Loftness Announces New CEO

Feb 27, 2025

HECTOR, Minn. — Loftness Specialized Equipment is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh South as its new chief executive officer.

South brings a wealth of financial and strategic leadership experience to Loftness, having served as the company’s chief financial officer since November 2023. With an extensive background in financial management, cost accounting, and business expansion within the manufacturing and industrial sectors, Josh is well-positioned to drive Loftness toward continued growth and innovation.

Prior to joining Loftness, Josh held several executive leadership roles, including serving as CFO of Farmers Union Industries LLC, where he played a key role in the company’s organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic pricing negotiations. His expertise in financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency has made him a trusted leader in the industry.

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Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.