One of the most important independent measurements of American crop production is happening this week amid several challenges making it harder than ever to predict yield, one of the crucial statistics driving the agricultural economy in the Corn Belt. The 33rd annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour, which runs from Aug. 18 to 21, will send scouts out to fields in seven states to measure corn and soybean potential. It is the most thorough and most followed inspection of yield potential during a critical time in the growing season. Crop industry stakeholders watch results closely for insights around projected grain supplies and the effects on commodity markets. Observations and results of the tour will be shared nightly at in-person events throughout the week and streamed online at AgWeb.com and Farm Journal TV.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and Nebraska Farm Bureau presented Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
AgCareers is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the annual Feed Your Future Scholarship, awarding $1,000 to a U.S. post-secondary student passionate about a future in agriculture or food-related careers.
The American Soybean Association is pleased to announce that Madelyn Derks has joined the association’s Washington, D.C., office as Director of Government Affairs. She will oversee ASA’s regulatory portfolio, including crop protection tools, agricultural biotechnology, environmental regulations, and other key issues.
Syngenta North America Headquarters hosted a group of Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers from Guilford County Schools (N.C.) for an intensive four-day professional development externship program, designed to strengthen connections between education and industry. The comprehensive program immerses educators in various aspects of agriculture through hands-on experiences across multiple departments, including but not limited to Human Resources, Digital Agriculture, Research & Development, Information Technology, and Technical Services. Participants explored chemistry labs, demonstration labs, and the packaging lab. The program also featured a tour of the Grow More™ site that is run in partnership with North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Kubota Tractor Corporation has named Moroch as its new preferred agency partner for marketing across more than 1,000 dealerships nationwide. In addition to leading local dealership marketing and regional marketing, Moroch will also take on the national digital agency of record for media planning and buying responsibilities. The appointment, effective January 1, 2026, marks a strategic shift to unify and streamline marketing and advertising efforts, leveraging Moroch’s deep expertise in localized campaigns to strengthen Kubota’s market impact at every level.
The Corn Refiners Association is pleased to announce changes to its government relations team that will strengthen the organization’s ability to offer leading issues management in agriculture and food policy for the corn refining industry. Danielle Beck, a knowledgeable leader in agriculture policy with more than 15 years of experience in delivering comprehensive results, will join the CRA team as the organization’s Vice President of Government Relations. Additionally, Kent Roberson has been promoted to Senior Director of Government Relations.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the awardees for the 2025 NCGA Scholarship Programs. A committee of grower leaders selected twelve exceptional students to receive scholarships for this upcoming fall semester. NCGA is proud to continue supporting these vital programs in partnership with BASF Corporation.
Farm Credit System institutions made 150,156 loans to young, beginning, and small U.S. producers in 2024, delivering on their ongoing mission to support rural communities and agriculture, according to a new Farm Credit Administration (FCA) report. These results underscore Farm Credit’s commitment to the next generation of agricultural producers through strategic lending and support initiatives.
At the 2025 Missouri State Fair, agricultural leaders, FFA and 4-H members, elected officials, and partners celebrated the conclusion of the Drive to Feed Kids by announcing that this year’s effort raised over 720,000 meals for Missouri families. With food insecurity affecting one in five Missouri children, the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids brings together agriculture and community partners to change that reality. Since its launch nine years ago, the initiative has provided more than 13.7 million meals to children and families across the state.
