Farm Bill

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The International Dairy Foods Association made two staff changes. Samuel Alcaine, Ph.D., was hired as Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs and Jeffrey Cullen was hired as director of video production and digital communications. The Renewable Fuels Association elected new officers. Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Aztalan Bio, was elected chair. 

Harley Janssen is the new director of outputs and measurements at the National Corn Growers Association. He will focus on translating and interpreting production and sustainability data to help growers access new sustainability markets. Brent Boydston started Ag Center Solutions, his own consulting firm. Stefanie Katzman was tapped as CEO of her family’s company, Katzman. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is up to 11,709 full-time staff, a level not seen in over a decade, amid its efforts to roll out $19.5 billion in additional conservation funding provided through the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is gaining ground in its fight to recruit enough staff to handle an infusion of additional conservation dollars while staving off the impacts brought on by a seemingly endless stream of retirements and job changes.

Michael Papaleo has transitioned from executive vice president and chief procurement officer to strategic advisor for the coming year at C&S Wholesale Grocers. Mark McGowan was promoted to lead C&S’s merchandising organization and Andrew Connell was promoted to lead procurement, demand planning and inbound planning.

Valley Milk added Ron O’Brien to staff as a commodity risk management advisor. Fresh Taste Produce CEO Sal Sarraino died on Sept. 24. 

Working Lands for Wildlife tapped Tanner Swank as great plains grasslands biome manager. Family Farm Alliance executive director Dan Keppen will step down from the position at the organization’s annual meeting in October 2025.

Sarah Gonzalez departed from her role at the National Grain and Feed Association to lead communications and public affairs at the International Fresh Produce Association. The National Pork Producers Council added Jake Sterle to staff as director of industry resource development. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise promoted Leah McPhearson to legislative assistant to cover agriculture, food and animal portfolio areas. 

Jennifer Lind joined Church Brothers Farms as director of business intelligence and analytics. Rice Fruit promoted Alexandra Roberts to vice president of culture and compliance.  

The New England Produce Council announced new leadership positions: David Dearborn, Jodie Reardon, Scott Maher, and Lynn Perry. 

Jake Li, who has led EPA’s efforts to comply with the Endangered Species Act, is moving to the Fish and Wildlife Service where he will take a lead role on endangered species conservation. NASDA elected new leadership at the group’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, including tapping Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward as the 2024-2025 president. 

Illinois farmer Kenny Hartman assumed the role of NCGA president on Oct. 1. Whit Fosburgh joined the National Fish and Wildlife as chief development officer. Patty Cormier was elected president of the National Association of State Foresters. 

The 2018 farm bill, which was extended last year until Sept. 30, 2024, has now expired once again. What does that mean for major farm and nutrition programs?

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Saturday that the Biden administration has no plans to intervene to stop a dockworker strike. He also told reporters lawmakers need to “get practical” in their farm bill negotiations.

Matthew Hayes joined the Fresh Produce & Floral Council as a program and events director. He fills the role of Emma McBride Taylor, who served as the event and communications specialist for the past five years. 

Dümmen Orange North America hired Sarah Thompson as western region sales manager and Michelle McElhannon, Ph.D. as the new technical specialist. Tim Clark was promoted to United States national sales manager. Chef, cookbook author and television show host Pati Jinich was named as the first avocado cooking ambassador for Avocados From Mexico.