Former Livestock Operations Manager Pat Lampert, New Bremen, Ohio, has been named Director of Livestock.
Garry Crosby, director for 13 years, stepped down to take the position of assistant to the president.

Livestock Director Garry Crosby was late for his July 30 marketing team dinner. By the time he walked through the doorway, a crowd of well-wishers greeted him. Completely surprised, he then noticed two of his sons and a grandson in the audience. And he became emotional.

At the July board meeting I made it known to the directors that I will seek another term as National Farmers president. After much soul-searching, lengthy discussions with my family and encouragement from members all across the country, I have made the decision to again run for president of the greatest farm organization where I have ever had the privilege to be affiliated.

National Farmers Vice President Paul Riniker, Greeley, Iowa, has announced he will run for re-election at the 2020 national convention. Riniker has served for eight years as National Farmers vice president. He is a second generation National Farmers member, and was elected to the national board in 1996. His father joined the organization in 1966, and he joined in 1982.

Steve and Karen Stremlau farm in north central Illinois, near Mendota, on land that’s ideal for growing the crops favored in America. The land – four different rented farms and 400 acres – consists of similar soil types, with four or five in every field. “It’s good soil.…And I can see the city lights 12 to 15 miles away at night,” Steve says.

These are difficult times in farm country. Historic spring rains – 600 percent above average in some places – inundated fields and homes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that this year’s corn and soybean crops will be the smallest in four years, due partly to delayed planting.