A Prestigious Recognition for 30 Young Professionals in Agriculture
AgGrad Announces Locus AG’s Keith Heidecorn Part of the 30 Under 30 Class for 2020
SOLON, Ohio (April 7, 2020) On National Ag Day, AgGrad announced Keith Heidecorn, of Locus Agricultural Solutions® (Locus AG), as one of the winners of the 2020 AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards. The program was created to celebrate the young professionals shaping the future of agriculture. Eighteen judges selected winners from peer and self-nominations based on contributions in their career, community and the industry at large. Winners, including Heidecorn, will be featured on AgGrad’s social media channels and in a special print and online publication.
“From driving change within their local U.S.-based communities to supporting farmers and educators across the globe, the future is now with these incredible nominees,” saidRenée Vassilos, Director of Agriculture Innovation at The Nature Conservancy and an AgGrad 30 Under 30 Judge.
Heidecorn, originally from Armonk, New York, has an MSE degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan and a BS in Earth & Environmental Sciences from Lehigh University (PA). He leads sustainability initiatives for Locus AG—the B Corp™ certified agtech startup based in Solon, Ohio—and its holding company, Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS). He has been instrumental in the development and commercialization of green solutions that address global challenges, such as climate change and food insecurity.
In 2019, Heidecorn led the process for Locus AG to become certified as a B Corp, which establishes it as one of the first and only agriculture input companies in the world to be recognized for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. Additionally, he oversaw the launch of the company’s CarbonNOW™ program, which compensates growers for utilizing conservation practices to drive the adoption of climate-smart farming.
“It is an honor to be recognized by respected industry influencers for the sustainability work that I’m passionate about and the positive impact it can make on the industry,” said Heidecorn. “I want to thank the entire AgGrad team for both highlighting and encouraging the development of environmentally focused initiatives that are shaping the future of agriculture.”
Currently, Heidecorn is working with researchers at a major California university that are studying Locus FS’ non-GMO microbes for their ability to reduce methane emissions from livestock a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. Initial lab testing found these direct-fed microbials reduced methane by 78%. Research is ongoing, with cow trials planned for this spring/summer. Locus FS has the ability to be the first company in the world capable of commercializing a highly effective, inexpensive and stable product that can significantly reduce methane emissions and help countries meet their Paris Agreement goals.
“I am extremely lucky to work with such a talented team throughout the Locus FS family of companies, where we all push and challenge each other to improve professionally and solve problems globally. It truly takes a village to change the world for the better” Heidecorn said.
Recipients of this award find the recognition both personally and professionally rewarding. AgGrad 30 Under 30 is bringing together the brightest minds and future leaders of agriculture together to collaborate and advance the industry as a whole.
“These 30 individuals are at the forefront of agriculture and will one day be the leaders in agribusiness, innovation and technology, education and advocacy, entrepreneurship, sustainability and production,” says AgGrad Founder Tim Hammerich.
AgGrad was established in 2015 with the mission of “helping young professionals find their place in modern agriculture.” The company accomplishes this mission by providing blog posts, career profiles, job postings, “AgGrad Live” (a video program) and a weekly podcast called the “Future of Agriculture.” All is provided at zero cost to students and young professionals and supported by participating agribusinesses.
For more information or to receive the AgGrad 30 Under 30 publication, visit 30under30.ag or contact Tim Hammerich at Tim@AgGrad.com or 512-643-1556.
###
About Locus Agricultural Solutions
Locus Agricultural Solutions® (Locus AG) is an agtech B Corp™ that is working to solve the interrelated challenges of climate change and food insecurity. Its innovative and award-winning microbial soil “probiotics” and CarbonNOW™ program give farmers a new way to boost yields, income and carbon sequestration while reducing their costs and environmental impact. Locus AG gets its core scientific capabilities from its parent company, Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS), an Ohio-based green technology company. For more information, visit LocusAG.com.