Thursday July 26 Ag News

United Soybean Board Approves Funding for Projects at July Meeting

The United Soybean Board approved $65 million in funding for more than 85 projects during its meeting in Omaha, Neb. July 17–19.

Gregg Fujan, United Soybean Board member and Nebraska Soybean Board ex officio, said the three target areas for project funding were oil, meal and sustainability.

“In my particular area, we focused on high oleic soybean promotion and education, whether it be in the food sector or industrial uses sector,” Fujan said.

Projects to promote and support biodiesel and improve the oil quality and fatty acid profile were also approved. In the soybean meal target area, projects targeting increased meal quality were prioritized to address the gradual decline of protein levels in soybeans, as well as genetic improvements and industrial uses.

Fujan said sustainability continued to be a focus for the United Soybean Board.

“Our customers are demanding a sustainable product because their customers are demanding a sustainable product,” Fujan said. “Those processors are looking to us to provide them with a sustainably grown product with the smallest environmental footprint.”

The amount of leveraged funding available helped subsidize the various projects. In the oil target area alone, Fujan said that for every checkoff dollar invested, there are partners investing 76 cents. The total leveraged funding for next year’s projects is $136 million.

“I think that’s a great part of what’s happening with the checkoff investment,” Fujan said. “When making project funding decisions, we always ask if it’s an effective and efficient use of farmer checkoff dollars. We’re trying to create the best return on investment.”



Giesler named head of Plant Pathology Department

Loren Giesler has been named head of the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, effective Sept. 1, 2018. Giesler is currently a professor and extension plant pathologist within the department.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Giesler to the leadership ranks at IANR,” said Ron Yoder, senior associate vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “His expertise and experience will be valuable in leading the Plant Pathology Department in their continued efforts to sustain plant health in Nebraska and around the globe.”

The Plant Pathology Department performs an essential role in improving and monitoring the health of plants grown for economic, environmental and amenity purposes. It does so by innovative leadership in outreach, education, research and fostering economic development and market competitiveness. Partnerships with educational, state, federal, public and private sectors enable plant pathologists to provide dynamic programs that are ecologically sound, economically and environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and scientifically appropriate.

“I am excited to join the leadership team of IANR and look forward to working together with them to build upon and create new successes for the Plant Pathology Department,” Giesler said. “Our current faculty, staff and students in the department have outstanding expertise and potential to solve global challenges associated with microbial interactions affecting plant productivity that is impacting the security of food supplies, bioenergy and the aesthetic qualities of our landscapes. I thank the current leadership team for the opportunity to lead this great department.”

Giesler has spent his career at Nebraska, beginning as a graduate research assistant, serving as a research technologist, and Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic coordinator before advancing in the faculty from assistant professor to professor. In his current role Giesler provides statewide leadership for Nebraska Extension’s plant pathology programs in soybeans and turfgrass.

Giesler earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Chadron State College in 1992. He holds master’s and doctorate degrees from Nebraska in plant pathology.

To learn more about the Plant Pathology Department, visit https://plantpathology.unl.edu/.



NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERS CLINIC FOR THOSE WHO HAVE INHERITED FARMLAND

Those who have in inherited or received farmland and want to learn more about the best strategies for managing the asset are encouraged to attend one of several Nebraska Extension programs being offered across the state in August and September.

“I am contacted monthly from citizens who have had their parents pass away, and now they are managing a farm for the first time in their lives,” said Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension educator and event speaker. “They may have even grown up there, but haven’t been around for 30 or 40 years and need to understand that farming practices and management concepts have changed.”

Questions to be addressed in the three hour workshop include:
-    Am I keeping the farm or selling it?
-    How do I manage a farm?
-    If leasing, what are key lease provisions?
-    What legal considerations do I have with this decision?
-    How do we manage family communications and expectations when other family is involved?

The program is being presented by Vyhnalek and Extension Educator Jim Jansen. The two presenters provide farm land management education for eastern Nebraska.

The workshop series begins Aug. 15 in McCook and will make stops in Central City, Beatrice, Valentine and West Point. For a complete listing of dates, locations and registration information, visit https://agecon.unl.edu/farm-succession. 

Pre-registration is requested by two days prior to the event.  Advance registration is requested to ensure enough handouts for the program. This program is free because of funding from the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award number 2015-49200-24226.

For more information or assistance, contact Vyhnalek at 402-472-1771 or avyhnalek2@unl.edu; or Jim Jansen, at 402-261-7572 or jjansen4@unl.edu.



NE Dairy Store churns out an ice cream feeding frenzy

A new ice cream flavor at the Nebraska Dairy Store is offering Huskers a chance to take a bite out of Shark Week.

Churned custom for Nebraska Shark Week, the piña colada-flavored ice cream includes a swarm of gummy sharks in every scoop. Every three-gallon bucket of the ice cream includes 2.5 pounds of the gummy sharks. The store started serving Shark Week July 22 and will continue until the final scoop is devoured. Learn more about the new ice cream.

The Dairy Store opened in 1917 serving all-you-can-drink milk for a nickel — but only for customers who brought their own glass. Now, more than 100 years later, the Dairy Store is a Nebraska tradition, serving a lineup of sweet ice cream treats, handmade cheeses and meats — all produced on Nebraska's East Campus. Click the 360 degree video below to see how ice cream is created in the Dairy Store plant.



New Extension Specialist Excited to Work with Pork Producers

The opportunity to serve Iowa’s pork industry by working with Iowa Pork Industry Center was one Kristin Olsen just couldn’t pass up. The new extension program specialist at the Iowa Pork Industry Center said she’s passionate about pork production in general, and her recent experiences as both an undergraduate and graduate student at Iowa State University provided great background for her new role that began earlier this month.

“I have been a student in the animal science department since fall 2013 and have worked in labs and offices for the past two years,” Olsen said. “I’ve gotten to know many of the professors and students in the department and am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as I begin my new role at Iowa State.”

She recently finished her master’s degree in swine nutrition under John Patience at Iowa State and said that experience provided a wealth of learning about the U.S. swine industry.

“I was able to work with people from many different areas of the industry, including visiting several commercial farms and feed mills,” she said. “I also was able to conduct a research project off-campus with an industry collaborator and had a short internship with Hanor.”

The exposure to the swine industry during her academic career provided unique opportunities for better understanding practical implications of implementing new concepts and ideas in pork production practices. Olsen said those experiences also taught her the importance of being able to convey complex information in ways that are understandable to a wide array of audiences.

“I also have experience writing and speaking for both industry and academic audiences, which I really enjoy and look forward to using in my role with IPIC,” she said. “I think my experiences have given me a unique set of skills that will serve IPIC and the pork industry well.”

Part of her role will include coordinating the annual Iowa Swine Day event. She’ll also have the opportunity to work on a variety of informational materials and collaborate on specific research projects to help answer important questions facing pork producers.

“I look forward to making Iowa Swine Day even more impactful not only for Iowa’s producers, but for producers across the U.S.,” she said. “I am excited to work with faculty and staff in many different areas of production in addition to nutrition. I also love learning and want to continue developing my skills and my knowledge of the swine industry as I work in this role.”

Olsen can be contacted by email at kmolsen@iastate.edu or phone at 712-249-5731.



SHIC-Funded Feed Risk Studies Lead to Stakeholder Meeting

In May 2017, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) released information from a study it funded showing the potential for viruses to contaminate and survive in feed ingredients. These surprising findings led to on-going research on transmission potential and mitigation. A meeting of stakeholders, including representatives of USDA, FDA, universities, industry organizations, producers, the feed processing industry, and SHIC, was held in June 2018. The objective of the meeting, hosted by SHIC and the National Pork Board, was to review current government policies and regulations and to make recommendations about research to help reduce the risk for pathogen transmission via feed and feed ingredients. 

In addition to the prioritization of next steps, the stakeholder representatives heard updates from companies and federal agencies engaged in parallel work. FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and USDA’s Animal Health and Plant Inspection Service both have regulatory authority related to feed safety.  And USDA’s Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health will help with a review of the scientific literature and will bring experts together to discuss risk. SHIC is funding university and production company-related research to help define feed risk. And feed processing companies are also contributing to the body of work to help identify feed transmission risk and investigate mitigation. Programs were described and outcomes discussed during the meeting. 

At the conclusion of the stakeholder meeting, a prioritized set of next steps for research or investigation was developed:

1.    Mitigation via verifiable controls
The action with the highest priority, mitigation, could include programs for verification of feed component safety prior to shipment from a foreign country. Possible methods discussed and recommended were block chain testing and traceability as well as preventative controls for animal food.

2.    Active foreign animal disease monitoring at ports or importing countries
Active monitoring of imported feed components was ranked second by the stakeholders group. Monitoring for foreign animal disease and other transboundary pathogens at ports of entry, or before shipment from source countries, was discussed. Participants agreed this monitoring should be done at a foreign facility prior to shipment to the US.

 3.    Minimum and median infective dose of classical swine fever (CSF), pseudorabies virus (PRV), Senecavirus A(SVA)/foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) during normal feeding behaviors

Determining the minimum and median infective dose of key swine diseases CSF, PRV, and FMD during normal feeding behaviors was named an essential need. Using a National Pork Board grant, this is being done for African swine fever (ASF) at Kansas State University where similar tests for CSF and PRV can take place. Work with FMD must occur at Plum Island Animal Disease Center where SHIC, NPB and USDA-APHIS are co-funding the project. In addition to infective dose, mitigant effectiveness and survivability tests would be completed.

 4.    Active domestic monitoring
This monitoring would involve surveys of feed processing mills to measure the incidence of different domestic production pathogens found in these facilities. 

 5.    Validation of environmental swab tools
Validation for dust sampling sensitivity using different materials, from commercially-available sheets to sponges, swabs, paint rollers, to other tools, would be conducted.

 6.    Detectability of other viruses via environmental monitoring
Research is needed to demonstrate the ability to detect viruses using environmental samples at various points in feed processing mills. Previously environmental sampling has been shown to be useful for detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus and SVA and that work would be expanded.

 7.    Tote contamination proof-of-concept
Testing for valid ways to sample totes as they carry feed into the country could be to sample the dust of a tote before, during loading, after loading, and after emptying to compare sensitivity of dust sampling to taking feed samples at the same times.

 8.    Rotavirus vs. Enterobacteriaceae as an indicator of possible contamination
Enterobacteriaceae are used as an indicator organism for fecal contamination of feed components. This experiment would compare rotavirus, or some other enteric virus, to these bacteria to investigate if it would be a better indicator of viral contamination.

Stakeholders agreed the goal should always be to prevent introduction of a FAD or transboundary pathogen from entering the US. Participating representatives of the groups agreed about the urgency to investigate, define and mitigate the risk because of its potential as a pathway and the threat it poses to the US swine herd.



Case IH Launches Limited-edition 50 Series Axial-Flow Combine

To commemorate the rich legacy of Axial-Flow® combines, Case IH is excited to launch the 50 series Axial-Flow combine lineup with a special-edition 150 series combine. The 150 series combine features International Harvester heritage styling, color schemes and decals reminiscent of the first Axial-Flow combine in 1977. The memorable white cab top and tire rims give way to the latest harvest advancements to help producers put more grain in the tank.

The productivity enhancements of the legendary single rotor technology, Cross-Flow™ cleaning system and 2-speed electric shift transmission enable the 150 series combine to handle varying harvest conditions and crop types.

“We’re excited to bring back the retro stylings of the 1977 International Harvester Axial-Flow combines, now paired with productivity enhancements desired to help today’s producers harvest more of what they grow,” said Kelly Kravig, Case IH harvesting marketing manager. “For older generation farmers, this combine is a throwback to their earlier farming days. For younger generations, this is the combine they grew up in.”



Soy Growers Thank Administration for Highlighting Soybeans in Talks with EU

The American Soybean Association (ASA) today thanked President Trump for highlighting U.S. soybeans in his talks with European Union President Juncker this week. Focusing on the opportunities for increased trade with European partners, Iowa soybean farmer and ASA President John Heisdorffer issued the following statement:

“ASA thanks President Trump for this effort to increase U.S. soybean exports to the EU, as it will help soybean farmers market what is expected to be a bumper crop this fall. We look forward to learning the details of the agreement and working with USTR, and welcome the opportunity to deepen our relationship with our trading partners in Europe.”



Growth Energy Statement on President's Reaffirmation of Support for E15 Year-Round

Today in Iowa, President Trump announced he was "very close" on delivering E15 year-round. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement in response to the President's comments:

"We are pleased to hear President Trump say he is 'very close' to making E15 available year round, fulfilling his promise to America’s farmers. Increased access to US markets will provide America’s farmers with some financial confidence, and we hope that President Trump will direct the EPA to act quickly to provide year-round RVP relief."

Growth Energy, the nation's top ethanol advocate, is running a television ad asking President Trump to uphold his promise to farmers by allowing the sale of E15 year-round.



ACE addressing ethanol questions from service station owners in fourth Mexican city this year

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty traveled to Chihuahua this week for the fourth of six technical ethanol workshops the U.S. Grains Council is holding for Mexican petroleum equipment installers and retailers.  The workshops address questions and concerns of local station owners about sourcing, marketing, and profiting from ethanol-blended gasoline, as Mexico’s transportation fuel sector continues to evolve.

 “Chihuahua is one of a few larger Mexican cities that may be close enough to buy E10 blended at a U.S terminal and ship it back to Mexico economically,” Lamberty said. “Chihuahua is about 250 miles from El Paso, Texas, which is closer than the Mexican refineries and prices favor U.S. ethanol.”

“My presentations to these groups are primarily math and history,” Lamberty added. “We “do the math” of splash-blending less expensive ethanol with gasoline, and I explain the history of getting ethanol from the middle of the U.S. to the rest of the country, via rail and splash blenders. We expect a few of the people at these events will get the idea they could be one of the wholesalers who takes ethanol all over Mexico.”

Last month, Lamberty was in León speaking at the first workshop held since a Mexican tribunal overturned an injunction which applied to state-owned oil company Pemex blocking ethanol blending from climbing to 10 percent from 5.8 percent. Earlier this spring, Lamberty spoke at two other workshops in Monterrey and Tijuana, and last year, he traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, to meet with members of Association Mexicana De Empresarios Gasolineros (AMEGAS), Mexico’s largest group of gasoline station owners.

Lamberty will participate in two more USGC technical workshops in Mexico yet this year, with a trip to Xalapa planned to take place next month and a meeting in Mexico City in September. Interest and attendance increase at each event, and ACE will continue to work with the USGC to provide information to retailers and others who want to sell more ethanol.



NMPF Statement on FDA Announcement to Prioritize Review of Standards of Identity for Dairy Products
President and CEO Jim Mulhern

“We are pleased to see that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally recognized the need to increase its scrutiny of plant-based products imitating standardized dairy foods.

“The statement released earlier today by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb echoes our long-standing public health concerns regarding nutritional deficiencies in plant-based foods bearing the term ‘milk.’

“We are further encouraged by FDA’s recognition that standards of identity also verify that a food must possess a ‘basic nature’ and measure of expectation to earn the use of the standardized name.

“We applaud Commissioner Gottlieb’s assertion that FDA will take regulatory action against products bearing misleading labels. Our hope is that such regulatory actions will begin promptly and not be further delayed by the announced dairy standards review process.”



NMPF Tells FDA: Review of Food Standards Should Start with Enforcement

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must enforce standards of identity for dairy products because these federal definitions are critical to safeguarding consumers from making purchases of products whose labels are false and misleading, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said today.

At an FDA hearing Thursday focused on modernizing food standards of identity, NMPF argued that the agency should first start enforcing the existing standards for dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt. Consumers use these standards to make informed purchasing decisions and expect a certain level of product performance in return, said Tom Balmer, NMPF’s executive vice president.

“It seems inconsistent to talk about modernizing standards to improve nutrition and assure accurate information to consumers when FDA has been allowing nutritionally inferior products to use standardized terms like ‘milk’ for so long,” Balmer testified. “Instead of continuing to look the other way, let’s start by enforcing current standards of identity and then talk about potential improvements.”

Food standards help guarantee that consumer expectations are met both in terms of levels of key ingredients and consistency sensory attributes like taste and mouthfeel, said Balmer. While standards weren’t initially developed for nutritional reasons, there is a direct link between the ingredients found in a standardized food and the nutrient package that results from their consumption.

Such is the case with dairy imitation foods like “almond milk,” “soy cheese” and “rice yogurt.” For too long, these products have used dairy terms to associate themselves with the positive traits of milk-based foods, including the significant levels of nine essentials nutrients found in real milk. Because of this marketing tactic, consumers don’t realize they’re being tricked into thinking these products are suitable replacements for the real thing.

“This is a marketing gimmick, and a clever one,” Balmer said. “Such products not only lack ingredients specified by the standards, they frequently fall short in expected characteristics like mouthfeel, taste and texture, and are nearly always less nutritious.”

FDA acknowledged the public health consequences when it released a statement before the hearing announcing it would prioritize taking a closer look at the standards of identity for dairy products (NMPF published its response to this earlier today).

Over the last 20 years, NMPF and its members have made repeated requests for FDA to take enforcement action on misbranded imitation dairy products, with FDA continually claiming the issue is not an agency priority. The public, however, feels differently. A recent independent poll found that American consumers, by a 2-to-1 margin, oppose the use of “milk” as a designation for non-dairy beverages.

Balmer insisted that FDA start enforcing the labeling laws already on the books and rein in the “marketplace chaos,” adding that that the process “doesn’t need to take a year or more.” NMPF also plans to file written comments as part of the FDA’s review of this issue.



Cattlemen Urge President Trump to Support USDA Oversight of Lab-Grown Fake Meat

Today the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and other leading organizations in the animal agriculture industry (“the Barnyard”) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him to ensure the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) acts as the primary regulatory authority over lab-grown fake meat products. The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) designates USDA as the main oversight body for emerging lab-grown products. However, in recent weeks the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved aggressively to assert regulatory jurisdiction over lab-grown fake meat.

“The American people elected President Trump because they trusted him to promote a level playing field for American products around the world,” said Kevin Kester, President of NCBA. “Now, the President has the chance to demonstrate his support for free and fair markets right here at home. By supporting USDA oversight of lab-grown fake meat, the President will protect American consumers and ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers are not disadvantaged in the marketplace.”

In the letter, the Barnyard groups highlight the critical role USDA plays in enforcing the same rigorous food safety and labeling standards for all meat and poultry products.

“Undoubtedly, USDA’s exacting standards impose regulatory burdens on meat and poultry producers – as they should,” the groups wrote. “However, if cell-cultured protein companies want the privilege of marketing their products as meat and poultry products to the American public, in order to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, they should be happy to follow the same rules as everyone else. Consumers expect and deserve nothing less.”

The groups also questioned the FDA’s “regulatory power grab” and noted that the agency’s actions are inconsistent with a recently-released White House government reorganization plan.



USGC Meeting To Tackle Trade Outlook During Denver Meeting

Delegates gathering for the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 58th Annual Board of Delegates meeting, scheduled to begin Monday in Denver, will attempt to unravel the opportunities and challenges for U.S. coarse grains and co-products in today’s complex and dynamic global trade environment.

The meetings will kick off with a general session at which members and state staff will hear from leading trade and market-specific experts on the status and future of U.S. agricultural trade relationships with countries including China and Mexico. Attendees will also discuss the outlook for exports of grains in all forms, including increased demand from the Middle East and potential growth areas for ethanol and meat and poultry exports.

“This meeting will be an excellent opportunity for our members to engage directly with fellow delegates and Council staff on opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agriculture,” Keller said. “True to this year’s theme, Friends and Frontiers, we will dive into discussions on our global efforts to strengthen relationships with key partners and build new demand for coarse grains and co-products, including ethanol.”

The Council’s Advisory Teams (A-Teams) will meet to receive updates on specific commodities and markets and provide direction for USGC staff in the coming critical months. USGC delegates also will adopt next year’s budget and elect new officers and board members.

“The sun never sets on our efforts to develop critical markets, dismantle trade barriers and serve our customers overseas,” Keller said. “We rely on your engagement as we peruse the important trade policy and market development work happening around the world.”

Find out more about the meeting www.grains.org/event/denver and follow along on social media using the hashtag #grains18.



Perdue to Travel to Argentina

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will travel to Buenos Aires from July 27th to July 29th to participate in the G20 Meetings of Agriculture Ministers. While at the G20, Secretary Perdue will discuss important issues facing agriculture around the world and engage in policy dialogues with his counterparts. The Secretary will also participate in events at La Rural, Argentina’s premier agriculture exposition.

“We greatly value our close relationships with our international agricultural partners,” Secretary Perdue said. “The opportunity to discuss today’s most pressing challenges facing agriculture is invaluable, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish.”

Secretary Perdue will begin his trip in Buenos Aires on July 27th by taking part in the G-20 Summit, which will focus on a variety of issues including the future of the agricultural workforce, infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable food future.  Following the summit, Secretary Perdue will travel to Dona Sofia Polo Ranch in San Antonio de Areco on July 29th where he will meet with the owner, as well as veterinarian and breeding staff to discuss new breeding and genetics technologies for horses and cattle.



Land O'Lakes, Inc. Names Beth Ford President and CEO

The Land O'Lakes, Inc. Board of Directors announced today its selection of Beth Ford as President and CEO of one of the nation's largest food and agricultural cooperatives and #216 on the Fortune 500. Ford assumes leadership of the company following the retirement of Chris Policinski. Ford will assume the role of President and CEO effective Aug. 1.

Ford comes to the CEO role after a series of successful executive postings within the company. In December 2017, Ford was named Chief Operating Officer of Land O'Lakes Businesses, in which role she oversaw Land O'Lakes' WinField United, Purina Animal Nutrition and Dairy Foods business units. Prior to that, Ford was head of Land O'Lakes' Dairy Foods and Purina Animal Nutrition businesses, where she led record performance and growth, leveraging innovation through R&D to strengthen both brands. She also was instrumental in the acquisition of Vermont Creamery in early 2017.

Prior to joining Land O'Lakes in 2011, Ford had excelled in executive operations management and supply chain roles at International Flavors and Fragrances, Mobil Corporation, PepsiCo and Pepsi Bottling Company and Scholastic. Ford has more than 20 years' experience specifically in the areas of technology and R&D, as well, across these four companies.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Beth earned an MBA at Columbia University Business School and a BBA at Iowa State University. She remains involved in both universities, sitting on the Deming Center Board of Advisors for Columbia Business School and the Dean's Advisory Committee for the College of Business at Iowa State.

Ford also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Milk Producers Federation and non-profit boards, including Greater Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis. She sits on the Boards of Directors of two publicly traded companies, including PACCAR, Inc.

Announcing her appointment, Board Chairman Pete Kappelman said, "At a time of unprecedented change in the agriculture and food industries, no person is better suited to lead us into the future than Beth Ford. Since joining our company in 2011, Beth has proven she's not afraid of hard work, and she sees every challenge as an opportunity to deliver more value for our cooperative. She's built a track record of success in a wide array of leadership roles across a decades-long career, and in her seven years at Land O'Lakes, she has earned the trust and respect of our members, employees and customers. We are thrilled to have someone of such strong qualifications and character to build on the legacy of growth that Land O'Lakes has established."

Commenting on her appointment, Ford said, "I'm humbled and honored to have the chance to serve this great organization. I am grateful to the Board of Directors for their trust in me and for the management team that built the strong foundation we currently enjoy. I look forward to continuing to work with the talented and dedicated leadership team, as well as our outstanding employees to deliver for our member-owners, customers and communities. There has never been a more exciting time to be in the agriculture and food industry. Together, our team will work to continue our growth trajectory, as we lead the way forward into the company's next 100 years."

Ford becomes the ninth CEO of Land O'Lakes, one of the nation's largest agricultural cooperatives, which was founded in 1921. Ford and her spouse, Jill Schurtz, have three teenage children and live in Minneapolis. 



 DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA INVESTS IN MOPRO GREEK YOGURT

In an effort to drive demand for dairy and support industry growth, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national cooperative owned by dairy farm families, is helping bring innovative products to the dairy case. This week, the Cooperative announced an investment in MOPRO Nutrition (MOPRO), an all-natural, high protein, low sugar, whole milk Greek yogurt infused with whey protein combined with probiotics. MOPRO positions itself as a smarter replacement for protein bars, protein shakes and regular Greek yogurt.

MOPRO recently completed the 2018 Sprint Accelerator program, which is also sponsored by DFA. The Accelerator is a 90-day, immersive program that helps accelerate and grow startup businesses.

“As a farmer-owned Cooperative, DFA is continuously looking for innovative ways to bring dairy to consumers, and this investment in MOPRO reflects that commitment,” says Monica Massey, senior vice president and chief of staff at DFA. “We think there’s a lot of growth potential with more natural, high-protein products and look forward to working with MOPRO to help make them a household brand.”

Through this relationship, DFA and MOPRO will work together to increase product distribution and build brand awareness.

“I am excited to work with DFA on a permanent basis. We developed a nice relationship during the Accelerator program, and they share my vision for evolving the yogurt category and bringing the highest-quality and innovative, fresh nutrition products to the marketplace,” says Michael Moran, founder, MOPRO.