Nearly 100 industry professionals attended the NAMA Reception at Farm Progress Show. Hosted by the Chicago, Gateway, Heartland and Mid-America Chapters, attendees enjoyed cold beverages and networking on a beautiful August day. Photos courtesy of Chuck Zimmerman.

The NAMA Professional Development Awards of Excellence honor members of the organization based on outstanding achievement in each of the Professional Development Areas.  The awards will be presented in conjunction with the NAMA Fall Conference, October 7-9, in St. Louis.

NAMA is excited to announce three marketing and agricultural leaders as winners of the 2019 Professional Development Awards of Excellence.

This year, NAMA recognizes Douglas Reynolds, Marketing and Digital Communications Leader of the United States Region for Corteva Agriscience, in the Marketing Communications area; Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Vice President of Communications for the Animal Agriculture Alliance in the area of Public Relations; and Bob Brunker, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for J. L. Farmakis, Inc., in the area of Sales.

Reynolds played an instrumental role in the successful formation of Corteva Agriscience, the agricultural spinoff of DowDuPont. He is a visionary force guiding the marketing and communications arm for the newly formed company to strengthen and grow the Crop Protection division and all Pioneer brand product lines.

Thompson-Weeman passionately represents livestock and poultry producers in the media and to a variety of influential audiences. She has a strong grasp of issues and is a go-to source of information. Media coverage for the Animal Agriculture Alliance has doubled during her tenure and she’s helping create a bright future for animal agriculture.

Brunker is a respected and trusted sales professional who values relationships. He genuinely cares about clients and peers and is a resource for media buyers, planners, marketing executives and coworkers. Brunker’s dedication to people over the past 15 years has helped lead to a three-time increase in business for J. L. Farmakis, Inc.

NAMA congratulates these three amazing industry leaders on their achievements.

Join NAMA members at a reception hosted by the Chicago, Gateway, Heartland and Mid-America NAMA chapters during the Farm Progress Show.

What a great opportunity to take a break and visit with other NAMA members on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Exhibitor Food Tent, located near Gate 6 on the corner of East and Sixth.

Snacks and drinks will be provided (yes, adult beverages, too).

For more information on the Farm Progress Show, visit farmprogressshow.com.

Mark your calendars for the NAMA/ARC reception at the NAFB Convention. The event takes place on Wednesday, November 13 from 5-6 p.m. in the Garden Terrace. For more information on the NAFB Convention, visit www.nafb.com.

The 16th Annual Boot Camp was attended by over 80 young professionals from companies and agencies in the industry. Check out the photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/namaflickr/albums .

The Farmer Speaks study is designed to monitor the changing attitudes of farmers. It showed in 2019 important trends that would impact the market. The study has predicted further “belt tightening” among growers and adoption of technologies viewed by farmers as necessary for production. Farmers indicated they were seeking any and all sources of financing for 2019 and steady demand for the latest traited seed varieties.

We will discuss the results of the survey, how the trends are tracking, and developments like Midwestern flooding, delayed planting, and the trade war that are impacting growers since the study was fielded.

Please join us as Jan Johnson, Millennium Research, and Jeff Whetstine, March Consulting, explain the importance of tracking trends and how the Farmer Speaks study can provide an early indication of shifting attitudes and behaviors over time.
Click here to register for this webinar!

Cornhusker NAMA gathered to watch the Omaha Storm Chasers take on the Memphis Red Birds for Agriculture Night at Werner Park in mid-July. It was 100 degrees and humid. Avid baseball fans weathered the heat to enjoy the theme of the night – recognizing national Ag Day. The night included great food in a tent and watching the game as a fun group.