Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years. Saturday, October 12, 2024

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01Farm Hands West

Farm Hands West: Papaleo retires, C&S Wholesale Grocers staff promotions

Michael Papaleo has transitioned from executive vice president and chief procurement officer to strategic advisor for the coming year at C&S Wholesale Grocers. Mark McGowan was promoted to lead C&S’s merchandising organization and Andrew Connell was promoted to lead procurement, demand planning and inbound planning.

Valley Milk added Ron O’Brien to staff as a commodity risk management advisor. Fresh Taste Produce CEO Sal Sarraino died on Sept. 24. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Gonzalez to lead IPFA communications, Keppen to depart Family Farm Alliance

Working Lands for Wildlife tapped Tanner Swank as great plains grasslands biome manager. Family Farm Alliance executive director Dan Keppen will step down from the position at the organization’s annual meeting in October 2025.

Sarah Gonzalez departed from her role at the National Grain and Feed Association to lead communications and public affairs at the International Fresh Produce Association. The National Pork Producers Council added Jake Sterle to staff as director of industry resource development. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise promoted Leah McPhearson to legislative assistant to cover agriculture, food and animal portfolio areas. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Jake Li from EPA to FWS; new NASDA leaders; Hartman begins NCGA presidency

Jake Li, who has led EPA’s efforts to comply with the Endangered Species Act, is moving to the Fish and Wildlife Service where he will take a lead role on endangered species conservation. NASDA elected new leadership at the group’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, including tapping Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward as the 2024-2025 president. 

Illinois farmer Kenny Hartman assumed the role of NCGA president on Oct. 1. Whit Fosburgh joined the National Fish and Wildlife as chief development officer. Patty Cormier was elected president of the National Association of State Foresters. 


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Farm Hands West: Jinich tapped as avocado ambassador, Dümmen Orange staff changes, Duda staff changes

Matthew Hayes joined the Fresh Produce & Floral Council as a program and events director. He fills the role of Emma McBride Taylor, who served as the event and communications specialist for the past five years. 

Dümmen Orange North America hired Sarah Thompson as western region sales manager and Michelle McElhannon, Ph.D. as the new technical specialist. Tim Clark was promoted to United States national sales manager. Chef, cookbook author and television show host Pati Jinich was named as the first avocado cooking ambassador for Avocados From Mexico.


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: Kusel joins NFU, Knapke leaves USDA, CropLife elects Dillenbeck

The National Farmers Union has named Chase Kusel director of communications. Anne Knapke joined the Meridian Institute as a senior director. She has been at USDA since 2021. 

FMC president Darren Dillenbeck was elected to a two-year team as chair of the CropLife America board of directors. Fifth-generation Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury was elected president of the Public Lands Council. Torrey Advisory Group hired Grace Walker as a member and events manager. 


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01Farm Hands West

Farm Hands West: 54th California Ag Leadership Class Announced

The 54th class of the California Agricultural Leadership Program – an advanced leadership development experience for emerging, mid-career leaders in agriculture – has been announced. The 24 individuals will go through a 17-month intensive program with some 55 seminar days, including a 10-day national travel seminar and a 14-day international travel seminar.

The Rancho California Water District board appointed Jason Martin general manager. Tara Sweeney joined the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources – UCANR – supporting F3Local. The Conservation Lands Foundation tapped Chris Hill as CEO. The Environmental Council of the States tapped Jon Niermann as the group’s next president. 


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Farm Hands on the Potomac: John Newton joins Terrain, Hurst appointed USTR ag adviser, Blakey joins BASF, Scott to lead Vermont Law food and ag practice

Former Senate Ag Committee chief economist John Newton is joining Terrain where he will lead a team of economists and analysts. Jamila Thompson was appointed chief of staff and Jon Hurst was promoted to special advisor for agriculture for United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Darryl Blakey joined BASF as manager of government affairs. Emma Scott was appointed director of the food and agriculture clinic at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The Conservation Lands Foundation tapped Chris Hill as CEO. The World Shipping Council appointed Tamekia Flack as director of U.S. government relations. 


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Farm Hands West: Dumas joins Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Vive Crop Protection staff changes

Danny Dumas has been named senior vice president of sales, marketing and product management for North America at Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Vive Crop Protection announced leadership changes: Lana GreenSteve Eskelsen, Greg Esco, Jonathan Adamson

Tuesday was John Newton's last day as the chief economist for the Senate Agriculture Committee under ranking member John Boozman of Arkansas. Bob Trogele has been tapped as CEO at PROAGINVEST LLC.  
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