The Nestlé Purina team members in Hereford recently presented a $10,000 donation to Gracie’s Project to help the organization make renovations to expand its food storage area and create a community clinic space in Amarillo.
The donation was made through the Purina Trust Fund, which actively supports organizations that positively impact Purina’s operating communities.
“We are honored to accept this donation from Purina as it will help us make a difference in the community,” said Stacia Merriett, fundraising committee volunteer for Gracie’s Project, whose mission is to help as many displaced dogs as possible, focusing on injured pets or those with a high probability of being euthanized. “Purina’s investment in our shelter will have a tremendous impact and will contribute to a thriving environment for people and pets. We look forward to using the funds to expand our food storage area and create a community clinic space.”
Over the past three years, Gracie’s Project has tripled in size, creating the need to expand its shelter through renovations that will increase food storage and add space for community pet vaccine clinics.
“At Purina, we focus on crafting the best quality food for pets, but we are just as passionate about the communities where we serve,” said Hector Vallejo Paz, Purina Hereford factory manager. “We are thrilled to present Gracie’s Project with a Purina Trust Fund grant and continue our partnership in the community.”
In the last five years alone, Purina has contributed more than $150 million to organizations focused on making a difference for pets, people and the planet.
Welcomed into the Purina factory network in 2015, the Hereford facility produces a variety of pet food products, including Merrick, Fancy Feast, Beyond and Beneful, and employs nearly 350 local associates. Learn more about the causes Purina supports by visiting purina.com/partnerships.
Here are a few other business announcements and news items of note this week.
AgriLife to host workshop series on regenerative agriculture in Dumas throughout April
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a RegenAg Soil Steward program in Dumas, with workshops held 6:30-9:30 p.m. on April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28.
There is no cost to participate; however, individuals are asked to RSVP by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Moore County at 806-935-2594 or by emailing Dennis Coker, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomy agent for Dallam, Sherman, Moore and Hartley counties, at dennis.coker@ag.tamu.edu.
The first meeting will be at the AgriLife Extension office in Moore County, 310 E. First St., while the rest of the meetings will be at the Moore County Community Building, East 16th Street and South Maddox Avenue. Clay Robinson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension project specialist, Amarillo, will be the primary presenter.
Topics covered will include regenerative agriculture, semiarid areas, cover crops, soil properties, tillage, water management and more. A total of 12 certified crop adviser continuing education units will be available. Additionally, one integrated pest management CEU is available for Texas Department of Agriculture license holders.
For more information, contact Coker at dennis.coker@ag.tamu.edu.
Nelson-Jameson names Brian Hanson its Director of Operations – West
MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Nelson-Jameson has announced the appointment of Brian Hanson as its Director of Operations – West. In this role, Hanson will be located in Marshfield, Wis. and oversee Nelson-Jameson’s operations teams at its Amarillo distribution center location, as well as those in Jerome, Idaho, and Turlock, Calif.
The company said he will help these teams achieve goals of growth and operational excellence. Hanson will also be responsible for helping to identify, prioritize, and implement warehouse initiatives to improve operational safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
“Nelson-Jameson’s long history as a single-source supplier to food manufacturers was a unique draw and opportunity,” Hanson said. “I plan to leverage my experience in logistics, e-commerce, and the food manufacturing space to help build on the incredible foundation that Nelson-Jameson has created over the span of nearly 80 years.”
Before joining Nelson-Jameson, Hanson spent more than 30 years in e-commerce, logistics, and food manufacturing. For more information, visit nelsonjameson.com.
Wonderland celebrates opening its 74 season this weekend
Wonderland Amusement Park kicked off its 74th season on Saturday, and the park continues to welcome visitors for the first time in 2025 on Sunday, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Come flip out with fun on the double-loop Texas Tornado, enjoy the tilt-a-whirl, whip around the Himalaya, and a get a bird’s eye view of it all from the Wonder Wheel. Kiddie Land for the little ones includes boats, helicopters, bumper cars, a merry-go-round and more. Wonderland Park offers attractions for kids of all ages, including rides, games, sweet treats, savory snacks, and their 18-hole mini-golf course.
Find the park’s full 2025 Calendar and hours online at wonderlandpark.com .
Technical Solutions’ leadership invited to 24th Annual TAG Convention Technology Assurance Group Convention in May
Technical Solutions, a locally owned and operated managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced they’ve been invited to attend the 24th Annual Technology Assurance Group (TAG) Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, May 14-16.
TAG is an organization of premier managed technology services providers (MTSPs) representing more than $1 billion in products and services. The theme of TAG’s convention is “Execution: Action, Results, Reward.” One of the highpoints of this year’s convention will be a keynote speech from Matt Eversmann, whose story was made famous by the bestselling book and 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down,” in which he was portrayed by actor Josh Hartnett.
“We’re thrilled to participate in such an amazing event with the best of the best in our industry,” said Gene Wells, President at Technical Solutions. “When we’re in the company of so many bright minds, we gain so much information, invaluable insights into industry best practices and discover emerging technologies which we bring to our customers.”
For more information about TAG, contact (858) 946-2108 or visit www.tagnational.com.
Agricultural producers have until April 15 to enroll in USDA’s key commodity safety net programs for 2025 crop year
COLLEGE STATION – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15 to revise elections and sign contracts.
Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), will provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year. In Texas, producers have completed 47,688 contracts to date, representing 54% of the more than 88,000 expected contracts.
In addition, the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) will provide up to $10 billion to agricultural producers for the 2024 crop year. Applications are due by Aug. 15, and they can be submitted to FSA in-person at their local county office, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account. To learn more, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit visit fsa.usda.gov.
More details are forthcoming on more than $20 billion to be made available through the American Relief Act 2025, for producers who suffered losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024, including $2 billion set aside for livestock producers and other funds to be administered through block grants with states.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Nestlé Purina Hereford donates $10,000 to Gracie’s Project
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
