher and where might you be from?” I responded “Miles, Texas.” He smiled back and proceeded to tell me that he and his wife lived in San Angelo for many years and still have family that live in the Miles area.

It really is a small world!

Genuity™ Helping farmers do what they do best even better!

2009-02-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

Ag journalist and broadcasters from all over the United States gathered Feb. 25, for the highly anticipated unveiling of Monsanto’s new Genuity™ brand, the newest trait platform for Corn, Cotton, Soybean, and Specialty Crops. The purpose of Genuity™ is to join farmer and trait technology together. Genuity™ will help farmers do what they do best even better.

In this year alone Monsanto will spend 1 billion dollars in research. Through technology Monsanto plans to double yield in Cotton, Corn, Soybean and Specialty Crops by 2030. The idea behind Genuity™ is to combine all of the present and future traits under one name. The use of an icon system will help farmers determine which traits will work best for their specific production needs. If you are using the Genuity™ brand you will always know you are planting the latest and most advance traits.

Genuity™ will do three things:
1. Simplify everything for farmers.
2. Unite all traits under one brand.
3. Differentiate Monsanto from their competitors and prior products.

For more information regarding Monsanto’s Genuity™ check these sites out! http://www.genuity.com/ or http://www.monsanto.com/products/Genuity.asp

Arriving at the Commodity Classic

2009-02-25T22:48:00.000-08:00

Today has been a long day! It is getting late so I am going to keep it short.

My morning began with Mass at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church at 7:00 am. After getting my ashes, turning in homework and packing I drove up to Grapevine. I was excited to meet Megan. (the other Monsanto blogger) I know we are going to have a lot of fun the next couple of days!

My evening started with dinner at Esparza’s in Downtown Historic Grapevine with Megan and 3 girls from Monsanto. I am glad everyone got to experience some good Texas Mexican food! After dinner we attended a Media Event, hosted by Monsanto, at the Gaylord Texan Resort. (This hotel is beautiful! If you are ever visiting Grapevine I highly recommend it!)

The Media Event was an amazing opportunity for me to network with today’s most prominent journalist and broadcasters in the agriculture industry. I will write tomorrow about my experiences meeting 3 San Angelo, Texas natives who actually know my family!

Just a Southern Girl

2009-02-23T16:13:00.001-08:00

I will be driving up to Grapevine Wednesday afternoon. Although I am a little stressed about the long “To Do List” I need to accomplish before leaving, I am very excited about the Commodity Classic. Thanks to Monsanto, I have been given the opportunity to share my experiences with you at the premier agriculture trade show and convention.

To begin my blog I think it is important for you to understand who I am and where I come from. I honestly think I am a true southern girl; I like being polite, always drink sweet tea, have big hair, go to church every Sunday, and believe you can never have too many pairs of boots!

In December 2009 I will graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture Communications and Journalism. It is hard to believe I will graduate in 10 months! I am excited about what the future holds for me! I am exploring my career options and looking into graduate school or a career in marketing and public relations.

Growing up in Miles, Texas, a small farming community, not only allowed me to be actively involved but provided me with the opportunity to understand the true meaning of Texas agriculture. With both grandparents being farmers and raising livestock it is no surprise that my roots run deep in agriculture. For ten years I was actively involved in all areas of 4-H. I showed cattle and pigs. I know stockshows will always be a part of my life. My high school career was a combination of juggling school, varsity cheerleading, volleyball, and track with club meetings, community service, public speaking, livestock shows, fashion shows and church.

Looking back I think extracurricular activities came naturally to me. I grew up watching both my older brother and sister (Justin and Keri) competitively participate in everything! As I get older I realize how blessed we are to have parents like mine. My father works in the oil and gas business and my mother teaches first grade. There was never anything Keri, Justin or I didn’t have growing up.

I never thought twice about going to school at Texas A&M. With both my brother and sister being Aggies I never considered anywhere else. Two days after my high school graduation I enthusiastically moved to College Station. I truly love being an Aggie!

I am currently the Texas A&M University Product Ambassador for Prima Tech USA, an animal health applicator company. This position has given me the opportunity to educate and promote Prima Tech’s products at Texas A&M and have personal contact with industry representatives. (http://primatechusa.com/) I am chairmen of the Public Relations Committee for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. Since 2007, I have worked in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Office, where I provide assistance with college wide student development and recruiting programs.

I have recently started an online business venture, Wild Hearted Cowgirls, home to the classy cowgirl style with a twist. Wild Hearted Cowgirls is a chic mixture of classic, gaudy, hippie, fun, colorful, and funky. Being partner/owner of Wild Hearted Cowgirls is an exciting way for me to express my free spirit and southern style. This has given me a first-hand experience of the qualities and time management it takes to run a small business. (http://www.wildheartedcowgirls.com/)

I am ready to experience everything the Commodity Classic has to offer! I look forward to sharing what’s going on in today’s agriculture industry with anyone who would like to join me on Brooke’s Commodity Insider!

22 Things To Know About Me

2009-02-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

1. I am a perfectionist like my dad.
2. I love shopping!
3. I enjoy graphic design and writing.
4. My grandmother is the strongest woman I know.
5. My niece Ella, always knows how to make me laugh.
6. I was the 2007 Miles Cotton Queen (yes I said Cotton Queen)

7. I have dated the same guy for 6 years.
8. I work well under pressure and I am always multi-tasking.
9. I am getting a new puppy March 15.
10. I live with my brother.
11. I admire my parents for putting all three of their children through Texas A&M.
12. I listen to Texas Country Music.
13. I am Catholic.
14. I love being around children. (I get my nurturing side from my mother)
15. I like to dance.
16. I am an optimistic person.
17. I look up to my sister.
18. My hometown’s population is around 900.
19. I don’t have facebook.
20. I love going to the lake with my family.
21. Someday I want to live on a ranch.
22. I bleed maroon! Whoop!