U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is funding new projects in nearly every state to lower costs, expand access to clean energy and strengthen American farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a program that has seen record demand in response to historic funding provided by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
William “Bill” Richards, a soil conservation pioneer who served as chief of USDA’s Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service) from 1990-1993 under President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday. He was 93.
AgCareers.com continues to prioritize the development of future talent with the launch of the third edition of the U.S. Classroom Implementation Kit. 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 education experts from the National FFA Organization created the kit to use in conjunction with the latest AgCareers.com U.S. Food & Agriculture Career Guide. The Classroom Kit includes lesson plans, activities, interactive worksheets, resources, links, standards, and optional extended learning opportunities. The lessons lead students toward career success using the AgCareers.com Food & Agriculture Career Guide.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture is excited to announce the hiring of Patrick Wade as Director of Public Policy. As Director, Wade will advance the organization’s public policy advocacy with his nearly 10 years of experience in agricultural policy and government affairs. Wade will be the staff lead for NASDA’s Plant Agriculture and Pesticide Regulations and Rural Development and Financial Security Committees.
USDA is excited to continue its support for local foods in schools by opening applications for the 2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. For the first time, USDA is allowing organizations to select the type of Farm to School Grant that best fits their needs by offering three different requests for applications.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announces the retirement of Charles F. “Chuck” Conner from his position as President and CEO, effective December 31, 2025. Conner has led the organization with distinction for over 15 years.
Members of the leadership team of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) moved up the chairs, assuming new officer roles at the organization’s annual business meeting held in Fort Myers, Fla., November 5. The election was held in conjunction with the Annual Conference there. Dave Mielnicki, Newmark Valuation and Advisory, Clarkston, Mich., advanced to president of the group.
Arthur Appel will serve as interim dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture and interim director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, effective Jan. 1. Appel has served in his current role as associate dean for research and assistant director of the Experiment Station since 2021.
Texas A&M student Kaitlynn Hughes has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) as their policy intern. Kaitlynn is from Royse City, Texas, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with a focus on policy and economic analysis and a certificate in International Trade in Agriculture. Growing up, she was active in FFA and 4-H, where her passion for agricultural advocacy sparked through public speaking, livestock ambassadorships, showing market cattle and hogs, and state leadership roles. At Texas A&M, she has focused her coursework on agriculture policy and the impacts of the industry in marketing and trade.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced that Dr. Becky Langer-Curry will serve as director of inputs and innovation at the organization. She officially started her new role on Oct. 28.
Beck’s, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new soybean processing facility in New Madrid, Missouri. The state-of-the-art facility will help meet the growing demand for soybeans in the Mid-South region, expanding opportunities for local farmers and strengthening Beck’s commitment to serving the agricultural community.
