Next Heuermann Lecture to Focus on Importance of Ag Communications

Oct. 15, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. — Given agriculture's growing complexity and the importance of feeding an increasing global population, clear communication about the science of food production is critical. "What Does Agricultural Communication Mean in the 21st Century?" will be the subject of the next Heuermann Lecture Nov. 6, as agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson leads a panel discussion.

The free lecture, sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive. 

Samuelson presents 18 agricultural reports daily on WGN Radio in Chicago, and is syndicated with National Farm Report and Samuelson Sez commentary programs. He also co-hosts "This Week in Agri-Business" with Max Armstrong. Samuelson's commitment to agriculture has been recognized by organizations including American Farm Bureau Federation, the state of Illinois, University of Illinois, National Radio Broadcaster Hall of Fame and others.   

Samuelson will be joined by panelists Barb Glenn, National Association of State Directors of Agriculture; Marcy Tessmann, Charleston-Orwig; Kevin Murphy, Food Chain Communications; and Ronnie Green, Harlan vice chancellor of IANR and University of Nebraska vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

Glenn is an animal scientist with decades of experience as a policy researcher and advocate for agriculture. She recently became chief executive officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Previously, Glenn served as senior vice president of Science and Regulatory Affairs for CropLife America, where she was responsible for developing policies and regulations to support agriculture through crop protection. 

Tessmann is president of Charleston-Orwig, an integrated marketing business, and is involved with strategic planning, branding and communication initiatives. Having farmed for more than 15 years on the family's diversified operation, she has first-hand knowledge of agriculture markets which helps her create a unique strategic approach.

Murphy is owner and founder of Food-Chain Communication, a marketing organization devoted to helping food-chain stakeholders communicate more effectively.   Murphy began Food-Chain Communications after 14 years at Vance Publishing Corporation where his responsibilities included interacting with people throughout the food-production chain, from production agriculture to grocery retailing and foodservice.

Before coming to UNL, Green was senior director of animal genetics global technical services for Pfizer Animal Health. Additionally, he was national program leader in food animal production at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service after serving as vice president of cattle operations and assistant vice president and director of genetic operations for Future Beef Operations. 

Heuermann Lectures are free and open to the public. Lectures focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs. They are made possible by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.  A 3 p.m. reception in the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center banquet hall precedes the lecture.

Lectures are streamed live online at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu, and aired live on UNL campus and state cable channel 4. Lectures are archived after the event and are broadcast on NET2 World at a later date.