Friday July 18 Ag News - RMI remains above growth neutral - NE fake meat law celebrated - HHD demos expand - USTR Chief Ag Negotiator nominated - and more!

Rural Mainstreet Economy Expands Again in July

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above the 50.0 growth neutral reading in July, marking the second time since July 2023 that the index has moved above growth neutral for two straight months, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for July slipped to 50.6 from June’s 51.9. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“This is the first time since July and August of 2023 that the survey has registered two consecutive months of above growth neutral readings,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

This month, bankers were asked to rank the greatest threats to farm income for the next year. More than three of four, or 76.1%, named low farm commodity prices as the top threat, while 19.9%, or almost one of five, identified tariffs as the top risk for the farm economy over the next 12 months. The remaining 4.0% assessed rising input costs as the greatest hazard over the next 12 months.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 14th time in the past 15 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price increased slightly to a weak 47.9 from 40.9 in June. “Elevated interest rates, higher input costs and volatility from tariffs have put downward pressure on farmland prices. On average, bankers expect farmland prices to fall by 2.9% over the next 12 months,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first five months of 2025, compared to the same 2024 period, fell from $5.3 billion in 2024 to $4.5 billion in 2025 for a decline of 14.8%. For the first five months of 2025, Mexico was the top destination for regional ag exports, accounting for 56.5% of total regional agriculture and livestock exports.

Bank CEOs were asked about the expected impact from President Trump’s tariff actions.  Approximately four of 10 expected higher tariffs to result in retaliation among trading partners, thus lowering farm income. The remaining six of 10 indicated that it was too early to assess potential impacts of the President’s tariff negotiations. 

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index slumped to a very weak 16.7 from 22.7 in June. “This is the 23rd straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input costs, tighter credit conditions, low farm commodity prices and market volatility from tariffs are having a negative impact on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for July declined to 51.1 from 52.4 in June. The state’s farmland price index for July increased to 48.8 from 41.8 in June. Nebraska’s new hiring index sank to 46.1 from June’s 53.1. According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, rose by $106.9 million for a 24.5% gain. Mexico was the top destination to begin 2025, accounting for 67.4% of 2025 Nebraska agriculture and livestock exports. 

Iowa: July’s RMI for the state declined to 49.7 from 51.0 in June. Iowa’s farmland price index for July increased to 46.3 from 39.3 in June. Iowa’s new hiring index for July dipped to 43.0 from 44.8 in June. According to trade data from ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, climbed by $89.5 million for an expansion of 12.0%. Mexico was the top destination for state exports, accounting for 74.5% of 2025 Iowa agriculture and livestock exports.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



Pillen , DeKay, Vinton Celebrate Passage of Nebraska Law Addressing Fake Meat

Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Senator Barry DeKay and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton at Shamrock Locker in O’Neill Thursday to ceremonially sign LB246. The new law bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of lab-grown or cultivated meat in Nebraska. Passage of the measure during the most recent legislative session builds on the Governor’s executive order from last year which prohibits agencies from purchasing lab-grown meat and requires state contractors to certify they will not discriminate against natural-meat producers in favor of lab or cultivated meat producers. 

“Nebraska feeds the world and saves the planet. I know first-hand that the food products we sell overseas are in high demand, largely because of the care with which we raise our crops and our animals,” said Gov. Pillen.

“The idea of a meat substitute makes no sense and only serves to undercut the livelihood of our producers. If someone wants meat from a bioreactor, they can buy it through Amazon. They won’t find it on our store shelves.” 

Nebraska is a leading beef producing state, consistently ranking high in cattle slaughter and exports. In 2024, the state processed 6.8 million head of cattle, more than any other state. It also leads the nation in beef and veal exports, sending over $2 billion of high-quality products to international markets.

While securing the state’s livestock industry is essential, the new law is also meant to protect consumers. Long term health effects of eating fake meat are currently unknown, as noted by NDA Dir. Vinton.

“Lab-grown meat has been marketed as an ethical and environmental alternative to the traditional beef industry, but the truth is, we do not know the true health impacts of the fake meat and the growth agents used to cultivate it, nor the long-term environmental benefits,” said Dir. Vinton. “Lab-grown meat is an experiment with the intent of replacing not only traditional meat, but traditional agriculture.”

Sen. DeKay said he was pleased to introduce LB246 on the Governor’s behalf. 

“He and I were in agreement that the prospect of synthetic meat entering the marketplace is a bridge too far,” noted Sen. DeKay. Cultured meat advocates have made no secret that their ultimate goal is to socially engineer our diets and end animal husbandry. I am thankful to the Governor for not going quietly into that future."

The new law goes into effect on Sept. 3.

 

Waypoint Analytical Expands Soil Testing Capabilities with Nebraska Lab Opening

Waypoint Analytical, North America’s largest agricultural lab network, has officially opened its newest laboratory in Grand Island, Nebraska. The new lab expands Waypoint’s capabilities in the heart of row crop country - bringing cutting-edge testing closer to the farm and accelerating the delivery of agronomic recommendations.

Celebrating with an open house event on July 17th, the Grand Island lab marks a major step forward in providing nutrient analysis and advanced, locally relevant soil health recommendations to farmer customers across the Midwest.

The facility is designed to reduce turnaround times and improve the precision of recommendations that help farmers fine-tune fertility programs, protect soil health, and optimize input use.

“Soil or tissue sampling provides a window into crop health,” says Lizzie French, Soil Biology Manager at Waypoint Analytical. “By bringing advanced testing closer to farmers, we’re helping them understand what’s happening beneath the surface - so they can make confident, timely decisions that support yield and long-term soil vitality today, and for years to come.”

Waypoint’s lab services include:
    Soil testing for pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability
    Plant tissue analysis to monitor in-season nutrient status
    Water testing for irrigation, spray tanks, and fertilizer compatibility
    Comprehensive plant pathology testing for soil or plant tissue
    Soil biology reports that assess microbial function related to nutrient cycling and residue breakdown - offering deeper insight into soil biome performance

For farmers leveraging Waypoint’s services, these insights allow crop consultants to create tailored prescriptions using enhanced efficiency products and seed selections that match a farmer’s specific field needs.

Waypoint is piloting a new soil biology test. This next-generation analysis focuses on measuring the genes microbes use to cycle nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - giving farmers a more precise understanding of microbial activity in their soil. Currently available to customers on a limited basis, the tool is designed to fit seamlessly into routine sampling processes while offering powerful new insights into soil function and biofertility.

Waypoint now operates eight agricultural labs across North America, including locations in Memphis, TN; Atlantic, IA; Champaign, IL; Wilson, NC; Richmond, VA; Leola, PA; and Anaheim, CA. While two of our facilities specialize in plant pathology, you can send your sample to any of our lab locations, and our team will ensure the pathology sample is directed to the appropriate specialized facility for analysis.

This national footprint allows Waypoint to deliver regionally tailored solutions while maintaining high standards in quality, speed, and scientific consistency - helping farmers from coast to coast make data-driven decisions that improve crop performance and environmental outcomes.



Husker Harvest Days 2025 expands to nine field demonstration categories  

Husker Harvest Days, the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, expands its popular field demonstration program to nine equipment categories with the addition of the HHD Drone Zone and manure spreader applications. The Sept. 9–11, 2025, event offers farmers unprecedented opportunities to evaluate brands performing real-world tasks before making critical purchasing decisions.

"We're excited to bring the Drone Zone and manure spreading demonstrations to Husker Harvest Days for 2025," says Matt Jungmann, senior events director for Farm Progress. "Today's farmers are looking for ways to improve efficiency and sustainability. Our goal is to give attendees the chance to see these innovations working in real field conditions before they invest."

HHD Drone Zone
    Showcasing agricultural drones revolutionizing chemical application
    Featuring precision application technology and automated flight capabilities
    Demonstrating advanced field mapping and variable rate application systems

Manure Spreading Demonstrations
The demonstrations are designed to showcase a variety of equipment and practices, which may include:
    Displaying equipment from traditional box spreaders to modern precision applicators
    Highlighting sustainable nutrient management practices
    Demonstrating proper calibration techniques for optimal distribution
    Addressing environmental considerations, including buffer zone management

Beyond these exciting additions, Husker Harvest Days continues to offer comprehensive demonstrations across seven essential equipment categories: grain harvesting, planting and tillage, haying, grain drying and handling, self-propelled sprayers, strip-till, and autonomous equipment. After each demonstration, company experts will be available for questions.

Each category features the latest innovations from leading manufacturers operating in real-world conditions. For complete details on all demonstration areas, visit the official show website.

New Daily Schedule for 2025
    12:30 p.m.: Corn Harvest Demonstrations, immediately followed by Tillage
    2 p.m.: Haying Demonstrations
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Continuous Demonstration

Registration is now open at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com for complimentary three-day passes to experience the Western Corn Belt’s premier agricultural event. Early registration ensures attendees receive timely updates about demonstration schedules and special events for the 2025 show.



RFIP Grants Boost Biodiesel Access at Iowa Fuel Retailers

Iowa’s cost-share Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded $1,124,750 in grants for 20 applicants to add B11 and 4 applicants to add E15 to retail sites. This was the first meeting following the start of RFIP’s fiscal year, which began on July 1, 2025. 

“We are pleased to see more retailers making B11 biodiesel blends available to their customers,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Iowa is a leader in biodiesel use, so having these options available is a win for drivers and Iowa’s economy.” 

To qualify for the program, biodiesel retailers must use the infrastructure to offer biodiesel blended fuel classified as B11 (11 percent biodiesel) or higher. During colder months, retailers can offer B5. Ethanol retailers can qualify for E15 and higher blends. 

To date, the RFIP program, managed by the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board (RFIB) has distributed over $60 million to help fund ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure across Iowa, allowing retailers to add necessary equipment to their stations to offer higher blends of biofuels. RFIB consists of 10 voting members appointed by the Governor of the State of Iowa.



Southeast Asian Feed Millers Welcomed To Iowa For Weeklong Training

Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) invited 14 young feed millers from Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O) to Iowa State University’s (ISU’s) Kent Feed Mill to undergo a week-long training course to improve the efficiency of their operations.

The ISU Feed Mill includes state-of-the-art facilities and a classroom for groups to discuss milling theories and then apply them hands-on.

“Assisting these feed mill operators by improving their practical skills and knowledge is an investment in future demand for feed grains and establishes trust in the U.S. agricultural sector,” Floss said.

“Establishing relationships with these industry stakeholders now will also lead to stronger in-region trade servicing opportunities in the future that keep U.S. feed grains at the forefront of end-users’ minds when choosing their raw materials.”

The first stage of the program took place in the ISU Kent Feed Mill classroom, discussing Iowa’s agricultural economy, milling techniques, mash conditioning, batching and quality during storage. Hands-on training followed with sessions on particle size analysis, mixing uniformity, steam quality management, pelleting and mill management to fully equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to enhance their own operations.

Outside the training facility, the team went on a tour of an ethanol plant, organized by Iowa Corn, to see how distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are produced and the nutritional benefits of incorporating them into feed formulas.

The group also visited a family farm to see the management and soil conservation practices of U.S. corn that contribute to its quality and versatility.

“This short course was able to impart practical knowledge to feed mill operators from key markets in the SEA&O region in a way that they could take home and make immediate improvements in their operations,” Floss said.

“We are excited to continue working with these participants to further demand for U.S. feed grains and co-products in their mills.”



Smith Statement on Nomination for Agricultural Trade Post

Thursday Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement after the White House announced the nomination of Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

"The Chief Agriculture Negotiator is vital for ensuring American agriculture producers have a voice in ongoing trade negotiations and, importantly, the 2026 review of USMCA. Dr. Callahan understands the diligence required to promote strong relationships with our trading partners and fight for increased market access for high-quality American food, fuel, and fiber. While not all presidents have prioritized doing so, I am pleased to see President Trump rightly recognize the importance of filling this post. I encourage the Senate to swiftly confirm her nomination." 



NPPC Congratulates Callahan on USTR Chief Ag Negotiator Nomination
 
President Trump Thursday nominated Julie Callahan to be the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, a move lauded by the U.S. pork industry. 
 
Speaking on behalf of America's 60,000+ pork producers, NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys released the following statement.
 
“America’s pork producers congratulate and look forward to continuing to engage with U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator nominee Julie Callahan. Exceptionally familiar with agriculture and science-based standards, Julie has also been actively engaged with trade negotiations in the Trump administration and is in a unique position to advocate for U.S. agriculture on the world’s stage.”
 
The USTR chief agricultural negotiator represents the interests of America’s farmers and ranchers and the U.S. government in trade talks with foreign nations, working to reduce trade barriers, open new markets, and eliminate unfair trade practices.
 
NPPC has pushed the administration to fill the chief agricultural negotiator position, which is especially critical to American agriculture given ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations. NPPC appreciates President Trump moving forward with filling this vital position and encourages Callahan's swift confirmation.



ASA Congratulates Callahan on USTR Nomination

The American Soybean Association welcomes the nomination from President Trump of Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ASA CEO Stephen Censky, said, "Julie Callahan understands the importance of international export markets to the success of U.S. agriculture. Soybean farmers across the country know they have a champion in Dr. Callahan, given her history of service at USTR and across the federal government. ASA is excited to see her nominated for this important role, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in her new position.”

ASA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Callahan’s nomination.



Corn Growers Applaud Chief Agricultural Negotiator Pick

The leadership of the National Corn Growers Association applauded the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The nomination comes about a week after NCGA sent a letter, signed by 42 agricultural organizations, to President Trump encouraging him to move quickly on nominating someone for the role.

“Corn grower leaders have been very vocal in recent weeks about the need to fill this important position, as the chief ag negotiator plays a critical role in prioritizing agriculture issues in ongoing trade negotiations,” said Illinois corn grower and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We are thrilled to see the president listened and chose someone of this caliber to represent the interests of America’s farmers. It was a pleasure to congratulate Dr. Callahan in person today during our meeting at the White House.”
 
The chief agricultural negotiator is responsible for leading and coordinating agricultural trade negotiations and developing agricultural trade policy. The role has historically been critical to the agricultural sector and has only increased in importance as NCGA advocates for more trade deals with market access.

Callahan has close to 20 years of working on international issues and trade at a variety of agencies, including USTR, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Her most recent experience includes almost nine years serving as assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy.



USMEF Statement on Julie Callahan's Nomination as USTR's Chief Ag Negotiator

The White House announced Thursday morning that President Trump has nominated Julie Callahan to serve as chief agricultural negotiator at USTR. Callahan is currently the assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

At this especially critical time for agricultural trade, President Trump has tapped a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and all of U.S. agriculture. Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position and USMEF urges her swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate. 



AFBF Welcomes Callahan Nomination to be Chief Ag Negotiator

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commended the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

“Dr. Callahan is a pro with nearly a decade of experience negotiating trade agreements. She understands how important international partnerships are to agriculture and the critical role of strong export markets to strengthen our farm economy.

“As someone who has come through the ranks and worked directly on trade agreements, including reducing both technical barriers and tariffs, Julie will hit the ground running. Her previous experience in the Foreign Ag Service at USDA and also at FDA provide important perspective to inform her work to help resolve challenging issues on the trade front.

“We look forward to a swift Senate confirmation process so that Dr. Callahan can be fully empowered to contribute to U.S. trade strategy during these volatile times.”



U.S. Dairy Industry Celebrates Julie Callahan Nomination for Chief Agricultural Negotiator

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) commended President Trump’s nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. 

“The role of Chief Agricultural Negotiator is critical to ensuring that American dairy farmers have a voice in trade negotiations,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF and a former USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator. “Dr. Callahan is the right choice. Her expertise and leadership in agricultural trade policy is second to none. Dairy farmers and the entire U.S. dairy industry look forward to working with her to open new export markets and hold our trading partners accountable. We ask that the Senate move swiftly to advance her confirmation process.” 

Callahan currently serves as the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy where she leads on expanding and preserving market access opportunities for U.S. farmers and food manufacturers. Her impressive tenure in agricultural trade policy spans across a variety of leadership roles with USTR and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in addition to early career experience with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the American Chemical Society. 

“Dr. Callahan’s nomination today is a win for U.S. agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “The U.S. dairy industry depends on a proactive trade policy agenda to grow. Dr. Callahan brings deep trade policy expertise and an unmatched record of advocating for U.S. farmers and food manufacturers to a role vital to ensuring agriculture has a seat at the negotiating table. We look forward to working with her to drive back trade barriers and build markets for American dairy producers. USDEC calls on the Senate to quickly confirm her as our next Chief Agricultural Negotiator.” 

“For far too long, the European Union has misused its geographical indications rules to monopolize common food names like ‘parmesan’ and block fair competition from U.S. producers,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “In her current role, Dr. Callahan has been leading the charge in preserving market access for U.S. common name producers in the face of these harmful EU policies. Her leadership will be instrumental in working to ensure that the European Union stops taking advantage of American farmers. We are excited for the opportunity to further work with her on this important mission and urge an expeditious confirmation process in the Senate.”



Callahan Nominated For Chief Ag Negotiator Role

Julie Callahan, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for agricultural affairs and commodity policy, has been nominated by President Trump for the role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

“We appreciate President Trump for working expeditiously to nominate the AUSTR Callahan for this critical job,” said U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “The Council and I, personally, have worked with Julie for many years and I know, once approved, she will have the producers and agribusinesses top of mind as she conducts her work with trading partners around the world.”

Callahan has been with the agency since 2016, serving as senior director for agricultural affairs before being promoted to deputy AUSTR in 2020. The President now has nominated people to serve in all of the traditionally held USTR deputy roles.
    



USDA Accepting Applications for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico, scheduled for November 3–6. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Mexico’s dynamic agricultural market must apply by Thursday, July 31, 2025.

“Strengthening export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is a top priority of USDA,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in Mexico, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

Mexico was the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2024, with sales totaling more than $30 billion, supporting approximately 190,000 U.S. jobs. Agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) reached nearly $79 billion in 2024 and has shown consistent growth over the last decade.

To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, in June, Secretary Rollins launched a Bold Plan to combat New World Screwworm (PDF, 434 KB) by protecting our border at all costs, increasing eradication efforts in Mexico, and increasing readiness. USDA also announced the groundbreaking of a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas. This facility will provide a critical contingency capability to disperse sterile flies should a NWS detection be made in the southern United States.

Growing U.S. exports to Mexico are supported by factors such as rising disposable income among Mexico’s upper middle class, familiarity with U.S. products and food trends, and strong demand for high-quality agricultural goods.

Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and have increased by more than 75 percent between 2020 and 2024. USDA anticipates strong export opportunities across several product sectors, including:
    Beef, poultry, and related products
    Dairy products
    Seafood
    Tree nuts
    Pet food
    Baking and food processing ingredients

Additional opportunities exist for U.S. products such as animal feed, rice, pulses, seed potatoes, and livestock genetics.

During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will connect directly with buyers from Mexico City and surrounding regions through business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits, and networking events led by FAS staff and regional experts.

For more information or to apply, see the Mexico Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage. The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025.

The Mexico trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and Peru have delivered measurable success for U.S. exporters. Applications are now closed for the trade mission to Taiwan. To learn more about FAS agribusiness trade missions, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.



National FFA Organization Names 2025 American Star Finalists

The National FFA Organization has announced the 16 finalists for its 2025 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience.

The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies by completing a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows members to learn by doing. Members can own and operate an agricultural business, intern at an agricultural business, or conduct an agriculture-based scientific experiment and report the results.

Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management skills; completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements; and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest level of student accomplishment.

The finalists are:

American Star Farmer
Nathan Clark from the Locust Trace FFA Chapter in Kentucky
Brady Frascht from the Charles City FFA Chapter in Iowa
Ryder Klaassen from the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma
Benjamin Joseph Scheresky from the Max FFA Chapter in North Dakota

American Star in Agribusiness
Nash McKenzie from the Boonville FFA Chapter in Missouri
John Buryl Neely from the Woodbury FFA Chapter in Tennessee
Blake Twenhafel from the Wescline FFA Chapter in Illinois
Trevor Wright from the Hollister-San Benito FFA Chapter in California

American Star in Agricultural Placement
Braden Compton from the Meade County FFA Chapter in Kentucky
Nevin Erbsen from the Eastland FFA Chapter in Illinois
Caldyn David Huper from the United South Central FFA Chapter in Minnesota
Amanda Osmundson from the Oakdale FFA Chapter in California

American Star in Agriscience
Delana Erbsen of the Eastland FFA Chapter in Illinois
Joanna Hamilton from the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter in Ohio
Matthias David Hefty from the DeKalb FFA Chapter in Indiana
Madison Perkins from the Gilmer FFA Chapter in Texas

A panel of judges will interview the finalists and select one winner from each award category for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this fall. The four winners will be announced during the convention.

Bayer, Cargill, Case IH, John Deere and Syngenta sponsor the American FFA Degree recognition program and the American Star Awards.

Visit FFA.org/Stars for more information about the American Star Awards. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.