- MGEX, a Designated Contract Market and Derivatives Clearing Organization, announced its best February in history with a total volume of 261,762 contracts. Alongside this accomplishment, this past month also entered the record book as the 10th best month of all time at the Exchange.
- BRANDT has created a new global environment, health and safety function. Rick Cathcart, formerly BRANDT’s Director of Manufacturing/Process Development, has been tabbed to lead the new function and has been promoted to VP, EH&S.
- For her work investigating the effects of consolidation and monopolization in the food and agriculture sectors, National Farmers Union awarded Leah Douglas with its 2020 Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.
- National Farmers Union also presented Dr. Neil E. Harl of Iowa and Dennis Sjodin of Minnesota with the Meritorious Service Award to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture.
- The National Farmers Union 118th Anniversary Convention concluded following the adoption of the organization’s policy book and special orders of business. More than 500 family farmers and ranchers convened in Savannah, Georgia, to set policy positions and priorities that support American farm and ranch families and strengthen rural communities.
- BASF announced an increased projected peak sales potential for its innovation pipeline of agricultural solutions of more than €7.5 billion. By 2029, the company will launch more than 30 key projects, including novel seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, digital products and new formulations broadening its offer.
- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Bette Brand will serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary following the retirement of Donald “DJ” LaVoy.
- The Center for Food Integrity has assembled a diverse panel of experts to offer insights into the tradeoffs between animal and plant-based diets during a free webinar, “Experts Weigh In: Evaluating Tradeoffs of Plant and Animal Proteins.”
- Only a small fraction of farmers is aware of “right to repair” legislation that has been considered by state legislatures in recent years, according to a recent survey commissioned by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The legislation would provide unfettered access to proprietary embedded code, jeopardizing the safety and sustainability of modern agricultural equipment, including tractors and combines. Out of more than 500 farmers surveyed, only 28% are aware of “right to repair” legislation. However, a majority of farmers believe that they should be able to repair their own equipment.
- The World Food Prize Foundation has announced a Request for Proposals for a logo and visual brand identity refresh that depict their mission and values in a pronounced and distinguished way. Potential candidates must notify The World Food Prize Foundation of their interest to participate by March 20, 2020. All final proposals must be submitted to Nicole Barreca no later than 5 p.m. CDT on April 1, 2020.
