- Corn and soybeans in Iowa have been particularly impacted by the recent derecho. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will collect harvested acreage information for both crops in Iowa in preparation for the September 11 Crop Production report. These additional data will help to better assess the full impact. If the newly collected data justifies any changes, NASS will publish updated harvested acreage estimates in the September report.
- The 2020 Borlaug Dialogue convenes distinguished leaders, advocates, and passionate individuals from various sectors to discuss this year’s theme, “Breaking New Ground: Building Resilience Today for Improved Global Food Systems Tomorrow.” Speakers and participants will address four major vulnerabilities, or “cracks” in the food system: climate change, equity & access, nutrition, and finance & investment. The dialogue will be featured on the virtual conference platform, Whova, which offers new opportunities for attendee engagement and on-demand content.
- AGCO announced that Martin Richenhagen has chosen to retire as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer on December 31, 2020. The Company further announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Eric Hansotia, currently AGCO’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Mr. Richenhagen as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2021. In addition, Mr. Hansotia has been elected to the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
- AgLaunch announced the recent addition of Connie Bowen as its Director of Innovation and Investment. In this role, she will be providing strategic and technical expertise on key initiatives such as the Data Commons, Farmers Fund, and Open Market Consortium, as well as joining the leadership team managing AgLaunch’s investment strategy and portfolio support.
- The National FFA Organization and RFD-TV are working in collaboration this fall to ensure FFA members and supporters across the country are able to view the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo. The event, which will be Oct. 27, 28 and 29, will be virtual this year. Thanks to the generosity of RFD-TV, production of the convention general sessions, award recognitions, national officer retiring addresses and celebration of FFA members and partners will occur at the RFD-TV studio in Ft. Worth, Texas, Stockyards.
- The National FFA Organization has announced a record-high student membership of 760,113, an increase from last year’s 700,170 members. The top five student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma.
- The U.S. Soybean Export Council and Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance will convene the world’s foremost experts to deliver the latest on markets, business, innovation and much, much more Aug. 24-27. Register here.
- The National Hemp Association (NHA) announced that New Holland Agriculture has launched a new member benefit program for NHA members.
- Access the Alltech One Virtual Experience August Edition with a focus on Asian Agri-Business. Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25 and Wednesday, Aug. 26.
- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) joined Leaders of American Agriculture (LAA) for a virtual symposium in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. NCGA sponsored a pre-event welcome room, “Climate, Conservation, and Community.”
- U.S. trade officials and federal agencies held the first of two virtual meetings on August 13 with the agriculture industry to hear testimonies on unfair trade practices with Mexico. Over 35 witnesses testified to a hearing committee consisting of representatives from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- The GROWMARK Foundation continues its commitment to FFA by giving away 25 more jackets to Illinois members this fall. It honors the legacy of Mike Builta, a GROWMARK vice president and long-time employee who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. The application is available at https://bit.ly/BuiltaJacket2020 and is due September 30 at midnight.
- Kenlon Johannes, Kansas Soybean Association CEO and administrator for the Kansas Soybean Commission, informed the KSA board of directors of his intention to retire in March 2021.
- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is partnering with Farm Journal, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, National Pork Board and United Soybean Board to discuss how commodities are adapting to a pandemic world. The free event is Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. CDT. You can register here.
- American Soybean Association (ASA) President Bill Gordon has confirmed the election of ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) officers and committee members for 2020-2021. Officers are Chairman Gerry Hayden (KY), Vice Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL), Treasurer Jim Wilson (MI), and Secretary Morey Hill (IA).
- Georgia Fruit and Vegetable producers joined Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Charles Hall to testify before U.S. trade officials about the crisis Georgia farmers are facing because of a staggering increase in imported produce from Mexico fueled by unfair trade practices that leave Georgia farmers in a fight for their future.
- EFC Systems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions for Agricultural Retailers and Growers, is pleased to announce the return of Phil Draude to EFC Systems as Vice President of Sales.
- To support the families and operations that are continuing to step up during an unprecedented year, Syngenta and NK® brand seeds have joined with Farm Journal to present the #FarmON™ Benefit Concert. Headlined by Grammy-nominated and ACM Award-winning country artist Lee Brice, the free virtual concert will air live on RFD-TV and other online and social networks at 7 p.m. Central on Aug. 27. Proceeds from the concert will go to the National 4-H Council’s FOURWARD Fund, established to ensure young people across all communities – with or without internet access – continue to have access to the necessary resources and meaningful learning opportunities that help them thrive.
