The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), St. Louis, Mo., created the Sustainability Officers Council to provide food processors access to speak with a farmer or rancher about current and future sustainability practices in agriculture.

The Sustainability Officers Council is led by Kyle Bridgeforth, Alabama crop farmer; Tom Crave, Wisconsin dairy farmer; Cassidy Johnston, New Mexico cattle rancher; Nancy Kavazanjian, Wisconsin crop farmer; Hilary Maricle, Nebraska cattle, pig, corn and soybean farmer; and Leon Sheets, Iowa pig, corn and soybean farmer.

"As former chairwoman of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, I look forward to serving voluntarily as one of the sustainability officers and highlighting how all farmers make environmental sustainability a priority," says Kavazanjian. "These farmers and ranchers serve as a great representation of today's agriculture, making continuous improvement a priority by utilizing technology to enhance animal welfare and conserve our natural resources."  

As part of the Sustainability Officers Council, these six farmers and ranchers will participate in conversations with food companies and retailers, offering data, research and knowledge about modern agricultural practices on today's farms and ranches.