- Many rural counties are still struggling with COVID-19, high unemployment and the environmental impact from natural disasters and wildfires. How will all these competing, and often complex factors be addressed in a new congress? Those are some of the topics Agri-Pulse plans to explore during a webinar discussion “Top rural issues in the New Congress: A discussion with Rep. Dusty Johnson, Rep. Abigail Spanberger and AEM’s Kip Eideberg” on Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST. Click here to see more information & register for this free webinar.
- Armond Morris, peanut farmer from Tifton, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the monthly board meeting in January. This is Morris’ twentieth term as chairman of the commission. He has also served as chairman of the board previously in 1996 and 1997, 2003 and every year since 2005.
- Bridging the rural-urban divide can’t just happen by having a small number of people sitting in on an occasional keynote. And yet, that divide may be one of agriculture’s most daunting challenges. That is what led to the creation of a new community called Grounded and Rising. Grounded and Rising is the brainchild of Janice Person, one of the industry’s most active advocates. According to her, the divide has grown in 2020, and she wants to help reverse that trend.
- Colleen Callahan, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was honored during the 2021 annual meeting of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers by being named the 2021 recipient of the organization’s Outstanding Service to Agriculture award.
- Agri-Pulse is pleased to welcome Nutrien as the Platinum sponsor for the 2021 Ag & Food Policy Summit. This year’s virtual summit will feature three half-day sessions, March 22-24, with the theme: “Climate Risks, Rewards and Uncertainties.”
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces details of the 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, which will be held virtually on February 18-19, 2021. The 2021 Forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience,” will focus on the central role science and innovation have played in helping the agricultural sector overcome challenges and build resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Once again, during National FFA Week, individuals will have an opportunity to step up and support FFA and agricultural education through Give FFA Day on Thursday, Feb. 25. This year, the organization has a goal of getting 1,500 donors during the 24-hour period. To prepare for Give FFA day, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay.
