Monday February 02 Ag News - Cattle Inventory Report - Blue Jacket Challenge - Shaping Milking Technologies Conference - Red Meat Exports Mixed - NWSW Strategy Now Includes Texas - and more!

 January 1 Cattle Inventory Down Slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2026 totaled 86.2 million head, slightly below the 86.5 million head on January 1, 2025. 

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 37.2 million head, were slightly below the 37.3 million head on January 1, 2025. Beef cows, at 27.6 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.57 million head, were up 2 percent from the previous year. 

All heifers 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 18.0 million head, 1 percent below the 18.1 million head on January 1, 2025. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.71 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 3.90 million head, were down slightly from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.40 million head, were 2 percent below a year earlier. 

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 15.6 million head, down 1 percent from January 1, 2025. 

Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2026 totaled 2.01 million head, up slightly from January 1, 2025.

Calves under 500 pounds as of January 1, 2026 totaled 13.3 million head, down slightly from January 1, 2025. 

All Cattle by State (1,000 hd  -  % '25)
Nebraska ......:    6,150.0        102       
Iowa ..........:    3,450.0        99       

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.8 million head on January 1, 2026. The inventory is down 3 percent from the January 1, 2025 total of 14.3 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 82.7 percent of the total cattle on feed on January 1, 2026, up slightly from the previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 24.5 million head, was 1 percent above January 1, 2025.  

All Cattle on Feed by State (1,000 hd - % '25) 
Colorado ........:       920.0        85        
Iowa ............:      1,180.0       98        
Kansas ..........:      2,480.0       99        
Nebraska ........:      2,800.0       104        
South Dakota ....:       435.0        99        
Texas ...........:      2,540.0       91        

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent
The 2025 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 32.9 million head, down 2 percent from the previous year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2025 were estimated at 24.2 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2024. Calves born during the second half of 2025 were estimated at 8.70 million head, 26 percent of the total 2025 calf crop.

Calf Crop by State  (1,000 hd  -  % '25) 
Nebraska ........:    1,500.0       99        
Iowa ............:    1,000.0       98        




CVA: Old or New, Show Us Your Blue. FFA Blue Jacket Challenge

Central Valley Ag (CVA) would like to announce the Blue Jacket Challenge in celebration of National FFA Week. From February 2 - 13, 2026, the challenge invites past and present FFA members to show off their FFA blue jacket. From one generation to another FFA continues to support and grow the leaders of the agricultural industry.

“FFA shaped me into the person I am today, from getting involved in CDE’s to leading meetings as President, it’s where I gained confidence and learned how important relationships and networking are in life.” said Amanda Jackson, grain specialist with Central Valley Ag and a current FFA Alumni member. “The relationships I still cherish today with friends that stemmed from FFA.”

The Blue Jacket Challenge invites FFA alumni or current members to participate by submitting a photo with your FFA jacket, old or new, for a chance to have CVA donate $250 to the local FFA chapter of your choice. The challenge celebrates the lasting impact of FFA throughout communities and the pride shared across generations.

Through this promotion, CVA continues its commitment to support and recognize the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening the communities it serves. National FFA Week is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of agricultural education and leadership development. CVA is proud to stand alongside FFA members and alumni as they celebrate the organization’s legacy and its future.

Participants can find full contest details and instructions for submitting photos on CVA’s social media channels. Each eligible entry will be entered for a chance to have CVA make a $250 donation to an FFA chapter of their choosing.



Nebraska FFA Foundation Seeking Nominations for 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award

The Nebraska FFA Foundation is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Established in 2009, this award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture educator/FFA advisor for "helping others," specifically in the school and community, outside of agricultural education and FFA. The recipient of this award demonstrates the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf's character and life.

Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, Nebraska. He worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years, he made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as the board president in 2002-2003. 

To honor Gary Scharf's legacy, the Nebraska FFA Foundation annually presents a plaque and $500 cash award to an agriculture teacher/FFA advisor. The selected recipient exemplifies citizenship and service and goes above and beyond for the school and community. 

To be eligible for the award, agricultural educators must be nominated by students, colleagues, school officials, parents, or others in the community. Nominations for the award must be submitted via the Nebraska FFA Foundation website by March 1, 2026. The award presentation will take place during the 2026 Nebraska State Convention held in Lincoln. 



Now that You've Inherited a Farm: Understanding Leases and Clauses
Feb 5, 2026 12:00 PM 
Anastasia Meyer, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL

Now that You’ve Inherited a Farm: Understanding Leases and Clauses will help landowners and heirs better understand leasing options and responsibilities. Whether you’re new to farmland management or navigating a lease for the first time, this session will provide clear guidance and helpful resources.

Register at https://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. 




Nebraska Farm & Ranch Clinics for February

These clinics are for farmers and ranchers and their families. They are confidential, one-on-one sessions with an experienced Ag Law attorney and Ag finance counselor. These clinics have been offered in Nebraska since 1989. In a roughly hour-long session, you are welcome to bring up whatever issues might be affecting your farm or ranch. In general, clinic discussions often involve estate and succession planning, financial and operational issues, beginning farmer programs, real estate and lease matters, fence law, property rights, farm loans and loan programs, and debtor/creditor law. Here is an opportunity to obtain an experienced outside opinion on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch. Bring your questions!
 
The FREE farm and ranch clinics will be in these locations:
Clinic dates:
Ainsworth – Tuesday, February 17th
Norfolk – Monday, February 23rd
Scottsbluff – Tuesday, March 3rd

To sign up for a clinic or for more information, call the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258.



Shaping Tomorrow’s Milking Technologies

Dairy farmers, consultants, students, and service providers are invited to attend an innovative conference on robotic and advanced milking technologies. This event will feature expert presentations from Iowa State University Extension, University of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota, focusing on the profitability, labor efficiency, and herd health impacts of these technologies.

The conference is offered at two locations to better serve and connect with farmers across Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Registration starts at 9:30am with the program starting at 10:00 am.
    Iowa: Tuesday, February 10, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm CST at Terrace View Sioux Center (230 St Andrews Way, Sioux Center, IA 51250)
    Wisconsin: Wednesday, February 25, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Crawford County Extension (225 N Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821)

Why Attend: Attendees will gain valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of robotic and advanced technologies, learn strategies for maximizing profitability and efficiency, and hear firsthand experiences from dairy farmers who have implemented robotic systems. This conference is an excellent opportunity for networking with industry experts and peers.

Conference Highlights:
    Expert Presentations: Learn from leading experts including Douglas Reinemann, Stephanie Plaster, and Carolina Pinzón from the University of Wisconsin; Jim Salfer from the University of Minnesota; Larry Tranel from Iowa State University Extension; Kody Havens, CSIF; and industry professionals
    Key Topics: Discussions will cover AMS profitability, labor efficiency, herd health impacts, data-driven diagnostics, welfare, and key considerations before transitioning to robotic milking systems.
    Producer Panel: Hear firsthand experiences and lessons learned from dairy farmers who have implemented robotic systems including John Vander Waal, Maurice, IA and Emma Brockshurs, Ocheyedan, IA.
    Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry experts and peers to share insights and strategies.

Registration & Cost:
This conference is being offered at no cost thanks to generous sponsorship from Lely North America, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Gorter’s Clay & Dairy, MSA Professional Services, GEA, DeLaval, Precision Dairy Equipment, Seehafer Refrigeration, Lely Center Monroe, Eastern Iowa Dairy Equipment, Midwest Livestock, Vita Plus, Standard Dairy Consulting.

Register for free at https://go.iastate.edu/MILKINGROBOT. Lunch provided for those who register.

For more information, please contact Jim Salfer at 612.360.4506 or salfe001@umn.edu.

PRE SEMINAR TOUR
At the Iowa location Lely will host a tour from 1 to 3:30 pm on Monday, February 9 at J&S Dairy located at 4244 Garfield Ave., Maurice, Iowa. For more information contact Stacie DeGroot at 559.786.7298.

Agenda:
    9:30-10:00 am: Registration
    10:00-10:30 am: Maximizing profit and labor efficiency with robotic milking systems
    Jim Salfer (University of Minnesota-Extension
    10:30-11:00 am: Choosing the Right System: Boxes, Rotary, Dual, etc.?
    Douglas Reinemann (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
    11:00-11:45 pm: Are You Ready for Robots? Key Considerations Before Making the Switch
    Stephanie Plaster and Carolina Pinzón (University of Wisconsin-Extension)
    11:45-12:30 pm: Lunch provided
    12:30-1:15 pm: Lightning Round- Iowa location
    Larry Tranel, Iowa State University Extension, The economics of AMS
    Kody Havens, Field Specialist, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Key issues for permitting AMS facilities
    1:15-2:15 pm: Comments from our Platinum Sponsors
    2:15-3:30 pm: Lessons Learned by Installing Robots
    Producer Panel: Iowa Location- John Vander Waal, Maurice, IA and Emma Brockshurs, Ocheyedan, IA, others TBA
    3:30-4:00 pm: Networking and Refreshments



November Pork and Beef Exports Below Year-Ago Levels

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May.

Pork exports to Mexico on record pace; already annual record for Central America
Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025. November exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, South Korea and the Dominican Republic and were record-large to Guatemala, but these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia.

For January through November, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down 3% from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell 3% to $7.65 billion. With most of this decline being due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties, January-November exports of pork muscle cuts were just 1% below 2024’s record pace in both volume (2.19 million mt) and value ($6.57 billion).

“The pork export numbers continue to be impressive, with broad-based growth mostly offsetting the obstacles in China,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “It was especially gratifying to see per-head export value topping $70 in November, which is excellent news for U.S. producers and for the entire pork supply chain.”

While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26. The January-November average was $65.54, down less than 1% from the record pace of 2024.

November beef exports lower to most major markets
Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19% from a year ago to 88,139 mt. Export value was down 16% to $736.7 million. The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan. November exports increased year-over-year to Indonesia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Colombia, and were fairly steady to Japan.

For January through November, beef exports totaled 1.04 million mt, down 12% from the same period in 2024. Export value was $8.52 billion, down 11%. But when excluding China from these results, exports were down 3% year-over-year in volume and were just 1% lower in value.

“With each day U.S. beef is locked out of the world’s largest import market, our industry misses out on millions of dollars and our competitors reap the benefits,” Halstrom said. “It’s also frustrating that this impasse overshadows the fact that global demand for U.S. beef remains resilient, even in the face of tight supplies.”

Robust month for U.S. lamb exports
November exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 237 mt, up 87% from a year ago and the largest since July. Export value increased 65% to $1.45 million, the highest since May. Growth was driven by Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles and the Bahamas, as well as larger shipments to Central America and Japan.

For January through November, lamb muscle cut exports increased 44% year-over-year to 2,577 mt, while value climbed 31% to $14.1 million. With December results still to be added, exports have already posted the largest annual volume since 2014 and the highest value since 2017. 



USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts to Defend U.S. Border

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS. Other tools including import protocols and surveillance continue to support these robust efforts to keep NWS out of the United States.

“At Secretary Rollins’ direction, our highest priority is protecting the United States from screwworm,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs for USDA. “The northernmost active case of NWS in Mexico is still about 200 miles away from the border, but we’ve seen cases continue to spread in Tamaulipas and further south in Mexico, so we are proactively shifting our polygon as we make every effort to prevent NWS from reaching our border.”

Sterile Fly Dispersal
Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is an effective tool for controlling and eradicating New World screwworm. Female New World screwworm flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce. In this instance, USDA will release sterile flies north of the current active NWS cases in Mexico in a proactive effort to create a sterile reproduction buffer zone if the fly moves north from Mexico. 

Because it is important to continue ongoing surveillance efforts while releasing sterile insects, it is possible that sterile NWS flies could be caught and/or reported within Texas. To ensure officials can tell the difference between sterile and wild NWS flies, USDA will dye the sterile pupae, and the dye will transfer to the sterile flies when they hatch. The fluorescent dye will glow under UV light and may also be visible to the naked eye. If a sterile fly is captured in a trap, this dye will allow animal health officials to quickly rule the fly out as a threat. 

USDA will continue to deploy its intensive NWS response efforts including implementing import protocols, ongoing surveillance and trapping efforts along the border, investing in NWS innovation, and supporting robust response activities in Mexico and Central America.

Import Requirements and Protocols
Sterile insects are an important tool, but USDA’s import requirements and protocols add another line of defense for NWS and other foreign animal diseases that threaten U.S. livestock. Earlier this week, the importance of those protocols was highlighted when a horse from Argentina was presented for routine importation at an equine import quarantine facility in Florida. Upon examination, APHIS identified an open wound with larvae on the animal and promptly collected and shipped samples to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Iowa. The horse was immediately treated with medication to kill any larvae in accordance with standard, long-standing import protocols. This morning, NVSL confirmed that the larvae were New World screwworm larvae. Accordingly, the animal will remain in quarantine until it has been reexamined and determined to be free of NWS.  

This is an example of these long-standing import protocols working as designed. While this situation does not appear to be associated with the NWS outbreak in Mexico that USDA is currently fighting, it underscores the need for vigilance in all of USDA’s coordinated efforts to fight NWS. 

Surveillance, Monitoring, and Reporting
USDA continues to lead intensive surveillance and monitoring systems along the U.S. border. Teams continue to check 121 NWS-specific traps across high-risk areas of border states and leverage thousands of fruit fly/insect traps aligned all along the Southern border. To date, more than 42,000 flies from traps in all locations have been submitted to APHIS NVSL for identification, with no NWS detections to date. APHIS Wildlife Services is also leading a coordinated effort to inspect wildlife for signs of NWS infestation. To date, they’ve inspected more than 9,300 wild animals across 39 different species and 131 U.S. counties and found no signs of NWS infestations.

Even though there has been no detection of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking U.S. animal owners to continue to remain vigilant by checking their pets and livestock for signs of NWS and immediately reporting anything suspicious to their state animal health officials or USDA area veterinarian in charge. Signs of NWS infestation include draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals.

Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger, with a metallic green or blue body, orange eyes, and three dark stripes down its back. NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.  

While NWS is not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention. 

For more information on NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov.




U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts To Reciprocal Trade Agreement with Guatemala

Today, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Guatemala’s Minister of Economy Adriana Gabriela Garcia signed an agreement on reciprocal trade that increases U.S. market competitiveness and includes significant wins for the U.S. ethanol industry.

The agreement eliminates non-tariff trade barriers, such as restrictions on discriminatory sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and commits Guatemala to an E10 ethanol blend mandate for on-road vehicles with the intent to purchase at least 50 million gallons of U.S. ethanol annually. 

Guatemala is an established market for U.S. feed grains, and this agreement further strengthens the bilateral agricultural relationship between the two countries.

In response, Mark Wilson, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman said:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is delighted to see this win for U.S. ethanol producers and the entire U.S. agricultural industry, clearing the path for greater market access and generating instant demand for biofuels that will benefit both U.S. exporters and domestic producers, as well as Guatemalan consumers. Additionally, the biotechnology chapter in this agreement is significant as it mandates science- and risk-based regulations are the standard, while also protecting the grain trade from duplicative regulations and non-tariff barriers.”

“The Council applauds the work The Trump Administration and Trade Representative Greer continue to do in connecting our ethanol producers to customers around the world.” 



El Salvador and Guatemala Agreements Strengthen Protections for U.S. Dairy Exports

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Consortium for Common Food Names welcomed the United States’ signing of reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala this week, underscoring the importance of reinforcing long-standing market access gains for U.S. dairy exporters and preventing the emergence of new trade barriers.

As outlined in the agreements, El Salvador and Guatemala have both committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products, including dairy. These obligations include recognition of U.S. regulatory oversight and acceptance of currently agreed certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities, a prohibition on introducing a facility registration requirement for U.S. dairy products, and streamlining of product registration requirements, which are critical elements for ensuring predictable and fair market access for all U.S. dairy exports.

The two countries have also committed to ensuring that market access for U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the use of certain cheese and meat terms. These include 38 widely used dairy terms such as parmesan, gruyere, feta, and asiago, as well as 10 meat terms. This commitment provides important certainty for common name producers and exporters.

“Securing durable market access and setting clear expectations with trading partners is essential for U.S. agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This agreement builds on the success of CAFTA-DR and we thank the administration for fighting for the right of U.S. dairy exporters to compete fairly in the Salvadoran and Guatemalan market.”

U.S. dairy exports already benefit from duty-free treatment in El Salvador and Guatemala as a result of the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Tariffs on U.S. dairy products phased out entirely this past year, following direct advocacy from USDEC and NMPF over a decade ago to secure full market access under the agreement.

“For dairy farmers, these agreements help to keep doors open to U.S. products,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “By protecting hard-won access and preventing new barriers from taking hold, the agreements support demand for U.S. milk and dairy products and strengthen the economic outlook for farm families across the country.”

“As European authorities increasingly seek to confiscate common food names across Latin America, the agreements unequivocally protect 38 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms and send a clear signal by preserving our producers’ right to label their products with terms that have been used for generations in El Salvador and Guatemala,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN.

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN will continue working closely with USTR and U.S. government partners to monitor implementation of the agreement and to ensure that El Salvador and Guatemala fully meet their commitments to maintaining open and predictable access for U.S. dairy products and common name foods and beverages.



USDA Launches Indonesia Trade Mission to Increase Exports, Reduce Costs, and Support American Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, today to lead an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The delegation includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from four state departments of agriculture.

“While Indonesia was our 11th largest market in 2024, the opportunities here in the world’s fourth most populous nation cannot be overstated,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “We are here to showcase the strength and diversity of U.S. food and agricultural products – and to demonstrate how recent commitments from Indonesian officials will translate into new sales that drive dollars back into the pockets of America’s farmers, ranchers and communities. When producers can reach more customers abroad, they can spread costs, operate more efficiently, strengthening their bottom line and making goods more affordable at home.”

Indonesia is an upper-middle-income country with a real GDP of $4.1 trillion, an annual growth rate of 5%, and a large, rapidly expanding middle class, the country offers strong demand for high-quality imported food and agricultural goods. Its young population is also driving a growing interest in innovative and convenient food products, reflecting new opportunities for U.S. exporters.

This trade mission is happening at a critical time thanks to the landmark U.S.–Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. This agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all U.S. agricultural exports and reduces longstanding non‑tariff barriers, unlocking more than $1.6 billion in U.S. agricultural exports and helping to rebalance trade.

In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, generating projected 12-month sales of $125 million. Building on that success, USDA will lead missions in 2026 to the Philippines, Türkiye, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.



Broad Coalition of Farm and Fuel Leaders Rally Behind Immediate E15 Fix

A broad coalition of trade groups representing ethanol producers, petroleum refiners, farmers, and retailers sent a letter to the co-chairs of the new E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council calling for swift action to deliver lower prices for consumers and a stable, efficient fuels marketplace. The letter outlines recommendations for consensus legislation to permit year-round, nationwide sales of E15 and improve long-term policy certainty across the transportation fuel sector.

“[T]he time window for arriving at a recommended legislative solution is short, with the council expected to submit legislative solutions to the full House by February 15th, only 16 days from today. We applaud this expedited time frame as fuel producers and retailers are making decisions now about product offerings over the next year, farmers are making planting decisions, and a legislative fix is needed as soon as possible to provide fuel producers and retailers with a predictable policy framework as we approach the summer driving season,” the organizations wrote.

To “achieve a solution in short order,” the groups urged lawmakers to build upon H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which was amended and offered for consideration by Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) last week before the Rules Committee. These include fixing outdated regulations on summer sales of E15 and limiting the marketplace distortions caused by Small Refiner Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“H.R. 1346 has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests, and is the most comprehensive pathway to a legislative solution,” the organizations wrote.

Signatories on the letter included the Renewable Fuels Association, Agriculture Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Growth Energy, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, NATSO, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, and SIGMA.



Apply Now for the 2026 ASA, Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program

The American Soybean Association is accepting applications for the Valent and ASA Ag Voices of the Future program, which will be held July 13-16 in conjunction with the ASA summer board meeting and Soy Issues Forum in Washington, D.C.

The Ag Voices of the Future program is for students who are passionate about agriculture and interested in expanding their understanding of key agricultural policy issues, the critical role of advocacy, and the wide array of career opportunities in agricultural policy. Class size is limited, and students must be at least 18 years old on or by July 13 to apply.

Select students from the 2026 Ag Voices of the Future program will be awarded a scholarship to participate in the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, Nov. 12-15, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. The scholarship covers conference registration fees and travel expenses.

Students must submit their online application by March 5, 2026. To apply for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future program and be considered for a scholarship to the AFA Leaders Conference, click here https://www.agfuture.org/, then click the “Apply Now” button. To be considered for the Ag Voices of the Future Program, students should check the box on the application form that reads, “I have an interest in agriculture policy and would like to be considered for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program (July 13-16 in Washington, D.C.) and an AFA Leaders Conference Scholarship.”

If a student has already applied for the AFA Leaders Conference, they can modify their application to check the box for the Ag Voices of the Future program.



Fischer, Hinson Celebrate Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Women Ag Producers

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last week celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world – and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs. That’s why I am proud to partner with Senator Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Fischer said.

“We can’t have a strong rural economy without the contributions of the women farmers working every day to feed and fuel the world. By recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are celebrating the role of women in agriculture, encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture, and ensuring that women in agriculture have a seat at the table and supporting them once they’re there,” Klobuchar said.

"Agriculture is more than just the backbone of our economy—it is a way of life. Women have always been at the center of that story. Nearly one-third of farmers in my district are women, leading operations, balancing the books, and strengthening our rural communities, often while raising families. I’m proud to lead a resolution making 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer because it’s long past time we recognize the vital role women play in feeding, fueling, and sustaining America,” Hinson said.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (D-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Women lead and support the agriculture industry across boardrooms, research labs, co-ops, and farmland, making vital contributions at every level. According to the USDA 2022 Census, the United States had 1.2 million female producers, accounting for 36% of the country’s total producers. Additionally, 58% of all farms had a female producer. These farms accounted for 41% of U.S. agriculture sales and 46% of total U.S. farmland. In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products.



NFU Celebrates Congressional Resolution Recognizing International Year of the Woman Farmer

National Farmers Union (NFU) celebrates the passage of the [insert bill name], sponsored by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME). The resolution recognizes the vital role women play in agriculture, their contributions to rural economies, and the importance of encouraging more women and girls to innovate and lead in agriculture.

“In the United States and across the world, women farmers play vital roles in agriculture that are often overlooked,” said Ohio Farmers Union President Bryn Bird. “Globally, women make up 41% of the agrifood workforce through all parts of the food chain and production lines and are often the head of their households at the same time. By celebrating IYWF 2026, we are taking steps towards a greater level of collective recognition for these unsung heroes that keep us all fed and clothed.”

“NFU is proud to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer alongside many of our agricultural colleagues. Today’s resolution reaffirms one of NFU’s core values of gender equity and highlights the need for women to have equal access to land, capital, and resources,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “NFU is grateful to Sens. Fischer and Klobuchar and Reps. Hinson and Pingree for sponsoring this resolution so that women farmers are able to get the recognition they deserve.”

The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmers (IYWF 2026) and designated the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to lead the global campaign aimed at recognizing the efforts of women in agrifood systems across the world.