- Farm Foundation, the Cornell University Initiative for Digital Agriculture, and the University of Illinois Center for Digital Agriculture and Center for the Economics of Sustainability are pleased to announce a new, virtual, multi-day policy workshop on Advancing Digital Agriculture and Conservation to be held on May 20, 27, 29 and June 3. The workshop aims to advance policy discussions to realize the promise of data applied to conservation in agriculture.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Economist Robert Johansson has announced the appointment of Dr. Cindy Nickerson as the Deputy Chief Economist, effective June 7. In her role as Deputy Chief Economist for Policy Analysis, Dr. Nickerson advises the Chief Economist, the Secretary, and top policy officials regarding the economic implications of programs, regulations, and legislative proposals affecting the U.S. food system and rural areas.
- In a big win for clean air, corn farmers in Illinois and PepsiCo have documented the ability to cut CO2 emissions, a major greenhouse gas contributor, through the adoption of cover crops and other sustainable farming practices. The partnership with PepsiCo and other large corporations across their supply chain is achieving large reductions in carbon emissions. In the first two years of the corn checkoff-funded project, participating farmers have reduced CO2 emissions by 8,155 metric tons, equivalent to taking 1,762 cars off the road. In Illinois, Precision Conservation Management (PCM), Illinois Corn Grower Association’s premier conservation program, is working with PepsiCo to drive change at the farm level and achieve these substantial emissions reductions.
- BASF Corporation will join COVID-19 hunger relief efforts with a $170,000 donation to Feeding America. The company’s North America Agricultural Solutions employees in the U.S. hosted a virtual food drive in March and April to support Feeding America food banks across the country.
- CropLife America is excited to welcome Molly O’Connor to the association’s government relations team. Molly will join the organization as director, federal government relations, bringing with her a new perspective and expertise in the areas of global policy and trade.
- Michigan’s dry edible bean industry and the Food Bank Council of Michigan announced Michigan dry bean farmers, processors and shippers are joining forces to donate seven tons of dry beans for distribution to food banks across the state.
- Swanson Russell has been selected as creative agency for national workwear brand, Walls Outdoor Goods. Known as a go-to brand for workers who earn a living outdoors, Walls products are built to keep workers safe, warm and dry. The agency will handle Walls’ creative needs including brand development and seasonal campaign work, and focus on building deeper connection with professional tradesmen who are wired to be outdoors.
- The University of Florida has named J. Scott Angle, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to lead the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences into the next decade. He is expected to assume the role as vice president for agriculture and natural resources on July 13.
- The Association of Equipment Manufacturers Hall of Fame recognizes the pioneers whose inventions, ideas, leadership and courage have contributed to the industry and our community’s quality of life. Nominations are open until June 12, 2020 and can be submitted online at this link.
