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Being inspired - a great day on AALP's North American Study Tour

The FFA Creed - as applicable now as when it was written in 1930

After staying with some terrific families in their homes, AALP Class 15 traveled to the National FFA Center in Indianapolis. For some of us, this was the first introduction to the FFA while others had a more in depth understanding of who they are. We learned that FFA goes through the school system, starting in middle school, and to have a chapter the school must have some sort of agricultural educational component. The membership dues are only $5 and in some states, this cost is covered by the school system. They have 579,678 members and 4,570 chapters in the US. The national FFA convention has almost 63,000 attendees!! Wow. 

We then visited Elanco. Its mission is inspiring: "Food and companionship enriching life". They use technology and innovation in the world of animal health protection, nutrition and quality of life to make a difference in agriculture. Quality assurance is important to the company as a deferential factor in the business. Elanco is bridging the gap between what goes in the animal to the family table, and in order to do this food safety has to be at the top of the list.  

Elanco is leading the ENOUGH campaign to bring more awareness to world hunger and food security issues. You can learn more about the initiative at sensibletable.com.  

We participated in a discussion with a graduate of an ag leadership program in the area who gave some insight on the experience: "It's the small things that make a difference and journal everything so weeks later revisiting it will give a different perspective."

We then embarked on our long plane ride to Washington  DC, Stay tuned for a great blog tomorrow!!

Be sure to follow along with the class on Twitter #NAST2014.

 

 

 

 

 

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Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

CCGA Selected a Manitoba Top Employer

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) has been recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, a competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top Employers, now celebrating 20 years of exceptional workplaces in the province. Earlier today, the results of the 2026 competition were announced online at Eluta.ca and in a special feature in the Winnipeg Free Press. “Being named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for 2026 is a proud achievement for CCGA,” says Rick White, President & CEO at CCGA. “This honour reflects the dedication and passion of our amazing team and their commitment to our vision of Helping Farmers Succeed and advancing agriculture within the province and across the country.” To achieve recognition through Manitoba’s Top Employers, CCGA was assessed on eight criteria, including 1) workplace, 2) work atmosphere, 3) benefits, 4) vacation and time off, 5) employee communications, 6) performance management, 7) training and development, and 8) community involvement.

Farmers’ Markets Ontario names new executive director

Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) has announced that Melanie Anderson, Ottawa, will assume the role of executive director, effective April 1, 2026. FMO is the only official provincially recognized organization representing more than180 farmers’ markets across the province.

Farmers again caught in geopolitical crossfire

A week ago, things were looking up for Prairie farmers. Canola prices were rising on news China would follow through on its promise to reduce its 75.9 per cent anti-dumping tariff on canola seed after Canada eased steep tariffs on imported EVs. Those canola tariffs have now dropped to 5.9 per cent, plus the nine per cent standard import tariff already in place. While not zero, tariffs of just under 15 per cent make it possible to restore trade flows and maintain China as Canada’s second-largest canola customer. As well, Canada’s prime minister was in India on another diplomatic defrosting mission with positive implications for agricultural exports. Any time the world’s largest exporter of pulse crops such as peas, lentils and chickpeas can make inroads into the world’s biggest market for those commodities, the sun shines a little brighter. While more sales to India weren’t on the agenda, the talks between Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi still shouted progress.

Pulse Market Insight #293

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Mustard Breakthrough Brings Yield Gains — But GM Concerns Echo Flax Triffid Crisis

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