Tuesday September 08 Ag News - Feeding High Oleic Soybean to Beef, Dairy - Nebraska Extension at HHD - CVA Lauches 'Land We Love' - ISU Announces Topel Meat Science Chair - Remembering Ray Gaesser - Mixed Meat Export for July - and more!

Feeding Fats, Soy Products, and High Oleic Soybeans to Beef and Dairy Cattle
 
Nielsen Community Center
200 Anna Stalp Ave
West Point, NE 68788

Contact us at: 
Kortney Harpestad at 507-525-3584 or kharpestad2@unl.edu
Paul Kononoff at 402-304-9287 or pkononoff2@unl.edu

9:30 AM - Registration  -  Program runs from 10am to 3pm

Topics
General Introduction to High Oleic Soybeans
   - Paul Kononoff, PhD. Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Extension Dairy Specialist University of Nebraska - Lincoln
   - Kortney Harpestad Animal Science Extension Program Associate University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Agronomic Considerations
   - Chris Zwiener, Pioneer
Identity Preservation, Handling, and Commercial Processing
   -  Michael Knobbe, Operations Manager Grain States Soya Inc - Soy Best
On Farm Roasting and Processing
   - Walter Aschoff, 4 Aces Dairy
Feeding High Oleic Soybeans to Dairy Cows
   - Paul Kononoff, PhD. Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Extension Dairy Specialist University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Oil Supplementation for Beef Cattle
   - Jim MacDonald, PhD. Professor of Animal Science University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Feeding Whole Beans to Beef Cattle
   - Warren Rusche, PhD. Assistant Professor and Extension Feedlot Management Specialist South Dakota State University
Impact of Roasting Soybeans When Fed to Beef Cattle
   - Galen Erickson, Ph.D. Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science & UNL Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist   

Register and get more information at go.unl.edu/soyforcattle.  



Explore Nebraska Research, Resources and New Demonstrations at Husker Harvest Days

Stop by the “Big Red Building” to explore how the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), and Nebraska Extension can help you be Rooted. Ready. Resilient. at the 2026 Husker Harvest Days farm show, located at Lot 827.

From Tuesday, Sept. 15 to Thursday, Sept. 17, Nebraska Extension educators, specialists and other faculty across the state will be ready to answer your questions and share their field-proven, data-driven expertise.

Discover more about:
    Rural Prosperity: Support for community leaders and entrepreneurs to promote economic development and vibrant local food systems. ruralprosperityne.unl.edu
    Water Management: Innovative techniques for conserving water resources, including irrigation management and drinking water protection. water.unl.edu
    Agricultural Profitability: Resources from the Center for Agricultural Profitability for building confidence in management decisions. cap.unl.edu
    Horticulture and Landscapes: Creating landscapes that thrive through resource-efficient plants. hles.unl.edu
    Farmer-Led Research: Insights from the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network into new digital tools that improve production and profitability. on-farm-research.unl.edu
    Disaster Preparedness and Recovery: Resources to help you prepare for the unexpected. disaster.unl.edu
    Pest Management: Early detection reduces losses. cropwatch.unl.edu
    Health and Wellness: Practical strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being amid the demands of farm life. ruralwellness.unl.edu
    Livestock Forage: Sustainable grasslands and forages for livestock. beef.unl.edu
    Soil Health: Regenerative practices for healthy soils, crops and communities. cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program
    Leadership Development: Developing strong agricultural leaders through the Nebraska LEAD Program. lead.unl.edu
    Youth Education and Career Preparation: Join Nebraska 4-H, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) and UNL’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) to help youth explore career paths and develop employability skills. 4h.unl.edu, ncta.unl.edu, casnr.unl.edu

New this year! Stop at the UNL demonstration area located along Flag Road as you enter the grounds from the east. Here you will see some of the latest precision agriculture tools for nitrogen management in action, including UNL’s Nitrogen Tool and Sentinel Ag, along with yield results. Also check out live insect traps, irrigation scheduling, drones for crop monitoring and ScoutNebraska livestreaming. Meet some of the agriculture startup companies being supported by SPUR Ventures, UNL’s agtech innovation lab.

Crop Skills Challenge 
Located at Lot #928 just south of the Big Red Building, the Crops Skill Challenge is an interactive event that challenges participants on both physical farm skills and their crop production knowledge. This year, participants can compete in a virtual Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition and test their insect feeding and herbicide injury identification skills. Participants will also have the chance to try their hand at a spray table demo and a 3D goggle sprayer experience. 

This event is hosted by UNL TAPS and extension’s water and cropping systems team.

Also make sure to stop across from the Big Red Building to get your UNL Dairy Store Ice Cream and see the UNL Quarter-Scale Pulling Tractor.



Central Valley Ag launches ‘Land We Love’ campaign

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is proud to announce the launch of “The Land We Love,” a new campaign celebrating the people, families, communities and land at the heart of agriculture. The campaign officially launches Sept. 7 and reflects the hope, resilience and commitment that continue to move agriculture forward.

Every year, farmers invest in what comes next. Seeds are planted with the belief there will be a crop to harvest. Livestock are raised to help sustain communities around the world. Decisions made today help shape the next growing season and, for many operations, the next generation. That belief in the future is at the heart of agriculture and the message behind “The Land We Love”.

The campaign recognizes that agriculture continues to face challenges, while keeping the focus on the strength, purpose and hope that have carried producers through generations. As a farmer-owned cooperative, CVA remains committed to standing alongside producers with trusted guidance, dependable service and opportunities to keep moving forward.

“The Land We Love campaign reflects why agriculture continues to move forward,” said Owen Baker, Senior Vice President of Marketing at CVA. “There is a tremendous amount of faith behind planting another crop and continuing to invest in the future. This campaign is about recognizing the families and producers behind that work while reinforcing that Central Valley Ag is here to support them.”

Through “The Land We Love,” CVA will share the campaign message across its service territory through video, digital, print and radio communications. The campaign will also be featured through CVA’s athletic partnerships. As the official cooperative of Husker Nation and K-State Athletics, as well as a proud sponsor of Iowa State Athletics, CVA will use these partnerships to celebrate the strong bond between agriculture, families and communities across the region.

For our families. For our future. For The Land We Love.

Experience the story behind the “Land We Love” and the people, purpose, and hope that continues to move agriculture forward. Watch the campaign video and learn more at www.cvacoop.com/we-are-cva.



Save-the-date for organic farming conference on November 4

Are you interested in learning more about organic farming, are in the transition process or are already a certified organic producer? We invite you to join us for our fourth annual “Transition to Organic Farming” conference on November 4, 2026, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center.

This event brings together producers, industry, and researchers from Nebraska and across the region. Registration is now open and is free due to funding from our sponsors, the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) and Nebraska Extension.

When: November 4, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca
Click here to register: https://enreec.unl.edu/2026OrganicConference/

Interested in being an exhibitor? Please contact Katja Koehler-Cole at kkoehlercole2@unl.edu.

More details on the agenda to follow soon!



Iowa State names Lonergan inaugural Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science

The Iowa State University Foundation has established the David G. Topel and Jay-lin Jane-Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science through a gift from Dr. Jay-lin Jane-Topel and the late Dr. David G. Topel. The endowed chair will strengthen research and education in meat science within the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Steven Lonergan, a Morrill Professor of animal science, was named the inaugural holder of the endowed chair during the Topel Medallion Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 31, on the Iowa State campus.

For more than two decades, Lonergan has studied the biological processes that influence fresh-meat quality, conducting research at the molecular level to better understand what happens to muscle as it becomes meat. His work contributes to Iowa State’s longstanding leadership in meat science research while preparing the next generation of students to advance the field.

Lonergan earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State in 1988 and his master’s degree in meat science in 1991. He joined the Department of Animal Science faculty in 1998, where he has built a career around research, teaching and mentoring students.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named the first David G. Topel and Jay-lin Jane-Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science,” said Lonergan. “Dr. Topel was an important mentor in my career, and I have long admired how he brought physiology and biochemistry together to solve practical problems in meat science. I look forward to carrying that spirit forward by strengthening teaching, outreach and research in meat science. I am grateful to Dave and Jay-lin for their support of our program.”

As a named faculty position, the Topel Endowed Chair provides additional support for Lonergan’s research and recognizes the importance of faculty scholarship to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Dr. Lonergan’s pioneering research, outstanding teaching and commitment to mentoring students have strengthened Iowa State’s reputation as a global leader in meat science. It is especially fitting that he be named the inaugural holder of the Topel Endowed Chair, given the interactions he had with Dr. Topel as an Iowa State student,” said Ruth MacDonald, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We are so grateful to the Topels for their generosity in establishing this endowment that will continue to benefit our faculty, students and industry partners for years to come.”

The chair is also a reflection of the Topels’ deep ties to Iowa State and their own contributions to agriculture and life sciences.

Jay-lin Jane-Topel earned her doctorate in biochemistry from Iowa State, where she focused her studies on carbohydrates. In 1987, she joined the university as an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. She was named a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences before retiring from Iowa State.

David Topel also joined the Iowa State faculty, where he gained international recognition for his research on the etiology of porcine stress syndrome. In 1988, he was appointed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Iowa Agriculture Experiment Station.

Together, the Topels have continued to invest in Iowa State, including through gifts to University Museums. The new endowed chair extends that legacy to the Department of Animal Science, creating lasting support for faculty research, student learning and the future of meat science.

“I’m very pleased that the world-leading meat scientist Steven Lonergan is now leading meat science research at Iowa State University,” said Jane-Topel. “Under his leadership, I’m confident the program will become even stronger and further solidify its position among the best in the world, which we and future generations will be proud of.”




SfL Mourns the Passing of Ray Gaesser

Solutions from the Land (SfL) mourns the passing of longtime board member Ray Gaesser, who passed away Friday following an accident on his farm in Corning, Iowa. Ray helped co-found SfL in 2010 and for over two decades, he provided invaluable leadership in improving the sustainability of Iowa, the U.S., and global agriculture. 

A lifelong conservationist, Ray was a pioneer and advocate for no-till and cover crop practices that he used on the land he farmed. Ray was an active member of SfL’s clean energy and climate change teams where he was a tireless champion for scaling all forms of renewable energy- bio, wind, solar, and hydro energy delivered by well managed agricultural farms, ranches, and forests. He also was an advocate for scaling on-farm circular bioeconomy systems and practices to improve food and nutrition security and concurrently deliver ecosystem services such as filtering and storing water, sequestering carbon and improving the environment and biodiversity. 

Never one to shy away from difficult subjects like climate change and water quality, Ray urged stakeholders to come together and co-create solutions to challenges of the day. One of Ray’s best-known statements was “When we work together, we all benefit,” which he so effectively communicated in his last podcast Adapting to climate change and caring for the land podcast. Like always, he spoke from his heart and eloquently communicated his personal vision for agriculture and the need for farmers to take responsibility to care for the land. 

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved board member Ray and extend our condolences to his wife Elaine and their family on his passing.



Beef Export Value Remained Strong in July; Pork Exports Below Year-Ago

July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Although restrictions related to a finding of pseudorabies virus (PRV) were removed in mid-to-late July, pork exports – especially pork variety meats – were still significantly impacted, which contributed to July results trending lower than a year ago.

Taiwan, Mexico and Japan fuel increase in July beef export value
Beef exports totaled 89,139 metric tons (mt), steady with last July, while value was 6% higher at $796.7 million. The value increase was driven primarily by another outstanding month for Taiwan, as well as strong results in Mexico, Japan, the Middle East, Colombia, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region. July shipments to China rebounded slightly from last year’s minimal volumes, but remained far below the levels seen in previous years. Beef export value equated to just over $421 per head of fed slaughter in July, up 14% from a year ago. The January-July average was up 7% to $430.25 per head.

For January through July, beef exports were 8% below last year’s pace at 634,788 mt, while value was down 2% to $5.53 billion. When excluding China from these results, exports increased 6% in value and were down just 1% in volume from a year ago.

“Despite significant headwinds, global demand for U.S. beef remains impressively resilient,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Technical barriers and uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on exports to China, but we are hopeful that market access will be restored soon. In the meantime, U.S. beef is capitalizing on growth opportunities in Asian and Western Hemisphere markets, as well as in the Middle East.”

Pork exports trended lower in July, but remain higher year-to-date
July pork exports totaled 224,305 mt, down 6% from a year ago, while value also fell 6% to $641.8 million. Shipments increased to Japan, Central America, Colombia and Canada in July, but these results were offset by lower exports to Mexico, China, South Korea, Oceania and the ASEAN region. Pork export value equated to $62.53 per head slaughtered in July, down from a year ago but $3 higher than in June. For January through July, export value equated to just over $66 per head, up slightly from a year ago.

Through the first seven months of the year, pork exports remained 2% above last year’s pace at 1.73 million mt, valued at $4.86 billion (up 1%).

“Putting the PRV-related restrictions on pork variety meats behind us was absolutely critical for the U.S. industry, and we appreciate USDA’s efforts in getting that situation fully resolved,” Halstrom said. “Exports to Mexico rebounded in July, but were still below year-ago as it took time to resume production and shipments after the restrictions were lifted mid-month. China also heightened inspections of U.S. pork variety meats and this led to delays clearing shipments, but this obstacle was also recently lifted.”

July lamb exports below last year; year-to-date value still higher
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 206 mt in July, down 14% from a year ago, while value fell 6% to $1.26 million. For January through July, lamb export value increased 4% to just over $10 million, despite a 7% decline in volume (1,698 mt). The value increase was primarily driven by the Bahamas ($2.14 million, up 48%), Netherlands Antilles ($1.45 million, up 40%) and Leeward-Windward Islands ($1.04 million, up 42%). 



EPA and Army Seek Additional Input on Proposed Waters of the U.S. Definition While Advancing Toward Durable Final Rule

Friday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather public input on additional regulatory language for defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to be considered alongside the 2025 proposed rule. This action reflects the agencies’ commitment to radical transparency and to developing a durable, final WOTUS definition that adheres to the Supreme Court’s direction in Sackett v. EPA, cuts bureaucratic red tape, and protects water quality while recognizing that states and Tribes are best positioned to manage their own water resources.

The supplemental proposed rule will help EPA and Army evaluate a wider range of options as they work toward a final rule that fully implements the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett. Once finalized, the rule will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers, ranchers, energy producers, the technology sector, developers, and small businesses while protecting water quality in coordination with states and Tribes. While WOTUS determines where federal permits are required for certain activities, waters that fall outside federal jurisdiction remain subject to regulation under state, Tribal, and local law, consistent with the framework of cooperative federalism that underlies the Clean Water Act.

"The EPA's goal is a durable WOTUS definition that follows the law and ends burdensome regulatory uncertainty," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Today's action reflects our continued commitment to transparency and public input, ensuring we have fully considered a wide range of potential policy options. We look forward to public feedback on this supplemental notice, which will help strengthen the real-world expertise behind the final rule."

"Under President Trump’s leadership and the Army’s 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ initiative, we are overhauling sclerotic government overreach to remove friction from our economy," said Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "The Supreme Court’s Sackett decision delivered the certainty our nation has been seeking for decades, and today we are taking one more step to ensure our regulations adhere to that decision. We have worked alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to ensure we develop a rule that faithfully adheres to Sackett and provides an even more straightforward articulation of federal jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. All Americans, including landowners, farmers, sportsmen, conservationists, and businesses, deserve the opportunity to further shape this rule, which will enable them to carry out their version of the American Dream free from improper bureaucratic interference. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands ready to implement this rule once final, using technology like never before, to give Americans answers from their government at Trump Speed."

Public engagement has been central to this rulemaking process. Prior to issuing the 2025 proposed rule, the agencies opened a public recommendations docket, hosted listening sessions, and conducted pre-proposal consultations with Tribes, states, and local governments and their member associations. EPA and Army also gathered input on the proposed rule through three public meetings and a 45-day public comment period that closed on January 5 and generated over 220,000 comments from a wide range of stakeholders. 

This supplemental proposal offers an additional opportunity for public engagement on a limited number of new regulatory alternatives, to be considered alongside those in the 2025 proposed rule. The agencies will closely consider stakeholder perspectives without  foreclosing any options from the initial proposal or predetermining the outcome of the final rule.  

Once the supplemental proposal is published in the Federal Register, the agencies will accept public comments for 30 days.



New WOTUS Rule Provides Certainty for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Army Corps) proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“Farmers share the goal of protecting the nation’s natural resources and we’re pleased the EPA and Army Corps put forward a new Waters of the U.S. rule. It respects farmers’ ability to responsibly use their land while ensuring regulations align with the framework established by the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling.

“The new WOTUS rule provides a clear understanding of federal jurisdiction, which is critical for farmers who may face severe penalties or even jail time for unknowingly violating the law. While we’re still reviewing the details of the final rule, we’re hopeful that it will prove durable and bring an end to the regulatory back and forth farmers have endured during the past decade. America’s families deserve clean water and clear rules, as do the farmers who work to grow the food those families rely on.”



Trump Signs Executive Orders, Cementing Status As Most Pro-Rancher Administration in History

Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed two Executive Orders supporting America’s ranchers and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins made additional announcements protecting our nation’s cattle herd and providing transparency for consumers. American ranchers embody the ethos of our nation’s founding 250 years ago and should be provided with the tools to rebuild our Great American Cattle Herd.

In addition to the two Executive Orders, USDA also announced four additional actions it is taking to follow-up on the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry (2025 USDA Beef Plan) released last year, and the Ranchers First Initiative released earlier this week.

USDA also launched a new webpage, highlighting the Trump Administration's undisputed status as the most pro-rancher administration in history. This is in stark contrast to the war on ranchers waged by the previous administration.

Today’s actions are timely, as the U.S. maintains the smallest herd since the 1950s, and will continue to build on the turnaround we are seeing in the number of heifers being retained. These announcements add to a historic number of actions the Trump Administration has taken to support our nation’s ranchers.

“While the Biden administration chose to villainize ranching and the rural way of life under the guise of radical environmental mandates, the Trump Administration continues to focus on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd,” said Secretary Rollins. “For the past 19 months, USDA has worked tirelessly to defend and promote our nation’s ranchers. Through our Beef Plan and the Ranchers First Initiative we are working to continue increasing our nation’s heifer retention rate. Today, the President laid out tools to better equip farmers and ranchers to deal with dangerous predators threatening their livestock, provide more transparency for consumers on where their meat originates, and expand market opportunities while maintaining our world class food safety standards. President Trump is focused on delivering an America First agenda and will do that by continuing to put our Ranchers First.”

Today’s Executive Orders:

SUPPORTING AMERICA’S RANCHERS
Combat Predation: American ranchers should be able to protect the cattle they raise.
    The Executive Order directs the Secretary of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves or Mexican wolves meet the criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and begin the process of delisting or downlisting them.
    The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture are also directed to update their standards for compensating ranchers for losses due to predators, and to ease authorization for lethal removal when necessary.

Country of Origin Labeling: American consumers deserve clear, honest labels — and country of origin labeling delivers that transparency.
    Building on the voluntary Product of USA label, the Executive Order directs the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, to review its authorities related to mandatory country of origin labeling for beef products through new regulations and legislative recommendations.

PROMOTING FAIR COMPETITION IN LIVESTOCK MARKETS AND EXPANDING MARKET ACCESS FOR AMERICAN MEAT PRODUCERS
Strengthening Packer Competition: American ranchers deserve fair, competitive markets that reward their hard work, not a marketplace dominated by a handful of concentrated packers.
    The Executive Order directs USDA to prioritize investigations into potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act and increase enforcement resources and staffing.
    The Executive Order also directs USDA to continue close coordination with the Department of Justice and report to the President on current enforcement actions, resource needs, and a plan to strengthen enforcement over the next year.

Expanding Processing and Market Access: Small and regional processors are critical to expanding competition and giving ranchers more options to get their cattle to market without compromising food safety.
    The Executive Order directs USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service to expand the Cooperative Interstate Shipment and Talmadge-Aiken programs so more state-inspected meat can cross state lines.
    The Executive Order further directs USDA to build a "one-stop shop" and dedicated technical assistance program for small and very small processors and modernize meat inspection regulations to cut unnecessary red tape.

Additional Ranchers First Initiative Announcements:
    Increasing Grazing Lands Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): USDA will enroll nearly 1 million new acres in Grasslands CRP, providing ranchers with rental payments and cost share assistance to maintain rangeland and pastureland as grazing areas.
    Growing AMS Remote Grading Program: USDA will work to nearly double the number of producers and plants in the AMS Remote Grading Program. This program matches simple technology (e.g., smartphones and a customized, easy to use app), with a data management and oversight program to enable USDA to assign grades to beef carcasses from an offsite location. Through this program, AMS is adopting emerging technology to modernize USDA beef grading services and improve efficiency, consistency, and accuracy for a more competitive and transparent marketplace.
    Expanding AMS Instrument-Enhanced Grading Program: USDA will increase adoption of the Instrument-Enhanced Grading (IEG) Program, now used on approximately 20% of fed cattle (20,000 head/day) slaughtered in the U.S. Under IEG, facilities can reduce grader staffing, sometimes by as much as half, resulting in significant cost savings.
    Leveraging USDA Lawfare Apparatus: USDA will refocus its robust strike force team dedicated to combatting instances of agricultural lawfare on the federal, state, and local levels, to address and counter abusive legal actions that threaten ranching operations, particularly cases involving unfair or excessive eminent domain claims.

Previous Ranchers First Initiative Announcements:
    Rebuild the Great American Beef Herd: Developing new tools to support heifer retention, including the creation of the Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement for Livestock Risk Protection.
    Risk Management Tools: Speeding up recovery after wildfires and other natural disasters by allowing producers to use the Emergency Conservation Program on acres enrolled in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program.
    SPUR 2.0 Guaranteed Loan Program: Creating a Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Guaranteed Loan Program to support regional processing, including establishing processor co-ops, expanding small business footprints, and increasing the variety of animal proteins being processed.
    Buying American Beef: Prioritizing local American beef in federal spending in state and federal facilities by working with other departments including the U.S. Department of War, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Focusing on the Future of American Ranching: Establishing a new initiative focused on supporting beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers.

2025 USDA Beef Plan:
    Grazing Access: Signed a USDA/DOI grazing MOU to improve coordination, expand producer access, streamline management, and prevent loss of Animal Unit Months (AUM).
    Vacant Allotments: Announced that the Forest Service is working to clarify and streamline regulatory authorities to get more animals on the landscape.
    Eliminating Delays - Streamlining Permitting and Authorizations: Announced changes to streamline permitting and better align U.S. Forest Service processes with BLM, making it easier to get more animals on the landscape.
    Elevating Rural Americans - Giving Ranchers a Voice: Prioritized gathering feedback directly from ranchers through numerous listening sessions, roundtables and meetings.
    Maximizing Flexibilities/Keeping Working Lands Working: Provided $700 million for a Regenerative Pilot Program, which seeks to enhance long-term agricultural sustainability, including rotational grazing and integrating livestock.
    Predator Management and ESA Reform: Implemented improvements to APHIS Wildlife Services predator management operations.
    Quicker Drought Grazing Loss Assistance: Lowered the threshold for producers to qualify for Livestock Forage Program payments, providing quicker access to disaster relief.
    Enhanced Payment Rate for Predation Losses: Increased payment rate for livestock losses due to predation from animals listed as endangered or protected increased to 100% of market value 
    Unborn Livestock Protection: Increased payment rates for unborn livestock death losses to 85% of the lowest non-adult weight class, as applicable, of the same livestock breed.
    Broader Risk Management Access: Extended the “Beginning Farmer” definition from 5 to 10 years and increased premium subsidies—supporting more affordable insurance for ranchers.
    Product of USA Label: Launched a public awareness campaign to inform producers and consumers about what this new label means for the food supply.
    Promote Fair and Transparent Markets: Launched the National Feeder and Stocker Cattle Dashboard and publishes over 300 weekly reports through Livestock Mandatory Reporting.
    Expanding Remote Grading: Expanded AMS Remote Grading Pilot Program to include for improved access to official grading.
    Reducing Fees for Small Processors: Provided $20 million in funding for overtime and holiday inspection fee reduction for small and very small processors. 
    Enhancing Local Processing: Provided $60 million in funding for a fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
    Enhancing Access to Data: Launched the AI Feeder Cattle project using new technologies to automate the live animal evaluation process and improve market consistency.
    Beef for Students: Issued a memo directly encouraging Child Nutrition Program operators to source and incorporate local beef. 
    Updated Science-Based Dietary Guidelines: Released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that include protein as a foundation for every meal.
    Increasing Veteran Owned and Operated Ranches: Published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for AgVets that prioritizes projects expanding outreach and training to help veterans enter ranching.
    WOTUS: Issued an EPA proposed rule to establish a clear, durable, common-sense definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.

Additional Actions By the Trump Administration To Help Ranchers:
    Robust New World Screwworm Response: Coordinated strong, whole-of-government approach to combat New World Screwworm and protect the U.S. cattle supply.
    20 New Trade Deals and Frameworks: Expanded global market options for American farmers and ranchers through new trade deals and frameworks with Jordan, China, Ecuador, United Kingdom, Indonesia, North Macedonia, Taiwan, El Salvador, Guatemala, Switzerland, Argentina, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, European Union, Nigeria, and Australia.
    Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers Program (SPUR): Provided $500 million to help small and mid‑sized beef processors, protecting regional processing capacity.
    Lower the Cost of Fertilizer: Provided $500 million to onshore fertilizer production and lower costs with the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program.
    Increasing Transparency in Packers and Stockyards Enforcement Actions: Launched GovDelivery sign‑ups for Packers & Stockyards enforcement actions to boost public awareness and accountability.
    Beef Grading Standards Updates: Asked for public input on updating the U.S. beef carcass grading standards to better meet the needs of producers and consumers.
    Expanding Access to Locally Raised Beef for American Students: Launched the Harvest to Hallways initiative August 2026.
    Equipment for Schools: Invested $7.5 million in cold‑chain equipment for food banks to deliver more meat and whole foods to families in need.
    Veterinarian Loan Repayment: Supported loan repayment for rural veterinarians by increasing funding for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program by $7.5 million and streamlining the application process via an online portal.
    Supporting Rural Veterinary Clinics: Increased funding for the Veterinary Services Grant Program by $7.5M and streamlined the application and reporting processes to support rural veterinary practices.
    Expanding USDA Veterinary Scholarships: Increased support for veterinary students by doubling the number of scholarships available and increasing the scholarship amount to $40,000 per year for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Scholarship Program. Similarly, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service increased the maximum scholarship amount to $50,000 per year for the Chester A. Gipson Internship Program and to $20,000 per year for undergraduates and to $40,000 per year for graduate students for the Saul T. Wilson, Jr. Internship Program.



NFU Statement on Executive Orders on Beef, Livestock Markets

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statement Friday after President Trump signed two executive orders to support American ranchers:

"The president is right: corporate consolidation in meat processing is a crisis for family farmers and ranchers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must fully enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act. Many administrations have prioritized antitrust efforts, but farmers and ranchers are looking for results. We urge USDA and the Department of Justice to direct the personnel and resources needed to hold meatpackers accountable.

"A competitive livestock market also needs diversified processing options. Efforts to provide greater processing flexibility could help family farmers and ranchers, but not at the expense of food safety.

"With broad support from family ranchers, American consumers, the Senate Agriculture Committee and now the president of the United States, now is the time for Congress to finish the job and reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling.”