- Record potato sales continued at retail from July through September 2020. Total store potato sales increased by 13.6% in dollar sales and 10.6% in volume sales, compared to the same time frame in 2019. These sales levels are also the highest they have been for the past five years.
- FFA members and supporters from across the country will log on to their smart devices next week to celebrate agricultural education and agriculture during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo. The event, which is traditionally the largest student convention in the country, will be held virtually this year, allowing even more people to participate.
- As part of its ongoing efforts to support the next generation of American agriculture, National Farmers Union announced that fourteen participants had been selected for its tenth Beginning Farmer Institute cohort. Over the course of ten months, these beginning farmers and ranchers will attend three sessions focused on technical training, mentorship, and leadership development.
- Charleston│Orwig is now C.O.nxt, amplifying the agency’s focus on guiding clients toward new possibilities and unexpected solutions. Pronounced “c o next,” C.O.nxt reflects an appreciation for the organization’s roots as well as optimism for the future. To align with the rebranding, the agency also launches a new logo and website, CO-nxt.com.
- The GROWMARK Foundation continues its commitment to FFA by giving away 25 more jackets this fall. The effort honors the legacy of Mike Builta, a GROWMARK vice president and long-time employee who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. Mike’s wife Sheila, along with daughters Haley and Kelsey, wished to honor his memory by providing 100 FFA jackets to Illinois FFA members – 25 each year from 2019-2022.
- Farm Foundation and USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) are partnering to host a conference dedicated to economic research into the challenges and opportunities experienced by beginning farmers and ranchers. This is a unique chance for attendees to learn, discuss and connect around these issues to improve future outcomes for new agriculture professionals. The virtual conference is scheduled for November 9-10, 2020. Register at bfr.cventevents.com.
- The 2020 NAFB Foundation Auction is going virtual this year . . . and it is now LIVE! The online auction will be built into the virtual convention page at the top of the screen as a main-menu selection as well as a separate link. Those who want to bid on items will need to register within the auction site. Bidders will have from today until 12 a.m. Eastern, Tuesday, December 1, 2020 (11 p.m. Central, Monday, November 30, 2020), to place bids.
- The winner of this year’s NAFB Membership Directory Cover Photo Contest is Chabella Guzman of KRVN/Rural Radio Network. Guzman submitted the winning photo and will receive a $100 Visa gift card from NAFB. Her photo will appear on the cover of the 2021 NAFB Membership Directory, as well. Guzman’s photo features Wyoming wheat, soaking in the sun, north of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The wheat is part of several plots in a University of Wyoming variety trial project.
- U.S. Custom Harvesters will host its 37th annual convention in Des Moines, Iowa, January 21-23, 2021. The convention will be an in-person event. For the first time in five years, the annual convention will feature the four main U.S. forage harvester equipment companies. Krone, CLAAS, New Holland and John Deere will be showcasing their newest equipment to USCHI members in January.
