Evergreen FS Awarded Patent for Crop Disease Prediction Tool
Evergreen FS was recently awarded a U.S. patent (no. 12,029,147) for its Crop Disease Prediction and Associated Methods and Systems tool that predicts and manages crop diseases.
The technology collects and analyzes various data points, such as weather conditions, soil, and pathogen pressure, to develop predictive models.
“This technology will really help the farmers we serve because the models can forecast potential disease outbreaks, enabling farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops sooner,” said Scott Plato, senior manager of agronomy innovation & technology for Evergreen FS.
Plato says the tool uses data and machine learning to advise agronomists and farmers on the best window of time to apply treatments based on disease risk.
“The machine learning component has the benefit of compiling data and extrapolating insights that would otherwise go unseen by only relying on our human scouts to detect,” he says.
The Andersons Names Bill Krueger as CEO
Bill Krueger, The Andersons’ current chief operating officer (COO), will succeed Pat Bowe as president and CEO, effective October 1, 2024. Krueger also will be appointed to The Andersons board of directors, and Bowe will remain as the company’s chairman of the board.
“Bill has been integral to our strategic growth during his tenure with The Andersons, helping to position the business to take advantage of new opportunities across the agriculture supply chain,” Bowe said. “As COO, he has been immersed in our core operating segments, and has demonstrated exceptional leadership with a proven track record for creating value for shareholders. After nearly a decade as CEO, I am proud to pass the baton to Bill.”
Bowe joined The Andersons in 2015 as the company’s first non-family member CEO. Under his leadership, the company completed its largest acquisition, achieved record revenue approaching nearly $17 billion in 2022, grew adjusted EBITDA from approximately $120 million to over $400 million by 2023, and steadily increased dividend payments, retaining the company’s track record of 112 consecutive dividends.
“I am honored to succeed Pat as CEO of The Andersons,” Krueger said. “Leading a company with such a rich culture and foundational principles is truly a privilege. I am eager to explore new opportunities to further strengthen the legacy and leadership that have driven the company’s growth for over 77 years.”
Krueger joined The Andersons in 2019 and currently serves on the executive committee of the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) board of directors, as well as on the board of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
Crop Quest Announces Leadership Transitions
Kevin Hecht has been appointed as Crop Quest’s new president.
Hecht has been with the company for 14 years, beginning as an agronomy intern and eventually transitioning to an agronomist and then precision ag specialist.
“I am excited to step into this role and work with our exceptional team,” said Kevin Hecht. “We have a remarkable group of professionals, and I am honored to lead them as we continue to innovate and serve our farmers.”
Former president Dwight Koops will move to the role of CEO and will continue to guide the company until his retirement at the end of 2025.
