Retail Training

Agroterrorism: Webinar Explores Multiple Threats to U.S. Food and Ag Supply Chain

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:23:05 GMT

Andrew Rose, agriculture industry consultant, will join Clinton Griffiths, host of “AgDay TV” and editor of Farm Journal magazine, to discuss the threat of agroterrorism to America’s food supply during Farm Journal’s next Farm Country Update .

The free online event is titled “Agroterrorism Remains a Significant Threat to U.S. Farms and Food Supply” and is set for Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, at 3 p.m. CDT.

“There are many threats to our food and ag supply chain including climate, geopolitics and those who seek to harm our ability to provide reliable food for our country,” said Rose. “Clinton and I will explore some known threats to the food and ag supply chains and delve into the agroterrorism aspects of perception, actions and remedies.”

The event will address all aspects of agroterrorism from property vandalism and biological weapons to cyberattacks and corporate espionage. The discussion will include how those events can impact food production, distribution and profitability of agriculture businesses as well as how U.S. farmers can protect themselves from these risks. Audience participants will be able to submit questions to the discussion.

“America’s farmers do a fantastic job focusing on producing an abundant food supply,” said Griffiths. “Unfortunately, for a host of reasons, there are bad actors hoping to stop, steal or destroy their ability to do that work. Andrew is the person to tell them what to watch for, who may be trying to impact their farm and why.”

Register now for this free online event at www.farmjournal.com/farm-country-updates /. All registered attendees will receive on-demand access to the session when available.

Make Ag Retail Sales Fun Again

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:53:39 GMT

Jason Hanson and two ag industry pros are launching Ag Mafia –a consultancy group focused on training ag sales people. Hanson details how they’ll lean on their real-world experience to earn their stripes and what others can learn from their successes and maybe missteps.

Hanson says in his 25+ year career, the technology has changed the most. With roles including sales agronomist, technical agronomist and independent consultant he says one lesson has stuck with him.

“I know I have to perform every year and deepen the customer relationship,” Hanson says. “You can’t take a loyal customer for granted.”

Ag Mafia will provide training, resources and mentorship for those working in ag sales.

“We want to make this fun again—or ‘funner,’” Hanson says.

The founders of Ag Mafia say they’ve seen manufacturers become more sales focused and aren’t providing as high of a level of background services such as traing.

“There used to be a lot of training, and that’s kind of disappeared. There’s still a need for it because you still have all the young newer people coming into the business,” he says.

The sales piece is the bread and butter for the industry, but it requires an understanding of process, efficiency and soft skills.

“I know for me, it was a long time to get the process of how to sell figured out,” Hanson says. “A lot of businesses are trying to reach your customers or new customers more efficiently. There are tools you can use to measure traction of certain emails or messages to make you more efficient.”

He says mentorship is key to help build confidence and competency in the channel.

“For example, you have the meeting, and the meeting is over, and you get home and wonder why did you have that meeting. But if there’s if there’s follow up to a meeting, or in the case of if there’s some type of mentorship, then it kind of takes hold.”

Hear more on The Scoop Podcast:

Heat Warnings Sweep Across U.S.: What You Should Know

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:37:49 GMT

This week, dangerous heat is sweeping across Texas to Wisconsin to Ohio to Georgia.

It’s particularly important to watch out for yourself and each other when heat indexes reach 91 degrees or higher, as referenced by the Mayo Clinic. The heat index is a value calculated with the outside temperature and humidity—which is important as in high humidity environments you can’t effectively sweat. This makes people more prone to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

(Farm Journal)

Health experts say it can take several weeks to adjust to higher temperatures. With this sudden onset of wide-spread heat, it’s important everyone takes steps to stay safe.

Watch Out for Each Other

Iowa State Extension highlights how the signs of heat stress are often overlooked by the victim. As their report details, “The individual may at ﬁrst be confused or unable to concentrate, followed by more severe symptoms, such as fainting and/or collapsing. If heat stress symptoms occur, move the victim to a cool, shaded area, give him or her water, and immediately contact a supervisor or another individual to provide assistance.

8 Tips to Stay Safe Outside in Heat

Stay hydrated, which helps your body swat and keep a normal body temperature.
Eat light—but often.
Protect your skin. Wear hats with brims, sunblock, sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen every two hours (or more often if swimming or sweating.)
Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing.
When possible, schedule activities in cooler part of day.
Take breaks
Take extra precautions with certain medications that affect your body’s hydration or ability to dissipate heat.
Be cautious if you have certain conditions or a history of previous heat illness.

To help everyone stay safe and be aware, Superior Ag Safety and Compliance Manager, Ryan Coleman, reminds everyone to make hydration and safety a priority in this video: