Industry Ag News 5/15

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  • Think Shift™ agency announces the appointment of Charlie Fiordalis as chief executive officer. Fiordalis, a veteran growth leader who helped launch Hulu at NBCUniversal, joins Think Shift following a deliberate two-year search for a “post-generalist” model.
  • Seed Your Future (SYF), the national nonprofit dedicated to horticulture workforce development, announced the launch of #IAmHorticulture, a social media campaign that puts a human face on one of America’s most dynamic and career-rich industries. Through the voices of working professionals – from growers and landscape designers to floral cold chain specialist and turf managers – the campaign reveals the remarkable breadth of careers that horticulture makes possible.
  • Driscoll’s announced two leadership appointments to support CEO Soren Bjorn’s long-term strategy to scale the company’s business model globally, applying the same approach used in the United States to other markets. Wyard Stomp has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role, while continuing to lead the Europe, Middle East, and Africa business. As COO, Stomp will work with the Executive Leadership Team to implement strategy, lead cross-functional initiatives, and support execution aligned with the company’s global plans. Shaily Sanghvi, currently Chief Financial Officer of the Americas, will expand her role to include global responsibility for strategy. In this position, she will oversee financial, M&A, and strategic planning. Sanghvi has experience in corporate strategy, M&A, and finance from roles at PepsiCo and Del Monte.
  • Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI), a leading global provider of equipment and solutions for the agriculture, food and commercial markets, is proud to mark 30 years in business. Formed initially as a holding company in 1996, AGI completed its initial public offering (IPO) in November 2004 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Over the past three decades, AGI has grown from its entrepreneurial beginnings into a global organization serving customers in more than 100 countries. Today, the company offers a leading portfolio of solutions spanning grain handling and storage, fertilizer, feed, food, and digital technologies.
  • Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2027 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the ninth year of the contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available here. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 11, 2026, for consideration.
  • The U.S. sorghum industry announced the first issuance of Sorghum Assurances Protocol certificates, a major milestone that strengthens the crop’s position in global markets by providing verified documentation of U.S. sorghum production practices. Developed by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) in partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), the Sorghum Assurances Protocol establishes a standardized framework to document how U.S. sorghum is produced across key areas including production practices, supply chain integrity and traceability. The issuance of the first certificates marks the transition from development to real-world application, allowing verified sorghum to move through commercial channels.
  • Casselton Fire Department (CFD) of North Dakota has incorporated SoyFoam™ TF 1122 into its operations, applying the soy-based firefighting solution across a range of real-world emergency responses. From residential structure fires to complex agricultural incidents and fast-moving grass fires, these calls demonstrate how SoyFoam performs in demanding conditions while supporting safer environmental outcomes.
  • Indiana Prairie Farmer, a Farm Progress publication, has selected staff writer Allison Lynch to serve as the magazine’s editor, effective May 2026. Lynch will lead Indiana Prairie Farmer’s editorial coverage spanning crop production, livestock, equipment, agricultural business, industry news and the policy issues that directly impact Indiana farmers’ success.
  • Luke McCrea of Faribault, Minnesota, is the recipient of the 2026-2027 Soy Scholarship, sponsored by the American Soybean Association and BASF. The ASA/BASF Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 award presented to an exceptional high school senior who excels in both academic and leadership roles and plans to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field of study at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is open to children and grandchildren of ASA members.
  • Industry icon, Larry Brown, dedicated most of his professional career to the fresh produce business. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many across the industry, and an always present face when the industry came together. Larry’s influence can be felt across the industry at all levels of the supply chain as his work and dedication touched so many people. Most recently, Larry was instrumental in guiding the National Sales efforts at FreshEdge, a role he took great pride in doing at the highest level and with incredible integrity. Larry passed away surrounded by his family in Orlando, FL, on April 30th.
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