Rural Mainstreet Index Falls Back Below Growth Neutral
Three of Four Bankers Reported Tariff Negatives
According to the September survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral for the fourth time in the past six months.
Readings range between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral.
Overall: The region’s overall reading for September fell to 44.7 from 50.3 in August.
“Pessimism from higher fuel and fertilizer costs exceeded the optimism stemming from higher grain prices, according to bankers across the 10-state region,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.
Farming and ranchland prices: For the fourth time in the past five months, the farm and ranchland price index climbed above growth neutral, increasing to 50.1 from 47.2 in August. “Farm and ranchland values have been holding up much better than farm and ranching income,” said Goss.
Bankers were asked to name the top buyer of farm and ranchland in their area. Overwhelmingly, 89.5% reported existing farmers as the number one customer in the sale of farm and ranchland, while the remaining 10.5% identified investors as the second-ranking purchaser of ag land. Other buyers, such as international customers, institutional purchasers and beginning farmers, were not named by bankers.
Farm equipment sales: The September farm equipment sales index increased to a very weak 25.0 from August’s 22.2.
“This is the 37th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. The 2026 conflict in Iran and tariffs on imported steel/aluminum have created even more volatility and reluctance among farmers and ranchers to purchase new farm equipment,” said Goss.
Bankers were asked to identify input factors causing the greatest financial pressures among agricultural customers. Approximately, 52.6% of bankers named higher fertilizer costs, while the remaining 47.4% identified soaring fuel costs as the top factor producing financial pressure among agricultural producers.
According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first seven months of 2026 were $6.629 billion, compared to the same period in 2025 of $6.182 billion, for a gain of 7.2%. Even with the expansion, 2026 regional exports of agricultural goods and livestock were 4.4% below 2024 for the same period of time. A 59.9% slide in the 2024-26 export of agriculture and livestock to China was the prime factor accounting for the 2024-26 export slump.
Bank CEOs were asked to assess the impact of tariffs on agriculture producers in their area. Approximately, 79.0% reported that tariffs were having a negative impact on the agriculture and livestock economy. The remaining 21.0% stated that tariffs have had little or no impact on farmer and rancher economic conditions.
Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The state’s Rural Mainstreet Index for September dropped to 43.3 from August’s 47.9. The state’s farm and ranchland price index for September rose to 48.6 from August’s 45.8. Nebraska’s new hiring index fell to 48.0 from 48.7 in August. According to trade data from the ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the seven months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, slumped by $90.4 million for an 11.8% fall. The greatest downturn in Nebraska ag exports was to Canada with a 27.3% drop from 2025 to 2026.
Iowa: September’s RMI for the state dropped to 44.6 from 46.2 in August. Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index for September increased to 50.0 from 44.2 in August. Iowa’s new hiring index for September climbed to 49.4 from 47.0 in August. According to trade data from the ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first seven months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, expanded by $99.1 million for a 9.1% gain. The greatest upturn in Iowa ag exports was to Japan with a 25.3% gain from 2025 to 2026.
The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.
NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days
During Husker Harvest Days Sept. 16, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.
“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Ryan Reuter, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”
Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.
2026 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
NRD Director – Marcel Kramer, Crofton, Nebraska
NRD Employee – Jane Kuhl, Elk Creek, Nebraska
NRD Supporter – Patrick Cowsert, Wisner, Nebraska
Marcel Kramer – NRD Director
Marcel Kramer is recognized for his 28 years of service to the Lewis & Clark NRD. Elected to the board in 1996, Kramer served as Board Chair and Secretary/Treasurer and was known for his thoughtful leadership, institutional knowledge and commitment to sound conservation practices.
Kramer also represented the Lewis & Clark NRD as a longtime NARD delegate and participated in conservation efforts at the state and national levels, including the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. His dedication to conservation extends to his own farm near Crofton, where he implemented innovative grazing practices and received the Nebraska Forage and Grassland Council’s Outstanding Grassland Award.
Beyond his NRD service, Kramer has been a dedicated community leader through his church, school board and other civic involvement. His nearly three decades of service have strengthened the Lewis & Clark NRD and contributed to natural resources conservation across Nebraska.
Jane Kuhl – NRD Employee
Jane Kuhl has 43 years (and still counting) of dedicated service to the Nemaha NRD. During her career, Kuhl has served as secretary, information & education representative and assistant manager, taking on increasing responsibilities while becoming a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for staff and directors.
Kuhl has helped the Nemaha NRD navigate leadership transitions and changing priorities while preserving institutional knowledge and providing continuity. Her professionalism, dependability and willingness to help have made her a valuable resource to the district, its partners and the communities it serves.
Kuhl’s dedication to conservation extends beyond her professional life. She and her husband, Gary, operate a family farm, maintaining a close connection to the land she has spent her career helping protect.
Patrick Cowsert – NRD Supporter
Patrick Cowsert is recognized for decades of service to conservation education in Nebraska. As a U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil scientist, Cowsert shared his expertise with thousands of students and educators through the Nebraska Envirothon and Land Judging programs.
For more than 20 years, Cowsert served as a soil test writer and soils station leader for the Nebraska Envirothon, helping prepare students and teachers and coaching Nebraska teams for international competition. He also served as lead soil scientist for the Northeast Region Land Judging Contest, the state’s largest land judging competition. His careful preparation and expertise have helped ensure students receive meaningful, hands-on experiences learning about soils and natural resources.
Cowsert retired from NRCS in January 2026, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, education and conservation leadership.
Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Focused on Protecting Producer Profitability
Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) President Mark McHargue says the state’s largest general farm organization is focused on enacting policies to protect profitability for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers who have faced numerous challenges in recent years. The comments were made during a Sept. 16, Husker Harvest Days event. According to McHargue, significantly higher input costs, higher interest rates, lower commodity prices, trade wars, and unsettled trade policy, combined with natural disasters like this spring and summer’s wildfires, have put many producers in difficult positions leaving them to make hard decisions.
“Farmers and ranchers are optimists. We understand the cyclical nature of agriculture. That said, protecting profitability is the most important thing we can do to ensure there is a next generation of agriculture producers,” said McHargue. “We’re engaging in numerous spaces to protect profitability.”
A spike in fuels cost is just the latest challenge as diesel fuel, a major input cost across all agriculture sectors, hit a record high exceeding $6 per gallon earlier this month. The price hike hit just as combines started rolling for harvest season, a period of substantial fuel use. NEFB State Board Member Matt Jedlicka, a farmer, cattle feeder, and member of the Colfax County Farm Bureau, said that the added costs will take a bite out of on-farm profits.
“The higher fuel and input prices are hitting home on both the farming and cattle feeding side. We’re coming into a period of a lot of cattle movement. We have calves going through sale barns heading to backgrounding lots. A lot of yearlings are hitting the feedyards now. Right now, I’m paying a surcharge to have our cattle hauled due to the higher diesel prices. It’s just a really bad time for the diesel price hike,” said Jedlicka. “We also we can’t forget that fertilizer costs are also tied to diesel and fuel costs. Talking to my supplier, we’ve seen nitrogen increases of $20 per ton over the last couple of months. We’re feeling the effects.”
During the event, NEFB called on elected officials to examine ways to bring down excessive fuel prices.
In remarks, McHargue said tax policy also plays a major role in profitability, specifically property taxes, given the land intensive nature of agriculture. While NEFB has worked with the Legislature to provide property tax relief for all Nebraskans, those dedicated state monies will likely face scrutiny this coming legislative session in the face of a projected state budget shortfall of $1 billion across the current and upcoming budget cycle.
“We recognize the budget problem, but we simply can’t afford to go backward with property tax relief. We are fully prepared to protect Nebraska taxpayers from any rollbacks that would lead to major property tax hikes,” said McHargue.
McHargue told attendees that elimination of state sales tax exemptions is also likely to be discussed in the upcoming state budget discussions and that Farm Bureau is adamantly opposed to the elimination of sales tax exemptions on agricultural inputs.
NEFB Board member Lance Atwater, a farmer, and member of the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau, told attendees that taxing agriculture inputs could effectively put farmers out of business.
“As a young producer, I have a lot of conversations with my peers, and they continue to center around whether we can keep farming in an environment where input costs keep going up, but prices for our commodities aren’t keeping up. There’s constant volatility in the markets and our profit margins continue to shrink. If the Legislature were to tax agriculture inputs such as seed, fertilizer, crop protection tools, machinery, and equipment, it would only further shrink those margins and opportunity for profitability, potentially putting producers out of business. If the Legislature taxed inputs, I estimate that I’d pay 170% more in taxes than what I currently pay in property taxes,” said Atwater. “That’s money that wouldn’t be reinvested in my operation or be spent in the local economy. We need to make sure our elected leaders understand taxing inputs is just bad tax policy. It’s not good for farmers or rural Nebraska.”
McHargue also noted the importance of growing markets and expanding value added agriculture opportunities to help profitability. Farm Bureau’s support for growing Nebraska’s livestock sector, securing passage of year-round E-15 to boost ethanol use, securing trade agreements to sell more Nebraska commodities and goods internationally, and supporting growth in the biofuels and bioeconomy industry here in Nebraska were among other needs.
McHargue also pointed out that Farm Bureau is heavily vested in reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and cutting red-tape to limit excess costs on farms and ranches.
“We have worked with the Administration to address regulations to limit federal authority over private land and waters, as well as rollback the EPA’s Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) requirements. Today we’re working diligently to make sure farmers continue to have access to much needed crop protection products.”
“We want young people to know there is a future in agriculture, and they can come back to the farm or ranch. Farm Bureau is here to make sure Nebraska remains the best place in America to raise family and produce the world’s food, fuel, and fiber,” said McHargue.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: YOUNG CATTLEMEN'S CONNECTIONS (YCC) CLASS OF 2027
Young Cattlemen’s Connections has been a Nebraska Cattlemen tradition for many years. The Nebraska Cattlemen want to identify and educate leaders to help guide and strengthen the beef industry. Nominees are now being accepted for the YCC Class of 2027.
The goal of the YCC program is to help emerging leaders understand the industry structure, issues management, product research and marketing and teach them how to become effective communicators. YCC provides the leadership tools necessary to build a successful future.
The class size is limited to ten. Affiliates and individuals are asked to limit nominations to one outstanding individual. The following will be considered in evaluating applications:
Current or future leader with Nebraska Cattlemen and/or local affiliate.
The age group of 25-50.
Willing to participate in a two-year program. Six days of meetings each year PLUS midyear and annual convention.
Positive attitude and a desire to develop new leadership skills.
Nebraska Cattlemen membership is required.
Dates for the 2027 class are January 18-21, 2027 (Lincoln) and January 24-27, 2028 (Lincoln) with a summer/fall meeting in each year. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Nominee will be required to fill out an application that will be reviewed by the selection committee. The YCC Class of 2027 will be announced on November 20, 2026.
This program is made possible by a generous sponsorship from Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, GeneSeek Igenity, Merek Animal Health and Farm Credit Services of America.
For more information contact Bonita Lederer, 402-450-0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org.
NeFU Urges Congress to Pass Updated and Improved Farm Bill
Ten Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members were part of nearly 250 National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Fly-In farmers, ranchers, and other participants that walked the halls of Congress September 14-16. The annual NFU Fall Fly-In focused on the need for Congress to pass an improved and updated Farm Bill, and to not dismantle USDA.
The outdated 2018 Farm Bill that relied on 2014 data has had its expiration date been extended three times. The delegation was divided into two teams for non-Nebraska Congressional meetings. Each team added three visits on their schedules. The delegation met with all five members of the Nebraska Congressional Delegation or their staff. In addition, NeFU Member Willie Cade participated in a White House briefing and a listening session with the National Economic Council and the Office of Legislative Affairs to discuss the farm economy and the Farm Bill.
NeFU President John Hansen, who led the delegation, said “Our participants shared their concerns about the financial squeeze they were feeling: ever higher ag input costs, diesel prices, hurtful beef imports, interest costs, inflation, as well as low ag commodity prices, lost export markets, and ag credit concerns.
On the Farm Bill, participants stressed the need for mandatory country of origin labelling (MCOOL), expanded year-round E15, more conservation funding, and a better farm income safety net. They also explained why HR1 cuts to SNAP hurts rural residents and future Farm Bills, and why dismantling USDA would be a disaster for both food consumers and producers, and the need for more emphasis on anti-trust enforcement and efforts to restore and build local food programs and markets including processing.
Attending this year’s Fly-In were Becky Potmesil of Alliance, Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn, Dan and Amber Conway of Red Cloud, Keith Dittrich of Tilden, Don Schuller of Wymore, Willie Cade of Chicago, and Matt Gregory, Kevin Herrold and John Hansen of Lincoln. Dan and Amber Conway and Kevin Herrold are with FUMA (Farmers Union Midwest Agency). Willie Cade is a member who also serves as a right to repair and ag data consultant for Nebraska and several other Farmers Union state organizations. For five of the ten participants, this was their first trip to Washington, D.C.
The Fly-In participants heard from NFU and USDA officials Monday morning at USDA’s Jefferson auditorium as well as from FTC Commissioner Mark Meador. Monday afternoon at a Capitol Hill Briefing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Fly-In participants heard from former FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, Director of Rethink Trade Lori Wallach, Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). There was also a panel that discussed trade, mergers, and health care.
“Our NeFU delegation this year reflected the diversity of our state’s agriculture. Members produced corn, soybeans, cattle, hay and horses. They were current, retired, conventional, organic, and specialty crop producers, and crop insurance agents. Regardless of what they grow and how they do it, they all know how badly our state needs Congress to pass an improved and updated Farm Bill,” Hansen concluded.
ICA Announces Building Iowa’s Cattle Future Policy Package
Thursday, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) announced a policy package to build Iowa’s cattle herd, create opportunities for the next generation of producers, and address consumer prices.
The Building Iowa’s Cattle Future policy package includes five state-level priorities designed to help Iowa maximize its role in rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd and strengthen the economic and rural vitality of communities across the state.
ICA developed the package through its grassroots policy process, reflecting priorities cattle producers identified during the Association’s recent Policy Summit.
“Iowa has the resources, infrastructure, and people to play an important role in helping rebuild America’s cattle herd,” said Craig Moss, ICA president. “By bringing these priorities together in one package, we can have more meaningful conversations with policymakers about what Iowa’s cattle industry needs to grow.”
While unable to attend the press conference, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also said he believes Iowa has an opportunity to play a significant role in growing the nation’s cattle herd.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to build and expand the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program, and I will continue pushing to bring this successful model to every county in Iowa. It is a true win-win that keeps working lands working, creates more opportunities for cattle producers and young farmers, and improves Iowa’s water quality and soil health,” said Sec. Naig. “I also launched Choose Iowa to create new markets and more opportunities for Iowa farmers, and we’ve made strengthening local meat processing a priority through the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant Program. Whether it is expanding grazing opportunities, investing in local processing capacity, building demand for Iowa beef or opening new markets for state-inspected meat, I will continue looking for every opportunity to grow Iowa’s cattle herd and strengthen the farm families and rural communities that depend on it.”
Five Priorities Where Iowa Can Lead
ICA’s Building Iowa’s Cattle Future policy package focuses on five areas where state policy can help create opportunities for growth:
Creating opportunities for young and beginning farmers
Improve access to capital and help new and beginning producers overcome barriers to entering or expanding in the cattle industry.
Supporting regional meat processing
Strengthen Iowa’s regional processing infrastructure and create additional market opportunities for cattle producers.
Maximizing the Working Lands Program
Expand a proven state program that helps farmers keep land productive while incorporating cattle and conservation practices. Demand for the program has exceeded available funding, demonstrating the need to maximize its potential.
Protecting Iowa’s agricultural land
Support policies that keep productive farmland in agriculture for future generations.
Integrating cattle into land management to improve water quality
Build on the stewardship work cattle producers already do by supporting practices that integrate cattle and land management to continue to improve Iowa’s water quality.
Together, these priorities address several barriers and opportunities facing Iowa’s cattle industry.
“Rebuilding the cattle herd will take time, but Iowa is in a leadership position to be part of that growth,” Moss said. “This package gives us a roadmap to make sure Iowa is prepared to take advantage of that opportunity.”
ICA will continue working with policymakers to advance the priorities outlined in Building Iowa’s Cattle Future during the upcoming legislative session.
Pig Farmers from 24 States Press Lawmakers for Prop. 12 Solution in Final Farm Bill
Nearly 150 pork producers from California to New York joined forces in Washington to advocate for their farms and livelihoods as the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed the Agricultural Act of 2026 out of Committee.
“Our message to Congress is clear: Stop the patchwork nightmare that California Proposition 12 has created for pork producers across the country. Our family farms cannot afford the uncertainty these conflicting state laws is creating,” said National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “We’re not backing down from this fight for rural America. I’m proud of my fellow pork producers for taking precious time away from their farms to travel to Washington, D.C., and meet face to face with their elected officials. They are advocating for reasonable legislation that allows us to continue farming and pass down our farms to the next generation.”
During NPPC’s biannual Legislative Action Conference, pork producers from across the country were briefed by a bipartisan group of legislators, including U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA), and Agriculture Committee member Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH). NPPC officers also visited with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials responsible for administering federal programs on which producers depend.
Spreading out across Capitol Hill, pork producers took their message to approximately 175 congressional offices, advocating on behalf of their fellow American 60,000+ producers. Among their asks were including a fix to California Proposition 12 in the final farm bill, funding the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, supporting the “Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act” for year-round labor support, and urging the Trump administration to quickly complete the review to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
NPPC also presented Sen. Ernst and Chairman Thompson with the inaugural “Bringing Home the Bacon” congressional award. Click here to read about Sen. Ernst’s contributions to the pork industry and here to read about Chairman Thompson’s leadership advancing the livelihoods of pork producers.
To top off the conference, NPPC hosted its annual Baconfest congressional reception where more than 1,100 guests, including members of Congress and their staff, embassy officials, and industry stakeholders, gathered to discuss pork industry priorities and enjoy a variety of delicious pork-centric snacks—including the famous bacon wall.
NCBA Responds to Stand-Up Program Announcement
Wednesday, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the creation of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Stand-Up Program during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s (NASDA) Annual Meeting. Secretary Rollins shared that the program would provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs through the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program (CIS).
Currently, 30 states participate under the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (MPI) program, but only 11 of the 30 eligible states participate in the CIS program. High regulatory and compliance costs have been barriers for further state participation. Additionally, persistent labor challenges in the processing sector continue to create challenges and uncertainty around efforts to diversify processing options for producers around the country. While the announcement includes funding, structural changes need to happen within the program to help support additional states participation.
While additional resources are certainly welcome and needed, farmers and ranchers need USDA to make progress on the real and persistent hurdles state meat inspection programs face. NCBA looks forward to further details on this new effort in the days to come.
USDA Ends Mandatory Farmer Funding of ESG Commitments in Dairy Checkoff
Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to American farmers, announcing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decisive action to end dairy checkoff funding for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) overregulation. This action aligns research and promotion activities with the Department’s priorities and the original mission of the checkoffs. USDA remains committed to ensuring that every dollar collected from American producers serves American agriculture for the better.
“American dairy producers, cattle ranchers, and farmers pay checkoff assessments so those dollars can build demand for their products - not bankroll radical climate agendas that raise costs and constrain production," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "Today's action returns the Dairy Checkoff and all research and promotion programs to their core mission: expanding markets and supporting the hardworking men and women who feed this country. We will not allow producer dollars to underwrite mandates that put American agriculture at a disadvantage.”
Background: Under the Dairy Production Stabilization Act, checkoff funds are authorized for promotion, research, and nutrition education that strengthen markets for U.S. dairy. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established through the checkoff, has pursued extensive ESG initiatives, including greenhouse-gas and net-zero targets. USDA’s action ends checkoff support for those ESG-related projects while allowing necessary administrative functions that do not advance such agendas. This action also directs the Agricultural Marketing Service to ensure no research and promotion funds in other commodity checkoffs advance ESG mandates. American producers substantially fund these checkoff programs through mandatory assessments. Those funds must serve their statutory purpose of strengthening markets for agriculture – not advance misguided external ESG agendas that can raise costs or potentially constrain production.
While USDA is taking swift action to bar the Dairy Checkoff from spending farmer paid dollars on the radical ESG ideology, when focused on its core mission, the Dairy Checkoff is largely a success. Independent economists at Texas A&M have found that Checkoff investments increased the demand for promoted dairy products and dairy exports, and the gains in profit at the producer level from promotion were larger than the costs of the program. The aggregate all-dairy return-on-investment (ROI) is $5.93 for each dollar spent on activities. Dairy product specific ROI’s are $4.16 for fluid milk, $2.67 for cheese, $24.85 for butter, and $12.82 for exports. Similar ROI studies are conducted for all research and promotion boards and have shown returns, for example: Beef - $13.41; Cotton - $6.40; and Softwood Lumber - $33.54.
National Pork Board Launches Advisory Committees to Strengthen Producer Input to Checkoff Work
Focusing on producer priorities is a cornerstone of the National Pork Board (NPB). Six producer-led advisory committees were recently established to align with the NPB strategic plan. Through a rigorous selection process, more than 120 leaders from 33 states will lend their voice, offer their experience and perspective, and provide direction as part of their committee member role. These insights will help board members and staff deliver meaningful progress on behalf of America’s 60,000 pig farmers.
“When people across the pork industry come together to tackle difficult issues, we can strengthen demand, protect herd health and build a more resilient future,” said David Newman, NPB CEO. “These advisory committees put producer voices at the center of our work, and that shared knowledge translates into meaningful action to drive our industry forward.”
NPB Board Members will chair the quarterly advisory committee meetings that focus on:
Domestic Marketing helps strategize domestic marketing and Taste What Pork Can Do® campaign to strengthen demand for pork in the U.S. The committee shares perspectives that help connect marketing efforts with broader U.S. pork industry priorities and challenges.
Chairs: Terry Wolters, South Dakota and Jesse Heimer, Missouri
Human Nutrition supports the advancement of science that positions fresh and processed pork as a nutrient-dense, whole-food protein. The committee helps ensure research insights are translated into practical value for producers and stakeholders throughout the pork value chain.
Chairs: John Rauser, Montana and Alayne Johnson, Indiana
Innovation and Pork Quality integrates innovation and pork quality to create value across the pork industry. The committee supports efforts to develop new products, applications, merchandising strategies, and market opportunities while ensuring pork quality remains consistent, credible, and satisfying for consumers.
Chair: Emily Arkfeld, Missouri
International Marketing provides insight and strategic counsel on Pork Checkoff investments, international market development, and demand-building efforts. The committee helps advance opportunities to grow global demand for U.S. pork while delivering measurable return on investment.
Chair: Jessica Stevens, Ohio
Swine Health focuses on the National Swine Health Strategy and offers input on investments in swine health research, industry education and producer resources. The committee advances initiatives that strengthen herd health and enhance disease preparedness across the U.S. pork industry.
Chair: Paul Ayers, Illinois
We Care® advises the pork industry’s sustainability strategy, grounded in the six We Care® ethical principles. The committee provides direction on Pork Checkoff investments that help protect the industry’s freedom to operate, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for pork producers.
Chairs: Chad Herring, North Carolina and Kevin Rasmussen, Iowa
A mix of producers, allied industry and state pork associations will serve on each advisory committee with the first-year term beginning October 1. Careful consideration and selection by National Pork Board’s leadership took into account geographic diversity, producer representation and variety of operational practices.
ASA Urges Progress on Soybean Trade Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting
The American Soybean Association Thursday sent a letter to President Donald Trump ahead of his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging the administration to ensure China fulfills its soybean purchase commitments, address tariffs and other trade barriers, and prioritize a stable, long-term trading relationship that supports U.S. soybean farmers.
“Soybean farmers need consistency and predictability in one of our most important export markets, and we hope the upcoming meeting with President Xi delivers further progress toward that goal,” said ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger. “That means ensuring China fulfills its purchase commitments, addressing barriers that put U.S. soybeans at a competitive disadvantage, and working toward a durable trading relationship. We appreciate President Trump’s continued attention to expanding markets for U.S. agriculture and the renewed purchases we are seeing as farmers head into harvest.”
ASA’s letter specifically expressed support for a U.S.-China Board of Trade that includes soybeans as a non-sensitive good, called for eliminating China’s 10% retaliatory duty on U.S. soybeans, and asked the administration to ensure any future implementation of Section 301 port fees on Chinese ships does not disrupt or diminish U.S. export sales.
China committed to purchasing at least 25 million metric tons (MMT) of U.S. soybeans annually in 2026, 2027, and 2028, following a 12 MMT commitment for late 2025. ASA appreciates President Trump’s efforts to achieve progress since the October 2025 U.S.-China trade summit and encourages the administration to build on that momentum during the upcoming meeting with President Xi.
