Gene Provides Yield Stability During Periods of Inadequate Water Supply

ST. LOUIS and LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany, June 9, 2009 – Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) and BASF scientists unveiled the discovery that a naturally-occurring gene can help corn plants combat drought conditions and confer yield stability during periods of inadequate water supplies.

The companies stated that they will use the gene in their first-generation drought-tolerant corn product which is designed to provide yield stability to their farmer customers. This product will be the first biotechnology-derived drought-tolerant crop in the world. more

SASKATOON, SK – Fast Genetics, a leading international swine genetics company with US operations based out of Nebraska is pleased to announce the addition of Jerrod Lynott to the team as a full-time technical sales representative.

Mr. Lynott will complement a strong team of existing sales and service representatives within the Fast Genetics system in the United States and will be focusing on growth and development of the Fast Genetics brand in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. more

SASKATOON, SK – Fast Genetics, a leading international swine genetics company based out of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Phil Dykstra to the team as Sales and Multiplication Manager.

Mr. Dykstra will complement a strong team of management personnel at Fast Genetics and will lead the sales efforts of the company going forward. He will also be focusing on growth and development of the Fast Genetics multiplication system as the company plans for growth over the next 5-10 years. more

June 2, 2009 - The Animal Agriculture Alliance (Alliance) is pleased to announce that Aaron Putze, Executive Director of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF); Barbara Jackson, Regional Director of American National Cattlewomen’s Inc. (ANCW); and Derek Yancey, President of Morning Fresh Farms; recently joined the non-profit organization’s Board of Directors. more

University of Florida Chapter and Two Purdue Students Receive Inaugural Yamaha Awards

CYPRESS, Calif. – June 3, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has named the recipients of its inaugural Yamaha-ACT Scholarship Program. The University of Florida Chapter of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) will receive the chapter award, and Whitney Siegfried and Katherine Kuykendall, both ACT members from Purdue University, earned the individual scholarships. As recipients of the individual scholarships, both Siegfried and Kuykendall will also have the opportunity to serve as interns for Yamaha during the 2009 Ag Media Summit. more

SHERIDAN, Ind., Jun 5, 2009 – JBS United, Inc. presented the first John B. Swisher Annual Leadership Award to the company’s Founder and CEO, John B. Swisher, at a Customer Appreciation Celebration held during the 2009 World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. The John B. Swisher Annual Leadership Award is an honor presented to an individual who exemplifies extraordinary leadership qualities and who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the swine industry. The award will be presented each year at the World Pork Expo to an individual selected by the JBS United Awards Committee from a pool of nominated candidates. more

Award Recognizes Entrepreneurial Excellence in the Life Sciences Category

DES MOINES, Iowa – June 5, 2009 – Kemin Industries Inc., a nutritional ingredient manufacturer, today announced that Dr. Chris Nelson, CEO, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award in the life sciences category in the Central Midwest region. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Dr. Nelson was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel on Thursday, June 4, 2009. more

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2009 – The U.S. Grains Council sponsored two teams of swine managers from China and Taiwan to travel to the United States this week to attend the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as attend educational courses and tour U.S. swine farms. Council members Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Department of Economic Development hosted a meeting for teams to ask questions and meet U.S. agricultural industry leaders, including Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. more

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NEWELL, Iowa – June 1, 2009 – Dave Smidt has been named director of nutritional services for the Strategic Nutrition business unit of DFS, Inc.

“Dave Smidt is a great fit for our team,” says Dave Kier, president of DFS, Inc. “Dave’s career experience as a veterinarian and a swine production operations manager has allowed him to be intimately involved in all aspects of today’s hog production. He’s well aware of how each component of the production system needs to work in order to optimize animal performance. DFS is deeply committed to delivering not only the best nutritional package we can, but also providing the best advice to assist our clients in optimizing animal performance. We’re glad to have Dave lead our new strategic nutrition initiatives.” more