The National FFA Organization has selected 50 outstanding young people to participate in the 2012 New Century Farmer program. ON MONDAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host the May USDA Virtual Office Hours on Twitter to talk about USDA’s 150th anniversary, major accomplishments and the future of agriculture and food. Submit your energy related questions in advance to the @USDA …

Kathy Simmons, D.V.M., started a new role May 7, 2012, as chief veterinarian for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Growers Edge has introduced a new basis tracking tool to help farmers find, track and evaluate basis at hundreds of grain elevators. FMC Corporation announces the Farming with Authority Sweepstakes. Growers are invited to go online and share their experiences with …

Kinze Manufacturing announces a new mounted planter line available for the spring 2013 planting season: the line will include two models, the 3110 Rigid and the 3140 Stack Fold. Farmers asked to demonstrate the high sustainability performance of U.S. soy: visit www.CoolBean.info to complete the confidential and anonymous Soybean Assessment Tool or Whole-Farm Assessment Tool questionnaires. Novozymes and Syngenta announced …

Osborn Barr welcomes three new members to its integrated solutions team. Collectively, these individuals bring more than 55 years creative and online experience to the company: Chris Kirk, Solutions Architect Supervisor; Joe Floresca, Creative Director; and, Tom Remes, Copywriter. The United States Potato Board announces nominations are now open for new Board Members for the 2013-2016 term. U.S. Poultry & …

Everris Americas has acquired the manufacturing equipment of X-Calibur Plant Health Company, located in Summerville, SC. Neogen Corporation announced that it has acquired the assets of the Igenity animal genomics business from Merial Limited. The Sorghum Checkoff welcomes Justin Weinheimer as the organization’s Crop Improvement Program Director. The American Egg Board recently appointed Chris Pierce, President, Heritage Poultry Management Services, …

Wheat Growers grain and agronomy cooperative welcomes Brad Ruden as the Director for Technical Service and Todd Peterson as Business Manager – MZB Precision Farming System. Mitas opened its newest radial farm tire factory in Charles City, which coined the word “tractor.” Tiffany Obrecht has joined McCormick Company as an account executive. The Weed Science Society of America announced that …

iRely LLC, announced a partnership with Heartland Country Co-op to implement a comprehensive business software system. The just-published book Fearless Farm Finances: Farm Financial Management Demystified is a one-of-a-kind resource packed with instructions, tips and tools for setting up and managing a farm’s financial system. The USDA will amend the federal marketing order regulating tart cherries grown in Michigan, New …

Alamo Group Inc. and Alo jointly announced a major new manufacturing and distribution alliance for their tractor loader businesses in North America. Nominations for the 2012 PrecisionAg Awards of Excellence are now being accepted. Recipients will be honored at the International Conference On Precision Agriculture in Indianapolis this July. RFD-TV and Alltech have announced a partnership with iHigh.com which could …

Joining Becker Underwood is Sherman Hollins, named regional sales manager for the eastern and southern U.S.; and Dan Kuester, a marketing communications specialist in agricultural products which will include beneficial nematodes, inoculants and seed enhancements. A slate of new officers and directors has been nominated to serve on the United Fresh Produce Association Board of Directors. The Howard G. Buffett …

The Farm to School Grant Program is part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which authorized and funded USDA to assist eligible entities, through grants and technical assistance, in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. Elanco Animal Health is sponsoring a free mobile app for the dairy industry: Dairy Source. Deyu Agriculture …