Wednesday February 05 Ag News

CVA announces Retirement of CEO Carl Dickinson

With a mixture of gratitude and bittersweet emotion, Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative announces the pending retirement of our CEO, Carl B. Dickinson. Chairman Luke Carlson expressed profound appreciation for Carl's unwavering dedication and remarkable service over the years.

Carl has served Central Valley Ag with distinction, guiding the organization through numerous challenges and milestones. His tenure has been marked by strategic vision, steadfast leadership, and a deep commitment to the cooperative's mission and values.

Under Carl's leadership, CVA has seen unprecedented growth and development. He has spearheaded initiatives that have strengthened the cooperative's market position, enhanced member services, and fostered a culture of innovation and excellence. His strategic insights and collaborative approach have left an indelible mark on the organization.

As we prepare for this transition, the Board of Directors, under the guidance of Chairman Luke Carlson, is committed to ensuring a seamless succession process. The search for a new CEO who embodies the values and vision of CVA is underway. The Board has maintained a succession plan for many years and will now execute against that plan.

Carl's legacy will continue to inspire and guide CVA long after his retirement. His contributions have set a benchmark for leadership and service in the cooperative sector.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carl for his years of exemplary service. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of CVA, and his presence will be greatly missed.

CVA remains committed to our mission of supporting our members and communities, and we look forward to continuing this journey with the same dedication and passion that Carl has exemplified.



Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Priorities for the First Half of the 109th Legislative Session

During their Annual Legislative Committee meeting, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) adopted three policy priority positions and took additional positions on one hundred and three bills and ten constitutional amendments of legislation for the first half of the 109th Nebraska Unicameral Legislative Session.

The three policy priority positions for this session include animal health and identification, food nutrition and labeling, and tax reform.

Craig Uden, chair of the NC Legislative Committee stated, "Nebraska Cattlemen works to protect every segment of the beef cattle industry and we have many pressing issues to tackle this session." He continued, "Animal health and identification, food nutrition and labeling, and tax reform are three crucial issues areas impacting the future of our industry. We look forward to working with our members and the legislature to reach common sense compromises."

POLICY PRIORITY POSITIONS

Animal Health and Identification
NC opposes LB 665 which would prohibit the use of electronic identification (EID) tags in livestock that contain parts manufactured by any entity that has direct or indirect ties to foreign adversary. If enacted, this legislation could put Nebraska producers who use EID tags in the ears of their livestock out of compliance with federal law and could make the use of EID tags in Nebraska illegal. NC believes EIDs are crucial to animal disease traceability and protecting the industry against detrimental threats like FMD.

NC also opposes LB 646 as introduced which would exempt registered feedlots from brand inspection in Nebraska. Following NC policy, the board gave direction to work on amendments to strengthen the bill, modernize brand inspection in Nebraska, and see fees reflective of services provided to different sectors of the industry.

Food Nutrition and Labeling
LB 246 would define cell-cultured protein as adulterated food under the Nebraska Pure Food Act and prohibit the sale of the product in Nebraska. While NC does not support an outright ban of a product, it believes any product, including cell-cultured products, sold to consumers should be required to adhere to the same regulatory standards as beef.

NC Executive Vice President, Laura Field previously stated, "While we undoubtedly know we have a superior product to companies using bio reactor slurries, bovine serum and other unknown contents, we must prevent false and deceptive marketing practices. Beef producers deserve a level playing field in the marketplace and must continue to advocate for transparency to protect consumers by regulation and enforcement of clear labeling standards."

NC supports LB 658 which would require proper labeling and regulate any alternative protein products.

Tax Reform
Nebraska Cattlemen continues to seek reform and relief for the high property tax burden and is supporting a number of bills containing provisions to freeze income tax reductions, reduce or eliminate inheritance tax, increase sales tax collected by broadening the base, increasing the rate, or a combination thereof so long as sales taxes are not placed on true business inputs, with the net effect being long-term reductions in property taxes.



Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund grant to further soil health education at Prairie Loft

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF), in collaboration with Nebraska Community Foundation’s Youth Engagement Grant, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor, has awarded Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning of Hastings, Neb. a grant of $3,000 in furtherance of soil health education and regenerative agriculture practices among youth, farmers and community members.

“The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is proud to be partnering with Prairie Loft to assist them with their mission of teaching agricultural appreciation, outdoor education and the wise use of our natural resources. We are excited to be able to support these types of agricultural education and look forward to the results of this collaboration,” said Keith Burns, DGSHF Advisory Committee member.

The grant will help cover materials, equipment, staff time and promotion of Prairie Loft’s programing which includes immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that teach community members of all ages about the importance of utilizing the earth’s natural resources – especially soil – more wisely and responsibly.

“Prairie Loft is proud to receive support from the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and Nebraska Community Foundation’s Youth Engagement Grant,” said Megan Arrington-Williams, executive director of Prairie Loft. “This project will assist in expanding learning opportunities for our field trips, summer camps and adult programs. When we teach from the roots up, we're able to make a deeper connection with people by sharing the importance of the wise use of natural resources.”

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is now accepting additional grant applications to support charitable causes and/or charitable organizations that are furthering education and educational practices related to soil health and regenerative agriculture, including but not limited to no-till farming, water conservation, tree conservation and planting cover crops. Grants from DGSHF may support a variety of educational events and programming for youth, current farmers and ranchers and others involved in agriculture.

DGSHF prioritizes applications that have broad impact, foster collaboration, actively involve youth and most importantly, further its mission to promote soil health and regenerative agriculture. The application is available at www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund with a deadline of March 1, 2025, for an award of up to $1,500.

Past grants have supported organizations like No Till on the Plains, UNL Extension, Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, and youth centered projects and programs including City Sprouts which supports urban students with interests in agricultural careers, the Battle Creek FFA chapter and Central City High School for the benefit of a student’s scientific research program on the effect on land management technique on soil aggregation and the soil microbiome.

For more information visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund or contact Fund Advisory Committee chair, Randy Pryor, at randy.pryor@unl.edu.



CVA supports future ag leaders during National FFA Week

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce the return of the Fuel up for FFA promotion during National FFA Week, February 15-22, 2025. During this time, CVA will donate 5-cents from every gallon of fuel purchased at CVA fuel sites with a CVA fuel card to support Nebraska and Kansas FFA Foundations, helping to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.

"As FFA invests in growing leaders and engaging young people in agriculture, CVA is honored to support their mission," said Jeff Ingalls, senior vice president of energy at CVA. "Agriculture needs strong leaders, and FFA plays a vital role in preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Don't have a CVA fuel card? Sign up online at cvacoop.com/cva-fuel-card to participate and enjoy an everyday 5-cent discount at a CVA Fuel Site across Nebraska and Kansas.

Leaders from both FFA Foundations emphasized the impact this support has on young members.

"The Fill Up for FFA with CVA program offers an easy way to support Nebraska FFA members as they celebrate National FFA Week. In Nebraska, this support directly impacts nearly 12,000 FFA members through the foundation and our efforts to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture," said Stacey Agnew, executive director of Nebraska FFA Foundation. "Thank you for participating in this program and helping to strengthen the next generation of community leaders and farmers."

"When organizations invest in FFA, they're not just supporting students today, but cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders who will drive innovation and sustainability in our state," said Beth Gaines, executive director of Kansas FFA Foundation. "We are incredibly grateful for Central Valley Ag's commitment to strengthening agricultural education and empowering young leaders across the state."

Funds raised through this program help support a variety of each foundation's initiatives, including leadership conferences, state conventions, chapter and state grants, as well as local engagement efforts.



Nebraska Agri-Business Association Holds 67th Expo

The 67th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition was held January 28-29, 2025 in Kearney, Nebraska at the Younes Conference Center North. This day and a half event consisted of educational training in conjunction with the Nebraska Extension’s Crop Production Clinics and a show of vendor exhibits.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA) honored industry leaders at its annual convention in Kearney on Monday, January 27. Chris Proctor, Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Department of Agronomy was awarded the 2024 Association Industry Partner Award. This award highlights individuals outside the association’s membership, who have contributed to agriculture in a significant way through their profession. Chris has worked in extension since 2015. He’s coordinated several meetings for farmers and ag industry professionals on topics relevant to cropping systems. His research program focuses on discovering and utilizing a diverse set of tools and strategies for effective weed management. In 2022, Chris worked with our board and association to bring his popular Crop Production Clinic to our Expo, allowing our members to get the latest updates and earn re-certification credits all in one place. It has been popular with our attendees and enhanced our trade show.

Dan Stork was recognized with the “Award of Industry Distinction.” This special honor is not given annually and is reserved for individuals who have been dedicated to the mission of the Association during his lifetime. Dan grew up on a family farm near Arlington, NE, where he grew corn, soybeans, alfalfa, beef and dairy cattle, and chickens. After graduating from the University of Nebraska with an Ag Economics degree, Dan began working for Diamond Shamrock followed by Ciba Geigy, which became Syngenta. Dan was elected to the Association’s board of directors and served as Chairman. He has generously given his time serving on multiple committees over the years. Dan has also made multiple trips to Washington, visiting with our federal delegation and agencies about how regulations and legislation will impact our members and their customers back in Nebraska. Most importantly, Dan values teaching the next generation the importance of a strong association and has worked tirelessly to bring new employees to events and encourage their involvement.

These awards were presented by Michael Killinger, Chairman of the Association and a Broken Bow, Nebraska resident. Michael is a sales representative for Syngenta Crop Protection.

Presented by Jess Trotter, Vice President of the Association Board of Directors, was the “Robert L. Anderson Industry Person of the Year” award. This award honors a member of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association for their exemplary service to the industry. The recipient is Rob Clevenger of Clevenger Farm Products in Gibbon, Nebraska. After graduating from Kearney State College in 1975, Rob joined a partnership and farmed for 9 seasons. Rob left the partnership and bought an oil company in Kearney, Clevenger Petroleum, with his wife Vicki. They sold Ag Chemicals full-time in Gibbon and in 1994, added Custom Application to their business. In 2012, their son Colby came back into the family business, and in 2022, their son-in-law, Mitch Mentzer joined. Clevenger’s family business has grown to meet the needs of their customers.

Rob has been a member of the Association for over 40 years and earned the Certified Crop Advisor certification.

The “Applicator of the Year” award was presented to Joe Barry of Farmer’s Pride in Battle Creek, Nebraska. This award was established to recognize a commercial applicator providing outstanding service, good stewardship in their community and exceptional leadership through mentoring or training.

Joe has been a custom applicator with Farmers Pride for almost 25 years. He covers over 40,000 acres per year. Producers specifically ask for Joe when booking their crop application, knowing and trusting him to handle the field as if it were his own.

Joe's dedication to Farmers Pride and his hard work is admired by his peers, cooperative leaders, and board members. He is a trusted mentor who teaches and trains new applicators on the do's and don'ts of the job.

Joe takes the time to ensure new applicators are comfortable in the role by riding with them as they progress through more challenging jobs.

Joe’s professionalism and leadership in decision-making, best practices, and safety has resulted in less than 1,000 acres of crop damage claims over his years of service.

Joe has been injury-free throughout his entire coop career and has not had any other work-related accidents. Joe's positive personality permeates all those who work with him.

Joe is also involved in the Battle Creek community. He is a former Battle Creek City Council Member who served multiple terms. Joe has spent years coaching youth football, basketball, and baseball. As a Battle Creek High School graduate, he is a strong supporter of all things athletic at the school and has a positive influence on the youth, coaches, and community.

Six years ago, the Nebraska Certified Crop Adviser (NeCCA) program began honoring those Certified Crop Advisers with longevity in the program with specially designed lapel pins. This year was no different with twenty-five Nebraska CCAs becoming 25-year veterans in the program. They are Bryan Abner, Gregory Bonifas, Daniel Davidson, Sean Gross, Mark Grundmayer, Jon Ivey, Bradley Jareske, Vaughn Kinney, Jason Kock, Steven Kramer, Jason Krebs, Lorin Krieger, Timothy Masek, John McKenzie, John McNamara, Roger Olson, Clark Poppert, Aaron Schmid, Charles Schurman, Brian Springer, Daniel Steiner, Gregg Sweley, Marcus Towle, Kevin Wemhoff, and Troy Westadt.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association represents ag retailers, major manufacturers and distributors of fertilizer, crop protection, seed, equipment and other ag inputs. Nebraska Agri-Business Association provides unified leadership and influence creating tangible economic and educational value for Nebraska’s crop production industry professionals.



Scoular becomes formalized grain supplier to Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland

Scoular is the new formalized supplier of grain and logistics to Mid America Agri Products/Wheatland’s ethanol plant in southwestern Nebraska.

Scoular operates an extensive origination network in western Nebraska, including a grain elevator network in the vicinity of and across the road from the ethanol plant in Madrid. Scoular’s network of producer and commercial relationships in this geography, as well as logistics capabilities, will support the grain supply partnership with MAAPW.  

The ethanol facility grinds 16.5 million bushels of corn annually, producing 48 million gallons of ethanol, plus distillers’ grains and corn oil.

“We are excited to collaborate with Scoular, whose expertise and robust network align with our mission to drive sustainable innovation in agriculture and renewable energy. This partnership not only ensures a reliable grain supply for our ethanol production but also strengthens our broader strategy of integrating cutting-edge carbon sequestration technology into our operations,” said MAAPW CEO Prestin Read.

Added Scoular Vice President and General Manager Phil Van Court: “We are privileged to have the opportunity to help MAAPW optimize their supply chain and connect their demand with area producers. We look forward to this partnership and appreciate the opportunity to provide value-added services.”



We Can’t Ignore Warning Signs, Farmers Need Growing Markets in 2025 Says IRFA’s Shaw

While it is easy to glance over incoming challenges, the renewable fuels industry must face those hurdles head-on and not let change deter the destination. That was the message from the 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit where Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw today told the audience, “If our desired destination is Fuels of Opportunity, then we must beware of letting anyone take the wheel who only looks in the rearview mirror.”

“What’s the solution?” Shaw asked. “Simple. Build demand. Of course, saying ‘build demand’ is easier than actually doing it. As we look at all the possible demand drivers, what can actually grind up five billion bushels of additional corn over the next two decades? I see one thing – renewable fuels. But they are not necessarily the renewable fuels one sees in the rearview mirror today.”

Shaw noted that new markets, export opportunities and policy changes are all things that will help build demand. However, he mentions the nearest term demand driver should be year-round E15.

“E15 is the near-term demand driver that American agriculture needs,” Shaw said. “It should create demand for 5 to 7 billion gallons of additional ethanol over the next several years. It will give consumers a chance to save 15 to 20 cents per gallon at the pump. And it will be a key part of American energy dominance.”

Further noting the importance of growing new markets for American farmers, Shaw believes those new markets are within reach.

“Yes, it might require doing things differently…from how we farm to sequestering carbon at our biofuels facilities.” Shaw said. “But why should change deter us? American agriculture is always changing. We either grow or we die.”



Naig Encourages Farmers to Use N-FACT Tool to Calculate Optimal Nitrogen Application Rates

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowa corn growers to leverage the new Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool (N-FACT) to inform nutrient application decisions this growing season. The N-FACT tool takes multiple field-level production variables into account, then recommends an optimal nitrogen application rate to help farmers balance productivity, environmental stewardship and input costs. The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative, led by Iowa State University (ISU) will debut the N-FACT tool today at the Iowa Ag Expo. The presentation begins at noon/CT in room 311 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

“Every acre and every farm are unique and that’s why the N-FACT tool is a game changer for Iowa corn growers,” said Secretary Naig. “This customized, field-level data provides valuable insights to help farmers make more informed crop management decisions. While responsible input management is always important, it is especially critical in this soft ag economy.”

The N-FACT tool leverages thousands of data points from hundreds of field trials conducted by ISU. Data inputs include field location, weather, residual soil nitrogen, estimated planting dates and input and commodity prices. Field trials were conducted in each region of the state, yielding more than 21,000 possible optimal nitrogen rate scenarios.

The N-FACT tool is a free resource available to all Iowa farmers at n-fact.ag.

“Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the biggest expenses for Iowa corn farmers,” said Alan Atwater, a farmer from Manchester, Iowa, and an Iowa Corn Growers Association member. “I had the opportunity to evaluate N-FACT during its development and was impressed with the data it presented. This tool will allow farmers to better manage their nitrogen rates, allowing for better land management, lower input costs and improved nitrogen use efficiency.”

“The collaborative team moving the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative forward on behalf of the farming community has been doing extraordinary work,” said Dr. Dan Robison, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at ISU. “This tool is the latest advancement in productivity, profitability and environmental performance. This is a big part of the future of farming, at every scale, and it’s beyond great that Iowa is leading.”

Enroll in the Field Trials
The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative’s research is ongoing, and ISU will conduct additional field trials during the 2025 growing season. Any Iowa farmer who can apply variable rate nitrogen and has a combine yield monitor is invited to participate. Enrollments are accepted year-round. To enroll in the field trials or learn more, contact Melissa Miller, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative Project Director, at millerms@iastate.edu.

ISU intends to release updated versions of the N-FACT tool as additional field research and data become available.

The N-FACT tool was developed through the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative based on research conducted by ISU. Project funding is provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Legislature, along with additional financial support from many public and private partners. Learn more at n-fact.ag.



Swine Health Information Center Releases 2025 Plan of Work, Celebrates Record-Breaking 2024, and Welcomes New Grant Administrator

The Swine Health Information Center released its 2025 Plan of Work, outlining key priorities to protect the health of the US swine herd in the coming year. This follows a year of unprecedented success, as detailed in the recently completed 2024 Progress Report, which highlighted a record level of funding for research projects and an increase in research investment. Further, SHIC welcomes Jessica Stice as its new grant and contract administrator, further strengthening its capacity to support critical swine health research efforts.

2025 Plan of Work: A Proactive Approach to Swine Health Challenges
SHIC’s 2025 Plan of Work emphasizes a proactive approach to addressing emerging disease threats and enhancing biosecurity measures within the US swine industry. “We have developed a comprehensive road map for 2025 to address swine health challenges in support of SHIC’s mission and have identified areas where knowledge gaps remain,” said SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton. “One area of focus within the 2025 plan of work includes evaluation of biosecurity at the packing plant/transportation interface to prevent or reduce transmission of pathogens back to the farm. Objective research to identify biosecurity steps on the farm and at the plant can help inform strategies for disease prevention and control.”

Key areas of focus in the 2025 Plan of Work include:
    Strengthening Disease Surveillance: Enhancing domestic disease monitoring through robust data collection from veterinary diagnostic laboratories and voluntary reporting programs, such as the Global and Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Reports.
    Improving Information Dissemination: Providing timely and valuable information to veterinarians and producers through webinars, updated disease fact sheets, and a strong online presence to ensure rapid dissemination of critical information on emerging swine health issues.
    Mitigating Risk Factors: Implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with high-risk product importation, international travel, and the movement of animals. This includes a focus on enhancing biosecurity protocols during transportation, at packing plants, and within personnel movements between farms.
    Addressing Emerging Disease Threats: Prioritizing research on emerging diseases such as African swine fever, porcine sapovirus, and hemorrhagic tracheitis syndrome. This includes investigating novel diagnostic tools, developing rapid response strategies, and enhancing understanding of disease transmission and impact.
    Advancing Surveillance and Diagnostic Capabilities: Utilizing innovative technologies such as wastewater sampling and tongue tip fluid analysis for enhanced disease surveillance. Investing in genome-based diagnostic technologies to improve early detection and enable rapid and accurate disease identification.
    Prioritizing Research Efforts: Updating and utilizing the swine bacterial and viral disease matrices to guide research investments towards the most critical areas, ensuring that research efforts are strategically aligned with the highest-priority threats to the US swine herd.

2024 Progress Report: A Year of Significant Activity
The 2024 Progress Report underscores a year of significant achievements for SHIC. The organization funded 32 research projects, totaling a record $3,990,689, to address critical swine health challenges in 2024. This significant investment was made possible through leveraging Pork Checkoff funding with external grants and matching funds, maximizing the impact of research dollars and expanding the network of scientists conducting SHIC-funded research.

"SHIC received the greatest number of proposals and awarded the highest dollar amount for research projects in a single year in 2024," said Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Executive Director of SHIC. "This demonstrates the growing recognition of SHIC's vital role in supporting cutting-edge swine health research and innovation for pork producers."

Welcoming Jessica Stice, Grant and Contract Administrator
A person in a black suit Description automatically generatedTo further enhance its operational efficiency and maximize the impact of its research investments, SHIC has appointed Jessica Stice as its new Grant and Contract Administrator. “We welcome Jessica to the SHIC team and look forward to her contribution to our mission to protect the health of the US swine herd by exploring and securing additional grant funding opportunities as well as managing related compliance efforts,” Dr. Niederwerder said.

Stice brings a wealth of experience in grant writing, administration, and non-profit management to this crucial role. "I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at SHIC and contribute to their important mission," said Stice. "My expertise in grant management will enable SHIC to streamline its funding processes, identify new opportunities, and ensure the efficient and effective utilization of research funds."



Farm Bureau Urges Quick Confirmation of Rollins

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging swift confirmation of Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously advanced her nomination.

“I respectfully urge you to prioritize her confirmation and work with your colleagues to ensure that the USDA has the leadership necessary to support the millions of Americans who depend on its programs and policies,” Duvall wrote.

The letter notes that a steady hand is needed at the helm of USDA at a time when farmers face many challenges and indicates Rollins is well-suited for the job, saying, “Her experience, leadership, and deep commitment to American agriculture make her an outstanding candidate to lead the department at this critical time.”

Citing her previous White House experience and other roles, the letter states that “Ms. Rollins has a long history of advocating for policies that promote economic growth, rural development, and the well-being of American farmers… As Secretary of Agriculture, she will be well-positioned to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities while ensuring the USDA remains a strong advocate for American food security and agricultural innovation.”



San Antonio Welcomes CattleCon 2025

The largest cattle industry event in the country begins today in San Antonio. Thousands of cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders are attending CattleCon 2025 for business meetings, educational sessions, networking and a little Texas sun and fun.

Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returns as emcee to kick things off along with Opening General Session speaker Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. A decorated F-16 fighter pilot, professional golfer, philanthropist and bestselling author, Rooney is called to “inspire people to help people.'' Rooney is best known for founding the Folds of Honor, a leading non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Wednesday morning begins with celebrating the 2025 Beef Quality Assurance Award winners, announcing the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner and recognizing W.D. Farr Scholarship recipients. This special general session will also be impactful for those looking to transition their business to the next generation or new ownership; Dr. Shannon Ferrell will examine generational changes shaping the world today including remote work and shifts in wealth creation.

Also on Wednesday, the Sustainability Forum will include a panel of industry experts discussing building operation resilience through adoption of written grazing management plans. Grazing management plans (GMPs) build resilience by establishing a baseline for observing and managing land, cattle and finances while enabling producers to make informed decisions about operational goals. Panelists will provide insights into the application of GMPs for production, drivers of adoption, socioeconomic factors and supply chain opportunities.

The final day begins with CattleFax conducting their U.S. & Global Protein and Grain Outlook Session. Randy Blach, the team at CattleFax and meteorologist Matt Makens will discuss what 2025 and beyond might look like for the cattle industry.

Throughout CattleCon, the 32nd annual Cattlemen’s College will include educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. Other highlights include a D.C. Issues update, Today’s Beef Consumer market research update and Beef Industry Forum. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than nine acres of displays, exhibitors and education in the NCBA Trade Show.

There will be plenty of entertainment for all to enjoy. Anah Higbie, winner of the 12th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, will perform at the Opening General Session, Paul Bogart, a CattleCon favorite, will bring his down-to-earth charm to Wednesday’s Big TX Fest, and contemporary country music star Scotty McCreery will perform following the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Thursday night.

In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

CattleCon 2025 runs through Feb. 6 and on-site registration is open for those who still would like to attend. For more information, visit convention.ncba.org.



U.S. farmers retain optimistic outlook for 2025 despite ag trade uncertainty

U.S. farmers began 2025 with an optimistic outlook, as the January Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 5 points from the previous month to a reading of 141. This increase was driven by a 9-point growth in the Current Conditions Index and a 3-point rise in the Future Expectations Index. The improvement in sentiment was linked to higher crop prices between December and mid-January and fewer producers citing crop and livestock prices as a top concern. For instance, Eastern Corn Belt prices for near-term delivery of corn and soybeans rose by 9% and 5%, respectively, during that period. While farmers’ views of current conditions improved, optimism about the future remained even stronger, with the Future Expectations Index exceeding the Current Conditions Index by 47 points. This month’s survey was conducted between Jan. 13-17.

The Farm Financial Performance Index climbed 13 points in January, reflecting a similar rise in the Current Conditions Index and indicating that producers, on average, anticipate 2025 will be a more robust financial year than 2024. Meanwhile, the Farm Capital Investment Index remained steady at a reading of 48, unchanged from December. Despite no change, the investment index remains significantly higher than last summer’s low of 31 and represents the second-highest reading of the past three years. Producers’ optimism about the future appears to support the stronger investment index, though it remains uncertain whether this optimism will lead to more farm machinery or new construction investments.

“The January survey reflects a notable sense of optimism among U.S. farmers, particularly regarding their expected financial performance in 2025,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Recent improvements in crop and livestock prices have provided a boost to farmers’ current sentiment. Although farmers are optimistic about the future, there are some clouds on the horizon. For example, more farmers this month reported challenges in paying off operating loans compared to the last couple of years, and many producers are worried about the future of agricultural trade, with 40% of this month’s respondents saying they think a trade war is either likely or very likely.”

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index rose 5 points in January to a reading of 115, returning to its November level. Farmers’ confidence in rising farmland values, which dipped late last summer amid weaker crop prices, has stabilized since October, with the index fluctuating between 110 and 120 in recent months. January’s modest improvement reflects a higher percentage of producers expecting values to increase, coupled with fewer expecting values to remain unchanged. Meanwhile, the Long-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index, which gauges expectations for the next five years, declined 5 points to 150. Despite the dip, the long-term index remains 8 points above its 12-month low recorded last August.

The January barometer survey, which has annually included questions about farmers’ operating loans for the upcoming year since 2020, revealed a slight increase in the percentage of producers anticipating larger loans this year — 18%, up from 15% in 2024. Among those expecting an increase, 23% attributed it to carrying over unpaid operating debt from the previous year, compared to 17% last year and just 5% two years ago. The shift reflects a decline in farm income, particularly crop income, over the past two years and could be an early signal of rising financial stress among producers.

Agricultural trade remains a top concern for U.S. farmers. In January, 42% of producers identified “trade policy” as the most important policy for their farm over the next five years, more than double the 17% who selected “crop insurance program.” While there is still significant concern among U.S. farmers that a trade war could break out that negatively impacts U.S. ag exports, responses regarding worries about a potential trade war have eased slightly since December, with 40% of producers now believing a trade war is “likely” or “very likely,” down from 48% the previous month. Meanwhile, the percentage of farmers who see a trade war as “unlikely” or “very unlikely” rose from 21% in December to 29% in January.

Interest in leasing farmland for solar energy production continues to grow. In January’s survey, 11% of farmers reported discussing solar leases for their land within the last six months. Lease rates offered by solar energy companies in 2024 and 2025 were notably higher than in previous years, with 40% of respondents reporting offers of $1,250 per acre or more and 26% receiving offers of $1,500 per acre or more. Additionally, 54% of respondents noted that contracts included escalator clauses, most commonly ranging from 2% to 3% annually, though some reported escalators of 3% to 4% per year. Overall, 3% of survey respondents said either they or one of their landowners had signed a solar lease.