The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 19, 2024, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.” Activities planned for March 19 feature a virtual Ag Day program, and in-person events in Washington DC. ACA will invite students to interact virtually with legislators and agency representatives, delivering the Ag Day message. A core leadership team of college students will participate in the DC events, along with representatives of national farm and commodity organizations, representatives of the food, fuel, and fiber communities.
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) announces a new member service to help effectively train more drivers to meet the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
More than 70 current and past state FFA officers started the new year by exploring Australia and the various types of agriculture the country offers. It was part of the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, ILSSO, supported by FFA corporate donors Bungee and John Deere.
The United States hosted the 59th International Grains Council Session and 2024 Grains Forum in New Orleans, Louisiana this week. The IGC discusses current and prospective world grain market developments, and monitors changes in national grain policies and their market implications. IGC provides critical grain and oilseed market information and analysis to its members, promoting transparency and stability in international trade.
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th Convention in Salt Lake City adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2024. Key topics ranged from artificial intelligence, to labor, to crop insurance. For the second year, delegates were polled at the beginning of the voting session regarding their farms and 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms and nearly two-thirds represent small to mid-size farms as defined by USDA. Delegates voted to create new policy to address the growth of artificial intelligence in agriculture. AI has the potential to enhance farming practices and conserve resources, but privacy rights must be respected.
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 17th “Book of the Year” award to author Roxanne Troup for “My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th Convention. “My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me” follows Grandpa as he tenderly cares for each tree in his orchard, including his favorite – a pecan tree, planted for his granddaughter on the day she was born.
Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will do a follow up to his October 26 webinar. This webinar will feature a moderated Q&A. Come armed with your questions! FREE for NAMA members, $50 for non-members. Register here.
Developing the next generation of talent remains a top priority for AgCareers.com, evidenced by the release of the second edition of the U.S. Classroom Implementation Guide. This essential resource for teachers, educators, advisors, and leaders helps students prepare for their future while they discover and explore careers in agriculture and food.
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has named Martina Graf, an agrologist and copywriter based in British Columbia, Canada, the organization’s new Global Manager. Graf will transition to her new role with the help of long-time Global Manager Hugh Maynard of Quebec, Canada, who is retiring.
The crop insurance industry is actively working to increase the diversity in its workforce to reflect the diversity of the farmers it serves, and National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) is proud to be part of this effort by supporting deserving students at the historically Black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. For more than a decade, NCIS has helped qualified students at 1890 Land Grant Institutions complete their education and prepare them for careers in agriculture through two-year scholarships offered through the NCIS 1890 Scholarship Program.
To keep you up-to-date and in-the-know about crop insurance, National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) has launched “Keep America Growing,” a new monthly podcast hosted by NCIS President Tom Zacharias.
Ag Management Solutions (AMS) has secured several National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) regional awards on behalf of their clients. A full-service, Mankato-based group specializing in executive management, accounting, administrative services and marketing and communications expertise, AMS accepted four awards on behalf of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), two awards on behalf of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and one award on behalf of Minnesota Wheat.
E. Michael Castle II has been appointed chief operations and financial officer at Alltech. Castle has been with Alltech for 19 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer and CEO of the Alltech Feed Division. He has deep experience in the business globally, having also served as chief administrative and legal officer, among other roles.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is committed to the future of agriculture, and to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture, NCGA has partnered with BASF to offer scholarships to students enrolled in qualifying institutions. NCGA is proud to support three scholarship programs for three distinct audiences.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Max Vekich and Michelle Schultz, with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), are confirmed to speak at Transportation Go! on March 14 in Toledo, Ohio. Hosted by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), Transportation Go! is the premier conference for soybean and grain transportation and trade issues in the Upper Midwest.
Merck Animal Health has named AdFarm, North American agricultural marketing leader, as the agency of record for its U.S. beef cattle division. AdFarm will provide strategy, branding, research and insights, creative, media and digital marketing services to support beef cattle biopharmaceutical, animal identification and technology solutions for Merck.
