Items Tagged with 'Duane Simpson'

President Donald Trump and senior officials said Monday that the administration will provide $12 billion in financial support for farmers, with the first $11 billion going to row crop producers before the end of February 2026.

Farm groups and other USDA stakeholders are raising concerns about the impact the Trump administration’s reorganization plan will have on agencies and personnel. The planned closure of a major research center in suburban Maryland and the department’s plan to consolidate staff in five regional hubs also are drawing some opposition.

Duane Simpson, formerly with the Bayer Crop Science Division, took over as the leader of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives this week. The International Dairy Foods Association promoted Michelle Albee Matto to vice president of regulatory affairs and nutrition. 

Elisha Modisett Kemp was promoted to head of U.S. government and industry affairs at Corteva Agriscience. David Bergstein was named communications director for Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. Brian Liedl joined the U.S. Wheat Associates as vice president of overseas operations. 

Jamison Cruce left his position as vice president of government relations at USA Rice to launch his own firm, Cruce Capitol Consulting. Jake Westlin, former vice president at the National Association of Wheat Growers, will succeed Cruce at USA Rice. The Senate Ag Committee Republicans hired Carlye Winfrey as a legislative aide. Growth Energy hired Jared Henderson and Emma Keiser as directors of government affairs. 

Martha Smith was promoted to vice president of North America agricultural affairs and license to operate at Bayer Crop Science. The National Pork Producers Council hired Shannon McMurtrey-Belson as senior director of international affairs and Dillon Davidson as director of state policy. Jeremy Witte was sworn in as deputy under secretary of marketing and regulatory programs at USDA.

Hermosa Beach city council member Ray Jackson was appointed to the South Coast seat on the California Coastal Commission. Duane Simpson, vice president and head of North America public affairs, science and sustainability in Bayer's Crop Science Division, is succeeding Chuck Conner as president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

 Kapi Kapi Growers hired Marissa Geoffroy as director of supply chain. Jennifer Clever is now senior director of the Asia and Pacific Division in the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Office of Trade Policy and Geographical Affairs.

The National Pork Producers Council hired Wendy Brannen as vice president of communications and marketing. Jimmy Peacock departed Capitol Hill to join Cornerstone Government Affairs as a principal. Patrick Penn was appointed as deputy under secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service.

Will Sitton joined Invariant’s food and agriculture practice as a senior manager of government affairs. The National Pork Producers Council hired Wendy Brannen as vice president of communications and marketing. Duane Simpson will succeed Chuck Conner as president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

Bayer Vice President Duane Simpson was named to succeed Chuck Conner as the next president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.