- The virtual 2021 Water for Food Research Forum will be on Tuesday, April 6, 10 a.m-Noon CDT. The forum will focus on the theme “Creating Impact through Science.” Astronaut Clayton –“Astro Clay”– Anderson, Nebraska’s only astronaut, is the keynote speaker this year. Nebraska state climatologist Martha Shulski, Ph.D. will also be presenting. The Water for Food Research Forum is open to everyone, but registration is required. After registering, users will receive a Zoom link to join the virtual forum.
- Stagnant public funding for agricultural research is threatening the future vitality of U.S. food systems – posing risks to farmer productivity and profitability, the steady supply of affordable food for consumers, and ultimately global food security, according to a new report, jointly commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation and the American Farm Bureau Federation and authored by the IHS Markit Agribusiness Consulting Group.
- The Propane Education & Research Council recently surpassed 100 financial incentives given to producers for new propane equipment purchases through its Propane Farm Incentive Program.
- Another new class of emerging leaders are honing their skills to serve as the voices for U.S. agriculture through the American Soybean Association and Corteva Agriscience™ Young Leaders program. The 38th class of Young Leaders met virtually March 11, 2021 and will continue their training with two in-person sessions later in 2021.
- The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) 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 11, 2021 and can be submitted online at this link.
- U.S. cotton producers now can begin enrolling their 2021 cotton crop in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and current producer participants can re-enroll their operations in this initiative which aims to set a new standard in more sustainably grown U.S. cotton.
- The Southern States Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors announced that Jeffrey Stroburg, the President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2015 will retire from the cooperative effective June 30, 2021. Steven M. Becraft, the cooperative’s Chief Operating Officer will assume the President and CEO role on July 1, 2021.
- The Boards of Directors of the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association have reached an Agreement in Principle to create a new global trade association combining their resources and expertise to enhance member services, increase advocacy before government and the public, help members grow their businesses, and drive consumption of fresh produce and demand for floral products as a vital cornerstone of public health. The two associations will continue to operate as independent organizations through 2021, with the new association to be launched January 1, 2022.
- The Farm Credit Administration has selected Clark Ogilvie to serve as its new general counsel. Its current general counsel, Charlie Rawls, is retiring. Mr. Ogilvie’s first day on the job is April 11, and Joy Strickland, currently FCA’s acting deputy general counsel, will serve as acting general counsel until then.
- The Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors has approved $886,235 in research project funding for the 2021-22 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 42 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
- The American Farm Bureau Federation and Mississippi Farm Bureau presented Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
- POET announced it has expanded its production of all-natural, 100% plant-based purified alcohol, which exceeds the highest global quality standards for alcohol. POET also unveiled a suite of bio-based products under a new label, POET Pure™. The combined actions will further extend the reach of one of the world’s largest bioethanol and bioproducts companies, bringing even more green consumer products to the market.
