- Four American Agri-Women members have successfully completed the 2019 Syngenta Leadership At Its Best professional development program, which helps U.S. agriculture leaders become more effective advocates for American agriculture. The latest AAW graduates include: Lisa Nicholas, Kansas; Sharron Zoller, California; Jeanette Lombardo, current AAW President, California; Renee Avilla, California.
- A new food waste “Ag Mag” developed by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is available for purchase in classroom sets of 30.
- The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has announced participants selected for Kansas City, Kansas, and Syracuse, New York, On the Farm STEM professional development events. The training is designed to bring science to life for participants with the help of American beef cattle ranchers, researchers, nutritionists and veterinarians. Nearly 550 applications were received for a total of 60 spots.
- A strong majority of farmers and farmworkers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing the farm impact farmers’ mental health, according to a new national Morning Consult research poll. Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation in recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the poll surveyed rural adults and farmers/farmworkers to better understand factors affecting the mental health of farmers, availability of resources, perceptions of stigma, personal experiences with mental health challenges and other relevant issues.
- Andrew Jerome is joining Michael Torrey Associates in Washington, D.C. Jerome has been communications director for the National Farmers Union since 2014.
- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue unveiled a groundbreaking report, A Case for Rural Broadband: Insights on Rural Broadband Infrastructure and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technologies. The report finds that deployment of both broadband e-Connectivity and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technology on farms and ranches throughout the U.S. could result in at least $47 billion in national economic benefits every year.
- Verne Sheppard, a 57-year member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, passed away Friday, April 26, 2019, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Verne served as NAFB North Central Vice President in 1971 and 1972 and remained active on the air through the mid-’90s.
- Semcon has initiated a multi-year partnership with leading agricultural equipment manufacturer, AGCO. The agreement means that Semcon will be responsible for the development and production of AGCO’s aftermarket information.
- The Conservation Technology Information Center launched online registrations for its 12th annual Conservation in Action Tour, which will explore conservation systems in central Iowa. Online registration for the tour is quick and easy at https://www.ctic.org/cia_tour/registration.
- The Ag Relations Council (ARC) Annual Meeting registration is open and the Golden ARC Awards deadline is fast approaching. Register here.
