Happy New Year! Enjoy the Top 5 Stories from 2024

By Michelle Pelletier Marshall, Women in Agribusiness Media (January 7, 2025)

One of my favorite quotes is "Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present" from Bill Keane. So why, as we turn the page to all things new and fresh in a new year, do we look back at 2024? To give perspective, to realize our accomplishments, to take the time to absorb the news in the sector, to catch what we may have missed that is important and to help us make better decisions for the present and future.

During this time of pause and focus on family, friends and other special people in our lives, we at WIA Today thank you for taking the time to make our events and initiatives (and news!) a part of your business and education world. There are so many new developments happening in the ag sector and its pervasive effect on all cannot be dismissed. We have the chance to make change, follow opportunities and create solutions for challenges, which is all very exciting.

In this new year, please reach out and let us know what you want to hear about, perhaps what you want to contribute, or suggestions to grow the WIA community to keep you in-the-know throughout the year, bringing a new perspective and outlook to the sector.

May 2025 provide abundant opportunities to collaborate and connect for all!

Happy New Year!

Michelle Pelletier Marshall

Managing Editor, WIA Today

Top Five Viewed Stories from WIA Today 2024

1). WIAS23 Takeaway: Ag to Gen Z

While today’s workforce is a melting pot of individuals from different demographics, WIA Summit 2023 had a great panel discussion on Gen Z (though this story was published in 2024 as a recap). This is a generation that has lived most of their lives online with those at the end of the spectrum being the newest to enter the workforce. Since they comprise about one quarter of the U.S. population and have been projected to overtake Boomers in the full-time workforce next year, it’s a group to understand and consider. Are you fully capturing the opportunity they hold? Read more.

2).The Gen Z “Say-Eat-Gap”: How Food & Ag Communicators Can Navigate Gen Zers Complex Relationship With Food

Ketchum took a deep look at Gen Z consumers, who are on track to surpass millennials as the largest consumer base in the U.S. by 2026, to learn more about their relationship to food and how it impacts their perceptions, attitudes, and consumption habits. The most surprising takeaway revealed by the research was the “Say-Eat-Gap”. Read more.

3).Weather Woes Hit Farming Hard, Even Taking a Bite Out of Halloween Chocolate 

Extreme weather, crop diseases and exploitative labor practices have significantly impacted cocoa bean yields. Scarcity of the product has led to a quadrupling of price over the past year to a record-high of $10,000 per ton. What does this mean for candy manufacturers, especially during the "candy holiday", i.e., Halloween. This WIA Today article explored the impact with the help of Wells Fargo experts. Read more.

4).Food Supply Chain Innovation Gets a Boost From New $2 million PE Fund

This new $200 million fund will support the targeted mission of transforming the post-harvest infrastructure sector. Four projects have been identified for the investment vehicle, including operating companies and critical infrastructure assets. PHT Investment Ground Founder and CEO Jim White, Ph.D., described the post-harvest infrastructure sector as "long overdue" for improvement, with over $1 trillion worth of food going to waste globally each year. Read more.

5).Celebrating the Women on USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committees

The USDA's announcement in the summer of 2024 about the appointments of the 55 members who will serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees caught our attention since about 40 percent were women. While there’s always room for improvement in that number, we are pleased to recognize these women for giving their time to assist with the formulation of U.S. trade policy and provide objective reviews of industry trade agreements. Read more.