Farm Hands

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Oh, the places FFA can take you – including the White House

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins captured the attention of the agriculture community as the FFA alumni shared her pride in wearing the blue corduroy jacket. In honor of National FFA week, we take a look at Rollins’ background, including the influential role of her FFA adviser that helped her become the nation’s top agriculture official. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Locke joins NOPA, NCGA hires Howard

The National Oilseed Processors Association hired Ryan Locke as vice president of engagement. NCBA elected new officers. Ashley Boles rejoined CropLife America as legal counsel. 

The National Corn Growers Association hired Lane Howard as director of biofuels. Senate Majority Leader John Thune made additions to his communication staff. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac West: Western Growers names leadership class, Harris joins Schiff staff

Western Growers announced the eighth class of leadership program participants. Those selected include: Charles Ferini, James Larson and Patrick Pinkard, among others. Michael Harris joined the staff of Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a policy adviser. 

Cal Poly named Brian Horgan as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences effective July 1, 2025. California Gov. Gavin Newson appointed Sloane Viola chief deputy director of the California Conservation Corps.


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Knupp joins USDA, Combelic promoted at ASA

Courtney Knupp joined USDA as a senior adviser to the deputy secretary. The International Fresh Produce Association promoted Colleen Fagundus to director of floral. The American Soybean Association promoted Alexa Combelic to executive director of government affairs.  

Michael Harris joined the staff of Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a policy adviser. The American Seed Trade Association hired Danielle Cummins as director of member engagement. 


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Farm Hands West: Anderson to retire from California Dairies

Lindsay Buckley was appointed director of communications at the California Air Resources Board. Anne Castle, one of Biden’s top water officials at the Interior Department, submitted her resignation.  

Brad Anderson will retire from California Dairies. Trinity Fruit Co. hired Anna O’Brien as a social media and public relations specialist. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: DTB AgriTrade hires Tumbarello, Appleton joins USDA, Meat Institute hires Chaffee

The National Pork Producers Council hired Kelcy Schaunaman as manager of competition, labor, and tax. Jillien Streit was appointed director of the Montana Department of Agriculture. 

DTB AgriTrade hired Gina Tumbarello as a partner. Phil Radford has departed from the Sierra Club where he previously served as chief strategy officer. The American Coalition for Ethanol board of directors elected new 2025 officers. 


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