Articles by Lydia Johnson

Southern California water leader Shivaji Deshmukh will be the next general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Ian Mariani is now communications director for Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Fresh produce digital operations platform Fusionware announced numerous new hires. The Organic Produce Association hired Jennifer Jacobs as director of marketing and membership. Helena Products Group general manager Patrick Ewan began his tenure as chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology.

The long-term impacts of the latest trade frictions are difficult to parse through, multiple analysts told Agri-Pulse; Brazil will continue to grow its soybean acreage but faces headwinds that prevent rapid acceleration of export growth. 

Boehringer Ingelheim hired Ryan Donnelly as senior associate director of government affairs and public policy. Greg Ruehle was named executive vice president of the Red Angus Association of America. The Organic Produce Association hired Jennifer Jacobs as director of marketing and membership. Helena Products Group general manager Patrick Ewan began his tenure as chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology.

President Trump’s comments that beef imports from Argentina could soon lower U.S. beef prices is being criticized by all corners of the beef industry and some traditional allies.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods hired Laura Lutjen as Midwest regional sales manager. John Hollay has been tapped as the next president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte hired Christian Bray as a natural resources policy adviser. Natural Resource Results LLC hired David Brooks as a government affairs professional. 

A coalition of farmers and food companies launched the American Meat Producers Association to defend state animal welfare laws like California’s Proposition 12, complicating efforts by House Ag Committee Republicans to include federal preemption in an upcoming farm bill.

Veteran agricultural economist John Newton is returning to the American Farm Bureau Federation to oversee the government relations advocacy staff and team of economists. John Hollay was named the next president and chief executive officer of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute for the past seven years, will step down in April. Trade consulting firm DTB AgriTrade hired Krista Dickson as a partner. Lindy Froebel was promoted to vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the National Turkey Federation. 

After working in the nation's capital for more than 25 years, Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute, announced plans to step down.  

President Donald Trump says the U.S., Canada and Mexico could “renegotiate” The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, also known as USMCA…or “do different deals.”

Devon Westhill has been confirmed as assistant agriculture secretary for civil rights, and Michael Boren as USDA's undersecretary for natural resources. Scott Cameron will be acting head of the Bureau of Reclamation. John Hollay will replace Michael Marsh as president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers.