Names in the News
New hires, promotions, retirements
AGCO senior vice president Bob Crain retiring
AGCO Corp., an agricultural machinery and precision ag technology company, announced that Bob Crain, senior vice president (SVP) and general manager, Grain & Protein, will retire at the end of December 2024 after nearly 19 years of service to AGCO and more than 30 years' experience in the agricultural equipment business.In his most recent role as SVP and general manager, Grain & Protein, Crain oversaw a strategic review of the business that culminated in the divestiture of a majority of the Grain & Protein business to American Industrial Partners (AIP) in November.Read more
GROWMARK transitions executive leadership team
GROWMARK announced the appointment of Brad Drake, Jeff Lynch, Matt Lurkins and Karmy Kays to key roles on the company’s executive leadership team, effective Jan. 2, 2025. These appointments follow the announced retirements of Wade Mittelstadt, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Barry Schmidt, executive vice president, Retail Business, and Bill Covey, executive vice president and general counsel.
As Drake, Lynch, Lurkins and Kays transition into their new roles, GROWMARK is positioned to build on this foundation of leadership excellence, the announcement said.Read more
Andersons appoints leaders for Agribusiness and Renewables segments
The Andersons Inc. announced the appointments of Weston Heide and Mark Simmons as executive vice presidents to lead the Agribusiness and Renewables segments, respectively, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The shift to a two-segment operating and reporting structure is designed to streamline operational efficiency, enhance cross-functional collaboration and drive growth, the company reported. This structure will support the company's focus on unlocking value across the former Nutrient & Industrial and Trade segments to form the Agribusiness segment.
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Jill Hunter joins Standard Meat Co.
The Specialty Soya & Grains Alliance (SSGA) has named longtime association executive Randy Duckworth as the new executive director. He brings global ties to the agriculture production sector and extensive involvement in connecting producers, processors and buyers.
Duckworth has specialized in agricultural association management, international food marketing and food assistance programs. He has overseen marketing, promotion and research activities in over 75 countries and specializes in linking producers, processors, exporters and buyers or food manufacturers. He most recently served as chief executive officer of the Global Pulse Federation based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Read more
Nevil Speer is back as a contributor for BEEF, Feedstuffs
Farm Progress is excited to announce former contributor and agriculture industry consultant Nevil Speer is returning to BEEF and Feedstuffs after a multiyear hiatus. He will focus on the market and the food industry, lending his expertise through commentary and trade insights.
“Nevil’s understanding of the entire food system, combined with his ability to zero in on the issues of importance with a complete understanding of all sides, make him an ideal contributor to our titles,” said Sarah Muirhead, Farm Progress livestock managing director. “We welcome Nevil back and look forward to his regular columns and reports.”Read more
Applied Animal Science making leadership transition
Applied Animal Science (AAS), the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS), announced a forthcoming leadership transition, recognizing the significant contributions of outgoing editor-in-chief Dr. David K. Beede and welcoming Dr. William “Bill” P. Weiss to the helm starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Beede, who has served as editor-in-chief for seven years, has been instrumental in elevating AAS to new heights while continuing its legacy as a platform championing emerging innovations in animal agriculture, the announcement stated. Read more