Precision Ag News 6/26

Carrie Muehling

  • Early registration savings for Tech Hub LIVE 2025 end June 27. Register now to save $245 to join the largest gathering of thought leaders and innovative practitioners dedicated to turning new technology opportunities into practical business advantages, July 21-23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The deadline for discounted hotel rates ends June 29.
  • Further enhancing the international strategic and scientific advisory offering for agriculture and food business, AgriThority® and India Advisory Firm AgVaya have entered into an agreement to collaborate. Under the agreement, AgriThority and AgVaya together will offer consultative strategic growth and business transformation services for the full breadth of business, market and product development, as well as regulatory services. In close collaboration they will work together in specific regions of focus including technology transfer across continents.
  • Agoro Carbon signed a landmark 12-year offtake agreement to deliver 2.6 million carbon removal credits to Microsoft. This agreement represents one of the largest soil-based carbon removals commitments to date, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of agriculture-driven climate solutions. It unlocks significant investment to scale sustainable agriculture, reflecting corporate demand for durable, science-backed soil carbon removals. The credits will be generated from Agoro Carbon’s U.S. crop and rangeland projects, developed under Verra’s VM0042 Improved Agricultural Land Management methodology. These projects deploy regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping, improved grazing and reduced tillage to sequester carbon in the soil while enhancing agricultural resilience, biodiversity, food security and water retention. Farmers and ranchers who enroll in the Agoro Carbon program can experience improved crop and forage yields, increased input efficiency, and enhanced resistance to extreme weather, while generating a new income stream. Agoro Carbon’s rigorous, quality-focused approach continues to resonate with corporations seeking credible, high-integrity solutions to meet their climate commitments.
  • Verdesian Life Sciences announced that Primacy ALPHA® has been awarded the Certified Biostimulant label from The Fertilizer Institute’s Certified Biostimulant Program. This certification confirms that Primacy Alpha meets the rigorous criteria outlined in the United States Biostimulant Industry Guidelines for efficacy, composition, and safe use product claims.
  • Ceradis B.V., a global developer and marketer of environmentally friendly plant nutrition and crop protection solutions, announced the appointment of Thiago Gianeti as Supply Chain and Product Development Leader for the Americas. With more than 15 years of experience spanning agribusiness supply chains, research and development, regulatory affairs, and technical innovation, Gianeti brings extensive expertise and a proven track record of delivering profitable, high-impact results. His appointment supports Ceradis’ continued growth across the Americas and its commitment to scientific innovation and operational excellence.
  • AcreConnect™, a U.S.-developed software platform designed to help spray drone operators manage their spray seasons, announces a new integration with Intuit QuickBooks® Online. With this integration, spray drone operators can now create and send invoices from AcreConnect™ , using customer and inventoried products and services from QuickBooks® Online. This means users can handle billing and invoicing without ever leaving the AcreConnect™ platform.
  • Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in partnership with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), is proud to announce expansion into north central Missouri. This development brings new opportunities for corn growers to improve profitability while adopting proven in-field conservation practices, enhancing soil health, and protecting water quality.
  • Michigan State University researchers and MSU Extension educators are evaluating the potential of agrivoltaics — which combines agricultural operations with solar energy production — in Michigan. Agrivoltaics systems place solar panels directly in the field, either arranged several feet above agricultural activities or in rows to allow for crops or animals to be between them. The goal is to continue producing an agricultural commodity while gaining another revenue source for the farm through solar energy.
  • André Dias steps into the role of Chief Commercial Officer for Kynetec, pivotal in leading the company’s commercial transformation; delivering financial performance and continuing the execution of the corporate strategy. Dias joined Kynetec in 2022 as Executive Director for Latin America, following Kynetec’s acquisition of Spark. Dias has more than 25 years of experience in the agricultural sector, and at Kynetec has successfully led a team of over 100 research professionals across the core agricultural markets of the Latin America region.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Cook Out Costs Hold Steady in 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    This year’s Fourth of July cookout will cost slightly less than last year’s record, but the federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home still shows an overall increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago.

    According to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual summer survey, holiday cookout for ten will cost $70.92, down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost, making it $7.09 per person, the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013.

    “Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation, to taxes.”

    The survey included prices for a meal with cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other favorites. It shows an increase this year in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while prices are lower for pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.

    The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4% to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6% to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs – used in potato salad – is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza.

    Our survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8% from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6% less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.

    Read more from AFBF

    AFBF, Food

    Animal Ag News 6/23

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the July cattle survey to about 18,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. This is the first July cattle survey mailed to producers since the reinstatement of key reports was announced earlier this year. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the website agcounts.usda.gov, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest. These urgent actions are necessary to finish the fight against NWS and protect the United States.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced strong support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to build a New World screwworm sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in south Texas. NCBA President Buck Wehrbein and NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane joined Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at Moore Air Base for her press announcement.
  • The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) website has been redesigned to better serve the growing number of users seeking new, updated and classic biosecurity resources.
  • A Kansas State University engineer is evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of producing aviation fuel precursors from swine waste. The project focuses on anaerobic membrane reactors, or AnMBRs, as a viable platform to recover and valorize swine waste streams through co-fermentation into short- and medium-chain organic acids, which ultimately can be transformed into synthetic aviation fuel.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is investing in the future of the next generation through its annual scholarship program. Five young adults will receive $2,000 scholarship awards to pursue higher education. Two scholarships will be awarded to students currently enrolled in college or an university, and three scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors.
  • When you’re feeding cattle, it counts to keep track of every calf, pound and dollar. That’s why customer-focused feeders and cow-calf producers should plan to attend Feeding Quality Forum in Rochester, Minn., on August 14 and 15, 2025. Register for half-price ($125) through June at FeedingQualityForum.com. Registration costs $250 from July 1 to 21. Students can register for $50 until July 21.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to announce it has been awarded $242,600 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Markets Program (EMP) for the animal food sector’s continued market expansion into Vietnam. The EMP will promote exports of U.S. animal food products by continuing to grow the business-to-business relationships that are vital to the success and progression of the U.S. animal food industry.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. This award recognizes family farmers who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship in poultry and egg production. Eligible nominees include family-owned poultry growers or egg producers who supply products to a USPOULTRY member or are independent producers that are USPOULTRY members. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 24.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 6/20

    Carrie Muehling

  • Whether you’ve risen the ranks or are new to agri-marketing, Boot Camp has something for you. Join fellow agri-marketers of all skill levels in Kansas City, August 6–8, for a fast-paced, jam-packed crash course in how to grow and succeed as a well-rounded professional. Sign up for NAMA Boot Camp now.
  • Brush Art Corporation, a full-service marketing agency with over 63 years of experience delivering integrated solutions to local, regional, and national clients, is pleased to announce the addition of Scott McClure as Director of Strategy.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted agribusiness and cooperative associations at the Regional Office in Lenexa, Kansas, to discuss topics at the intersection of agriculture and EPA regulations. Together, these groups represent thousands of agricultural businesses and stakeholders across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
  • New artificial intelligence technology is enabling agricultural retailers and farm supply cooperatives to optimize their operational performance while strengthening all-important customer relationships. In addition to broad-based AI platforms that can be leveraged to simplify everyday business operations, farm suppliers now have access to AI apps specifically designed to support field agronomy and crop production. According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, AI technology offers ag retailers a new set of tools to optimize workflows, inventory management, employee performance and other key business functions. Farm supply businesses that rise to the challenge of adopting AI can also enhance their position as trusted advisors and essential partners in the ag supply chain.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 107th convention theme is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” President Zippy Duvall will be the keynote speaker for the opening general session on Sunday, Jan. 11 where he will set his intention for the year ahead. His address, plus the convention’s many workshops, presentations, and events will encourage you to imagine a bright and successful future, grow within Farm Bureau, and lead in your communities.
  • Kubota North America Corporation (KNA) announced significant leadership changes following the Kubota Corporation (KBT) Board of Directors meeting held yesterday in Osaka, Japan. Effective July 1, 2025, Todd Stucke will take on new responsibilities in Japan as Deputy General Manager of Farm and Industrial Machinery Consolidated Division and Deputy General Manager of the Customer Solutions Division at KBT. He will be succeeded as President of Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) by Alex Woods. Stucke will continue to maintain a connection with KTC as its Chairman, and he will continue in his role as Sr. Vice President of KNA and will participate on the KNA Executive Board.
  • The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Davis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With a distinguished career in leadership and a deep commitment to the equipment industry, Davis is poised to guide NAEDA into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
  • 258 food and agriculture groups representing millions of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and manufacturers sent a letter calling on the Make America Healthy Again Commission to create greater transparency and input in the commission’s activities. The groups raised concerns that the erroneous representations about food and agriculture, as well as the poor evidence used to support those findings, could have been avoided if there had been greater opportunities for stakeholders to participate and provide input to the commission.
  • The American Soybean Association is recognizing exceptional soy volunteers and leaders and requests your help with candidate nominations. During the 2026 Commodity Classic, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements, and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 24. 2025.
  • Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of agriculture — from livestock and crop production to horticulture, forestry and sustainable land management. Kansas State University’s AI in Kansas Ag Conference will delve into how AI-driven innovations are reshaping the future of farming and food systems. Community members, researchers, agricultural businesses and local Kansas producers are invited to attend the conference. Registration is free, but space is limited to the first 200 attendees — register today.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Preview 2025 Tech Hub LIVE

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The fifth annual Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo returns to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines July 21-23 with the theme “TECH THAT WORKS: Driving Efficiencies for Retailer Success and Farmer Resilience.”

    Powered by the CropLife Media Group™, in partnership with the Global AgTech Initiative and AgriBusiness Global brands, Tech Hub LIVE continues to grow as the industry’s largest gathering of ag retailers, dealers, agronomists, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, and tech providers committed to advancing practical innovation in agriculture.

    Conference organizer Magda Gibson says the whole purpose of the event is to create great business, learning, and networking opportunities. “The idea is to bring together leaders across agronomy, data, automation, digital platforms to explore how technology is transforming the business and practice of agriculture,” said Gibson.

    The conference officially kicks off with the Welcome Party Monday evening, sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, which will be held this year at Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs. Prior to that will be the co-located Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) event, which continues to grow in popularity.

    Tuesday will include a welcome from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and a fifth anniversary celebration with awards, followed by the keynote address from Jeff Blair, President and CEO of GreenPoint Ag, and multiple educational and networking opportunities. “We have a great and ever-expanding expo floor, we have the Tech Talks, the Fireside Chats, conference sessions…all of our programming is focused on helping retailers do more with less but continue to innovate and grow as every dollar counts,” Gibson said.

    Wednesday includes sessions on artificial intelligence, Purdue University’s Bruce Erickson with the latest Precision Ag Adoption survey, and concluding with the popular farmers panel.

    Learn more about the 2025 Tech Hub LIVE in this preview interview and click here for registration.
    2025 Tech Hub LIVE preview - Magda Gibson (11:12)

    ag retailers, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Events, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    Precision Ag News 6/19

    Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta announced that its latest weed control solution, metproxybicyclone, has been recognized under a new chemical subclass of herbicides. The decision, by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), reflects metproxybicyclone’s distinction as the fourth generation of ACCase-inhibitors, an important class of herbicides. The third generation of ACCase-inhibitors, represented by Syngenta’s leading molecule pinoxaden, was launched in 2006; the nearly two-decade long gap in ACCase subclass innovation reflects in part the extreme challenges in finding new, effective and safe solutions.
  • MyLand announced the launch of a major initiative to help Arizona farmers conserve water and improve soil performance. The initiative will bring MyLand’s soil health technology to up to 2,400 acres of farmland across the state in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU).
  • Radicle Growth and the supporting corn growers’ associations are thrilled to announce investments in two companies identified through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by US Corn Farmers. The investment prize was equally split between the two finalists – Lakril Technologies and New Iridium, each of which received $750,000.
  • Kynetec, one of the leading global providers of agricultural and animal health data and insights, announces the appointment of Marcos Castro as Chief Transformation Officer.
  • A national research team led by Michigan State University has received a $500,000 grant from the United Soybean Board to develop new diagnostic tools for herbicide-resistant weeds in soybeans. The award currently covers one year but can be extended for up to three years.
  • As part of U.S. Sugar’s commitment to sustainably producing sugar for American consumers over the next 100 years, the Company announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Everglades Equipment Group, one of the nation’s leading providers of John Deere equipment and precision agriculture technology solutions. The partnership includes the use of the latest John Deere technology solutions on sugarcane harvesters and tractors used by U.S. Sugar farmers and operators across the company’s South Florida farms.
  • CNH is proud to announce that the 2025 Red Dot Design Awards has recognized Case IH brand’s Quadtrac 715 tractor in two categories. Red Dot is one of the world’s largest design competitions with over 18,000 entries from 70+ countries recorded for this edition. The Red Dot Label is internationally sought after as a mark of quality for good design.
  • CropLife International published the 2024 Annual Report of its Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework program (SPMF), the flagship initiative created in 2021 to support and enhance ongoing implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management (ICoC).
  • Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading innovative agtech companies, and Taranis, the global leader in AI-powered crop intelligence, announced a new partnership to support growers in adopting sustainable nutrient management practices through the Taranis Conservation™ program. This collaboration will enable Pivot Bio’s dealer network to offer Taranis Conservation services to help growers unlock NRCS funding for regenerative practices like soil testing, nitrogen stabilizers and variable rate technology.
  • Machine learning and camera sensing technology are proving how powerfully AI supports agriculture by boosting efficiency, reducing input costs, and helping farmers grow more sustainably. An innovation from CNH uniting real time crop analysis and automated spraying now comes built-in for its Case IH, New Holland and Miller brands’ sprayer portfolio.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Best AI Agents for Journalists

    Chuck Zimmerman

    GrokSince I’m just getting started with any kind of AI agent I thought I’d use one to suggest the best AI Agents for journalists. Here’s part of the answer.

    The best AI agent for journalists depends on specific needs, but several tools stand out based on their ability to streamline research, writing, fact-checking, and transcription. Here’s a list of top options, grounded in their practical applications for journalism. Each of these are best for certain tasks like writing, research, editing, polishing and transcription. Seems like something I need although I have Cindy to proof and re-write me. And no, Cindy, is not an AI bot.

    For journalists new to AI, start with HyperWrite’s AI Journalist for its tailored approach, or Perplexity for research-heavy tasks. Pair with Grammarly or Otter.ai for editing and transcription to cover all bases. Always double-check AI outputs to uphold credibility and accuracy.

    Now, what do you think? Do you use any of these? Are there others you like better and why? I’ll pass it along.

    Update:

    Here’s one AI agent that was recommending to me after they read this post. Send along any that you would like to add to this list. Thanks.

    AlphaSense

    AI

    Pivot Bio and Taranis Partner for Conservation Efforts

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Ag technology companies Pivot Bio and Taranis are announcing a new partnership to support growers in adopting sustainable nutrient management practices through the Taranis Conservation™ program.

    The collaboration will allow Pivot Bio’s dealer network to offer Taranis Conservation services to help growers unlock funding from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for regenerative practices like soil testing, nitrogen stabilizers and variable rate technology.

    The partnership is focused specifically on enhancing growers’ access to CSP and EQIP programs by supporting the use of Pivot Bio’s flagship product, PROVEN® 40 for Corn, a microbial nitrogen solution designed to sustainably replace a portion of synthetic nitrogen, particularly fall and spring applications that are more prone to loss. Taranis Conservation will equip Pivot Bio dealers and their growers with expert guidance, digital recordkeeping and USDA-aligned documentation to increase funding success rates and promote long-term profitability.

    The unique service simplifies access to government conservation incentives with no upfront cost and a model that only charges when funding is secured. It’s fully aligned with USDA CSP and EQIP guidelines and designed to meet emerging compliance standards for low carbon intensity (CI) scoring. The partnership enables dealers across the Pivot Bio network to immediately begin referring customers to the Taranis Conservation service. Participating growers retain full agronomic autonomy while benefiting from expert guidance and streamlined access to conservation funding.

    For more information on how growers using Pivot Bio’s nitrogen solutions can benefit from conservation funding or to get started, visit go.taranis.com/pivot-bio.

    Agronomy, AgWired Precision, Conservation, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Technology

    Animal Ag News 6/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • The Meat Institute called for the processing sector, a critical part of the meat and poultry supply chain, to be included in the Trump Administration’s plans for a stable and legal agriculture workforce.
  • The University of Idaho released the finalized results of their 10-year study looking into the impacts of grazing on greater sage grouse populations. The study concluded that cattle grazing does not negatively impact greater sage grouse and can only benefit the species through building robust habitat, increasing forage, and reducing invasive grasses that lead to catastrophic wildfires.
  • Thousands of ice cream enthusiasts—including members of Congress, federal officials, and Capitol Hill staff—came together at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 41st Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. Held at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, the popular summertime celebration provided attendees with America’s favorite and newest ice cream flavors, floats and novelties.
  • The week of June 2 was an emotional one for Dean Edge. On Tuesday, he celebrated the life of Blair Vold, the mentor who gave him one of his first chances to sell. By Saturday night, Edge was named the World Livestock Auctioneer Champion.
  • Dairy farmers from across the nation approved a new initiative to boost dairy exports and welcomed a new cooperative member as well as new farmer-leaders at the National Milk Producers Federation’s Board of Directors meeting.
  • Four graduate students researching in areas that benefit dairy cooperatives and farmers are receiving scholarships as part of the 2025 NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program, with one being honored through a scholarship created this year.
  • Farm Journal has announced that Drovers was recently named as the official media partner of “The Future of Beef Show.” Episodes are now available on Farm Journal TV, Farm Journal’s YouTube channel and Farm Journal NOW with new episodes dropping biweekly starting June 17. Connecting people and ideas while shaping the future of the cattle industry, “The Future of Beef Show” is a video podcast hosted by Jim Johnson of “Brands and Barbed Wire” along with Ian Wheal, CEO and founder of Breedr, and Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska feedlot specialist. Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, they share stories from the forefront of modern beef production and show how technology and data can make all the difference while staying true to the values that define the beef industry.
  • The Voice of Milk, a collaboration between the Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Minnesota Milk Producers Association, announced a new addition to its member services team. Andy Welti joins as a Strategic Account Manager to support members of the independent dairy organizations in this multi-state collaboration, amplifying the voice of dairy farmers across the Midwest.
  • As the cattle cycle turns, the nuances of record-low herd numbers and economic challenges have been at the pinnacle of conversations in cattle country. But conversations at the meat case? They’ve turned to rising beef prices. For Certified Angus Beef (CAB), supply and demand are instrumental pieces of the business—and this spring, business was good. Record-setting good. In an otherwise tough time in the beef business, sales and supply records have been a bright spot. The positive numbers mean that quality beef production has not let up, and beef demand is holding. Consumers have proven the value proposition: the good stuff is worth a little more money, for a better eating experience.
  • In the poultry industry, a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) can be a powerful tool for improving safety and operations, but knowing when to use it is just as important as how. As part of a technical reference series, USPOULTRY has assembled a practical guide on how to conduct an RCA and various RCA methods used to identify the root cause of an issue. The Practical Guide to Root Cause Analysis is available to USPOULTRY members only and can be obtained by visiting the USPOULTRY Training Resources webpage and clicking on the Food Safety tab.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 6/13

    Carrie Muehling

  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is partnering with the Farm Credit Council for the launch of a new mentorship program called On Deck. The program connects seasoned grower leaders with young and beginning agriculturalists to build NCGA’s roster of champions.
  • The National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Board has elected Matt Frostic, of Applegate, Michigan as the organization’s next first vice president for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025.
  • The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is pleased to announce that Allison Rivera will join the Association as vice president, government and industry affairs, starting June 30.
  • The American Seed Trade Association honored industry pioneers during the 2025 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Washington, D.C., June 8 – 11, 2025. Awardees were recognized in the following categories: Heritage, Distinguished Service, Lifetime Honorary Member, and Excellence in Science.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be conducting the annual Mushroom Inquiry to document the past growing year. Mushroom growers will be contacted about growing areas, production, and value of sales for the 2024-2025 season as well as growing intentions for the coming year. Growers should receive a questionnaire by early July. Survey respondents are encouraged to use the Respondent Portal at agcounts.usda.gov. The information provided by survey respondents will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, responses will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form. The data will be published in the annual Mushrooms report to be released on Aug. 21, 2025. These and all NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.
  • Join the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) on June 19 for Leading in Uncertain Times and learn how changing what you focus on can drive profound change. Amy Bradford, former NAMA President, and founder of Cultivate Resilience Coaching, shares a simple yet highly effective framework that zeros in on what drives our behavior, and how working with that knowledge leads to lasting change. NAMA Members attend for free. Non-members are $50. Register here.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of 2017 World Food Prize Laureate and outgoing President of the African Development Bank Akinwumi Adesina to the Foundation’s Council of Advisors.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City has selected veteran agricultural educators Melisa Bertz of LaCygne, Kansas, and Dr. Jim Hutter of Springfield, Missouri, as recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the next Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, June 18 at noon CT. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration is necessary! It’s open to members and non-members. Join the Zoom Meeting here.
  • In the ever-increasing importance of advocating for the farmers of today and tomorrow, the Kansas Soybean Association announces its opening for a director of communications to lead the comprehensive strategy for grower outreach in the state. Refer to the position description for further details on requirements and information on how to apply.
    • Zimfo Bytes