Lenexa, Kan., (March 30, 2020) — Farm Journal announced today that Charlene Finck has been named President of the agricultural media company, effective April 1. She replaces Steve Custer, who retired as President on Jan. 1, but continues as executive advisor throughout 2020. As President, Finck will continue to lead the crop and livestock divisions of the company, as well as have added responsibility for data, digital and human resources functions of the company.
“It’s been personally rewarding working with Charlene these past 20 years, and I look forward to her as my partner in growing The Farm moving forward, said CEO Andy Weber in making the announcement. “Her skills in seeing the big picture and taking the long view in agriculture coupled with the drive and ability to marshal resources to make things happen will continue to guide Farm Journal and its business for years to come.”
Finck’s 31-year career with the company began in 1989 as Machinery Editor of Farm Journal magazine, eventually becoming only the ninth Editor of the publication in 2006. From there, she was promoted to leadership roles over editorial content for the company, named President of the Farm Journal Foundation in 2011 and, most recently, named Division President, Producer Media.
Her tenure includes numerous awards and accomplishments, including two career-defining and transformational service journalism efforts for both Farm Journal and the agriculture industry — the Farm Journal Test Plots, which began in 1991, and the Farm Journal Legacy Project, launched in 2008.
Finck was the driving force behind the start of Farm Journal planting its own test plots, a one-of-a-kind program that provides independent third-party results to help farmers in their own operations. Annual test plot results are provided to farmers on multiple Farm Journal media platforms.
Her role in the creation of the Farm Journal Legacy Project has helped thousands of farming and ranching families successfully transition one generation of farming to the next generation. The Legacy Project won the 2011 Grand Neal Award, which is often seen as the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism in business-to-business media, as the year’s best service journalism effort. These long-term programs are unprecedented in terms of service journalism to help farmers, ranchers and growers succeed.
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 144 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences, seminars and tradeshows; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile text marketing business; and an array of data-driven paid information products. Farm Journal also is the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. In 2010 the company established the non-profit, public charity Farm Journal Foundation dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.