Alltech ONE 2027 Getting Closer

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Alltech ONE 2027It’s just a year now for the Alltech ONE Conference 2027.

ONE is coming home.

The Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) returns to its hometown — Lexington, Kentucky — for an immersive exploration of the bold ideas shaping the future of agri-food.

Set for May 24-26, 2027 at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, ONE 2027 will feature:

Inspiring keynote speakers
Dynamic tracks and workshops
Leading-edge insights from global leaders across agriculture, business, technology and sustainability
With the theme “Together, bright becomes brilliant,” this world-class event will spotlight the power of connection, collaboration and bold thinking to address agriculture’s most significant challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities.

Together, we will explore what’s next for our industry — and for our planet.

Whether you are returning to ONE or joining us for the first time, this world-class event promises to inspire, challenge and connect.

Don’t miss a moment. Sign up now for exclusive updates, speaker announcements, registration info and more.

Agribusiness, Alltech, Animal Health

Safeguard the Human Person in Time of AI

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Magnifica HumanitasBefore you make a judgement of this document I recommend you read it. What is it? Just published, it is The Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas ENCYCLICAL LETTER of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV On Safeguarding The Human Person In The Time of Artificial Intelligence.

I’ve talked with quite a few people about AI and all the agents that can come into play in just about every business of any kind. When it comes to agriculture it seems like just all the releases sent to me include the new AI built into their products. In fact, that’s basically the purpose of the release. Some have strange names and I don’t know how they work or if they are working well. When it comes to journalism, including ag journalism, we know that it can make writing a story simple and fast. But what is this doing to people who hold jobs and are now no longer necessary?

The first sentence of the introduction of the Encyclical is “Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”

What do you think about AI and humanity of today? You might already understand this or perhaps you haven’t spent any time with it. However, I think it’s worth thinking about what all this means, either for work or for family.

Here are some excerpts in the encyclical I picked out.

  • Therefore, the primary choice is not between a “yes” or “no” to technology, but rather between constructing Babel or rebuilding Jerusalem; between a power that claims to dominate the heavens and a people who work together in the presence of God to rebuild the walls of fraternal coexistence.
  • I limit myself to recalling a few essential elements for a moral and social discernment that safeguards the primacy of the human person, in order to ensure that it will always be human intelligence, with its conscience and freedom, that guides technical innovations and responsibly determines their use and limits.
  • The speed and simplicity with which information, complex analyses, media content and practical assistance can be accessed undoubtedly makes life easier. Yet they can also encourage excessive reliance and the search for ready-made answers, and weaken personal creativity and judgment.
  • Here, the danger is not so much that a person may believe they are communicating with another person, but rather that they may gradually lose the very desire to form genuine human connections.
  • Indeed, entrusting an algorithm in practice with the power to select who is worthy or not, without anyone bearing responsibility for that judgment, is to hand over the task of redefining the boundaries of human possibilities.
  • Disarming AI means freeing it from the mentality of “armed” competition, which today is not limited simply to the military context, but is also an economic and cognitive phenomenon. This entails a race for ever more powerful algorithms and larger datasets, driven by the desire to secure geopolitical or commercial dominance. To disarm means discrediting the assumption that technical power automatically confers the right to govern. To disarm does not mean rejecting technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity.
  • Disinformation did not begin with AI, yet today it finds a powerful amplifier in AI. The ability to manipulate content, images and videos exposes people to biased or misleading perspectives.
  • Online phenomena such as grooming, blackmail and the sexual exploitation of minors are not uncommon, and are made more insidious by the use of fake profiles, algorithms that facilitate dangerous contact, and AI tools capable of manipulating images and videos. Having a personal mobile device at too early an age and using it without adult supervision can exacerbate young people’s vulnerabilities, foster addiction and expose them to isolation, bullying and cyberbullying, as well as to pressures to share intimate images or sensitive information.
AI, Media

Industry Ag News 5/26

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is pleased to announce that Ross Bodine has joined the organization as Policy Manager. In this role, Bodine will support NAWG’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies, working to advance federal policy priorities on behalf of U.S. wheat growers.
  • Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board built something their fellow farmers have long needed: one place for near-term solutions that matter. The Soy Farmer Support Hub combines resources that the checkoff curated into an easy-to-follow location focused on fields, operations and the farmers themselves.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation has opened registration for the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, convening under the theme Before Hunger Wins, marking a decisive moment for the future of global food security. More information on registering, opportunities to engage and how to plan your trip can be found at worldfoodprize.org/register.
  • American Farmland Trust has named Julia Valliant as Director of the national Farms for a New Generation team, where she will lead efforts to increase access to land and capital for the rising generation of farmers and ranchers and support elder farmers and landowners in transferring their farms with dignity and confidence.
  • The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) this week honored Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Mark Messmer (R-IL) with its inaugural Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Awards in recognition of their bipartisan leadership advancing America’s growing ag bioeconomy and championing policies that support biobased manufacturing, rural economic development, and domestic innovation.
  • Over the next several weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey by contacting over 90,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2026. Producers can respond to the June Agricultural Survey online at agcounts.usda.gov, by phone, or mail. They will be asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage, including acreage for biotech crops and grain stocks.
  • Meister Media Worldwide (MMW), the leading agriculture media and events company, has won National Silver Award for the American Fruit Grower, “Inside the State of the Fruit Industry” in the 2026 Azbee Awards of Excellence, presented by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE).
  • In a year defined by resilience and renewal, the Apple Grower of the Year program honors a grower whose story reflects both. Extending a long line of industry standouts, American Fruit Grower® and Western Fruit Grower®, publications of parent company Meister Media Worldwide, announce Robert “Bobby” Brown III, owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Co., in Waterport, NY, as the 2026 Apple Grower of the Year. Brown is the 38th recipient of the prestigious award, presented annually and sponsored by Valent U.S.A. since 2015.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced that Clean Fuels Credit Consortium (CFCC) and Boulay have joined as new associate members. Together, they bring a combination of market-driven tax credit solutions and deep financial and advisory experience that will help ethanol producers better capture value and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex operating environment.
  • As the Kansas wheat harvest season begins across the Sunflower State, Michael Hinton — founder of National Antique Tractor Preservation Day, National Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee, and creator of TalkingTractors.com — has released a new country music single titled “Kansas Wheat Harvest | Golden Anthem of the Plains.” The release follows Hinton’s recent track, “Talking Tractors,” a tribute to vintage farm machinery and agricultural heritage. His latest song honors Kansas farmers, the annual wheat harvest, and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. The song is available on YouTube.
  • The Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council has voted to rejoin the USA Rice Federation, the national trade association and global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry. The decision restores Missouri’s full participation in the Federation alongside fellow rice-producing states Arkansas, California, Louisiana, and Mississippi, reuniting the industry’s major producing regions under one coordinated national voice.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 5/22

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Ag Leader Technology announced the launch of Z-Row, a corn head row guidance solution that keeps the combine centered on the row while operating entirely within the InCommand® Go display.
  • Syngenta’s new Durastak Traits of Tomorrow Scholarship program is accepting applications through June 15, 2026. The program will award five $2,000 scholarships to exceptional students pursuing careers in STEM and agriculture-related fields. Syngenta’s scholarship program recognizes students who embody the traits that define leadership and drive progress: determination, resourcefulness and a forward-thinking mindset. Students can view the full rules and apply by submitting an online application at Students can view the full rules and apply by submitting an online application at Syngentaus.com/Scholarship.
  • Agraya GmbH recognizes a 25-year trajectory of advancing responsible farming worldwide. Founded as a retailer-driven initiative in 2001, the company has thoughtfully evolved alongside changing regulatory, market, and supply-chain demands, including founding GLOBALG.A.P. North America for the US and Canadian markets in 2010. Over more than two decades, it has grown into a global organization helping shape how farmed products are produced, verified, and traded. Agraya and GLOBALG.A.P. North America draws on that experience to support a wide range of value chain partners with practical, scalable solutions for a changing industry.
  • Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is opening a new R&D Technology Center in El Ejido, Almería – a state-of-the-art facility designed to combat emerging pathogens that are destroying crops and impacting grower livelihoods around the world. As part of a larger Innovation Center footprint in El Ejido, the new Technology Center plays a key role in developing solutions for fruity crops while reducing traditional breeding timelines.
  • The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) recently concluded its 2026 Ag Bioeconomy Policy Summit, bringing together more than 60 attendees representing dozens of organizations from across the U.S. bioeconomy to advocate for policies that strengthen domestic biomanufacturing, expand markets for agricultural feedstocks, and advance America’s leadership in plant-based products innovation.
  • The International Seed Federation (ISF) has issued a new guidance document aimed at helping seed companies, suppliers, growers, and associations strengthen social rights and ethical practices in seed production. The guidelines, “A Practical Guide for Seed Production: Navigating Social Rights and Ethical Practices in the Seed Sector,” officially launched on May 20 at the World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon. The guidelines were developed collaboratively with some of the world’s largest seed companies including BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, and East-West Seed, alongside NGOs and seed associations from five continents.
  • Western Growers unveiled the details behind its three-year, $1.5 million partnership with on-farm ag tech robotics innovation center Reservoir Farms, a commitment that gives WG members and affiliated startups exclusive access and opportunities for robotics field trials.
  • Syngenta Group announced the signing of an agreement to divest its Flowers business into a strategic joint venture with Dümmen Orange, bringing together two global players in ornamental breeding and propagation. This partnership represents an important step forward for both organizations as they work together to better serve growers around the world. Both boards of directors have formally approved the deal, and completion of closing is subject to any necessary regulatory approvals. Syngenta Group will maintain a significant economic interest in the joint venture.
  • The Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA), alongside INNOVAGRO and the Rosario Castellanos National University, has launched the Bioeconomy and Sustainable Production Projects degree program, designed to bolster capabilities in transforming agricultural practices.
  • Join Women in Ag Tech for a discussion on what’s working with AI — and what’s falling short. Explore which challenges present real opportunities for AI, where hype may outweigh the reality, and where traditional approaches still deliver the best results. Register here.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 5/21

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Zoetis Inc. announced that Dectomax/Dectomax®-CA1 (doramectin injection) was recently granted conditional approval of the 100 mL vial size for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World screwworm) larvae in cattle, and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days.
  • Leaders of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) announced newly elected officers who will help guide national dairy checkoff strategies and programs aimed at protecting and growing dairy sales. Marilyn Hershey, a Cochranville, Pa., farmer was re-elected chair of DMI.
  • Chocolate has reclaimed its place as America’s favorite ice cream flavor, according to the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) biannual National Ice Cream & Frozen Novelty Trends Survey. After vanilla took the top spot in 2024, this year’s results show chocolate back at No. 1, with butter pecan also rising ahead of vanilla among U.S. consumers.
  • World Pork Expo 2026, presented by the National Pork Producers Council, returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on June 3-4 with a strong lineup of seminars, discussions, and industry learning opportunities.
  • The National Pork Board (NPB) has established a new Swine Health Advisory Committee, which held its inaugural meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. The producer-led committee will provide strategic input and guidance to help ensure the National Swine Health Strategy remains aligned with industry priorities and delivers meaningful progress.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation applauded USDA’s Interim Final Rule, “Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs,” which includes whole and two percent milk as options in the school breakfast, Special Milk and Child and Adult Care Food programs. The rule is an important step in implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 that was signed into law in January.
  • Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2026, concluding a decade of leadership marked by significant industry growth, policy achievements, and organizational transformation. IDFA’s Executive Council officer group is forming a committee to support the process for selecting the association’s next president and CEO while Dykes continues to serve in his role through the end of 2026 to support a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.
  • America’s demand for meat continues to grow, even as the cost of beef, pork and chicken rises. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to grilling season, and in the latest Market Intel, American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed what prices shoppers may find at the grocery store. Industry analysis shows meat sales hit $112 billion in 2025, with more than 98 percent of American households purchasing meat for daily meals. USDA is forecasting consumption of beef, pork and chicken to rise in 2026.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide approximately $12 million to support efforts by States and Tribal governments, research institutions, and universities to control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids (e.g., deer, elk).
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) announced that Joel G. Newman, former president and CEO of the association, has been named the 2026 AFIA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient in recognition of his decades-long leadership, steady guidance and lasting contributions to the animal food industry.
  • Ten universities recently participated in the 77th USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Mississippi State University (MSU). Texas A&M University (TAMU) won the high team overall category, while Ohio State University placed second. Additionally, TAMU’s Kyle Leibham and Annalyn Flores were recognized, with Leibham earning high individual overall honors and Flores finishing second.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 5/15

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Think Shift™ agency announces the appointment of Charlie Fiordalis as chief executive officer. Fiordalis, a veteran growth leader who helped launch Hulu at NBCUniversal, joins Think Shift following a deliberate two-year search for a “post-generalist” model.
  • Seed Your Future (SYF), the national nonprofit dedicated to horticulture workforce development, announced the launch of #IAmHorticulture, a social media campaign that puts a human face on one of America’s most dynamic and career-rich industries. Through the voices of working professionals – from growers and landscape designers to floral cold chain specialist and turf managers – the campaign reveals the remarkable breadth of careers that horticulture makes possible.
  • Driscoll’s announced two leadership appointments to support CEO Soren Bjorn’s long-term strategy to scale the company’s business model globally, applying the same approach used in the United States to other markets. Wyard Stomp has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role, while continuing to lead the Europe, Middle East, and Africa business. As COO, Stomp will work with the Executive Leadership Team to implement strategy, lead cross-functional initiatives, and support execution aligned with the company’s global plans. Shaily Sanghvi, currently Chief Financial Officer of the Americas, will expand her role to include global responsibility for strategy. In this position, she will oversee financial, M&A, and strategic planning. Sanghvi has experience in corporate strategy, M&A, and finance from roles at PepsiCo and Del Monte.
  • Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI), a leading global provider of equipment and solutions for the agriculture, food and commercial markets, is proud to mark 30 years in business. Formed initially as a holding company in 1996, AGI completed its initial public offering (IPO) in November 2004 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Over the past three decades, AGI has grown from its entrepreneurial beginnings into a global organization serving customers in more than 100 countries. Today, the company offers a leading portfolio of solutions spanning grain handling and storage, fertilizer, feed, food, and digital technologies.
  • Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the ninth year of the contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available here. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 11, 2026, for consideration.
  • The U.S. sorghum industry announced the first issuance of Sorghum Assurances Protocol certificates, a major milestone that strengthens the crop’s position in global markets by providing verified documentation of U.S. sorghum production practices. Developed by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) in partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), the Sorghum Assurances Protocol establishes a standardized framework to document how U.S. sorghum is produced across key areas including production practices, supply chain integrity and traceability. The issuance of the first certificates marks the transition from development to real-world application, allowing verified sorghum to move through commercial channels.
  • Casselton Fire Department (CFD) of North Dakota has incorporated SoyFoam™ TF 1122 into its operations, applying the soy-based firefighting solution across a range of real-world emergency responses. From residential structure fires to complex agricultural incidents and fast-moving grass fires, these calls demonstrate how SoyFoam performs in demanding conditions while supporting safer environmental outcomes.
  • Indiana Prairie Farmer, a Farm Progress publication, has selected staff writer Allison Lynch to serve as the magazine’s editor, effective May 2026. Lynch will lead Indiana Prairie Farmer’s editorial coverage spanning crop production, livestock, equipment, agricultural business, industry news and the policy issues that directly impact Indiana farmers’ success.
  • Luke McCrea of Faribault, Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2026-2027 Soy Scholarship, sponsored by the American Soybean Association and BASF. The ASA/BASF Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 award presented to an exceptional high school senior who excels in both academic and leadership roles and plans to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field of study at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is open to children and grandchildren of ASA members.
  • Industry icon, Larry Brown, dedicated most of his professional career to the fresh produce business. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many across the industry, and an always present face when the industry came together. Larry’s influence can be felt across the industry at all levels of the supply chain as his work and dedication touched so many people. Most recently, Larry was instrumental in guiding the National Sales efforts at FreshEdge, a role he took great pride in doing at the highest level and with incredible integrity. Larry passed away surrounded by his family in Orlando, FL, on April 30th.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 5/13

    Carrie Muehling

  • SAN Agrow announces that its innovative new product DURALEV, a biological fungicide and bactericide, is now registered for use in California ‒ marking a major milestone in the product’s U.S. launch. With this approval, DURALEV is now registered in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, with additional registrations underway.
  • Summit Agro USA announced an expansion of the label for Prolivo 300SC Fungicide to include control of powdery mildew on apples and cherries broadening the product’s fit in high-value specialty crops. Apples and cherries grown in California and New York are not covered by the expanded label, however.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and Smartwyre have announced a new partnership designed to help agricultural retailers gain clearer insight into profitability, improve supplier program performance, and materially increase margins by making more informed buying and selling decisions. Through this collaboration, Smartwyre will provide ARA members with exclusive services and technology offerings aimed at helping retailers better understand and manage key profit drivers within their business. As part of the partnership, ARA members will have access to a Retail Profit Health Assessment designed to help retailers analyze critical components of their operations, including better data visibility to drive stronger profitability.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is proud to announce the expansion of the Yield Contest to include a new pilot class focused on short-season corn. The pilot gives corn farmers who grow lower-maturity hybrids the chance to compete nationally with a shorter growing season.
  • America’s Cultivation Corridor announced that Dr. David Cook, President of Iowa State University, has been elected to its board of directors, effective April 13, 2026. President Cook will also serve as secretary of the board, joining the slate of board officers for the 2026-27 leadership term. Todd Frazier, Vice President of U.S. Marketing at Corteva Agriscience, will serve as the chair of the board of directors. Tom Mangan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sukup Manufacturing Co., will serve as vice-chair, and Billi Hunt, Executive Director of America’s Cultivation Corridor will serve as treasurer.
  • As growers navigate increasingly unpredictable weather and tighter input decisions, Performance Nutrition is encouraging farmers to consider Kelpene™, a terpene-based technology designed to improve crop resiliency and nutrient efficiency under variable growing conditions.
  • Syngenta Group reports first quarter 2026 sales grew by two percent to $6.4 billion, with growth across all four business units with most increase in China and Europe. Syngenta Crop Protectin North America sales were 12 percent lower due to a planned shift in timing of channel stocking while the region saw early and strong customer demand for products containing PLINAZOLIN® technology and TYMIRIUM® technology. Syngenta Seeds sales were $1.5 billion in the first quarter 2026, up seven percent from the previous year overall, but North America sales were down three percent due to expected restructuring activities driving further margin improvements.
  • Agraya GmbH recognizes a 25-year trajectory of advancing responsible farming worldwide. Founded as a retailer-driven initiative in 2001, the company has thoughtfully evolved alongside changing regulatory, market, and supply-chain demands, including founding GLOBALG.A.P. North America for the US and Canadian markets in 2010. Over more than two decades, it has grown into a global organization helping shape how farmed products are produced, verified, and traded. Agraya and GLOBALG.A.P. North America draws on that experience to support a wide range of value chain partners with practical, scalable solutions for a changing industry.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    NAMA Boot Camp 2026

    Chuck Zimmerman

    NAMA Boot Camp 2026Join Agri-Marketing’s Best at NAMA Boot Camp

    Agri-marketing is always changing. That’s why each year, NAMA Boot Camp features the latest tips, trends and best practices to take you forward in your career—at any level. It’s the event to learn about modern agriculture and our industry, grow your network and prepare to be a leader.

    NAMA members receive a discounted rate. Non-members receive a year of NAMA membership when they register. Sign up for Boot Camp today and prepare to join us in Kansas City, August 12-14!

    • Attendees can look forward to sessions covering a breadth of topics including: Producer Panel
    • ​Tools of the Trade – Focus on Research
    • The Business of Agriculture
    • Networking for Introverts Pretending to be Extroverts: A How-To Guide
      Trends in Marketing
    • Cultivating Your Career
    • Great Marketing: Best of NAMA Case Study

    Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and make new connections at different networking receptions and during the Ag Tour. Register now and book your hotel room before the hotel cutoff date, July 29. Click more here.

    We can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!

    Ag Groups, Agencies, Agribusiness, Media, NAMA

    Animal Ag News 5/7

    Carrie Muehling

  • The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Consortium for Common Food Names welcomed the release of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2026 Special 301 Report, which details the significant progress made over the past year in securing commitments from U.S. trade partners to protect the free use of generic food and beverage terms. The annual report documenting the most pressing intellectual property issues facing U.S. exporters this year spotlights the administration’s successful efforts to protect American producers’ use of common names such as “parmesan” and “feta” against the European Union’s protectionist geographical indication (GI) policies.
  • Kristin Paul has been appointed Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), bringing more than two decades of experience and a lifelong connection to the Jersey breed to the role.
  • The International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) are pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Vance as Executive Director of both organizations. Vance brings more than two decades of leadership experience in agriculture, nonprofit management, communications, and member-driven organizations. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Poultry Science Association, where he led strategic growth initiatives, strengthened member engagement, and advanced the organization’s global scientific mission. He is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE), reflecting his expertise in governance, strategy, and nonprofit leadership.
  • Dean Pringle has been selected as the new chair of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Department of Animal Sciences. Pringle, who is currently the director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, Marianna, and Live Oak, Florida, said as a fifth-generation Floridian, he understands how essential the beef, dairy, equine, small ruminant and animal products industries are to the state.
  • On June 1, Maria Woldt will become the third director of the Dairy Innovation Hub, a state-funded initiative that brings together scientists, farmers, businesses, and educators to explore new ideas to ensure Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy sector remains globally competitive while advancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The Hub leverages research and development across UW–Madison, UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls to support dairy businesses and train the future workforce.
  • As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand—funded by Beef farmers and ranchers—is turning America’s most iconic highway into a coast‑to‑coast celebration of beef with the Route 66 Beef Trail. The Beef Trail is a coordinated effort between state beef councils spanning all eight states along the iconic route and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) Beef Checkoff-funded programming. To explore the Route 66 Beef Trail and see how Beef Checkoff partners are bringing the centennial to life, visit our Route 66 Beef Trail home page.
  • World Without Cows: The Pasture Paradox takes an inside look at Ireland’s pasture-based dairy landscape, a global model for sustainable production, as producers work to meet growing demand for grass-fed dairy while protecting the land and water they depend on. The Pasture Paradox is a companion mini-doc produced by the filmmakers of World Without Cows, a feature-length documentary slated for broad release later this year. World Without Cows examines the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in feeding the world and their impact on climate.
  • Bold ideas and unexpected flavors took the spotlight as ice cream and cultured dairy innovators gathered for the International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Flavors and Products competition. This contest, co-sponsored by Dairy Foods magazine and held during IDFA’s Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference, is widely regarded as the premier showdown for frozen-treat creators across the country (and beyond). The conference brought more than 300 dairy professionals to the Sunshine State to sample and celebrate the next wave of dairy creativity. Entries in both the ice cream and cultured dairy space spanned the spectrum, mixing sweet and nutty flavors like Pistachio Cherry Chunk and Honey Roasted Peanut, alongside adventurous spicy profiles including Tropical Mango Fire and Chocolate Chili Crisp, all reflecting the creativity shaping what’s next for frozen and cultured dairy.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act. This legislation would ensure consumer transparency by addressing the labeling of cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., sponsored the bipartisan Senate version of the FAIR Labels Act. Reps. Mark Alford, R-Mo., August Pfluger, R-Texas, Mike Flood, R-Neb., Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, Buddy Carter, R-Ga., and Tony Weid, R-Wis., sponsored the House version.
  • Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) announced the formal launch of its search for a new president and chief executive officer, following the announced planned retirement of CEO Barbara O’Brien later this year. The DMI Board of Directors has engaged ZRG Partners, a top ten global talent advisory firm, to support a comprehensive and inclusive search process aimed at identifying a dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    SAN Agrow Receives California Registration for DURALEV®

    Cindy Zimmerman

    SAN Agrow has announced California registration of DURALEV®, expanding availability of its biological fungicide and bactericide to 15 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, with additional registrations underway.

    DURALEV is a systemic resistance inducer designed for preventive disease protection, activating natural plant defenses to help crops withstand bacterial and fungal attacks. The registration also strengthens SAN Agrow’s integrated fungicide portfolio alongside GARGOIL® and BOTECTOR® for flexible, resistance-conscious program development.

    DURALEV provides broad-spectrum protection against key bacterial and fungal diseases, including Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Botrytis, and Alternaria. Its expansive label covers all major crop groups, offering growers unmatched versatility in program development.

    The product’s easy-to-use formulation features broad tank mix compatibility and fits seamlessly into both conventional and organic production systems. Residue free prevention, combined with an excellent crop and worker safety profile, helps growers meet the practical and regulatory needs of modern fungicide programs.

    AgWired Precision, Crop Protection, Fungicide, specialty crops