Trade talk guide.(Farm Broadcast)

Broadcasters attending the NAFB annual convention will receive a complete review of the new products and services being introduced to the ag market during the coming sales season. They will also be able to speak in-depth with producer associations and other farmer advocates to get the latest on farm policy and worldwide developments. Following is a listing of those participating as of Oct. 13, their key contacts and their plans for NAFB's Trade Talk.

AGCO CORPORATION

What's hot: The PowerMaxx CVT-8482, (continuously variable transmission) is now offered in the AGCO tractor line with the introduction of the new-generation RT Series tractors in the 100 to 150 horsepower range. Massey Ferguson is on the verge of replacing its entire tractor product line from 60 to 155 horsepower. Plus, Massey Ferguson is adding a line of round balers, mower conditioners and other hay tools to its offerings in North America. Challenger rubber-tracked tractors, 185 to 500 horsepower, are now available with Auto-Guide. Also, Challenger combines are now here and deliver the most advanced threshing technology combined with CAT diesel power.

Spokespersons/titles: Todd Stucke, general marketing manager, AGCO Tractors; Matt Rushing, sales engineer, AGCO Tractors; Eric Raby, VP of Massey Ferguson marketing, North America; Doug Griffin, director of sales & marketing, Challenger.

Phone: 770/813-6067; Duluth, GA

AGSTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES, ACA

What's hot: Impact of 2003 harvest (corn and soybeans) on farm financials; renewable fuels present ongoing opportunities; young and beginning farmers benefit from working with AgStar; AgStar Fund accepting grant applications for 2004; rural residents and farmers need to unite on common issues.

Spokespersons/titles: Paul DeBriyn, president and CEO; James McKissick, VP of brand marketing and communication.

Phone: 507/386-4245; Mankato, MN

ALTRIA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.

What's hot: Leadership programs: joint sponsorship with the American Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher program of PAL (Partners in Agricultural Leadership). We will have one or two of the PAL participants at our booth to talk about the program.

Spokesperson/title: Katherine E. Trent, director, Agricultural Relations.

Phone: 804/274-3329; Richmond, VA

AMERICAN AG MOVEMENT

AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION/ CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF LLC

What's hot: AngusSource program; Beef Record Service; changes in the beef industry; Angus Association Web site; Certified Angus Beef[R] brand; recent analysis showing the effect of calf health an Certified Angus Beef[R] acceptance.

Spokespersons/titles: Matt Perrier, director of commercial programs, AAA; Susan Rhode, director of public relations, AAA; Eileen Keller, communications and media manager, CAB; Steve Suther, director of industry information, CAB.

Phone: 330/345-2333; St. Joseph, MO, and Wooster, OH

AMERICAN CORN GROWERS

What's hot: New ACGA sponsored study--"Rethinking U.S. Agriculture Policy: Changing Course to Secure Farmer Livelihoods Worldwide"; wind energy; bioenergy.

Spokespersons/titles: Larry Mitchell, CEO; Keith Dittrich, president; Mike Alberts, VP; Harry Joe Sanner, director, Soybean Producers of America; Gene Paul, NFO; Perry Garner, NFO.

Phone: 202/835-0331; Washington, D.C.

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

What's hot: Trade; energy bill; farm program funding; labor.

Spokespersons/titles: Bob Stallman, president; Mary Kay Thatcher, director of public policy.

Phone: 202/406-3600; Washington, D.C.

AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY

AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

What's hot: Passage of federal biodiesel legislation, including tax incentives and a renewable fuels standard; long-term competitiveness in transportation and soy research; biotechnology labeling and traceability and the end of the five-year EU moratorium on new crops; soy protein in HIV/AIDS programs; authorization of soymilk in the school lunch program.

Spokespersons/titles: Ron Heck, president; Dwain Ford, chairman; Neal Bredehoeft, first VP; Stephen Censky, CEO.

Phone: 314/576-1770; St. Louis, MO

AMERICAN SUGAR ALLIANCE

ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE

What's hot: Animal health trends--what's in the works for Bossie and Fluffy?; antibiotics--fate of legislation to ban antibiotics and new published research on lessons learned from European ban on antibiotics for growth promotion.

Spokesperson/title: Ron Phillips, VP of legislative and public affairs.

Phone: 202/662-4130; Washington, D.C.

ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC.

BASF

What's hot: BASF's Professional Vegetation Management Group: control of invasive weeds--cheatgrass and leafy spurge;…