AgWired

I had to do a double take when I saw the announcement that Steve Taylor was the new CEO of the Missouri Agribusiness Association. It’s easy to get your Steve Taylors mixed up around here, although one of them now lives in Idaho. Here’s the announcement from Ginger Berry:

On February 1, a new chapter in MO-AG history will be written as Steve Taylor joins the Missouri Agribusiness Association (MO-AG) as its chief executive. Since 2001, Steve has been the CEO of Environmental Resources Coalition (ERC), a not-for-profit association that assists ag producers in implementing profitable herbicide and nutrient management practices while protecting the environment. In the past, Steve has worked as a program director for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, an unit chief at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as well as a seedstock manager with Cargill. He brings with him great skills learned in these different positions that will definitely help our organization in the years to come. Former MO-AG CEO, Jim Russell, who will be retiring on January 31 after nearly 25 years of excellent service, will be staying on board as a legislative consultant. We at MO-AG are looking forward to a bright future with our new executive, and Steve is looking forward to getting to know you!

Congratulations to Jim Russell on his retirement.

Just so you can get this on your calendars in case it’s not already.

The Republic of Uganda will host the World Agricultural Forum’s Regional Congress on September 3-5, 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. This first Congress in Africa is titled “By Africa, For Africa: Creating Wealth Through Investing in Agriculture.” The Congress will bring together recognized leaders from many disciplines who will discuss, debate and propose the means by which sustainable agriculture-based solutions can be implemented to help “feed every man, woman and child” in Africa.

“It is my pleasure to welcome the World Agricultural Forum’s 2008 African Congress to Uganda,” said His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda. “Africa, as a whole, is enjoying the highest growth rates in 30 years. Our continent is breaking old paradigms in order to integrate profitably into the global economy and liberate itself. We are working to build the agricultural infrastructure that will boost our economic standings and transform Africa. Agriculture is vital to Africa’s survival, just as this influential meeting of the minds is essential to reveal the emerging new Africa.”

Say Happy Birthday to the Country Living Association.

The Country Living Association is celebrating its one-year anniversary, according to Courtney Yuskis, director of Country Living Association. “Country Living Association had a great first year. The organization continues to expand and deliver additional value to our members and our sponsors,” Yuskis said. “It’s an exciting time to be involved in the rural lifestyle market and 2008 promises to be a great year for all involved with the association.”

People are passionate about the lifestyle they have chosen. Country Living Association has learned from members that while people are moving to the country for several reasons – their love of pets, space to raise horses, a safe environment to raise children, enjoyment of the great outdoors, etc. – the prevailing reason is that the quality of life they find in the country cannot be matched in a city. The NAFB Rural Lifestyle Report estimates that there are over 69 million people (27 million households) living in the country with the numbers increasing daily.