Friday November 21 Ag News - Rural Mainstreet Index Higher in Nov - Willret, Hudson join NE Cattlemen - Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Advances - and more!

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Retreats for Ninth Time in 2025
Almost One in Three Bankers Indicate Rural Economy Recession

For the ninth time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral 50.0, 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 November increased to a weak 44.0 from October’s 34.6, its lowest level since May 2020. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

Approximately, 31.8% of bankers reported that their local economy was in a recession. More than one in three bankers reported solid growth with no recession in sight for 2026. The remaining 30.9% of bankers reported current conditions were ok, but a recession is expected in 2026.

“Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to dampen economic activity in the 10-state region. On average, bank CEOs expect 18.3% of farmers and ranchers in their area to record negative cash flow for 2025,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 18th time in the past 19 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price improved to a frail 43.2 from 37.0 in October.  “Elevated long-term interest rates, higher input costs and below breakeven grain prices put downward pressure on farmland prices,” said Goss.

Approximately, 58.3% of bankers expect farmland prices to fall in 2026, with an average decline of 3.1% for all survey participants.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first eight months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, fell from $7.8 billion in 2024 to $7.3 billion in 2025, for a decline of 5.9%. 

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index sank to a very weak 15.1 from 18.8 in October. “This is the 27th 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 negative impacts on purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for November increased to 49.2 from 39.6 in October. The state’s farmland price index for November fell to 46.6 from 48.4 in October. Nebraska’s new hiring index climbed to 53.4 from October’s 49.2. Nebraska’s year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock expanded to $877.8 million in 2025, up from $672.1 million in the same period of 2024, for a gain of 53.4%.

Iowa: November’s RMI for the state climbed to 47.0 from 37.7 in October. Iowa’s farmland price index for November advanced to 45.2 from October’s 43.0. Iowa’s new hiring index for November rose to 51.8 from 46.7 in October. Iowa’s year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock reached $1.2 billion in 2025, up 28.4% from $967.2 million in the same period of 2024, according to data from the ITA.

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.



Sawyer Willrett Begins Role as the Director of Member Services

Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) is proud to announce Sawyer Willrett as the director of member services. Originally from Malta, Illinois, Sawyer earned his B.S. in Agribusiness from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2024, where he was a Ruth Leverton Scholar and pursued minors in Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars. Willrett previously interned in merchandising and procurement at Viserion Grain LLC and National Beef Packing Company LLC. Most recently, Willrett has been working on his family’s feedlot in Northern Illinois and serving on Illinois’s DeKalb-Kane Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors.

Sawyer stated, “My background in the cattle industry has shaped my values and inspired my commitment to the people in it. I believe in an organization that supports cattlemen and look forward to working with the Nebraska Cattlemen staff and association members across the state for the betterment of our industry.”

“Having Sawyer join the team at Nebraska Cattlemen is a win for cattle producers in Nebraska. Sawyer has grown up in the cattle industry and has a heart for connecting with producers. I look forward to his immediate impact on working with the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen,” said NC executive vice president Laura Field.

Sawyer started his role on November 3, 2025, and we encourage members to reach out and get to know him. Sawyer can be reached via email at SWillrett@necattlemen.org.



TaraLee Hudson Named Director of Producer Relations and Engagement

Nebraska Cattlemen is pleased to announce the hire of TaraLee Hudson as director of producer relations and engagement. A native of Thayer County, TaraLee grew up on a cow-calf and row crop operation where she remains actively involved. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and participated in the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program as an undergraduate. TaraLee is a past intern of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and was a recipient of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s Beef State Scholarship. Set to graduate in December with a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from UNL, TaraLee’s primary research focus addresses fragmentation in the fed cattle market and its implications for price transparency and discovery.

TaraLee said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Nebraska’s cattle producers in this role. My roots in production, along with my academic and industry experience, have fueled a deep commitment to the future of Nebraska’s beef industry. I look forward to connecting with current and future members across the state and working together to advance and strengthen the voice and impact of the Nebraska Cattlemen.”

NC executive vice president Laura Field stated, “Nebraska Cattlemen is excited to have TaraLee join our team. Her background growing up on a beef cattle operation and further education in cattle markets and economics make her a great fit to work with members.”

TaraLee will start her new role on January 5, 2026.



Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Reintroduction of Fertilizer Research Act to the U.S. House of Representatives

Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement on reintroduction of the Fertilizer Research Act to the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on competition and trends in the fertilizer market and their subsequent impacts on fertilizer price:   

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) sincerely appreciates Representatives Hinson, Budzinski, Feenstra and Gluesenkamp Perez for honoring our request for a study to review the competition and transparency within the fertilizer industry. Fertilizer prices have continued to rise, putting pressure on Iowa corn farmers who are already facing low corn prices and increased input costs, resulting in slim or even nonexistent profit margins. We need to assess the fertilizer industry to better understand pricing practices, tariffs and the exertion of market power by companies within the industry. 

“Iowa Corn is pleased that the Fertilizer Research Act has been reintroduced in both the Senate, by Sen. Grassley and Ernst, and now the U.S. House of Representatives. The continued commitment to highlighting the impact of fertilizer prices on corn farmers does not go unnoticed by Iowa’s corn growers.”   



NMPF Praises Senate Passage of Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

The National Milk Producers Federation celebrated today’s latest step toward better nutrition for children, as the Senate passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by unanimous consent.

The Senate's unanimous support for the legislation means that only House passage and a presidential signature remain before improved access to dairy nutrition in schools becomes law. This bill would provide schools with the option of serving whole and 2% milk in addition to the 1%, fat-free, and flavored options currently offered. 

Whole and 2% milk are the most consumed varieties at home, offering the same 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium and vitamin D with a taste kids often prefer.   

“Restoring schools' option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “This commonsense legislation will help American children get back on solid nutritional footing. We’re grateful that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree on the importance of making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children.”

The Senate measure is sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, R-KS, Peter Welch, D-VT, Dave McCormick, R-PA, and John Fetterman, D-PA. Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, led the committee in approving the bill by voice vote in June.

“We thank Senators Marshall and Welch for their passionate advocacy for getting this bill over the finish line in committee and on the floor. Their leadership made this win possible,” Doud said.

Whole and 2% milk were removed from school meals programs beginning in 2012 as part of an effort to slow obesity in American kids that was based on science and nutrition advice that is now outdated. Research over the past decade has found that milk at all fat levels has a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart disease. 

With Senate approval, the next step is House passage. A similar bill overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, R-PA, has led the charge in the House on this issue for years, with Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, as coauthor, and this bill is expected to pass with strong bipartisan support once again. 



Farm Bureau Applauds Senate Action to Restore Whole Milk in Schools

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.

“This is a win-win for kids and dairy farmers because the nutritional benefits of whole milk are now broadly known. By lifting the restrictions on whole and reduced-fat 2% milk in schools, kids have more access to important protein, calcium and vitamins. Because school milk accounts for almost 8% of fluid milk demand, it’s a significant market driver, too.

“Many thanks to the bipartisan leadership from Sens. Welch and Marshall as well as that from Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar for getting the bill across the finish line in the Senate. I urge the House to act quickly to get it to President Trump’s desk.

“This vote follows letters from AFBF to the president and Congress that, among other priorities, urged for the restoration of whole milk in schools to ensure children have access to nutritious dairy products. The availability of whole milk in schools is a step toward helping the struggling agricultural economy. We look forward to working with Congress and President Trump to advance priorities that benefit families and America’s farmers.”



Council Shares Responsible Farming Practice Advancements, Biofuels’ Carbon Reduction Capabilities At COP30

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez and USGBC Multilateral Policy Manager Linda Schmid recently attended the United Nations’ annual climate summit, COP30, to share the advancements in responsible farming practices and the carbon-reduction capabilities of biofuels.

“Some major highlights were discussions around carbon markets, carbon accounting and the need for interoperability of life cycle analysis models,” Schmid said.

“Cohesive strategies and cooperation among countries help facilitate the cross-border flow of products, like biofuels, that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

In advance of the event, held in Belem, Brazil, the Council contributed to the International Energy Agency’s report, Delivering Sustainable Fuels Pathways to 2035, providing evidence in support of a global pledge to increase the use of sustainable fuels four-fold by 2035.

Suárez and Schmid addressed fellow attendees about ethanol’s applications for on-road, aviation and maritime transport as well as a fuel for clean cooking through speaking opportunities, pre-recorded videos and support of partners’ declarations that recognize the benefits of biofuels.

The Council participated in daily industry briefings with the International Chamber of Commerce, programming goals with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and biofuel roundtables with the Business Council on International Understanding. Schmid attended forums with the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, International Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) to secure engagement promoting international coordination on biofuel adoption.

In coordination with other agricultural community stakeholders in attendance, the Council organized a symposium in the Embrapa Agri Zone highlighting agriculturally based solutions in the decarbonization of transport, food security and energy access. The event showcased the efforts of agricultural producers to provide sustainable feedstocks that are developed into everyday products benefiting consumers and the environment.

“The Council’s engagement at COP30 enabled extended dialogue about the benefits of bioethanol to rural economies by reducing energy poverty and increasing farmer income, the backbone of energy and food security,” Schmid said.

“At COP, we were able to stoke demand for cross border flows of bioethanol as an immediate solution to decarbonization goals while highlighting the outstanding innovations farmers employ every day to reduce input costs on the farm.”



Meat & Poultry Processors Contribute $57.3 Billion to US Economy & Provide 584,000 Jobs

The Meat Institute today released an economic study that found the meat and poultry processing industry contributes $57.3 billion to the US economy and provides 584,000 jobs. The entire meat and poultry industry, including livestock production, animal feed, equipment manufacturing, transportation and more contributes $347.7 billion in value to the nation, supporting 3.2 million jobs.

“The meat and poultry industry is a critical and growing part of the US economy, and one that has outsized importance to rural economies,” said Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “Our member companies are often the biggest employers in their rural communities, and their impact goes beyond jobs. In addition to the taxes they pay, they invest in their communities with generous donations of food and make financial and other irreplaceable contributions to local infrastructure like housing, community spaces, schools, and childcare.”

The Meat Institute commissioned Decision Innovation Solutions to conduct the economic contribution study.

Key Findings:
Meat and Poultry Industry Direct Contributions to the National Economy in 2025:
    $57.3 billion in value 
    Nearly 584,000 jobs
    $40.6 billion in labor income
    $311.0 billion in total sales (output)
    $12.5 billion in local, state, and federal taxes

After accounting for these indirect and induced effects, the total economic contribution of the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry is:
    $347.7 billion in value 
    More than 3.2 million jobs
    $205.3 billion in labor income
    $911.7 billion in total sales (output)
    $77.0 billion in local, state, and federal taxes
(Indirect and induced effects: The meat and poultry processing industry generates significant economic activity in other industries including livestock and poultry production, animal feed manufacturing, grain and oilseed production, truck and rail transportation, equipment manufacturing, and more.)

State and Congressional District Economic Contributions:
The report also estimates the economic contributions of the meat and poultry processing industry for each state and federal congressional district. While the meat and poultry processing industry drives some economic activity in every state and nearly every district, there are some areas where the industry’s impact is undeniably irreplaceable:

Top States:
Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, California, and Arkansas.

Top Districts:
Nebraska-3, Iowa-4, Texas-13, Kansas-1, Minnesota-1, and Arkansas-3