Mark Waschek

The Four Pillars of Effective Hiring
Ag1Source
9:00 – 9:55 a.m.

Mark Waschek joined Ag1Source in 2006, joined the board of directors in 2013, and became president of Ag1Source in 2022. Mark’s talent management expertise extends to a wide range of companies including family businesses, cooperatives, trade associations, and other organizations up to Fortune 100 companies. Although most of his focus has been working with boards and executive teams to fill senior leadership roles, he helps organizations with needs ranging from sales positions to CEO. Within this sector, he has successfully assisted businesses in finding talent for critical positions or consulted with organizations to help them improve their hiring practices and talent management strategies.

Break for Opening of Tradeshow

Head to the tradeshow floor inside the Century II Convention Center
9:55 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Return to Leadership Forum

Head back upstairs for the continuation of the leadership forum
10:50 a.m.

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Panel

Discussing the Make America Healthy Again Movement
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Full description coming soon.

Jeff Blackwood

CropLife America

Jeff Blackwood joined CropLife America on May 28, 2025 after more than a decade as the policy lead for the agricultural solutions business of BASF Corporation. He brings years of expertise working with Congress, associations, coalitions, and other stakeholder groups on pesticide issues. Prior to BASF, Jeff spent time working in government relations with associations and as a staffer for two senators and a member of Congress.

Dr. Berit Linnehan Foss

National Grain and Feed Association

Dr. Berit leads NGFA’s efforts in feed policy, regulatory advocacy, industry best practices, and sustainability, furthering the association’s mission to advance a safe, sustainable, and innovative feed and grain industry. She is the principal staff contact with federal and state departments and agencies that affect animal food regulatory and industry sustainability issues. She leads the selected NGFA committees, including the Feed Committee and Sustainability Committee.

Dave Spears

Agricultural Retailers Association

David D. Spears recently formed a consulting company with a focus on Agriculture policy and business strategies upon his retirement from his role as Executive Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer of MKC (Mid Kansas Cooperative Association). He was a member of the executive management team guiding strategic vision, direction and growth of an agribusiness providing grain, agronomy, energy, feed and risk management products and services. He served in that role from 2009 – 2024. Mr. Spears has a lifelong background and career in Agriculture with a mix of both private sector and public service experience. His professional career encompasses 10 years in the banking industry, 12 years of policy and regulatory work in Washington, D.C. including Senior Ag Staff Director for Senator Bob Dole and Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, followed by 23 years of executive management of two agribusinesses.

Leadership Forum Concludes

12:00 p.m.