The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) announced that Evan Dean has joined the association as vice president, government and legislative affairs, starting July 13. In this role, Dean will lead NGFA’s federal advocacy efforts and help advance the association’s policy priorities on behalf of the grain, feed, processing, and export industries.
Kubota Tractor Corporation announced the appointment of Charlie Kowalski as Vice President of Information Technology for its U.S. operations. In this role, he will lead the company’s enterprise technology strategy and IT organization, supporting continued growth and operational excellence.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Summit, November 18-19 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX. Register now through August 31 to secure an Early Rate of $800 and our lowest rates of the year. Single day passes and discounted rates for farmers, government employees, academia, students, and breakout speakers are also available.
Several years of high inflation and low commodity prices, coupled with volatile production costs, are continuing to squeeze farmers financially. These forces are projected to hit farmers with $32 billion in losses for the major row crops in 2027 after a projected loss of $31 billion in 2026. Fruit, vegetable, nut and other specialty crop farmers faced billions of dollars in losses in 2025, with difficult market conditions continuing throughout 2026. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the losses felt across the farm economy in the latest Farm Bureau Intel.
The Georgia Peanut Commission announces a new award and cash prize for food entrepreneurs: The Georgia Peanut Innovation Award will recognize and reward the most unique and viable new product concept inspired by Georgia Peanuts. The $10,000 cash prize will be awarded at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 22, 2026. The contest is open to any new and unique application of peanuts, whether the product idea is in the prototype phase or has been on the market for less than a year. While the product must be food-related, it can be intended for either human or animal consumption.
The United Soybean Board (USB) is pleased to announce that Courtney Knupp will join the organization as its chief executive officer starting October 1. Knupp currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council. USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its July board meeting in Indianapolis.
In the year ahead, the United Soybean Board (USB) will boost demand for U.S. Soy℠, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half a million U.S. soybean farmers. Led by its 77 farmer-leaders, USB recently approved a $122.5 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year, strategically allocating funds across vital research, promotion and education investments. This spans the food, feed, fuel, industrial, exports and sustainable production market segments.
Lessiter Media has announced the addition of Dale Jackman as Senior Sales Representative for the company’s ag division, where he will work with customers to develop integrated marketing programs across the company’s industry-leading brands, digital platforms and live events.
Meyocks has been selected by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) to design and produce marketing materials and communication assets across a global portfolio, spanning domestic markets and international audiences.
