NFU awards highest honor to leaders from Rocky Mountain and Ohio Farmers Union

National Farmers Union honored Dale McCall of Colorado and Joe Logan of Ohio with awards for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture, the highest honor presented by Farmers Union.

“The 2026 recipients of the Meritorious Service Award embody a lifelong commitment to Farmers Union and the safeguarding of family farms,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Dale McCall and Joe Logan have demonstrated unwavering dedication to our community, and I am proud to recognize them for their service.”

Dale McCall dedicated his 40-year career to protecting local agriculture and shaping future generations of farmers and ranchers.

McCall used his expertise and experience to promote the needs of family farmers across three states as president of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. McCall also served on the NFU board of directors and executive committee, where he represented farmers and ranchers from across Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico in policy discussions and advocated for family agriculture. Outside of Farmers Union, McCall was recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship through his leadership as the president of the Colorado FFA Foundation and executive director of the Colorado Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

As a farmer himself, McCall’s lived experience fueled his rise as a trusted leader and educator in the agricultural community. His legacy will continue as his farm transitions to the care and stewardship of his grandchildren.

Joe Logan is a fifth-generation farmer and served as an integral part of the Farmers Union organization in his home state and nationwide.

Logan strengthened both the internal foundation of Ohio Farmers Union and its external partnerships, elevating OFU’s voice and impact. As president, he championed rural Ohio through a powerful combination of advocacy and education, ensuring that family farmers and rural communities were heard at every level. His steady leadership and unwavering commitment set a standard for service, inspiring others and leaving a lasting mark on the organization. Logan continually increased his involvement in Farmers Union even while owning and operating Logan Brothers Ag Enterprises. Logan’s tenacity and outstanding service have brought OFU into a state of stability.

NFU presents the Award for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture to individuals and families who have made a major contribution to the betterment of family farm agriculture through their involvement in the Farmers Union.

Schnable awarded 2026 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research congratulates Professor James C. Schnable on winning the 2026 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for pioneering genetics research that has improved the productivity of corn, sorghum and other crops.  

The NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences recognizes a mid-career U.S. scientist whose research has made extraordinary contributions to agriculture, food production or understanding the biology of species fundamental to agriculture. The award includes a medal and a $100,000 prize. FFAR endowed the prize in 2017 to elevate and highlight scientific research that improves U.S. agriculture and food systems. 

“Being selected for this prize is a tremendous honor that reflects the hard work and accomplishments of an incredible group of trainees and collaborators,” Schnable said. Schnable, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializes in plant genetics and breeding. His research integrates quantitative genetics, advanced phenotyping, data science and other leading-edge technologies to accelerate plant breeding and provide farmers with real-time insights into crop performance. His innovations have led to improved crops that use nutrients more efficiently and can withstand environmental stressors. 

“Dr. Schnable’s achievements exemplify the type of bold, interdisciplinary research FFAR strives to support,” said Saharah Moon Chapotin, FFAR executive director. “By combining genetics, engineering and computational tools, he’s transforming how we improve crops for U.S. farmers and communities. His work deepens scientific understanding and drives practical solutions that strengthen agricultural systems.” 

“I grew up working in cornfields, seeing what it takes to move discoveries from idea to experimental results to commercial products and services, as well as the vast impact new technologies and discoveries can have for crop breeders and farmers,” Schnable said. “Now I get to spend my career building tools that help researchers across the public and private sectors go bigger and scale faster. I couldn’t ask for a better job.”