- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an export sale of 420,000 metric tons of U.S. corn to China.
- The American Soybean Association (ASA) wants to award a scholarship to an outstanding high school senior interested in pursuing agriculture. The Soy Scholarship is a $5,000 one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or university in the 2021-22 academic year. The scholarship is managed by ASA and made possible through a grant the by BASF Corporation. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 14-Dec. 6, 2020. Click here to apply.
- The success of Farm Journal’s inaugural Farm Journal Field Days has led to a 365-day expansion of the event, giving agricultural suppliers and service providers timely access to target audiences while also providing farmers, ranchers and growers with the critical information they need for upcoming seasons.
- A huge ‘75’ artwork visible from outer space was carved into a recently combined field in Staffordshire, UK to mark JCB’s impending 75th birthday. The giant logo was created in a field eight miles away from the company’s World Headquarters at Rocester and covered almost eight acres – equivalent to four soccer fields. The birthday tribute was so distinctive is could be seen by imaging satellites orbiting high above the earth. The special artwork was created ahead of JCB’s 75th anniversary on October 23rd by one of the company’s most famous products – the Fastrac tractor, which was equipped with a hi-tech precision guidance system.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. States Trade Representative (USTR) are accepting applications for new members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees. Application instructions are available at https://www.fas.usda.gov/trade-advisory-committees-applying-membership. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 13, 2020.
- Dr. Rattan Lal was awarded the 2020 World Food Prize in a virtual award ceremony. The annual Laureate Award Ceremony rivals that of the Nobel Prize, often drawing over 800 people from more than 50 countries and is traditionally held in the Iowa State Capitol building. This year, due to the global pandemic, this event and the rest of the annual World Food Prize Week is being conducted virtually.
- IFAJ is providing the opportunity for five agricultural journalists and communicators to attend the Financial Times digital Global Food Systems Summit 2020 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Recipients of passes will be chosen by a random drawing. Register here by October 22 for the chance to be selected for a free pass.
- Atlanta nonprofit Food Well Alliance (FWA) announced it is one of 23 organizations across the nation – and the only organization in Georgia – receiving a brand-new grant awarded by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The new Regional Food System Partnerships grant program joins the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion grant programs authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. The $250,000 grant awarded to FWA will advance implementation of the Atlanta region’s first-ever City Agriculture Plan being piloted in the City of East Point and guided by FWA and city planning experts from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
- On Monday, November 2, Mindi Vanden Bosch will move to the role of Managing Director of Forage Solutions at Vermeer Corporation. After gaining wide experiences across different parts of the Vermeer business for the past 12 years, Vanden Bosch will lead the product development, commercialization and customer support of the company’s comprehensive lineup of innovative hay tools and feeding solutions. Vanden Bosch is the granddaughter of Vermeer founder Gary Vermeer.
- The American Agri-Women (AAW) Foundation has chosen five scholarship recipients that play a positive role in their communities, encourage the present generation of agriculture, and desire to continue their education in agricultural pursuits. For more information and applications to AAW scholarships visit americanagriwomen.org/scholarships.
- UPL North America recently announced the addition of Robert Sergeant as a Territory Sales Manager. In this role, Bob will be working directly with customers in western New York and Pennsylvania. He will report to Scott Janes, Eastern Regional Sales Manager.
- A new hemp membership association has been started in Missouri. The Show-Me Hemp Association LLC officially opened for business on October 1st with a goal of serving hemp growers and businesses throughout the Midwest.
- Max J. Molleston, 85, of Coralville, Iowa, formerly of Davenport, passed away October 8, 2020, at his home after a sudden illness. Max was a long-time media personality in the Quad Cities who lent his time and talents to many community organizations. Max Molleston joined NAFB as an associate member at WHBF in 1976 then continued his broadcast career there before moving to WHBF, WKBF/WPXR, and WOC/WLLR Radio.
- The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association have announced the annual MN AG EXPO, the state’s premier indoor agriculture trade show, will be pared down to a virtual format in 2021 due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions.
