Inspire PR Group Ranked in Top Ag PR Firms

Cindy Zimmerman

Congrats to Inspire PR Group being named one of the top agriculture PR firms in the country, moving up to rank fourth on the O’Dwyer’s PR News annual list of Top Agricultural PR Firms.

“Our client-partners in agriculture lead the way in feeding those across the U.S. and worldwide, and theirs are the stories that must be told,” said Hinda Mitchell, founder and president of the female-owned agency based in central Ohio.

Meghann Winters-Rowe, a senior account manager at Inspire PR Group, was recognized with the 2025 Next Gen NAMA award

Inspire has been recognized with several major industry awards this year. In April, Inspire senior account manager Meghann Winters-Rowe received the 2025 Next Gen NAMA award from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), which recognizes young communicators with a bright future in agriculture.

Other awards include:
– A five-part animated video series sharing how Ohio egg, chicken and turkey farmers protect the environment, A Closer Look: Ohio Poultry Farmers’ Commitments, produced in partnership with the Ohio Poultry Association and Ohio Soybean Association, won a national Best of NAMA Merit Award and a PRism Award from the Central Ohio Chapter of PRSA.
– Inspire was a national finalist at the Best of NAMA Awards for work with American Egg Board, American Dairy Association Mideast, Versova, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and the NC Mountain State Fair.
– Two finalists at the Best of NAMA Awards also took home PRism Awards in mid-May from PRSA Central Ohio—including the Shop Ohio Cheese campaign with the American Dairy Association Mideast and Versova’s 2023 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Report.

Inspire is ranked among the top 100 PR firms in the nation overall by O’Dwyer’s and also is 14th in Restaurant, 19th in Nonprofit and 33rd in Education PR Firms.

Ag Groups, Agencies, NAMA, people

FarmTogether Integrates MyLand Soil Health Service in Washington

Cindy Zimmerman

FarmTogether and MyLand have partnered to integrate Soil as a Service™ technology across four high-value apple orchards in Washington State, supporting FarmTogether’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency, reduce input costs, and advance regenerative agriculture practices across its farmland portfolio.

By implementing MyLand’s live, native soil biology service, FarmTogether is taking a proactive step toward strengthening soil structure, increasing organic matter, and supporting greater nutrient availability.

“This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to exploring innovative, data-driven solutions that strengthen farmland operations while advancing sustainability goals,” said Boyd Corkins, Head of Farm Management at FarmTogether. “We look forward to working closely with MyLand to evaluate the potential for long-term soil health improvements and operational efficiencies across our apple portfolio.”

The orchards selected are part of FarmTogether’s portfolio of 52 managed properties. The firm specializes in permanent cropland across the West Coast, which represents 92.8% of its $209 million in assets under management (AUM)—a strategy rooted in long-term biological and economic fundamentals.

FarmTogether joins MyLand’s $4.8 million initiative supported by Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act designed to accelerate the adoption of regenerative soil health practices across 9,000 acres of farmland, promoting carbon sequestration, improving water efficiency, and supporting climate resilience throughout the region.

AgWired Precision, land, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Sustainability

20th Annual NAMA Boot Camp Registration is Open

Chuck Zimmerman

20th Annual NAMA Boot Camp It’s that time. Join Agri-Marketing’s Best at NAMA Boot Camp.

Agri-marketing is always changing. That’s why each year, NAMA Boot Camp features the latest tips, trends and best practices to take you forward in your career—at any level. It’s the event to learn about modern agriculture and our industry, grow your network and prepare to be a leader.

NAMA members receive a discounted rate. Non-members receive a year of NAMA membership when they register. Sign up for Boot Camp today and prepare to join us in Kansas City, August 6–8!

Attendees can look forward to sessions covering a breadth of topics including:

  • Producer Panel
  • ​Tools of the Trade – Focus on Research
  • The Business of Agriculture
  • Networking for Introverts Pretending to be Extroverts: A How-To Guide
  • Trends in Marketing
  • Cultivating Your Career
  • Great Marketing: Best of NAMA Case Study

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and make new connections at different networking receptions and during the Ag Tour hosted by Farm Journal.

Register now and book your hotel room before the hotel cutoff date, July 3.

We can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!

NAMA

Animal Ag News 6/3

Carrie Muehling

  • March was the best sales month in history for Certified Angus Beef, with 116.8 million pounds sold. It was also a standout month for quality, with 86 percent of fed cattle carcasses grading Choice or Prime, the highest annual mark once again. USDA Prime has outpaced Select for nine weeks in a row, thanks in part to heavier carcass weights and longer feeding periods.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) announced the appointment of public lands ranchers to new leadership positions in PLC policy committees. These individuals will guide conversations that develop grassroots policies aimed at strengthening federal lands management and multiple use policy that recognizes the important role livestock grazing continues to play in Western communities.
  • While global pork consumption has edged upward, U.S. per capita consumption has been flat for more than 50 years at 50 lbs. on average, according to the USDA. That trails annual beef and chicken consumption, which exceeds 60 lbs. and 100 lbs., respectively. The pork industry is aiming to gain ground with a new consumer marketing program, “Taste What Pork Can Do.” Focusing on flavor and featuring a wide variety of recipes and convenient cooking techniques, the campaign encourages U.S. consumers to reimagine the possibilities of pork for at-home meals. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the campaign represents the beginning of what could be a “new pork” on U.S. consumers’ plates.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. Secretary Rollins committed on May 7 to release these emergency payments by May 30, and she is delivering on that commitment ahead of schedule.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins following an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the agency would quickly be sending Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cattle producers who suffered losses from drought and wildfire.
  • Becky Rasdall Vargas, Senior Vice President of Trade and Workforce Policy with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released a statement recognizing a new streamlined approval process for U.S. dairy exports to Costa Rica.
  • Industry professionals worldwide are gearing up for World Pork Expo 2025! This preeminent event returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 4-5, and is hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). The Expo promises two full days packed with cutting-edge insights, industry innovation, and countless networking opportunities.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is deeply concerned with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s take on the causes of wide-ranging health concerns in American children, largely blaming modern food and agriculture with little regard for the rigorous regulatory systems in place that have allowed the U.S. to be a world leader in safe, affordable and wholesome food. Like human food manufacturing facilities, all feed and pet food manufacturing facilities must abide by stringent regulations in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which requires facilities, among other things, to: identify hazards that could result in foodborne pathogens and put risk-based preventive controls in place; comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements; develop and implement animal food safety plans; work with domestic and foreign suppliers to reduce hazards; and be subject to regular inspections.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    NRCS Chief to Keynote Agri-Pulse West Summit

    Cindy Zimmerman

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt will be the luncheon keynote speaker at the annual Agri-Pulse West Food & Ag Issues Summit in Sacramento on June 10.

    Prior to being named NRCS Chief, Bettencourt served as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company, and as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Almond Alliance. Just prior to taking the role of NRCS Chief earlier this year, Bettencourt appeared on a panel at the Agri-Pulse DC Food & Ag Issues Summit in March.

    During the first Trump Administration, Bettencourt worked with both the U.S. Department of the Interior and USDA and prior to that she was the State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in California where she directed the administration of farm commodity programs providing support, security, and emergency relief for producers throughout the state.

    The Summit will offer a full day of speeches and panel discussions on topics such as land, water and labor challenges in California, perspectives from state Senators, and presentation of the second Great Tomato Challenge winner. Registration includes both in-person and virtual attendance options at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento.

    Uncategorized

    Industry Ag News 5/30

    Carrie Muehling

  • Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt will be the luncheon keynote speaker at our annual Food & Ag Issues Summit in Sacramento on June 10.
  • In response to the recent release of the Making America Healthy Again report, which raised unfounded questions about the safety of pesticides, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has released a report that speaks to the economic impact of widely used technologies, like atrazine and glyphosate.
  • 365 agricultural and related groups have sent a letter calling on Congress to enact the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, a bipartisan bill the groups say is needed to protect access for farmers and the public to safe, well-regulated pesticides. The groups—which represent millions of pesticide users from farmers to scientists, and mosquito control to public land managers—say the legislation would reaffirm and clarify long-standing provisions in federal pesticide law regarding labeling requirements.
  • ASTA’s 2025 Leadership Summit is quickly approaching! The American Seed Trade Association is convening this year June 8-11 in Washington, D.C. for its annual meeting to celebrate the seed sector’s role in the broader agricultural community. Hosting the event in our nation’s capital gives attendees the special opportunity to participate in Advocacy Day, allowing them to share their story as a member of the seed industry before the members of Congress who shape ag policy.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City welcomes Chris Chinn, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Mike Beam, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, for a timely discussion of the key issues shaping the future of agriculture in the region. The Council’s June Luncheon Meeting will be Thursday, June 12 at the American Royal from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Register here.
  • The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announced the selection of Duane Simpson as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Simpson will formally assume the role on July 14, 2025, coinciding with the opening of NCFC’s annual Washington Conference.
  • Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the eighth year of the contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, in January 2026. The 2026 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Sirius can be viewed here.
  • The National Cotton Council announces its Emerging Leader Program participants for 2025-2026.
  • Farm Credit Mid-America has released its 2024 Impact Report, a reflection of how the cooperative is fulfilling its mission to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture. The report, available here, highlights the many ways the customer-owned cooperative invests back into the people and places it serves, with nearly $4.5 million directed toward impactful programs and initiatives in 2024.
  • National Sorghum Producers (NSP) is proud to announce Eric Washington as its new Communications Director. Washington brings a dynamic blend of strategic marketing experience, communications leadership and brand development expertise to the NSP team.
  • The application deadline for the 2025 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program is approaching quickly — all submissions must be received by June 8, 2025. Learn more about the program and apply here.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    BIO Dedicates Focus to Human Health and Biopharmaceuticals

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Biotechnology Innovation OrganizationPretty big decision for BIO. I guess other ag organizations will be ready to carry the load.

    The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced plans to dedicate its focus entirely to human health and to transition the work of its Agriculture and Environment (A&E) section to other organizations.  This change is intended to enable an enhanced strategic focus on each of these respective areas of biotechnology and will be effective July 1, 2025. In support of this transition, BIO announced the hiring of two new senior executives to lead Regulatory Affairs and a new “Center of Excellence” focused on Emerging Companies & Economic Growth. 

    “The field of biotechnology is increasingly diverse, with great threats and significant opportunities,” said John F. Crowley, President and CEO, BIO. “In consultation with the BIO Executive Committee and the Agriculture and Environment Governing Board, BIO has determined that these organizational changes will enable greater focus and impact on behalf of our healthcare members, and will sharpen our advocacy work on critical policy priorities for the improvement of human health – modernizing the FDA’s regulatory processes; building back a robust biopharmaceutical manufacturing base across the US and our allies; preserving strong IP protections; fostering capital formation; protecting our national security; and enabling 21st Century access to medicines. At the same time, this change will enable A&E member companies to enhance their focus on agricultural and environmental biotech at expert third-party organizations.” 

    Biotech

    Precision Ag News 5/29

    Carrie Muehling

  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds the appointment of Jimmy Emmons to serve as Assistant Chief of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the award of $17.5 million in Outreach and Technical Assistance grants to 161 conservation districts in 45 states and territories.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) issued a statement after the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its Initial Assessment.
  • Custom Agronomics, a leading provider of private-label liquid plant nutrition and specialty products for the agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets, announced today that Scott Addy has been named CEO.
  • rTek, an Almaty-based precision agriculture start up and nature-based solutions (NbS) carbon credits project developer, has selected Perennial, a global leader in measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) for environmental assets, as its exclusive soil carbon MMRV provider for the next 10 years to deliver high-integrity carbon credits globally. The first project aims to regenerate 500,000 hectares of degraded grasslands, support sustainable production and livelihoods, and establish quality assurance systems for sustainable grassland management in Kazakhstan.
  • John Deere announced the acquisition of Sentera, a leading provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. This acquisition will advance the capabilities of John Deere’s existing technology offerings, providing farmers and ag service providers with a more comprehensive set of tools to generate and use data to make decisions that improve farm profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved this week the sale of the business assets of Benson Hill to Confluence Genetics, LLC. This sale will enable the historic business to continue outside of Chapter 11 bankruptcy with new leadership and supportive ownership, starting a new chapter as a leaner, innovation-driven leader in soybean trait development. Confluence Genetics is set to embark on a new chapter as an agtech start-up following its acquisition by a group of seasoned agribusiness investors, spearheaded by Expedition Ag Partners and S2G Investments. The company will focus on scaling its proprietary ultra-high protein soybean genetics for animal feed, expanding market position in its specialty food grade portfolio, and expanding geographies by leveraging its unique soy germplasm, AI-powered breeding platform, and speed breeding facility.
  • The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Heuermann Lecture on April 29 featured Claudia Ringler, Ph.D., director of natural resources and resilience at the International Food Policy Research Institute. Her keynote address offered a compelling exploration of the often-overlooked connection between irrigation and nutrition. The lecture was hosted as part of the week-long 2025 Water for Food Global Conference by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska.
  • Farmers for Sustainable Food announced the release of its 2024 Progress Report, a yearly report that highlights the organization’s major accomplishments and milestones from the previous year.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Preview of 2025 AgGateway Mid-Year Mtg.

    Chuck Zimmerman

    AgGateway Mid-Year MeetingIt’s time for the Mid-Year Meeting of AgGateway. To get a preview I talked with Brent Kemp, President/CEO, AgGateway.

    In 2025, AgGateway is celebrating 20 years of active engagement with leading agriculture companies in the pursuit of seamless digital connectivity and interoperability across the value chain. We welcome all industry stakeholders to join us for three days of learning and networking this summer.

    The North America Mid-Year Meeting is where member volunteers gather to discuss the work of AgGateway connectivity initiatives and working groups through the first half of the year, and set plans for remainder of the year leading up to our Annual Meeting and Conference in November.

    In addition to task-focused working sessions, segment-based committees share ideas for new projects to initiate. Business presentations and keynote speakers provide additional context for the work of the organization, and fuel high-value networking opportunities throughout the event.

    You can listen to our conversation here: Preview of 2025 AgGateway Mid-Year Mtg. (12:26)

    AgGateway, Audio, Precision Agriculture

    Give Your News Release a Voice

    Cindy Zimmerman

    AgNewsWireOnce upon a time in 2004, a brand new company called ZimmComm New Media started a service called “Talking News Releases,” which was simply adding sound bites or an audio interview to a press release.

    We started that service because, being broadcasters, we liked to have audio to go with news stories and we hated getting a release and trying to get an interview to go with it and finding out that person is out of the country for the next two weeks! It would be so much nicer if we had the audio right there with the release, right?

    Anyway, that was over 20 years ago and we still have that service, although we stopped calling them talking news releases and will generally be happy to include links to audio with your AgNewsWire release just like we include links to images, at the standard rate of $525. If you would like us to do an interview for you, we do charge an extra $150.

    AgNewsWire releases are sent to nearly 1550 contacts in the agribusiness/agrimarketing industry, including farm broadcasters, ag editors, social media influencers, podcasters, communications specialists, industry leaders, and others. Our open rates average about 35% and audio downloads average about 200.

    Here is a link to an example:
    PowerPollen Receives Foundational Patent for Groundbreaking Pollen Storage Methodology

    When we send out a news release for you we also post it on AgNewsWire and do a story post on AgWired, as well as share on social media. We even have a handy on-line form for you to order a release and send materials and instructions. We try to make it easy.

    ZimmComm Announcement