AGCO’S Bill Hurley: The Celebration of Modern Ag on the National Mall Will Showcase the Future of Food and Farming

2024 is shaping up to be a crucial year for American agriculture. It's why, just a few short weeks from now, dozens of AEM member companies will be onsite in the nation's capital to showcase the equipment manufacturing industry's contribution to sustainably providing for a growing world at the Second Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall.

From May 6-8, 2024, AEM will lead members and industry partners in highlighting the future of food and farming in Washington, DC. And with this year's gathering right around the corner, AEM sat down with Bill Hurley, vice president, global government affairs at member company AGCO, to discuss why the Celebration of Modern Ag on the National Mall is such an important event, why his organization is proud to support it, why the ag industry should be celebrated, and more.

AEM: Why is it so important for AGCO to support and be involved with the Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall event coming up next month in Washington, DC?

Hurley: Truly, this event isn't as much about AGCO participating as it is about the equipment manufacturing industry coming together.

The Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall is such a great opportunity for a company like AGCO to join forces with fellow AEM members and other associations to come together, leverage our collective voice, and help educate regulators, policymakers, and legislators about our industry. Ultimately, it provides a forum for our industry to show these stakeholders the level of investment, the amount of innovation, and the widespread development we're seeing in new ag-related systems today. Because, at the end of the day, we want to enable our customers to be more sustainable in how they grow our food and fuel.

AEM: The first-ever Celebration Modern Agriculture on the National Mall eventwas two years ago. What did you and your organization take away from the opportunity to participate in it?

Hurley: To be a part ofthat inaugural event in DC was both an honor and a tremendous opportunity for AGCO. The employees we had in attendance were pleasantly surprised by just how eager people were to learn more about modern agriculture where it's headed in the future. The event made a major difference in educating people on just how advanced ag-related systems are today. It also conveyed just how impactful this technology can be as it relates to efficiency, the environment, productivity, and enabling us to do things in a more sustainable way.

AEM: So much networking and connections happen between AEM members, regulators, legislators, and industry peers at this event. What is the impact of those discussions, and in what ways do they benefit equipment manufacturing as a whole?

Hurley: AEM works diligently to bring together members of our industry and key stakeholders.In addition, an event like the Celebration Modern Agriculture on the National Mall helps support a two-way dialogue between equipment manufacturers and those decisionmakers. It gives us equipment manufacturers a better understanding of what is behind certain regulations and what it takes for us to comply, as well as allows participating agencies to understand what our challenges are in meeting those obligations.

AEM: Regulation is such a key area of focus for our industry right now. What are your thoughts on the regulatory environment and how it's affecting equipment manufacturing today?

Hurley: This is where you need effective communication with regulatory agencies. Again, AEM does a tremendous job in helping facilitate some of those conversations.

But whether it is greenhouse gas emissions, fuel economy, spray drift, or another issue, OEMs are developing solutions to address them. But where I become concerned is if a particular agency or regulatory body might not already know the work that is going on in equipment manufacturing or might not have visibility into how we're working to solve certain issues.

AEM: The theme for this year's Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall event is the future of food and farming, and there's a stronger focus being placed on sustainability than what we saw with the inaugural event two years ago. From your perspective, what role does sustainability play in the work AGCO does, and how does it tie into your plans for the future?

Hurley: Sustainability plays a role in everything we do at AGCO. A significant component of our job as a provider of not just equipment solutions, but ag technology solutions, is to enable our customers to grow their crops and grow their livestock - and to be able to do so in a more efficient, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly manner than what they do today.

AEM: So many events AEM organizes are geared toward our membership or our industry. The Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall, however, is a very public event with people coming out and learning about equipment and technology firsthand. In your opinion, why should the general public take part in this event?

Hurley: I think if they have the opportunity, they should take advantage of it. Truly, there is no other place on earth where you can participate in this type of gathering and see such an assemblage of proactive solutions and ag-related technology.

AEM: The ag industry is so important to AEM and our members who support it. Why do you feel like agriculture and its equipment should be celebrated at an event like this one?

Hurley: I believe the equipment and technology solutions that are being delivered today are the ones that will solve the challenges our world faces tomorrow and will help us feed and clothe the world in a sustainable way. That's what the Celebration Modern Agriculture on the National Mall event is all about, and it's why AGCO is so proud to be a part of it.

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