Farmers Form New Ag Group

The new farmer-led program called the Center for Strategy in Agriculture (CSA) has been created to add value to agriculture through innovative solutions and practical strategic management, Ag Professional reports. The organization applies successful leadership principles from other industries in advancing agriculture in the growing global food, feed and fuel marketplace.

“American agriculture has never been in a better position to advance, but the stakes also have never been higher,” said Steve Wentworth, CSA’s president and Illinois farmer. “Agriculture has been thrust into the limelight with the world’s increasing interest in better food, a growing need for animal feed and the volatile fuel market. CSA is designed to help farmers, agricultural groups and businesses act on opportunities strategically and utilize financial and human resources wisely. There’s little room for error.”

The plans for CSA were drafted more than a year ago between Tim Trotter, CSA chief innovation officer; Randall Rollinson, CSA chief strategy officer; and Wentworth. CSA’s formation relied heavily on the expertise and guidance of Advisory Council members that include: Orion Samuelson, WGN Radio agribusiness director and RFD TV co-host; John Huston, executive vice president emeritus with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Kirk Leeds, chief executive officer, Iowa Soybean Association; and David Erickson, Illinois farmer/farm manager and past president of the American Soybean Association. ❖