Iowa Ag Connection - ASAC Members Build Consulting Skills, Elect Board Members

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ASAC Members Build Consulting Skills, Elect Board Members
Iowa Ag Connection - 12/01/2021

Members of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) gathered for chart-topping professional development in Nashville, Tenn., during the group's annual conference.

Participants gained helpful insights and consulting tools from world-renowned speakers. Featured speakers included Temple Grandin, Colorado State University; Michelle "The Farm Babe" Miller, Gainesville, Fla.; and Andrew Muhammad, University of Tennessee.

During the business meeting, ASAC members elected Kyle Walker, Indianola, Iowa, Peoples Company director of asset management, as president. Recently, Walker was named the Professional Farm Manager of the Year. This award, co-sponsored by Syngenta, Farm Journal's The Scoop magazine and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, recognizes farm managers who display excellence in client service and a commitment to agriculture. Other board members include:

- President Elect Pete Weisenberger, Weisenberger Agricultural Services, Tyler, Texas

- Vice President/Secretary Keith Dickinson, Farm Credit East, headquartered in Enfield, Conn.

- CFO Russell Morgan, Morgan Ag Consulting Services, Portland, Tenn., and Paducah, Ky.

- Immediate Past President Ethan Robertson, Farm Credit East

- Regional Directors: Steve McWilliams, McWilliams Agribusiness, Omaha, Neb.; Keith Raynor, TRP Sumner PLLC, Dunn, N.C.; Ron Rabou, Rabou Farms Inc., Albin, Wyo.; and Joanna Lidback, Adirondack Farms LLC, Peru, N.Y.

During the professional development program, Grandin, who is widely considered the world's leading expert on humane animal handling, shared the importance of improved cattle handling. The systems she developed enhance cattle movement and provide safer environments for cattle and people.

Miller, an internationally recognized speaker, writer and "Food Myth-Buster," addressed "The Truth Behind Modern Agriculture." She encouraged ASAC members to share positive stories about our country's safe, wholesome, nutritious and relatively inexpensive food supply. Modern farming practices allow farmers to generate more output with fewer inputs, which reduces agriculture's carbon footprint and creates a more sustainable future for food production.

Muhammad, the Blasingame Chair of Excellence, discussed the U.S. agricultural trade outlook. He noted that international trade tensions and negotiations demonstrate the intrinsic value of strategic trade navigation. In addition, Muhammad discussed his role of working with Tennessee and U.S. agricultural decision makers in evaluating ag trade policies and programs dealing with agricultural commodities, food and international trade.

ASAC is a non-profit organization based in New Prague, Minn., whose members represent a diverse range of disciplines in the agriculture industry. ASAC's membership is comprised primarily of experienced consultants boasting a wide array of expertise. Their business models range from sole proprietorships to leadership roles in larger, multi-consultant organizations, which cover a wide geographical area.

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