A graduate of Gosport High School, she earned her BS in Education from Indiana University and her Masters’ degree in teaching from Depauw University. She was a member of Millgrove Methodist church and the Indiana State Teacher’s Association. She taught in the South Putnam school system for 10 years and loved being around children.

In 1980, Hamm-Evans ended her teaching career in order to start Magic Circle Corporation, or better known as Dixie Chopper. When she and her ex-husband launched the company, they started with only $5,000. At its peak, they were employing more than 200 local community members. She treated every employee like they were family. Most commonly referred to as “Mama Jean”, she wouldn’t hesitate to take time out of her day to talk to employees about their troubles whether they were work-related or not.

Hamm-Evans leaves behind a powerful legacy, both in terms of her economic impact on hundreds of lives in Putnam County and more importantly in the deeply personal relationships, she built with all of the people she touched with her wisdom, her kindness, and her generosity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 13th from 4-8 pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home in Greencastle, Ill. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 14th at 11 am. Burial will be at Hudson Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.

Source: Dixie Chopper

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Helmut Claas was born in 1926 in Harsewinkel, Germany. His parents, August and Paula Claas managed a small agricultural machinery firm with a workforce of around 100. He completed an apprenticeship as a machine fitter after graduating from school. His early career followed in metalworking firms and further practical training in casting. After studying agriculture in Paris, he took over the planning and establishment of a Claas distributor in France, which now operates as Claas France SAS. He joined his parents’ firm in Harsewinkel in 1958. Here he applied himself to his particular area of expertise, which was engineering.

In 1962 he was made managing director. Helmut Claas accepted the position of personally liable partner when the company was reconstituted as a general partnership in 1978. In 1996, as part of the restructuring of the firm into a joint-stock company, he changed from the role of managing director to the chairman of both the Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee.

His special focus was always on developing pioneering products and mass-producing them economically. During his era, following the success of the DOMINATOR combine harvester, came the completely new development of the LEXION, which is today the most efficient combine harvester in the world. The JAGUAR forage harvester and the large tractor XERION were also developed under Helmut Claas.

In 2003 he succeeded in taking an important step towards the company’s future: Claas took over the tractor business from Renault Agriculture in France. In other respects, too, internationalization continued to progress with the establishment and expansion of production sites in Russia, the USA, and China.

Four internationally renowned universities in Hungary, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and Germany awarded honorary doctorates (Dr. h. c.) to Helmut Claas. In the year 2000, he received the honorary title of “Doctor of Agricultural Science” from the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim. This university also made him an honorary senator in 2004.

In June 2009, the Goryachkin University in Moscow bestowed an honorary professorship upon him, and he was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his pioneering efforts on Franco-German cooperation. In November 2013, Helmut Claas was inducted into the Hall of Fame of American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). An important highlight was the awarding of the Diesel medal by the German Institute of Inventions in 2017.

Personal awards, such as honorary citizenship of his hometown of Harsewinkel, Germany, the Medal of Merit of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, as well as the Order of Merit of the French Agriculture Minister, round off his life’s work.

Helmut Claas was first and foremost a farmer. He ran a farm in East Anglia in Great Britain and often stayed there with his wife, Erika. He enjoyed keeping in touch with farmers in the neighborhood and took a keen interest in issues concerning agricultural firms. He also had a passion for hunting.

And he had long since taken care of the ongoing development of the family business, as the next generation has already taken over the running of the CLAAS Group. Today his daughter, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, manages the decision-making and development of the successful group of companies.

The death of Helmut Claas leaves behind a space in the world of agricultural technology that cannot be filled. His family, all the shareholders, the Group Executive Board, and the staff mourn the passing of a great personality and will continue to develop the CLAAS Group as he would have wished.

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In this role, Williamson will conduct field trials and research evaluating the impact of various hay production practices on forage yield and quality. She will also support the AGCO Green Harvest team through project collaboration and advisement on livestock nutrition and forage quality. One of her first projects evaluates the differences in the nutritional value of silage bales when wrapped in plastic at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after baling. As she conducts research, she will help customers and dealers learn the most effective techniques for harvesting high-quality forages.

“I am excited to be part of the AGCO Crop Care team working with hay producers. Hesston by Massey Ferguson has been a leader in hay and forage equipment for more than 70 years. To conduct research that helps our products provide the best possible results for hay and livestock producers is a welcome challenge. Plus, to build upon the trust of those who rely on our hay and forage equipment is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

Williamson says.

Before joining AGCO, Williamson served as the extension forage crops specialist and assistant professor of Forage Management at the Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences in University Park, Pennsylvania.

“In today’s climate, producers need tools and know-how to remain profitable and ensure their operations are sustainable. The research projects Jessica is conducting are just some examples of the AGCO Global Crop Tour field trials began in 2015 to provide research-based products and practice recommendations that will benefit crop and livestock producers and the land that we all rely upon.”

says Darren Goebel, AGCO director of Global Agronomy and Farm Solutions.

Source: AGCO

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Lars Lindgren, President of Brokk Inc., said:

“Brokk’s demolition robots are all about having the right tool for the job. The same is true for our staff. Jeff is the perfect candidate to help us spur growth in North America. A lifetime of first-hand application and sales experience in a number of our core industries gives him a unique perspective on how best to support our customers.”

Keeling joined Brokk in 2013 as the Midwestern regional sales manager. He brought extensive experience in the concrete cutting and demolition industry to the position, including stints with Husqvarna, Volvo Construction Equipment, and Hilti. He also served as executive vice president for Magnum Diamond & Machinery, his family’s concrete saw and diamond blade manufacturing business. Keeling holds a bachelor’s degree in personnel administration from the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

“I have been around demolition equipment my entire life. I know robotic options like Brokk are not just the wave of the future — they are increasing productivity and safety on job sites in the here and now. I’m excited to take on this new role and continue serving markets where Brokk machines are so invaluable, such as cement and other processing industries, concrete drilling and sawing, construction, demolition, tunneling, and mining.”

Keeling said.

Keeling resides in Olathe, Kansas with his family.

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Jon Ebert, Manager, North American Public & Industry Relations, has responsibilities that include developing and managing the public relations strategy for the Ag & Turf Division with an emphasis on promoting the company’s ag, turf, and ag-technology efforts; overseeing the division’s industry relations efforts; and leading the public relations and industry relations team that includes:

• Laurel Caes – Technology & Innovation Public Relations Manager
  • Responsibilities include developing and managing public relations efforts to support the company’s commitment to unlocking customer value through emerging technologies.
• Chad Passman – Production & Precision Ag Public & Industry Relations Manager
  • Responsibilities include managing the company’s public relations efforts to promote its ag equipment and precision ag products and services; assisting with management and coordination of the company’s industry relationships related to ag-commodity and manufacturing associations.
• Darius Lane – Small Ag & Turf Public Relations Manager
  • Responsibilities include developing and managing public relations efforts that support small to mid-sized ag-products, turf products, and Gator Utility Vehicles.

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Ochsner comes to Claas North America with an extensive background in executive retail management. He has gained a reputation for developing effective strategic business and sales initiatives that have driven market share expansion and dealer profitability. He has spent the bulk of his career with companies such as RDO Equipment Company, Columbia Tractor Inc., Bushel Inc., and Titan Machinery Inc.

Magnusson explained:

“Over the last ten years, Claas has augmented our North American sales channel with a select number of company-owned, locally operated retail locations where a suitable dealership couldn’t be found. We’re very excited to have Mr. Ochsner overseeing the development and growth of such a critical part of our business.”

Ochsner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a minor in economics, from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota. His extensive experience, education, and background will be key assets in his new position and will serve him well as he joins the Claas of America Management Team.

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Elizabeth Van Devender has over twenty years of experience in marketing, branding, design, and digital marketing. She worked for an innovative manufacturing company for thirteen years where she has extensive experience in directing and organizing all marketing communications for major product launches and sales initiatives.

She also worked within advertising and marketing agencies where she was responsible for the concept, design, and management of branding, email campaigns, social media, and digital marketing projects for clients in manufacturing, real estate, legal, education, and economic development.

Elizabeth will expand and enrich John Blue’s marketing efforts including branding, digital marketing, industry events, and social media.

“I am excited to be a part of the John Blue Company with its long and successful history. I look forward to connecting with current customers as well as reaching out to new markets that will benefit from John Blue’s dependable pumps, systems, and accessories. ˮ

Source: John Blue

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Väderstad is preparing for its upcoming CEO succession. In February 2022, Henrik Gilstring will take over as President and CEO. Henrik represents the third generation of the owner’s family and is currently part of Group Management.

Continuity, sustainability, and innovation have served as important guiding principles for Väderstad since the company’s inception almost 60 years ago. The company’s Board of Directors has now secured the CEO succession well in advance and preparations have begun for current CEO Mats Båverud to step down.

The Board of Directors and Group Management have clearly defined the direction forward through a well-planned CEO succession based on Väderstad’s strong values, says Crister Stark, Chair of the Board for Väderstad Group.

Through longstanding ownership and strong commitment, from both the owners and employees, we continue to create innovation, drive, and stability. The decision gives good conditions for an efficient and smooth handover, and a rejuvenation of the CEO role, says Crister Stark, Chairman of the Board of Väderstad Group.

Henrik Gilstring has previously been appointed deputy CEO of Väderstad Group and, from February 2022, he will take up his post as Group CEO.

I’m looking forward to continuing to drive Väderstad forward sustainably and to ensure that, as a company, we are able to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead, both with regard to agricultural development in general and in terms of new political and global ground rules, says Henrik.

Väderstad has an acclaimed history of innovation, strong customer relationships, and growth. This is a very exciting journey and it is progressing towards new goals. We have every opportunity to continue growing and evolving as a company, as a partner to our customers, and as an employer.

Henrik Gilstring is 35 years old and represents the third generation of the owner’s family. He is the son of Christina Stark, owner of the second generation, and Gert Gilstring, who currently works as a senior design engineer at Väderstad. Among other things, Gert Gilstring is the brains behind “The Gilstring Seed Meter” – the unique metering system in Väderstad’s Tempo machines, which is a big part of the reason for Tempo’s huge sales success worldwide. He has also been involved in several of the company’s other success concepts.

Henrik Gilstring has worked at Väderstad since 2012 and currently serves as Vice President for Business Development and is a member of Group Management. Henrik has a background as an economist with a degree in business administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to his present role in Väderstad, Henrik served as a business controller of production, sales and marketing, and product development. He also worked on issues related to product management and strategy and served on the board. Before joining Väderstad, Henrik worked for Boston Consulting Group in Stockholm.

“I look forward to handing over the reins to Henrik, whose solid knowledge of the company’s business, products, and markets, along with extensive experience and understanding of diverse company operations, will make him an exemplary leader of Väderstad”,

says CEO Mats Båverud.

Source: Vaderstad

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AGCO announced Louisa Parker-Smith Director of Global Sustainability, a newly created position that will oversee the company’s sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Ms. Parker-Smith, who joined AGCO in 2012 as manager of Institutional Funding and Stakeholder Relations, moves to her new role after serving as the global human resources business partner for several of AGCO’s business operations.

She has also served as a manager of marketing, public relations, and communications in Africa and the Middle East region; director of Distribution Development in Africa; and as a special assistant to the company’s CEO, Martin Richenhagen. Ms. Parker-Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and international studies from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

“Louisa brings a broad cross-section of experiences that will allow deeper insight into how we can continue to make sustainability one of the core components of our business and strategic direction. While we have made progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives, we are aware everyone must do more if we are to avoid the negative impacts of climate change, particularly on the global food supply.”

said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s current chief operating officer and upcoming chairman and CEO.

With Parker-Smith’s new appointment, AGCO is underscoring its commitment to making sustainability a business priority while providing farmers the tools they need to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population using fewer natural resources. The company plans to release its next sustainability report in 2021 and enhance its current practice of providing transparency on its material issues.

Ms. Parker-Smith said:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help bring a sharper focus on the many sustainability projects across the company and develop new programs that will have significant benefits for our customers and society. We recognize the agriculture industry is a key part of the solution to combatting climate change, and we are committed to bringing smart solutions to our farmer customers to increase sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.”

AGCO has undertaken a range of sustainability efforts to reduce energy use and carbon emissions at its facilities as well as conserving water use and minimizing waste. The company’s Valtra plant in Finland was the first major tractor factory in the world to begin using Neste MY Renewable Diesel as the start-up fuel for all new tractors, saving nearly 2 million kg of CO2 emissions which equals the annual output of approximately 630 diesel cars.

Source: AGCO

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For a very long time the tiltrotator has been relatively unknown outside the Nordics. Thanks to Engcon’s effective communication work sharing information via their website, trade shows, advertising, press releases, articles, social media and influencer marketing, the concept has become a global phenomenon. At this year’s largest construction trade show, Conexpo in Las Vegas, it became clear that many attendees were aware of the phenomenon and familiar through articles and videos of how it helped excavators work smarter.

”From the fact that the excavator previously only dug a pit, new accessories have developed the excavator into a multi-tool that can dig, lift, pack, sweep… Most contractors want to be able to take on more jobs and solve them faster and smarter to make more money. We believe that the tiltrotator is the key to that,”

says Krister Blomgren, CEO of Engcon Group.

Engcon has been working with its motto “Change the world of digging” for a long time and decided in 2020 to also use it as its vision.

“That is exactly what we want to do in the long run! If we can get more excavators to be equipped with a tiltrotator, digging will be more profitable, efficient, flexible, environmentally friendly and also safer. We are simply changing the digging world,”

says Krister Blomgren.

Only 2-3 percent of the world’s excavators today have a tiltrotator, which means that there is an enormous development potential for streamlining the industry and making it more environmentally friendly by using less resources in the form of materials, fuel and time.

”To invest in a tiltrotator is to invest in the future and we believe that it is only a matter of time before it expands in larger markets like the USA. It is simply impossible to ignore the tiltrotator’s advantages,”

Krister Blomgren concludes.

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