Member News . . .

SF's Mike Holmberg Retiring After 30-Year Ag-Comm Career

Mike Holmberg, farm chemicals editor for Successful Farming magazine, will retire at the end of 2004.

In retirement he's planning to play more golf and satisfy his leisure-travel bug. He and his wife, Sally, will also be able to spend more time with two grandchildren (and the kids' parents, of course). Holmberg will be open to freelance opportunities as well.

Holmberg, 55, has been on the Successful Farming editorial staff since 1984. Prior to that, he was editor of IH Farm Forum and handled other custom publishing projects for Meredith Publishing Services, a division of Meredith Corp., SF's parent, beginning in 1977. He began his communications career in extension radio and television at Washington State University in 1973 and also worked in public relations for the American Society of Agronomy for three years.

A native of Avoca, MN, in southwestern Minnesota, he graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1972 with a double major in agricultural business administration and agricultural journalism. He received a Masters degree in ag journalism from the University of Wisconsin in 1973.

Holmberg joined AAEA in the late 1970s and contributed his skills to several committees, including the InfoExpo committee, which he chaired in 1998 and 1999. He has won several AAEA awards for his writing. His work also has been recognized by others, including the Mid America CropLife Association, which recently recognized him with its Media Award.

Paula Mohr Joins Farm Progress Companies

Paula Mohr has joined Farm Progress Companies as editor of The Farmer magazine in Minnesota.

Prior to joining Farm Progress, Mohr was associate editor for Dairy Today, a Farm Journal publication, for 20 years. She also has experience with daily newspapers and agricultural public relations.

In her new role, Mohr will direct the local editorial content of The Farmer, which has served Minnesota agriculture with information to help producers maximize their productivity and profitability since 1882.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Minnesota producers and covering the ag industry in the state," says Mohr. "Minnesota agriculture is undergoing a lot of change and I believe The Farmer is an important information resource for producers as they manage their businesses for optimum profitability."

Mohr grew up on a dairy farm in Michigan. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and holds a degree in agricultural communications. She and her husband, Joel Springer, currently live near Anoka, MN. They have three children.

A member of the American Agricultural Editor's Association, North American Agricultural Journalists and the Livestock Publications Council, Mohr has won numerous writing awards from these organizations.

Mohr succeeds Joan Waldoch, who has returned to her home state of Colorado, where she works with the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts.

Farm Journal Media Announces Personnel Changes

Farm Journal Media has announced several personnel changes in its broadcast television properties, AgDay and WeekEnd MarketPlace. It also announced the appointment of Chuck Roth as senior vice president of Professional Farmers of America (Pro Farmer), a wholly owned division of Farm Journal Media.

Long-time AgDay anchor Al Pell is moving to a larger and more focused role with WeekEnd MarketPlace, according to the company. Scott Kinrade will join AgDay as host and executive producer. Brian Conrady was promoted to vice president of production for Farm Journal Electronic Media, the broadcast division of Farm Journal Media.

The new structure will create separate editorial teams and dynamics for each program, says Conrady.

Kinrade will serve as AgDay's on-air host and oversee the show's editorial direction. Previously, he served as main anchor at WVVA-TV. Bluefield, WV. He also has worked at KCCI in Des Moines and KMIT in Mason City. Pell will be devoted to the editorial planning and numerous location taping events for WeekEnd MarketPlace, along with regular "on-the-road" appearances for AgDay. He has anchored AgDay since 1989, and hosted WeekEnd MarketPlace since its launch in 1998.

Chuck Roth is former president of Farm Progress Companies and executive vice president of RFD-TV. In addition to his direct management of the Pro Farmer division, Roth joins the senior management team of Farm Journal Media.