HARRISBURG, Pa. — Jon Slothour assumed the position of PennAg Industries Association President on Thursday, August 27, 2020. The transfer of leadership was recognized at PennAg’s 142nd Annual Business Meeting, where past-president Andy Bradford of Nutraferma passed along the presidential gavel.
“As we entered 2020 none of us could have realized the challenges we were to face, through the COVID pandemic, a volatile social environment and a very important national election year. The uncertainty of tomorrow makes managing our businesses difficult, and at times very different,” notes Jon. “But I know the agriculture community has the integrity to thrive and the grit to survive through the chaos. It takes each one of us doing our part to enable success for the whole.”
(Jon Slothour, PennAg Industries Association President)
“I look forward to serving the agribusiness industry in this capacity. I encourage you, if you aren’t familiar with PennAg and our efforts, please reach out to any member of the Board of Directors or staff and let us tell you about the good work being done.”
Jon is the Director of Operations for Pro Ag Premix, LLC., a regional vitamin, trace mineral and specialty premix company. For over 20 years he has worked in the feed industry in a variety of positions, which has given him a broad range of experiences and knowledge of agribusiness. Jon appreciates that agribusiness has a strong commitment to their businesses and communities. He also realizes long-term success has been, and will continue to be, realized through efforts in supporting such strategic areas as educating the next generation of agribusiness professionals, informing consumers why and how we manage our businesses, developing our future workforce, working together for common solutions to challenging problems and creating avenues to manage the risks associated with growing crops, raising animals and feeding a world. He holds a degree in Business Administration/Computer Science and an MBA from Elizabethtown College.
Jon lives in Manheim, Lancaster County with his wife and two sons.
Jon has served on the PennAg Board for a number of years and has been actively involved in various PennAg activities and events. Prior to becoming President of the Association, he served as chair of the PennAg Legislative Committee. He remains an active member of most PennAg Councils and Committees.
“I feel PennAg’s biggest asset to agribusinesses is the advocacy of the agriculture industry in and around Pennsylvania,” notes Jon. “With a population that has fewer and fewer people directly associated with agriculture, it’s vitally important that we, as members of the agribusiness community, have an organization that is able and ready to support and defend our livelihood on a daily basis.”
Joining Jon as PennAg officers this year are: Rich Galutia, OSH Solutions, LLC, First Vice President; Mary Beth Ruh, F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc., Second Vice President; Mary Henry, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Treasurer; and Christian Herr, PennAg Industries Association, Secretary.
The 142nd annual business meeting was held on Thursday, August 27 at Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, following the annual PennAg Sporting Clay Classic. Serving as a time to connect with fellow members and PennAg staff, the event included annual reports of officers and committees; the election of officers and directors; and the appointment of new directors. For additional information about PennAg Industries Association, please visit www.pennag.com or contact 717-651-5920.
–Kelly J. Caldwell, PennAg Industries Association