Wednesday January 14 Ag News - Farmland Values Become More Complex - Weaned Calf Insurance webinar - Bins of Tomorrow webinar - Radicle Growth Corn Challenge - DMC Signup Underway - and more!

 U.S. Farmland Values Enter New Phase Shaped by Localized Market Signals

The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still high historically, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends.

“After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” said Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate operations at Farmers National Company. “This isn’t a sign of collapse but a recalibration that reflects current commodity prices, input costs and regional production conditions.’

Farmland demand now varies widely by location. Areas with high crop yields, diversified farms, and dependable groundwater continue to attract buyers and maintain steady values. Regions facing commodity price pressure, lower yields, or limited alternative income sources are seeing lower demand.

“Farmland values are increasingly determined locally, sometimes down to the township,” Lacina said. “Buyers are carefully assessing soil quality, the percentage of tillable acres, water access, and how a parcel fits into their current operations. Those details matter more than ever.”

Despite mixed signals, market conditions remain favorable for many sellers. Farmland remains a resilient, long-term asset, and well-priced properties are attracting strong interest.

“This is still a workable window for sellers,” Lacina noted. “The key is understanding current local demand and choosing the right approach to bring land to market. Sellers who partner with experienced local land professionals often see better results because they’re aligned with how buyers think today.”

The makeup of buyers remains steady, but their strategies are changing. Active farmers remain the largest group of buyers, yet many are more cautious, weighing profitability concerns against long-term ownership goals. They focus on high-quality land within their established areas.

Investor interest from both local and institutional buyers remains steady. Many view the moderation in land values as an opportunity to enter the market at more disciplined prices.

“Investor buyers are focused on fundamentals,” Lacina said. “They’re targeting land with strong lease potential and reliable income that can support long-term returns.”

Farmers National Company anticipates stable U.S. farmland values overall, with ongoing divergence driven by local conditions. Opportunities may emerge in regions with weaker demand, and sellers' success will depend on accurate market insights and timing.

“The farmland market isn’t weakening; it’s becoming more selective,” Lacina added. “Whether buying or selling, the advantage will go to those who understand their local market and work with professionals who live and breathe those nuances daily.”

West-Central Region: Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa
Chanda Scheuring, Area Sales Manager
Buyers using tax-deferred exchange (1031) funds and those viewing land as a long-term investment continue to support land values in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, according to Chanda Scheuring, area sales manager for Farmers National Company. These buyers have helped stabilize farmland prices for high-quality tracts or those with development potential. Conversely, properties with lower production capabilities are feeling the impact of depressed commodity prices over the past few years, Scheuring said.

“The supply of farms for sale remains similar to last year, but the overall buyer pool appears to be shrinking quickly. Farmers and investors are becoming more selective about which properties to add to their portfolios and the prices they're willing to pay. They are only making purchases they feel comfortable with, given tighter profit margins,” she added.

“With the changing market, it’s important to partner with a local real estate professional to not only understand the current value of your personal farm property but also determine the best way to market it in a shifting economy,” Scheuring noted.



Atwater Earns Top 10 Finalist Recognition in National

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) member Lance Atwater, of the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau, was named a Top 10 finalist of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award. Young farmers and ranchers from across the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge, achievement and commitment to promoting agriculture during the AFBF 107th Annual Convention in Anaheim, Cal. Jan. 9-14.

“It's an honor to make the Top Ten finalists of the Farm Bureau Achievement Award and be part of that group, hearing about the other competitors’ successful operations and the things they're doing to be successful,” said Atwater. “It’s a privilege to be part of the finalists and an honor to represent not only Nebraska Farm Bureau, but Nebraska farmers and ranchers. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to share the story about our state and the things that I'm doing on my farm and what I've done to get where I'm at, in both leadership and on the farm.”

The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

“Lance truly reflects the best of Nebraska agriculture — he’s hardworking, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to building a strong future. His leadership shows what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and a desire to serve come together, and his impact on both his operation and the next generation makes him an outstanding example of leadership in action,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB director of leadership development.

Atwater, owner of Atwater Family Farms, has spent a lifetime working toward his dream of farming. He is married to Krystal and has two children, Ryker and Addilynn. After earning a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Atwater returned home and spent a year working in precision agriculture at his local cooperative. In 2014, he joined his family’s farming operation full time. By 2016, Atwater began expanding his own operation by picking up ground and building relationships through custom farming.

Today he raises popcorn, white corn, yellow corn, and soybeans, while sharing his passion with the next generation. A longtime advocate for service, Atwater credits his time as a Nebraska FFA state officer for shaping his commitment to giving back. Soon after returning from college, he was recruited to the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau board.

“A friend reached out and asked if I’d be interested in getting involved. The rest is history. I’ve been engaged in Farm Bureau ever since.”

Atwater has served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors for the past seven years.

Looking ahead, Atwater remains focused on navigating challenging economic conditions and building a sustainable future for his family.

“It continues to show that Farm Bureau is thinking about the next generation. It's really easy to think about yourself, but once you have kids and you start thinking about that next generation, your whole perspective changes,” said Atwater. “You can see that in our local Farm Bureau, you can see it in Nebraska Farm Bureau, and you can see it in the American Farm Bureau. We're always thinking about ways to make a better future for that next generation that wants to be part of this great industry.” 



Understanding Weaned Calf Risk Protection Insurance
Jan 22, 2026 12:00 PM 
Elliott Dennis, associate professor, livestock economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

Weaned Calf Risk Protection (WCRP) is a USDA Risk Management Agency insurance product designed to protect total weight gain of feeder cattle after weaning. The product is available for purchase, with a one-time sign-up deadline of Jan. 31.

This webinar provides an overview of how WCRP works, key considerations when selecting coverage levels, and how the product fits alongside other publicly and privately available livestock insurance options. The discussion is intended to help producers evaluate whether WCRP aligns with their broader risk management strategy.

Find all the details and register at cap.unl.edu/webinars.   

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 




Naig Comments on Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following statement after Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered the annual Condition of the State Address:

“Gov. Reynolds underscored a strong commitment to keeping life affordable for every Iowan by working to reduce the property tax burden and maintain a responsible, balanced budget. With disciplined state spending, Iowans keep more of what they earn which helps families, farms, and businesses grow, reinvest and save for the future.

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, and a strong agricultural sector ensures a strong Iowa. I look forward to working closely with the governor and the legislature to advance the Iowa Farm Act, which will deliver meaningful wins for farmers and strengthen rural communities. I appreciate the governor’s staff working closely with my team to modernize and strengthen the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit. I strongly support revamping this important program so it remains a meaningful tool to help the next generation of farmers get started and build their farm businesses.

Iowa is building a future where affordability meets opportunity. From safe communities and strong schools to abundant energy resources and a skilled workforce, we are creating a premier landscape where Iowans can thrive.”



Iowa Ethanol Production at Risk Following Introduction of Anti-CCUS Legislation

On the same week the USDA announced a record corn crop in Iowa, underscoring the need to grow ethanol demand, a bill introduced in the Iowa Legislature could restrict the tools Iowa ethanol producers need to be compete in emerging markets. 

“Iowa farmers cannot afford, literally, to be cut out of the most exciting emerging demand for corn, ultra-low carbon ethanol markets,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Executive Director Monte Shaw. “With lower corn prices and stagnating demand, developing new markets is critical. This bill would essentially ban CO2 projects in Iowa while our neighboring states are moving forward. Capturing and using or sequestering carbon from Iowa plants would generate $3 billion in federal incentives while helping enhance U.S. oil production, create investment opportunities for new projects in Iowa, and reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. This bill would slam the door on Iowa's ability to compete, and we urge Iowa House members to oppose it.” 

House Study Bill 507 (HSB 507) would ban the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipeline projects and carbon capture, use and sequestration (CCUS) initiatives. President Trump has called CCUS central to his American Energy Dominance agenda. In Nebraska, a CO2 pipeline has already attracted a nearly $2 billion investment to make green methanol. CO2 sent to places like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Texas can be sequestered, but also allow enhanced oil recovery from America’s fracking fields. 



Bins of Tomorrow Webinar to Focus on Grain Conditioning for Profitability

Farmers are invited to participate in an upcoming “Bins of Tomorrow” webinar on Feb. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is offered by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach agricultural engineering team and will focus on issues encountered during the 2025 grain harvest, grain quality and its storability in 2026.

Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, noted that the 2025 corn and soybean harvest had its unique challenges.

“Cooled grain with low moisture content is typically good for winter storage. The conditions ofGrain bins in the distance under a blue sky both soybeans and corn should be looked into as spring 2026 approaches,” he said. “Dry grain kernels are prone to shattering and splitting, which can cause issues during storage. Additionally, there is an economic loss when such grain is sold, as weights are not adjusted for corn with a moisture content below 15% or soybeans with a moisture content below 13%.”

Webinar topics include how to adjust weights using sensors, weather data and bin monitoring, using apps for decision-making and how to improve grain quality during storage, especially for soybeans. The webinar will be led by Dirk Maier, professor and director of the ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex.

Visit the Bins of Tomorrow website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ageng/bins-of-tomorrow to register for the webinar or learn more about the Bins of Tomorrow programs. This webinar is offered to all participants at no cost, but registration is required.

Questions regarding the webinar can be directed to Kapil Arora at pbtiger@iastate.edu, Kris Kohl at kkohl1@iastate.edu or Tony Mensing at tmensing@iastate.edu.



Radicle Growth Launches The Radicle Corn Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers to Drive New Demand for Corn 

Radicle Growth today announced the launch of The Radicle Corn Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers, a global call for startups developing technologies that create new, durable demand for corn through innovative products, materials, and value chains. The Challenge will invest a total of $1.75 million in selected companies and is supported by twelve leading U.S. corn grower organizations: Colorado Corn Promotion Council, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Kansas Corn Commission, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, National Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Ohio Corn Marketing Program, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and Tennessee Corn Promotion Board. 

Corn farmers are highly efficient at producing corn, but long-term profitability increasingly depends on expanding how corn is used beyond traditional markets. The Radicle Corn Challenge is designed to support startups that are building new uses for corn by helping unlock additional sources of demand across industrial, material, chemical, and fuel applications. 

“Corn has long been a foundational feedstock for food, feed, and fuel,” said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radicle Growth. “The next opportunity is expanding how corn is used across new products and markets. Through the Radicle Corn Challenge, we’re looking to support companies that can translate innovation into real-world demand.” 

The Challenge seeks applications from startups and growth companies around the world working on technologies that convert corn and corn-derived streams—such as sugar (glucose), ethanol, and other byproducts—into higher-value products. Areas of interest include bioplastics and materials, corn- and ethanol-derived chemicals, valorization of corn byproducts, and emerging fuel pathways, including marine fuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

“Advances in chemistry, catalysis, and biological conversion are opening up new, practical pathways for corn-based products,” said Neal Gutterson, Partner and Chief Technology Officer at Radicle Growth. “What’s particularly compelling today is how many of these technologies are becoming technically and commercially viable at scale.”

The Radicle Corn Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers will invest $1.75M across the winning startups and growth companies. In addition to capital, selected companies will benefit from Radicle’s commercialization expertise, scientific and technical diligence, and connections across the corn and broader bioeconomy ecosystem.

Historically, corn growers have played an active role in building and growing new markets, including the early development of the ethanol industry. The Challenge explores how similar alignment between innovators, investors, and growers can help scale the next generation of corn-based technologies.

“Corn farmers continue to lead the way in producing high-quality corn, supplying feed, fuel, fiber and food around the globe,” said Joe Roberts, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President and farmer from Belmond, Iowa. “As the corn industry continues to expand in Iowa and around the country, the surplus of corn carryout is forecasted to increase, challenging farmer profitability. That’s why Iowa Corn, together with our corn state partners, is proud to sponsor the second Radicle Corn Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers. The challenge will once again spotlight breakthrough ideas and bold new demand opportunities for corn. I’m eager to see the startups and growth companies showcase their new technologies, while learning how we can work together to continue finding new uses for corn.” 

Investment decisions will be made following a comprehensive due diligence process, with selected winners announced at the Bio Innovations North America conference on September 9th, 2026 in Omaha, NE. 

For more information about The Radicle Corn Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers, and to apply, visit radicle.vc/radicle-corn-challenge.



Signup Underway for Improved DMC to Assist Dairy Farmers Facing Low Prices

The National Milk Producers Federation is pleased that Dairy Margin Coverage Program signup is under way, with key improvements aiding farmers as prices have fallen and DMC assistance becomes essential for some farms in 2026.

“An improved DMC Program couldn’t come a moment too soon,” Gregg Doud, President & CEO of NMPF, said. “We appreciate USDA’s efforts to quickly update the DMC program, and we urge dairy farmers who will benefit from the program to sign up as part of their risk-management plans.”

The DMC changes were part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last year that included multiple benefits for dairy, including making the Section 199A tax deduction and making more funds available for dairy farmers and their cooperatives to use for conservation programs. 

DMC revisions published in the Federal Register include: 
    An opportunity to establish new production history based on the highest annual milk production level from any one of the 2021, 2022, or 2023 calendar years. Production history established between 2014-2025 will no longer be applicable for coverage. 
    USDA clarification on how new operations (i.e., those that began marketing milk after Jan. 1, 2023) will be able to establish production history.
    Eligibility for operations to enroll their first 6 million pounds of production at the Tier 1 level, up from 5 million pounds, with all additional production covered under Tier 2. Premium rate fees under Tiers 1 and 2 are unchanged. 
    An opportunity for operations to make a one-time election of coverage level and coverage percentage, “locking in” those elections for a six-year period from January 2026-December 2031. Those who elect this option must participate in DMC at the same coverage levels for the six-year period and will receive a 25% premium discount for doing so. 

Signup for the revised DMC runs now through Feb. 26. NMPF will keep its members apprised of key developments, with staff available to answer questions as necessary.



American Farm Bureau Establishes 2026 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Convention this week adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2026. Key topics ranged from labor to animal health to risk management.

For the fourth year, delegates were polled during the voting session regarding their farms. The results show almost 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms and more than two-thirds represent small- to mid-size farms as defined by USDA. Today’s discussion highlighted the fact that farmers across the spectrum and across the country are struggling.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges in agriculture, including high supply costs, trade imbalances, and low commodity prices. Today, our members gave us clear guidance on how we should address those challenges in the coming year,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farm Bureau’s strength was on display today, as our grassroots set the policy for this organization. We look forward to taking their stories to leaders in Washington, as we work to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to fill pantries for families across the country.”

Delegates adopted policy to improve labor programs to meet the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers, including formalizing support for the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology, and further revisions to avoid unpredictable rate swings in the future.

They voted to support federal funding for research and biosecurity facilities to better identify and combat illnesses and pests that threaten the health of crops and animals. New policy also includes committing more resources specifically to eradicate the New World screwworm, and keeping the U.S.-Mexico border closed to cattle trade until the screwworm is controlled.

Delegates revised national farm policy to provide more protection for dairy farmers who may suffer losses due to market challenges.

Delegates also formalized support for prioritizing locally grown fruits, vegetables, bread, and proteins in institutional purchases such as schools and government facilities.

Voting members also requested that the board of directors analyze several agricultural issues, including the impact of tariffs and the lack of affordable insurance options for poultry farmers.

Farm Bureau Leadership Elections
Beyond policy changes, AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were unanimously re-elected for another two-year term.

Delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF board of directors and national program committees. Stacy Simunek, Oklahoma (Southern Region), was elected to fill a one-year term on the AFBF board of directors. Joyce Brady, New Hampshire (Northeast Region), and ValJay Rigby, Utah (Western Region), were elected to two-year terms.

Eleven other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board. From the Midwest Region—Garrett Hawkins, Missouri; and Mark McHargue, Nebraska. From the Northeast Region—Chris Hoffman, Pennsylvania. From the Western Region—Carlyle Currier, Colorado; and Rosella Mosby, Washington. From the Southern Region—Eddie Melton, Kentucky; Harry Ott, South Carolina; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama; Scott Sink, Virginia; Jeb Smith, Florida; and Dan Wright, Arkansas.

National Program Committees
Julie Hardy of Georgia (Southern Region) was elected to a two-year term on the Women’s Leadership Committee. Mindy Orschell of Indiana (Midwest Region), Dot Jensen of Utah (Western Region) and Jennifer Cross of Maryland (Northeast Region) were re-elected to two-year terms.

Heidi Cooper of Massachusetts was elected chair, Steve Breeding of Delaware was elected vice chair and Lynn Leahy of Wisconsin was elected secretary of the Promotion & Engagement Committee. They will each serve one-year terms.

Tommy Salisbury of Oklahoma was elected chair, Cleve Jackson of Georgia was elected vice chair and Katie Wiese of Minnesota was elected secretary of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. They will each serve one-year terms beginning in March at the end of the YF&R Conference.

AFBF appreciates the 110 speakers and 4,500 registered attendees who helped make the 2026 Convention such a success.

Planning for the American Farm Bureau’s 2027 Convention has already begun. Mark your calendar to join us Jan. 8-13, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina.