Tuesday February 17 Ag News - West Point Ag Appreciation March 24 - Farmers Pride Research Meeting Feb 18 - Four Nebraskans on BPOC - NE LEAD 43 in Europe, Africa - Smithfield to Seek New Plant in Sioux Falls - and more!

WP Chamber Ag Appreciation is March 24
Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong, Executive Director, West Point Chamber of Commerce

We are excited to share that this year’s Ag Appreciation Dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 24th — National Ag Day!

The evening will kick off with doors opening at the Nielsen Community Center at 6:00 p.m. for a cash bar social, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m., with entertainment after.

And speaking of entertainment… this year we’re bringing in The String Showdown — think dueling pianos, but with violins, guitars, and more. It’s high-energy, interactive, and a whole lot of fun. I truly think people are going to love this show!

The menu will once again feature:
    Sliced pork sandwiches
    Potato salad
    Baked beans
    Ice cream cups

We are reaching out to see if you would like to sponsor the event again this year. The sponsorship cost remains $275, which includes 50 complimentary tickets for you to share with customers, family, friends, employees — however you’d like to use them.

Thank you for your continued support of our ag community — we truly couldn’t do this without you!



Farmers Pride Coop Answer Plot Results meeting

Farmers Pride Cooperative is hosting an Answer Plot and Innovations results meeting on Wednesday February 18th at the Midtown Event Center, 1102 Riverside Blvd. in Norfolk. The meeting starts at 10am and there will be a lunch after the meeting.  Results from the 2025 Winfield United Answer Plot will be presented, including insights into adjuvents, biologicals, and fungicides.  Agronomists will also give recommendations going into the 2026 growing season.  Please contact your local Farmers Pride agronomist if you'd like to attend, or RSVP by calling the home office in Battle Creek at 402-675-2375. 



4 Nebraskans Appointed to Beef Promotion Operating Committee

At the recent Cattle Industry Convention, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) was elected, and four Nebraskans were selected to serve. June Loseke of Columbus and John Schroeder of Cozad will represent the Federation of State Beef Councils and Joan Ruskamp of Dodge and Bree DeMontigny of Valentine will represent the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

The BPOC is defined in the Beef Act as the body responsible for developing the annual budget, which must be approved by the full Beef Board and USDA, for developing plans and programs in the areas of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, and international marketing. The BPOC includes 10 producers elected by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 producers elected by the Federation of State Beef Councils. The Act and Order requires that the BPOC contract with national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement Beef Checkoff programs. The BPOC meets in September to make these funding decisions.



Nebraska LEAD Fellows Explore Global Agriculture and Leadership in Africa and Europe

Fellows in Nebraska LEAD Program Class 43 recently returned from a two-week International Study/Travel Seminar that took them to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, offering an in-depth look at global agriculture, food systems, water management and leadership across diverse cultures.

The seminar held January 6–20, 2026, immersed participants in hands-on learning experiences with farmers, agribusiness leaders, researchers and policymakers. The program emphasized how agriculture adapts to different climates, markets and political structures—while reinforcing the universal role of leadership in shaping food systems worldwide.

“Seeing agriculture firsthand in different parts of the world changes how you think,” said Jared Stauffer, a Nebraska LEAD Class 43 Fellow. “Whether it was citrus farming in the Moroccan desert or multigenerational cork farming in Portugal, it reinforced how innovative producers have to be—and how much we can learn from one another.”

“International study is a cornerstone of the Nebraska LEAD Program,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “This seminar challenged our Fellows to think beyond borders, understand agriculture in a global context and bring those lessons home to strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural industry.”

While in Morocco, Fellows examined farming in arid climates, toured citrus and olive operations and met with agricultural researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural Research. Visits highlighted water scarcity, irrigation innovation and sustainable production practices in North Africa.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was water management,” said Luke Baldridge, a Fellow in Class 43. “Water looks very different in Nebraska than it does in Morocco or Spain, but the importance of managing it wisely is universal.”

In Portugal, the group explored large-scale crop and livestock operations, cork production, dairy farming and the Alqueva Multipurpose Project—Europe’s largest strategic water reserve—gaining insight into irrigation, renewable energy and long-term resource planning.

The seminar concluded in Spain, where Fellows studied cooperative grain and citrus systems, olive oil production, fisheries, beef cattle operations, and met with officials from Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to learn about agricultural policy and livestock management.

“What stood out to me was how closely agriculture and policy are linked in every country we visited,” said Lily Ziehmer, Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellow. “Those conversations gave me a better appreciation for leadership at every level—from the farm to the ministry office.”

Throughout the experience, participants also engaged in cultural tours and group reflections designed to strengthen leadership skills, broaden perspectives and foster collaboration among Fellows.

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows by hometown that traveled to Morocco, Portugal and Spain were:
CALLAWAY: Lucy Kimball
CARLETON: Troy Kane
DENTON: Payton Schaneman
EDISON: Amy Warner
ERICSON: Neleigh Gehl
FREMONT: Chandler Maly
GOTHENBURG: McKinley Harm
GRETNA: Brennan Costello
HASTINGS: Lily Ziehmer
HAY SPRINGS: Austin Weyers
HOWELLS: Tyler Morton
HUMPHREY: Eric Wemhoff
KEARNEY: Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor Spath
LINCOLN: Luke Baldridge, Sally Welsh
LONG PINE: Spencer Shifflet
LOUP CITY: Cale Harrington
MILFORD: Jared Stauffer
MINATARE: Austin Kniss
MULLEN: Kyle Phillips
NEHAWKA: Sophia Svanda
NORFOLK: Jake Judge, Courtney Nelson
ORD: Ben Edwards
OSCEOLA: Anthony Mestl
SUPERIOR: John Sullivan 
WAHOO: Jacobi Swanson
WAYNE: Bobby Reifenrath

Nebraska LEAD Class 43 produced a video series documenting their travels. This content can be found on the Nebraska LEAD Program’s Facebook page. Additionally, the videos can be accessed on UNL’s MediaHub (https://mediahub.unl.edu/channels/28041). 

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes Nebraskans currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 45 which begins in the fall of 2026, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at lead.unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.



Smithfield Foods to Build New State-of-the-Art Processing Facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Smithfield Foods, Inc., an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced it has initiated the approval process to build a new state-of-the-art packaged meats and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The new facility, which is subject to permitting and other regulatory and design approvals, will be built in Foundation Park, a 1,000+-acre heavy industrial park located in northwest Sioux Falls, and will replace Smithfield’s existing plant, which has played a central role in the regional economy for more than 100 years. The company currently employs 3,200 people in Sioux Falls, providing $200 million in wages annually, and supports thousands of indirect jobs in agriculture and other sectors.

Smithfield’s preliminary estimate of the proposed investment is up to $1.3 billion over the next three years. The investment is contingent on securing required permits and other regulatory approvals as well as approval of the final facility design by Smithfield’s board of directors.

The proposed combined fresh pork and packaged meats facility will be the most modern of its kind in the U.S., with highly efficient process flow, advanced automation technology and a streamlined design. The new, best-in-class facility will deliver significant efficiency gains to Smithfield’s fresh pork and high-value packaged meats operations.

Smithfield has worked in partnership with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation on the opportunity to build the new facility outside of downtown Sioux Falls. The new facility will support independent hog farmers, corn and soybean producers and other agricultural sectors that fuel the pork supply chain in South Dakota and the surrounding region.  

“This highly automated facility will represent a major investment in Sioux Falls, the state of South Dakota and the future of American agriculture,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield’s investment supports our long-term strategy of continuing to grow and optimize our value-added packaged meats and fresh pork operations to deliver innovation, convenience and value to our customers.”

“Food security equals national security, so food production and processing will continue to play a vital role in South Dakota’s economy," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Smithfield’s proposed investment in South Dakota opens up greater opportunity for our state to expand livestock production, and the company’s decision to relocate from downtown Sioux Falls opens up the opportunity to revitalize the downtown riverfront. This is a win-win-win-win for producers, the company, the city, and the state of South Dakota.”

“Today’s announcement marks a historic moment for our city and state. For more than a century, Smithfield has been a cornerstone of our community, and this new, state-of-the-art facility reaffirms their long-term commitment to Sioux Falls and the region—supporting our ag economy and thousands of local jobs for generations to come,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “This investment by Smithfield unlocks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the existing site in downtown Sioux Falls when the time is right.”

“Smithfield’s investment in a new facility in Sioux Falls will have a transformational impact on our community and our agriculture economy,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “The new facility will bring skilled jobs for Smithfield’s workforce, provide renewed value-added agriculture opportunities for regional producers and create an incredible redevelopment opportunity in Downtown Sioux Falls. We’re grateful for Smithfield’s commitment to Sioux Falls and are looking forward to welcoming them to their new home in Foundation Park.”

If approved, Smithfield’s new state-of-the-art facility will be constructed in Foundation Park, the state’s largest industrial park, at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 90 in Sioux Falls. Site work is expected to begin at the new location in the spring of 2026 with initial groundbreaking anticipated in the first half of 2027 and production expected to begin at the end of 2028.



Naig Urges Congress to Find Agreement to Make Year-Round E15 Available Nationwide

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig urged the U.S. House of Representatives’ Rural Domestic Energy Council to find agreement to make year-round E15 available to drivers around the country. Secretary Naig, a longtime biofuels advocate, reinforced the cost-saving benefits of E15 at a time when affordability is top of mind for many Americans.

According to the Iowa Department of Revenue’s 2024 Annual Retailers Fuel Gallons Report, E15 sales grew 44 percent from 2023 to 2024, reaching 256.7 million gallons sold in Iowa in 2024. On average, E15 costs about 15 cents less per gallon than traditional gasoline, saving Iowa drivers more than $65 million between 2023 and 2024.

“In Iowa, we continue to see ethanol sales grow year over year. When consumers are given a choice at the pump, they choose E15 and that adds up to real cost savings for Iowa families,” said Secretary Naig. “In addition to its affordability, E15 creates a valuable market for Iowa farmers, significantly driving demand for corn growers, creating jobs and generating economic activity in rural communities. It’s time for Congress to make year-round E15 available nationwide so families and communities across the country can enjoy the same benefits.”

Iowa’s E15 Access Standard
The state of Iowa has prioritized biofuels as part of a broader strategy to reduce gas prices, increase consumer choice and develop markets for Iowa-grown products. Iowa is the first state in the nation to require most fuel retailers to sell and market E15, unless they qualify for a waiver or exemption.

When the E15 Access Standard was passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2022, only 329 Iowa fuel retailers reported sales of E15, and now that number has more than tripled. To date, more than 1,100 fuel retailers in Iowa are selling E15, representing more than half of the 2,051 commercial fuel retailers licensed in the state. More than 150 additional fuel retailers are investing in infrastructure upgrades and plan to offer E15 by the end of 2026, reinforcing Iowa’s commitment to making higher blends of biofuels more readily available to drivers.

To view an interactive map of fuel retailers selling E15 in Iowa, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website.

Investing in Biofuels Infrastructure
For 20 years, the State of Iowa has helped fuel retailers transition to selling higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). Funded by the Iowa Legislature and administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the cost-share program has invested nearly $70 million in biofuels infrastructure projects since 2006. Those public investments have been matched by approximately $280 million in private investment. The result is a growing network of fueling locations that give consumers more choices and reinforce Iowa’s position as a national agricultural and biofuels leader.



The Future is Now: Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Research and Production
 
Iowa’s world-class talent and food and agriculture leadership provide a distinct advantage in the age of artificial intelligence. By pairing deep industry expertise with data-driven insights, innovators across all sectors of agriculture are accelerating new technologies to deliver real-world results for farmers, livestock producers and the entire food system.
 
Hear from key players in the industry about:
    Practical and actionable applications of artificial intelligence in farm fields, livestock barns, large machinery and research labs, and what other industries are learning from agriculture
    The power of strategic partnerships and collaboration across industry sectors to optimize available technologies
    What’s next, from emerging research to policy and workforce needs and the pathways to market
    How artificial intelligence moves from research to real-world deployment, including barriers, data challenges and more
 
When: Thursday, February 19, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. central standard time
Where: Webinar. Click here to register https://www.cultivationcorridor.org/news-events/events/insights-innovation-ai-in-agriculture
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will moderate the discussion featuring:
    Melissa Neuendorf, Principal AI Strategist, Deere & Company
    Matt Smalley, Data Science Leader, Corteva Agriscience
    Joseph Victoria, Sr Associate Director, Bioinformatics, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

More information is available at www.cultivationcorridor.org,



Harry Stine named to Forbes 250 Greatest Innovators list

Harry H. Stine, founder of Stine® Seed Company and one of agriculture’s most influential genetic innovators, has been named to the Forbes 250 Greatest Innovators list, ranking No. 34 among the nation’s most transformative business leaders.

Released as part of Forbes’ America250 celebration, the Innovator 250 recognizes individuals who have not only invented breakthrough technologies but also successfully scaled and commercialized them to drive measurable, industrywide impact.

For nearly six decades, Stine has advanced private-sector plant breeding, transforming soybean and corn genetics through disciplined research, density-focused systems and commercialization at scale. Under his leadership, Stine Seed Company became the first private soybean research company in the United States and has grown into one of the largest privately held seed companies in the nation. Stine and his affiliated entities hold more than 800 seed- and technology-related patents.

Stine’s scientific work helped pioneer modern soybean licensing structures, expand herbicide trait platforms, and accelerate high-population and short-stature corn systems, which are innovations now adopted across the industry. Today, Stine genetics are planted on millions of acres in the United States and licensed broadly throughout global markets.

“Innovation only matters if it reaches the farmer,” Stine says. “Scaling science into real-world adoption is what transforms industries.”

The Forbes ranking was determined by a panel of industry experts and editorial review, evaluating candidates on creativity, breadth, disruption and commercial impact.

For Stine, the recognition reflects a lifetime commitment not only to scientific advancement but also to measurable on-farm performance.

“Our loyalty has always been to the farmer,” Stine adds. “Science is the tool, but performance in the field is the proof.”

Stine will be honored this spring at the Forbes Innovator 250 Celebration in Silicon Valley. Read the online list here: Forbes 250: America’s Greatest Innovators. The magazine will be on newsstands later this month.

Monday February 16 Ag News - Ricketts Letter Supporting NE Beef - Webinar on Carbon Intensity Scoring - Pork Act Delegates Slated for March Forum - Farms and Land in Farms - House Ag Committee Farm Bill Proposal - and more!

Ricketts Leads Nebraska Delegation Letter Supporting Nebraska Beef

Friday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led the Nebraska congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, expressing support for Nebraska beef after a trade agreement with Argentina. The letter underscores the importance of trade policies that create opportunities, stabilize markets and lower consumer prices.

In the letter, Senator Ricketts and the delegation emphasized Nebraska’s status as the Beef State. The letter also emphasizes how market stability in the cattle industry is critical to America’s food security.

The letter reads:

“Nebraska is the beef state. Our ranchers are the lifeblood of our economy. Thank you for your continued efforts to strengthen our economy and provide markets for our ranchers through international trade deals. The recent Argentina deal opens new export opportunities for U.S. beef while aiming to address consumer prices. We applaud the increased market opportunity for Nebraskan producers who produce the best, safest beef in the world.

“The United States’ cattle inventory is at 75-year lows. Despite historically low supply, demand for beef remains strong. Consumers choose U.S.-produced beef because it is the best, safest beef in the world. We must continue to fight for policies that support Nebraskan ranchers and their efforts to rebuild the herd. Growing the herd is the only long-term strategy for lowering consumer prices. We cannot import our way to lasting lower prices for consumers. It is paramount to ensure any imports meet the same strict safety standards as our producers.”



CAP Webinar - Estimating What Matters: Carbon Intensity in Corn and Soybean Markets
Feb 19, 2026 12:00 PM 
Elliott Dennis, Associate Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
Richard Perrin, Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
Felipe Miranda de Souza Almeida, Graduate Research Assistant, UNL Agricultural Economics

Low-carbon fuel policies are reshaping grain and meat markets. This webinar breaks down new research estimating the carbon intensity (CI) of corn, soybeans in the Northern Plains using two leading life-cycle models. We’ll show how CI varies across regions, irrigation systems, and production practices and why some common assumptions miss the mark. Most importantly, we’ll explore how management choices like tillage and cover crops can dramatically shift CI. If future premiums emerge, who benefits, and will these premiums actually be paid by consumers? 

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. 




USDA Announces Appointments to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 145 delegates, including 142 producers and three importers, to the 2026 National Pork Producers Delegate Body.

Members appointed to serve one-year terms are:
        Alabama: Ben Parmer, Auburn; Jody Hodnett, Wadley
        Alaska: Patricia R. Worrell, Wasilla; Richard C. Worrell, Wasilla
        Arizona: Bruce Lawler, Lakeside; Brad Tate, Taylor
        Arkansas: Richard Gray, Dardanelle; Charles Metz, London
        California: Russell McKeith, Visalia; Jared Lamle, Denair
        Colorado: Julie McCaleb, Anton; Brett B. Rutledge, Yuma
        Delaware: John B. Tigner, Jr., Hartley
        Florida: Tommy R. Crawford, Lake Butler
        Georgia: Mark Clemmer, Broxton; Robin A. Clemmer, Broxton
        Idaho: Kirk Pugsley, Caldwell; Logan Thornton, Kuna
        Illinois: Chad Leman, Secor; Joshua D. Maschhoff, Nashville; Katie Brown, Morrisonville; Thomas Titus, Elkhart; Cheryl Walsh, Princeville; Emmalee Haege, Nashville
        Indiana: Todd Rodibaugh, Carmel; Micah Render, Rensselaer; Kyle Crowder, Attica; Mike Taylor, Uniondale; Nate Lenig, Greenfield; Tanner Smith, Hillsdale
        Iowa: Matt Gent, Wellman; Dean Frazer, Conrad; Linda Schroeder, Remsen; Chet Mogler, Larchwood; Erin Brenneman, Wellman; Aaron Cook, Winthrop; Tim Schmidt, Hawarden; Dr. Matt Anderson, Algona; Aaron Juergens, Carroll; Ben Schmaling, Prescott; Joel Van Gilst, Oskaloosa; Chelsea Theobald, Muscatine; Denise Wiley, Walker; Dennis Liljedahl, Essex; Mark Meirick, Protivin; Tom Paustian, Walcott; Dale Gerard Reicks, New Hampton; Ryan Pudenz, Ames; Greg Lear, Specer; Steve Kerns, Clearfield; Trent Thiele, Elma; Chris Bellcock, Norwalk; Rob Stout, Washington; Clark Wikner, McGregor; Haley Kerr, Burlington; Todd A. Wiley, Walker; Todd E. Wilson, LuVerne; Leon Sheets, Ionia; Dave Struthers, Collins; Jamie Horbach, Clive
        Kansas: Chad M. Groves, Overland Park; Scott J. Pfortmiller, Saint John; Michael Springer, Neodesha; Curt Haverkamp, Bern
        Louisiana: Brady Rutledge, Iowa; John Fontenot, Iowa
        Maine: Brittany Hemond, Minot; Michael Hemond, Minot
        Maryland: Jennifer Gannon, Centreville
        Michigan: Kevin C. Turner, Lansing; Joseph R. Dykhuis, Holland; Andy White, Jones
        Minnesota: Jay Fultz, Tracy; Maddie Hokanson, Cannon Falls; Michael L. Patterson, Kenyon; Brandon L. Schafer, Goodhue; Brian M. Schwartz, Sleepy Eye; Patrick L. VonTersch, Luverne; Michael J. Walker, Belview; Myrna J. Welter, Stewartville; Terry D. Wolters, Hendricks; Dale E. Stevermer, Easton
        Mississippi: Kramer Lynn Gary, Eupora; Donny Ray, Olive Branch
        Missouri: David Reedy, Moundville; Anthony Russo, Columbia; Jeff Sims, Marshall; Dean B. Rehmeier, Augusta
        Montana: William W. Kleinsasser, Augusta; David J. Hofer, Conrad
        Nebraska: Ryan Preister, Humphrey; Cody Lambrecht, Bennington; David May, Henderson; Josh Wendt, Leigh
        Nevada: Clayton Combs, Las Vegas; Sarah Stallard, Las Vegas
        New York: Jennifer Schwab, North Java; James Luckman, Fort Plain
        North Carolina: Jay Archer, Tarboro; Josh Coombs, Clinton; Chad Herring, Mount Olive; D.J. Jones, Greensboro; Wen Murphy, Wallace; Lorenda B. Overman, Goldsboro; Bill Prestage, Clinton; Samantha H. Raynor, Beulaville; Rod Smith, Pink Hill
        North Dakota: James P. Clay, Cando; Tony Heins, New Salem
        Ohio: Kevin Stuckey, Hicksville; Nathan Isler, Prospect; Brad Heimerl, Johnstown; Chris Allen, Warsaw
        Oklahoma: Hannah A. Trujillo, Wetumka; Roy Cansler, Chester; Tom Layne, Enid
        Oregon: Henry C. Bennett, Eagle Creek; Matthew C. Bennett, Eagle Creek
        Pennsylvania: Aaron Ott, McConnellsburg; Ben Barcovtch, Berwick; Nat Stas, Latrobe; Matt Brandt, Selinsgrove
        South Carolina: Mark McLeod, Pinewood; Curt Lee, Alcolu
        South Dakota: Jason R. Foster, Garden City; Trent Nathan Thompson, Hudson; Mark A. Fuoss, Armour; Levi M. Wollman, Ethan
        Tennessee: Pamela Bartholomew-Gardner, Decaturville; Dr. Seth Krantz, Jackson
        Texas: Peter Baumert, Dalhart; Bo Williams, Stratford
        Utah: Brittany R. Parkinson, Beaver; Todd N. Ballard, Benson
        Virginia: R.O. Britt, Williamsburg; Dylan Carden, Prince George
        Washington: Karrie L. Klingeman, Moses Lake; Paul Klingeman, Sr., Moses Lake
        Wisconsin: Christina J. Meylor, Darlington; Al Ries, Lomira
        Wyoming: Taylor Starks, Casper; Sabina D. Wyse, Powell
        Importers: Martin Sauer, Jersey City, N.J.; George Gekas, Philadelphia, Pa.; Roland Schinbeckler, Warren, N.J.

The delegate body meets annually to recommend the rate of assessment, determine the percentage of assessments that state associations will receive, and nominate producers and importers to the National Pork Board. The board and the delegate body were established under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. By law, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees operations of the board and the delegate body. More information about the board is available on the AMS National Pork Board webpage and on the National Pork Board’s website https://www.porkcheckoff.org/.



Farms and Land in Farms Highlights

The number of farms in the United States for 2025 is estimated at 1,865,000, down 15,000 farms from 2024. The number of farms decreased in all sales classes except the $1,000,000 or more sales class. In 2025, 48.0 percent of all farms had less than $10,000 in sales and 78.8 percent of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales. In 2025, 9.9 percent of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more.
  
Total land in farms, at 873,950,000 acres, decreased 2,510,000 acres from 2024. The land in farms decreased in all sales classes except the $1,000,000 or more sales class which increased by 850,000 acres. In 2025, 25.7 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with less than $100,000 in sales, while 50.1 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with sales of $500,000 or more.

The average farm size for 2025 is 469 acres, up from 466 acres the previous year.

By State        
Iowa ............:   86,200 farms - 29,900,000 acres - 347 acres/farm
Nebraska .....:   44,100 farms - 43,900,000 acres - 995 acres/farm  



Chairman Thompson Releases Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released the following statement after releasing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026:

“A new farm bill is long overdue, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step forward in providing certainty to our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. We made historic agricultural investments last summer in the Working Families Tax Cuts (H.R. 1), but there are many key policy components that remain to be addressed. With that in mind, the House Committee on Agriculture will begin marking up a new farm bill February 23.

“This bill provides modern policies for modern challenges and is shaped by years of listening to the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans. The farm bill affects our entire country, regardless of whether you live on a farm, and I look forward to seeing my colleagues in Congress work together to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”



ASA Welcomes House Ag Action on 2026 Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association commends the House Agriculture Committee on advancing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. 

“We appreciate that Chairman Thompson heard the concerns and needs of soybean farmers and addressed them in the bill,” said Scott Metzger, ASA president and a soybean farmer from Ohio. “The provisions included will provide much-needed market and regulatory certainty for producers facing new risks and difficult business decisions.” 

Over the past two years, ASA has advocated for strengthening the farm bill to meet the pressing needs of soybean farmers. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes significant enhancements to improve access to credit, meaningful investments to promote expansion and diversification of markets, and support for vital provisions such as the BioPreferred Program, pesticide labeling uniformity, full access to domestic markets for the meat products of our livestock customers, and investments in precision agriculture. 

Strengthening the farm bill is critical for the future of U.S. soybeans, and ASA stands ready to work with lawmakers to advance this legislation and help stabilize today’s challenging farm economy.



America’s Pig Farmers Appreciate Proposed Prop. 12 Fix in Farm Bill 2.0
 
U.S. pork producers are one step closer to critical regulatory certainty—and consumers closer to keeping pork affordable—with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) Farm Bill 2.0, which includes a federal fix to the massive issues caused by the impending and disastrous patchwork of state laws spurred by California Proposition 12.
 
“America’s pork producers thank Chairman Thompson for continuing to take bold steps once again to protect our livelihoods from an unsustainable patchwork of state laws,” said National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “We implore the full House Agriculture Committee to stand up for the American farmer, preserve states’ rights, and help keep pork affordable for the American consumers.”
 
Chairman Thompson and other leaders in D.C. remain dedicated to protecting producers’ freedom to farm by finding a solution to Prop. 12, which has spurred a variety of problems from the farmgate to families’ plates, including:
    Trampling on states’ rights: Prop. 12 sets a precedent that undermines the foundation of interstate commerce, allowing a single state to dictate how food is produced across the country—even when that food is produced outside its borders. Fixing Prop. 12 protects the rights of states by allowing each the exclusive right to regulate how livestock are produced within their borders.
        In passing Prop. 12, California violated Congress’ exclusive constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce. Congressional action to fix the chaos caused by Prop. 12 is rooted in Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution: “The Congress shall have the power … To regulate commerce … among the several states” (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3).
    Setting the stage for a patchwork of 50 state laws, dictating different versions of animal housing laws, which all producers—no matter the state they farm in— must comply with if they want to sell their pork to all consumers.
        NPPC Vice President and Ohio pork producer Pat Hord, who has retrofitted his barns to be Prop. 12-compliant, has told Congress that compliance does not future-proof farmers from more financial burdens if patchwork laws are not addressed. “Whatever I do today could need to be changed when a new state decides they want a different housing standard,” Hord says. “These are expensive changes, and some farmers may exit the business amid this uncertainty, which increases consolidation.”
    Leading to industry consolidation, potentially crushing small and medium-sized farms: While even large farms cannot sustain ongoing changes to sow housing laws, they are more likely to be able to afford the initial changes mandated by Prop. 12. Contrarily, smaller and independent producers often cannot. This means fewer family farms and reduced competition across the industry.
        In the first quarter of 2025, 12% of small pork operations (<500 sows) exited the market or shifted production away from breeding due to compliance costs and uncertainty, according to USDA.
    Ignoring expert veterinary advice and chipping away at sound veterinary options: The American Veterinary Medical Association says Prop. 12 does “not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.” 
        The housing requirement established by Prop. 12 is arbitrary, lacks a scientific or animal welfare foundation, and disregards the expertise of producers and veterinarians whose professional responsibility is to safeguard animal health.
    Making pork less affordable at the grocery store: The latest data shows increased retail prices in California are still more than 20% higher than before Prop. 12 took effect.
    Causing problems with trading partners: Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, for example, states are not permitted to create non-tariff barriers to trade.

A fix for Prop. 12 is backed by nearly 1,000 agriculture groups across more than 40 states, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. 



Farmers Appreciate Release of House Farm Bill Text

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee release of its version of the farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. The legislation is needed more than ever as America’s farmers and ranchers struggle through the worst economic storm in generations.

“We’re still reviewing the text of the bill, but it includes important updates to credit, conservation, research, and rural development programs, and calls for expansion of specialty crop programs. The bill also preserves interstate commerce to enable farmers to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.

“We urge the House Agriculture Committee to work in a bipartisan manner to find consensus and move the bill forward. Additionally, in light of the ongoing economic conditions plaguing rural America, Farm Bureau will continue to work with congressional leaders on our top priorities including additional funding for bridge assistance payments, year-round E15 and a solution to our agricultural labor crisis.”



Council’s IMC, Annual Meeting Concludes With Board Of Delegates Meeting

Members of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) concluded the Council’s 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting, held Feb. 11-13, in Panama City, Panama, with its board of delegates meeting and Council reports.

The morning began with USGBC sector meetings on barley, sorghum, corn, general farm organizations and agribusiness and ethanol before the board of delegates session.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson moderated the day’s board of delegates agenda that included a summary of the conference’s highlights thus far and administrative and financial reporting on the Council’s activities to promote transparency and organizational health well into the future.

Wilson then moderated a panel on ethanol’s expanding frontier featuring Alicia Koch, USGBC director of global ethanol export development; James Glueck, executive director of the Plant Based Products Council; Erin Heitkamp, vice president of SAF and carbon solutions at GEVO; and Shailesh Sahay, partner at Bracewell.

“When we can transition into cleaner options for cooking with ethanol and geographies that also have a blending component, the demand and opportunity there is going to be huge,” Koch said. “There is a huge need around the world for clean cooking solutions.”

Following the panel, Council delegates recognized members and staff who recently reached milestones of service to the organization for their accomplishments.

Additionally, the Council’s Advisory Teams (A-Teams) and sectors presented the results of their discussions at the meeting before Wilson closed the meeting.

“By attending this conference, you will join a long legacy of helping the Council establish priorities for future efforts we will undertake to grow global markets for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distiller’s grains,” Wilson said. “We are very glad you made the trip to Panama to be with us!”

The next USGBC meeting will be the 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held on July 29-31 in Milwaukee, WI.



U.S. Pork Secures Taiwan Access After Decades-long Effort
 
In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation.
 
“Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid off. This means more U.S. pork on international tables and more opportunities and prosperity for American producers,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “Thank you, President Trump and Ambassadors Greer and Callahan, for ensuring American pork producers were included in and greatly benefit from this historic agreement.”
 
The agreement stands to boost U.S. pork exports by:
    Cutting tariffs on U.S. pork exports by half.
    Following maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for ractopamine in pork fat, kidney, liver, and muscle. For other edible swine offal, the MRL is set at 0.09 ppm (90 ppb) or any Codex MRL.  
    Eliminating import licensing procedures that restrict U.S. imports, as well as removing facility and product registration requirements. 
    Ending 100% batch-by-batch inspection for ractopamine residues and country of origin labeling requirements on U.S. pork products in favor of import inspection rates based on compliance history.
    Accepting U.S. pork exports from all plants listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Directory, which is maintained by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, without requiring audits before exporting.
    Accepting USDA FSIS-issued export certificates and electronic data elements and limiting unnecessary attestations.

Additionally, within six months Taiwan must recognize the African swine fever protection zone established by the United States.  
 


USDA Issues Final Emergency Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Friday announced U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion. Eligible applicants who applied for ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) assistance will receive 100% of their eligible calculated payment in a single lump sum. USDA is also making a second payment to producers who previously received their initial factored payment for ELRP 2023 and 2024 assistance for losses due to eligible drought and wildfires.

“Livestock operations across the country were disrupted in 2023 and 2024 by catastrophic floods, drought, wildfires, and poor forage conditions. President Trump has ensured our farmers, ranchers, and producers have the tools and assistance necessary to continue their operations after they were impacted at no fault of their own. If the men and women who feed America cannot continue their operations, then our national security is at risk. We are working every day to ensure America’s food supply remains safe, stable, and secure,” said Secretary Rollins. “Due to the program demand for drought and wildfire assistance, initial payments were factored to ensure total program payments did not exceed available funding. Additional funds remain so we are delivering on our Farmers First commitment to livestock producers and issuing a second payment in addition to making a full payment, with no factor, to eligible producers who applied for flood and wildfire recovery assistance.”

At the direction of Congress, The American Relief Act, 2025, provides for $2 billion in emergency relief payments to livestock producers suffering losses due to drought, wildfires, or flooding in calendar years 2023 and 2024.

ELRP Drought and Wildfire (Wildfire Losses on Federally Managed Lands)
Livestock producers previously received an initial payment for drought and wildfire assistance that was factored by 35% to ensure payments did not exceed available funding.

Now, FSA has issued an automatic second payment to eligible producers who received an initial payment for drought and wildfire losses. The second payment is equal to 8.2% of the eligible producer’s 2023 or 2024 Livestock Forage Disaster program gross calculated payment, making the final payment factor 43.2% and total assistance provided more than $1.289 billion.

ELRP Flood and Wildfire (Wildfire Losses on Non-Federally Managed Lands)
After assessing ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW applications, FSA determined that a payment factor is not needed. Producers with approved ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW applications are receiving 100% of their calculated payment in a single lump sum, totaling $604 million in recovery assistance.

Payment Limit
ELRP 2023 and 2024 and ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW have a combined payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers who already received the maximum payment amount from ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire losses will not be eligible to receive an additional payment. Eligible producers may submit form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs, by Nov. 2, 2026, to be considered for an increased payment limit of $250,000.

Friday February 13 Ag News - NEFB Foundation AITC Teacher of the Year - Alfalfa Weevil Resistance - Sen Ernst Recognized by Growth Energy - US-Taiwan Trade Agreement - and more!

USDA Cattle inventory analysis
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

The last few weeks, I have made some projections for the US cattle inventory as we awaited the release of the official USDA cattle inventory. Also, I contributed my projections on beef production using USDA reports through October of 2025.

It is time to review how well these projections aligned with actual reports and either accept defeat and go back to my role as a nutritionist or continue playing with statistics released by the USDA. Incidentally, this country is blessed to have a reliable and consistent statistical service such as the USDA and other government agencies. This information helps producers make informed decisions.

The USDA inventory reported a total of 37.175 million beef and dairy cows in 2026. In 2025, the inventory was at 37.272 million cows. (I carried figures out to three decimal places as these reports are quite close). My projection, listed in this column in the second week of the year, was 37.6 million cows. The difference is a 1% over-projection from my estimate. This value is close to the error range of USDA reliability estimates.

At the end of 2025, the US produced 25.6 billion pounds of beef under federal inspection compared to 26.6 billion pounds of beef under federal inspection in 2024: a difference of 1 billion pounds. My projection, listed in this column in the last week of 2025, was 25.6 billion pounds.

The analysis of departures from actual estimates obtained officially is helpful to determine if the projection methods are correctly applied and whether they should be deployed in the future. It also helps to have some expectations of what inventories and beef supply levels are to provide anticipated action.

Given the current inventory and knowledge of beef supply in 2025, I might suggest that beef production in 2026 might not differ much from that in 2025. Recently, I also provided information that suggests that Mexican feeder cattle will not be crossing the border any time soon or in 2026.

This leads one to think that the US cow herd is in a short-term balanced state between the cow inventory and beef production. This is important as rapid oversupply of feeder cattle will quickly lead to declining prices. Maintaining the current situation or permitting the herd to expand to moderate levels (about 28 million beef cows), but no more, will prevent prices from dropping dramatically leading again to overcorrection in the opposite direction.



Omaha Teacher Named Nebraska AITC Teacher of the Year for Bringing Agriculture into the Classroom

Gina Wiitanen of Omaha has been named the 2026 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Foundation. She was recognized in a surprise school assembly on Feb. 11 for her hands-on, innovative approach to teaching agriculture.  

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is thrilled to honor Gina Wiitanen, a teacher who is deeply committed to connecting students to agriculture,” said Brooke Carpenter, NEFB Foundation director of education. “She brings creative, interactive learning into the classroom, helping students see how agriculture applies to STEM and everyday life.”  

Wiitanen, STEM coordinator and math interventionist at Upchurch STEM Elementary School in Omaha, uses agriculture to make lessons fun, immersive, and relevant.  

“As Upchurch opened as a STEM school this year, we recognized the importance of providing students with meaningful, real-world contexts for their learning,” said Wiitanen. “Integrating agriculture into our STEM programming allowed students to see how science, math, engineering, and technology are applied in everyday careers and industries that impact their lives.”  

Through her partnership with AITC, Wiitanen has brought agriculture to life for her students. Lessons go beyond textbooks — students calculate grain components like real farmers and ranchers, design and build sieves in engineering workshops, and take part in live demonstrations.  

Her students also tackle real-world challenges. When a fellow teacher reported missing cattle on a family farm, students used drone technology to develop strategies to locate the cows, learning how modern tools are applied in agriculture. Wiitanen says the project surprised and excited many students, showing them firsthand how technology shapes farming today.  

“These experiences help students see the relevance of what they learn in the classroom and how it connects to real-life careers,” said Wiitanen. “They also broaden students’ understanding of agriculture, showing that careers extend beyond farming and ranching to include engineering, technology, manufacturing, and food production.”  

Wiitanen won a $250 cash prize, STEM kits to utilize in her classroom, and an all-expense paid trip to Providence, RI in June for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, where educators from across the United States will gather to explore new ways to integrate agriculture into subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies.  

“I’m definitely excited and very honored that Upchurch STEM Elementary could be recognized for our efforts in introducing agriculture to our elementary students,” said Wiitanen. “I just want to thank all the kiddos for joining us on this adventure this year.”  



Alfalfa Weevil Resistance to Pyrethroids
Samantha Daniel, Water & Cropping Systems Extension Educator 

Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance.

During the 2025 season, alfalfa weevil larvae were collected from 12 counties across the state including the panhandle, southwest, south central, and eastern Nebraska. The larvae were shipped live to the PHREEC Entomology Lab in Scottsbluff where they were exposed to the label rate of two types of pyrethroid insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. The study found that 5 of the 12 weevil populations had 90% or less mortality when exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. This indicates that some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, all 12 weevil populations had a 100% mortality rate when exposed to permethrin.

What does this mean for alfalfa weevil management? Currently there are only two insecticide modes of action available for chemical control of this insect, pyrethroids and indoxacarb (Steward). Because of this, resistance management and the use of alternative control methods is critical. Make sure to scout and only spray when thresholds are reached; use the highest labeled rates; rotate control measures to delay resistance development. If you believe you have reached the treatment threshold for alfalfa weevil, contact your local Extension Office for

confirmation and guidance for selecting the best management option.



Iowa farmers elected to guide soy checkoff priorities

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Brent Gatton from Bremen, Ky., as the new chair during the organization’s board meeting in St. Charles, Mo. He’s joined by nine newly elected farmer-leaders to serve alongside him on the Executive Committee for the upcoming year.

“Farmers have weathered a year marked by real economic uncertainty, and I’m privileged to step into this role at such a pivotal moment,” says Gatton. “The Soy Checkoff remains relentlessly focused on creating value for U.S. soybean farmers by protecting existing markets, accelerating new uses, and opening new doors for U.S. soy around the world. As Chair, I’m focused on pushing forward investments that move volume while also promoting our sustainability to keep U.S. soybean farmers competitive in the global marketplace.”
The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes:
    Brent Gatton, Chair – Kentucky
    Matt Gast, Vice Chair – North Dakota
    Susan Watkins, Treasurer – Virginia
    Tom Frisch, Secretary – Minnesota
    Robb Ewoldt – Iowa
    Tony Mellenthin – Wisconsin
    Carla Schultz – Michigan
    Don Wyss – Indiana
    Joey Boudreaux – Louisiana
    Kyle Durham – Missouri
    Philip Good – Mississippi (Past Chair)

As the new Chair, Gatton will ensure FY26 investments and priorities across the market segments of food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production effectively grow demand for U.S. soy, drive on-farm resilience, and bring value to the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers. In the coming year, he will also focus on increasing greater communication and education efforts to strengthen the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplify checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers, and enhance partnerships with 30+ state soybean boards on research, outreach and demand generation.

Iowa farmers Tim Bardole, Brent Renner and Suzanne Shirbroun also serve on the United Soybean Board’s 77 volunteer farmer-leader board.



Growth Energy Honors U.S. Senator Joni Ernst with America’s Fuel Award

Thursday, at the 17th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC), Growth Energy honored U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa with the distinguished America’s Fuel Award —an award recognizing individuals who go above and beyond in championing renewable fuels. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor commended Senator Ernst for her leadership and expressed gratitude for her commitment to advancing policies that support a bright future for American bioethanol.

“Senator Ernst has been one of the most effective biofuels champions in Congress, leading the charge to secure year-round E15, bolster the Renewable Fuel Standard, and enact programs that drive new investment in rural communities," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "Always fighting for Iowa’s hardworking farmers, she has worked hard to expand opportunities for American agriculture, at home and abroad. She has been a champion in the truest sense of the word, and there is no doubt we will miss her voice in the Senate next year. We thank Senator Ernst for her unwavering commitment to homegrown fuels.”

Previous winners of the award include Dan Sanders, CEO of Front Range Energy, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Raymond E. Defenbaugh, CEO and chairman of Big River Resources LLC in West Burlington, Iowa — along with many others who have made significant contributions to the U.S. bioethanol industry.



USMEF Statement on Signing of U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Thursday the signing of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan. As detailed in this USTR fact sheet, the agreement includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s dedication to resolving Taiwan’s tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. red meat through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Taiwan is the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at about $650 million, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan. But there is still potential for further growth with the increased access for all U.S. beef products, including those in high demand for yakiniku barbecue and trendy burger concepts. The elimination of tariffs on U.S. beef will definitely improve our competitiveness.

U.S. pork has been widely disadvantaged in Taiwan, and the EU and Canada dominate Taiwan’s pork imports. USMEF is optimistic that reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers will help enable larger U.S. pork exports to Taiwan, as USMEF remains focused on regaining Taiwanese consumer trust in U.S. pork. The agreement also includes important language clarifying access for U.S. bison, and eliminates tariffs on U.S. lamb.

USMEF thanks the Trump administration for the continued focus on breaking down barriers for U.S. agricultural exports and we look forward to the successful implementation of the Taiwan agreement. 



NCBA Praises U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal Expanding Duty‑Free Access for American Beef

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.

“Strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle producers, and Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for U.S. beef. Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty for producers who depend on export markets to maximize the value of every animal,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Foreign markets play a critical role in producer profitability with beef exports accounting for more than $415 per fed cattle processed in 2024. American cattle producers look forward to this expanded market access for years to come thanks to the work of President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.”

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the U.S. and Taiwan is a big victory for U.S. cattle producers and consumers in Taiwan. Taiwan is currently the sixth largest export market for U.S. beef, valued at $709 million in 2024. The landmark trade deal eliminates tariffs on U.S. beef and breaks down non-tariff barriers by reinforcing science-based standards consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health and Codex Alimentarius.  



U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Delivers Major Wins for U.S. Dairy

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended the signing late yesterday of a landmark trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan that will eliminate tariffs on all U.S. dairy products and preempt nontariff barriers that could otherwise limit the full potential of bilateral dairy trade.

Taiwan is the third-largest fluid milk destination for U.S. exports, and this agreement represents a transformative step forward for the growing market. By securing comprehensive tariff reductions for U.S. dairy products and incorporating meaningful commitments to ensure nontariff measures do not derail trade, the deal positions U.S. dairy suppliers to compete on a level playing field and expand their presence in one of Asia’s most dynamic food markets.

“Taiwan is a trusted partner and a high-value market for U.S. dairy,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “This agreement improves our competitiveness compared to other suppliers and provides assurances that nontariff barriers will not hinder the expansion of U.S. dairy exports. USDEC looks forward to continuing work with the Taiwanese government and the domestic industry to increase dairy consumption and grow the United States’ contribution to supplying Taiwan’s fluid milk and other dairy needs.”

The agreement builds on strong industry-to-industry collaboration between the United States and Taiwan. Last year, NMPF and USDEC representatives traveled to the market to advocate for dairy’s prioritization in the negotiations and deepen engagement with local stakeholders. While there, USDEC and NMPF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Dairy Association of Taiwan to strengthen market development and information exchange efforts. 

“The agreement with Taiwan builds on the incredible momentum we’ve seen from the Administration in securing new trade agreements around the world,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Each deal to reduce barriers and expand market access strengthens American dairy farms and the communities they support.”

“Taiwan is an important market for the United States, and the commitments to protect common names included in this agreement preempt third countries like the European Union from abusing intellectual property tools to monopolize generic terms and take away U.S. export opportunities,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “We cannot thank Ambassador Greer, Ambassador Callahan and the entire negotiating team enough for prioritizing this issue and ensuring our exporters can continue using the terms known by consumers around the world.”  

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN look forward to working closely with U.S. and Taiwanese officials to ensure swift implementation of the agreement and to fully realize its benefits for dairy producers, exporters, and consumers on both sides of the Pacific.

Thursday February 12 Ag News - Farm Bankruptcies on the Rise - Fertilizer Prices Mixed - Ethanol Production Rebounds - MAP/FMD Dollars Allocated - and more!

Farm Bankruptcies Continued to Climb in 2025
Samantha Ayoub, AFBF Economist

Key Takeaways
    Chapter 12 bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row, reaching 315 filings in 2025. This is a 46% increase from 2024.
    The Midwest and Southeast filed 121 (+70%) and 105 (+69%) Chapter 12 cases, respectively, far outpacing any other regions. Deep crop losses across commodities common in these two regions have compounded after years of declining receipts and rising expenses.
    Families must earn the majority of their income from farming to qualify for Chapter 12. As off-farm income becomes more important for family benefits and supporting farms during economic downturns, many family farms are not eligible for Chapter 12 bankruptcies and may have to close altogether when debt and operating expenses become too great.

As we look ahead to another year of challenges in the farm economy, indicators of farm financial health are under close inspection. Filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy is a last resort for farmers who have undertaken large debt to continue operating with increased flexibility for payments. AFBF Market Intel reports have long followed annual filings of Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies, and this year’s uptick is another reminder of the strain American farmers and ranchers face.

The U.S. Courts report that 315 farm bankruptcies were filed in calendar year 2025, up 46% from 2024. While still down from recent highs, this is the second year in a row of increased filings. Chapter 12 also does not reflect larger trends in farm closures that may be the only option for certain struggling operations.

Chapter 12 Farm Bankruptcies by State
             2024  -  2025 
Nebraska  15  -  17
Iowa         07  -  18

Declining Farm Receipts Drive Local Increases
The most recent farm income forecast confirmed that the farm economy has faced extreme financial pressure, with little relief in sight. Significant losses are expected across crop sectors for another year, and many livestock sectors are also tightening margins. The Midwest and Southeast each filed 121 and 105 Chapter 12 cases, respectively, far outpacing any other regions. This is a 70% increase in filings for the Midwest, and a 69% increase in the Southeast.

Deep losses across commodities common in these two regions have compounded after years of declining receipts and rising expenses. For example, rice farmers are expected to lose over $200 per acre in loss, even after supplemental assistance. The nation’s leading rice- producing state, Arkansas, leads the U.S. in Chapter 12 filings in 2025 with 33 filings, more than double 2024 and the most in the state in the 21st century. Georgia follows with 27 filings, up 145% from 2024, reflecting both losses per acre in principal row crops and limited support for high-cost specialty crop production. Other Southeast states with double-digit bankruptcies include Texas and Louisiana with 12 each, and Florida with a 200% increase from 2024 to 16 filings.

In the Midwest, principal row crop losses combined with weakening dairy, hog and poultry markets have led to double-digit Chapter 12 filings in Iowa (18, +220%), Nebraska (17, +29%), Missouri (16, +167%), Wisconsin (16, +700%), Minnesota (13, +300%) and Kansas (11, +10%).

Other states with significant increases in filings in 2025 include Montana, with 200% more filings, and Pennsylvania with a 160% increase in filings. While California was unchanged from 2024, they tie for fourth-highest number of filings with 17 in 2025, reflecting continued price and cost pressures on their diverse agricultural industries.

Yet Another Sign of a Struggling Farm Economy
Farm bankruptcy filings are a lagging indicator that spike when prolonged financial pressures push farms to explore last resorts. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, farmers are taking more larger operating loans and taking longer to repay them. USDA estimates that total farm debt will rise 5.2% to a record $624.7 billion in 2026, highlighting the financial backing farmers need under current conditions.

This is driven especially by the need for additional lines of credit simply to cover input costs, rather than business investments. Nearly 40% more new farm operating loans were opened in the fourth quarter of 2025 than in 2024. At the individual farm level, the average operating loan in 2025 was 30% larger with an average maturity, or payment length, three months longer than 2024. For machinery and equipment loans specifically, the average maturity hit the highest level since 2021, signaling how difficult it is to invest in operational upgrades. On top of this drastic need for credit to get through the year, interest rates remain above decade averages, with interest expenses expected to reach a record $33 billion in 2026 across the farm economy.

All of these credit and debt factors rare stretching farmers and ranchers to the brink. With expected financial pressures into the future, Chapter 12 provides an opportunity to better manage the debt loads that have kept operations afloat.

Chapter 12 Bankruptcy not Always an Option
However, many farms do not qualify for Chapter 12. Particularly in down years, off-farm income has become a crucial resource for many farms to provide benefits for their families and support their farming enterprise. Yet, earning most of your income from off-farm employment disqualifies farmers from Chapter 12. So, many families may face the even more difficult decision to sell land, limit production or close their farm altogether. This continues the alarming rate of farm loss in the United States, with over 160,000 farms closing between 2017 and 2024. 

Conclusion
Increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcies once again highlight the continued pressures American farmers and ranchers face. A fourth consecutive year of expected declines in farm income will continue to strain agriculture, placing further reliance on credit options that are growing thin. For many families, excessive debt loads could be met with little flexibility as Chapter 12 eligibility prohibits them from using the tool specifically designed to accommodate downturns in the farm economy. Instead, we will likely continue to see increases in both bankruptcy and farm closures, further straining the remaining farms – and the food, fiber and fuel supply chain for all Americans.
 



PVC Ladies Nite is Feb 16
Caleb Franzen, President

First of all, thanks to everyone who attended our January membership meeting in Columbus. We had a great turnout. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Banquet on the 14th before our next meeting.

The next meeting of the Platte Valley Cattlemen will be Monday, February 16, 2026 at Wunderlich's in Columbus. This is our ladies' night, so bring your bride along for supper. Our social hour will start at 6:00 PM. We want to thank First National Bank for sponsoring the social hour. The meal will be at 7:00 PM. We want to thank Columbus Sales Pavilion for sponsoring the meal.

We will have 402 Tallow talk to us about their business and how they make their different products locally. Please join us. We look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Wunderlich's.



Nebraska Wheat Board Announces February Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Kearney, NE. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. CST. 

During the meeting, the NWB board will receive reports from members on committee activities as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Wheat Growers Association. They will review funding proposals for the first time and determine travel & participation in upcoming meetings and events. The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for more information.

The Nebraska Wheat Board administers the excise tax of 0.5% of net value of wheat marketed in Nebraska at the point of first sale. The board invests the funds in programs of international and domestic market development and improvement, policy development, research, promotion, and education.



Urea Up 5% From Month Ago, Other Fertilizer Prices Remain Varied

DTN retail fertilizer prices for the first week of February 2026 are evenly mixed. Four fertilizers were slightly lower in price compared to last month while the other four were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer with a sizeable price increase was urea. The nitrogen fertilizer was 5% higher compared to last month with an average price of $596/ton. The other higher-priced nutrients were DAP with an average price of $851/ton, MAP $879/ton and potash $488/ton.

The four fertilizers with slightly lower prices were 10-34-0 with an average price of $665/ton, anhydrous $860/ton, UAN28 $410/ton and UAN32 $464/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.73/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: 10-34-0 by 5%, MAP 9%, potash 12%, both DAP and urea 14%, anhydrous 16%, UAN32 20% and UAN28 by 23%.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/6/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 6, ethanol production rebounded 16.1% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.62 million gallons daily. Output was 2.6% higher than the same week last year and 4.7% above the three-year average for the week. Still, the four-week average ethanol production rate declined 1.9% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.52 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks edged up 0.4% to 25.2 million barrels. Yet stocks were 1.7% less than the same week last year and 1.4% below the three-year average. Inventories built across the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but thinned across the remaining regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved 1.8% to 8.30 million b/d (127.59 bg annualized). Yet demand was 3.2% less than a year ago and 0.5% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol recovered by 6.3% to 841,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.93 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 1.5% less than year-ago levels and 2.6% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports scaled back 36.6% to an estimated 137,000 b/d (5.8 million gallons/day), a 4-week low. It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



USDA Announces Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework to End Agricultural Lawfare

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework, a bold initiative to protect America’s agricultural heritage and defend farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers from politically motivated lawfare. Secretary Rollins was joined by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, country music artist and songwriter John Rich, Representative James Comer, and several farming families who have been targets of agricultural lawfare.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is high time to recall a simple but profound truth about our nation: the United States was built by those who work the land. And the ability to work, protect, and own land and property continues to symbolize the American dream today,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “The strength of America has always been rooted in the hands that till its soil and care for its livestock. When we protect our farmers and ranchers, we protect the very foundation of freedom and prosperity. Together, we will ensure that no law, no regulation, and no agenda will ever stand in the way of America’s agricultural future.”

The Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework is a four-pillar comprehensive plan to protect, preserve, and partner with American agriculture, while ending onerous regulations and the weaponization of government against American farmers and ranchers. It formalizes USDA’s ongoing efforts to eliminate systemic agricultural lawfare and restore fairness to rural America. By formalizing this Framework, USDA will continue to help reduce the cost of production for farmers and help them focus on producing the most nutritious, wholesome, and affordable food supply in the world. Agricultural lawfare is the use of administrative, legal, and legislative government systems to adversely impact farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.

The Framework’s Four Pillars:
    Protect Producers: Defend farmers and ranchers from internal federal bureaucracy and politically motivated enforcement actions.
    Preserve Land and Liberty: Safeguard agricultural land from unnecessary federal projects and eminent domain.
    Purge Burdensome Regulations: Remove punitive rules that stifle productivity and reform environmental laws to balance conservation with common sense.
    Partner for Agriculture’s Future: Unite federal, state, and local leaders, along with industry partners, to fight lawfare and elevate public awareness.

For more information and to report instances of lawfare, visit www.usda.gov/lawfare.



USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tuesday announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.

CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.

“We’re still very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year so enrollment is likely to be competitive,” USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said. “This isn’t about the total number of acres enrolled, it’s about producers and landowners offering and USDA accepting the acres that can best deliver real, lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife.”

Continuous CRP (Signup 65)
FSA will batch Continuous CRP offers submitted by interested agricultural producers and landowners. Offers to re-enroll expiring CRP continuous acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. New acreage offered in continuous CRP practices will be considered for acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis if they support USDA conservation priorities including but not limited to practices that address water quality, such as filter strips and grass waterways, and practices that restore native ecosystems or target specific resource concerns.

The first Continuous CRP batching period ends on March 20, 2026. Offers submitted after this date will be considered for acceptance in subsequent batching periods if acreage remains available.

Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.

Continuous CRP enrollment options include:
· Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative: Prioritizes water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings, and harmful algal blooms. The vegetative covers also contribute to increased wildlife populations.

· CLEAR30 (a component of the CLEAR Initiative): Offers additional incentives for water quality practice adoption and can be accessed in 30-year contracts.

· Highly Erodible Land Initiative (HELI): Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index greater than or equal to 20.

· Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): Addresses high priority conservation objectives of states and Tribal governments on agricultural lands in specific geographic areas.

· State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative (SAFE): Restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals.

General CRP (Signup 66)
General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.



ASA, USSEC & WISHH Welcome USDA Allocation of Foreign Market Development and Market Access Program Funding

The American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) announced today that the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) has allocated $16,845,357 in Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds to support the promotion of U.S. Soy in international markets during the 2026 program year (January–December).

“The FMD and MAP programs are essential tools that enable American soybean farmers to compete and succeed in the global marketplace,” said Stephen Censky, ASA CEO. “Through our partnerships with USSEC and WISHH, ASA strategically leverages these resources to build long-term capacity and demand for U.S. Soy around the world.”

Historically, U.S. market development programs have proven to deliver powerful returns helping to ensure U.S. farmers stay competitive in feeding a growing world; a 2022 study examining 17 years of USDA investments in market development found that every dollar invested returned $24.50.

“These program investments are vital for helping U.S. Soy sustain and expand global market opportunities by building partnerships, addressing customer needs, and delivering the transparency and sustainability that international buyers value,” said Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO. “We are grateful to USDA-FAS for championing U.S. agricultural export trade efforts around the world.”

This year’s allocation represents a 5.6% increase from 2025 funding levels, underscoring continued confidence in U.S. Soy’s contribution to the U.S. economy as a vital supplier in global food, feed, and fuel systems. In marketing year 2024/25, U.S. Soy exported 68.7 million metric tons valued at $29.6 billion of U.S.-grown whole soybeans, soybean meal, soybean oil — a 12.8% increase in year-over-year volume and a 2.95% gain over the five-year average.

The funding will be distributed via ASA, the cooperator of record for U.S. Soy’s participation in the MAP and FMD programs, to USSEC and WISHH to enhance market access, technical support, and demand-creation activities through strategic market development in emerging, developing, expansion and mature markets worldwide, creating long-term demand and expanded trade opportunities for U.S.-grown soybeans. 



USMEF Statement on 2026 USDA Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program Allocations

On Feb. 11, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service announced its 2026 allocations under the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, which are key investments aimed at advancing U.S. agricultural exports.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

With outstanding support from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, MAP and FMD are essential programs for developing new destinations for U.S. products – including U.S. pork, beef and lamb – and for defending U.S. agriculture’s market share worldwide. These programs have a proven track record of delivering critical returns for U.S. farmers, ranchers and the entire red meat supply chain. USMEF greatly appreciates our inclusion in the programs, and we look forward to further expanding global demand for U.S. red meat in the year ahead. 



U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Thanks USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service For Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Awards

Wednesday, to help expand export markets for U.S. food and ag products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced awarding more than $212 million through the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program. 

FAS broke the allocations out to $181,397,751 for the MAP program and $31,331,501 in FMD.

MAP allocates funds to ag industry organizations across the United States to promote U.S. fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products and bulk and intermediate commodities to global consumers. The Foreign Market Development (FMD) program benefits U.S. farmers, processors and exporters by addressing long–term foreign market import constraints and by identifying new markets or new uses for U.S. agricultural commodities.

FAS establishes public-private partnerships with non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations like USGBC to open markets and conduct overseas marketing and promotional activities on behalf of U.S. agricultural producers and processors.

In response to the announcement, USGBC President & CEO Ryan LeGrand said:

“Our job at the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers, and both MAP and FMD annual allocations allow us to meet our mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives for those around the world and here at home.

“We thank President Trump and his administration, specifically USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Undersecretary Luke Lindberg, for these funds that allow our organization to develop global markets and promote exports of our corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and co-products.”



USGBC Membership Meeting Begins With MOU Signing In Panama

The 23rd International Marketing Conference (IMC) and 66th Annual Membership Meeting welcomed U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) members in Panama City, Panama to plan for the upcoming year and hear from Council experts about new market opportunities.

IMC provides members with an overview of the Council’s strategy for the coming year and includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets come together to conduct market and commodity-specific analyses while sharing experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson began Wednesday’s proceedings, and the audience received a welcome to Panama City by the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera.

“Panama plays an important role both as a key trading partner for the United States and as a global logistics hub,” Ambassador Cabrera said. “The U.S. embassy is committed to promoting U.S. exports and facilitating dialogue and engagement among stakeholders.”

“Our partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and other U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperators in Panama means we are doing everything to increase trade. Which in turn trends into logistics, storage, maritime transportation and reinforces Panama’s role as a regional hub.”

The Council then welcomed the Panama Canal Authority Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales to provide insight into the Panama Canal’s role in strengthening global trade and agricultural supply chains.

Wilson initiated a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cover letter signing between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority. The signing between the Council and Panama Canal Authority officially occurred last November, but Dr. Vásquez, Wilson and USGBC President & CEO Ryan LeGrand each signed the official cover letter acknowledging the MOU with Ambassador Cabrera witnessing the signatures.

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) share a long-established partnership rooted in their mutual understanding of the Panama Canal’s critical role in assuring smooth international trade flows,” Wilson said. 

“The renewal of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two parties reflects the continued success of past collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening the relationship as market dynamics and opportunities evolve.”

The MOU will serve as a framework for future initiatives that may include, but are not limited to, facilitating dialogue between ACP and the U.S. shipping industry, conducting a feasibility study to assess the opportunity for a grain storage facility on the canal and sharing of data related to trade flows, transit information and export volumes.

The general session concluded with an overview of the Council’s recent activities and outlook for the future from LeGrand.

“We are thrilled at the possibilities that lie before us in our inaugural year as the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, and we won’t stop working to find homes for the corn, sorghum and barley that you grow, as well as the ethanol and co-products you produce,” LeGrand said.

“It is our mission, it is our purpose and we will never stop working for you and your future generations.”

Thursday will feature a close-up look of the Panama Canal as attendees will participate in Council programming conversations on Latin America and Asia and Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings as they ride along the critical waterway before the meeting concludes on Friday.

Wednesday February 11 Ag News - Soybean Gall Midge Research Webinar - Land Mgt Wksp in Wayne - Cover Crop Business Accellerator grants - CRP Signups - USMCA Economic Analysis - and more!

Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update Webinar  
Webinar will be held on March 19th from 9-11am CST

Join Extension entomologists and their graduate students from three Midwestern universities to get the latest updates on soybean gall midge (SGM). This free, live webinar will feature new research results and emerging management insights from ongoing field and laboratory studies across the region. Several short presentations covering a range of topics will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. Growers, crop consultants and scouts, educators, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend.

Get the latest research-based updates on biology, ecology, and management, including:
    Updated information on SGM distribution and regional monitoring efforts
    Impacts on soybean production and yield loss under field conditions
    Biology and ecology updates, including cold tolerance and overwintering survival
    New insights into adult biology, including emergence timing and behavior
    Results from commercial soybean variety testing under SGM pressure
    Updates on biological control efforts
    Evaluation of new and emerging cultural control strategies, along with other management tools

Certified Crop Advisors can earn pest management (PM) CEUs by attending the live event.

Registration
Registration is required. However, thanks to our generous sponsors, there is no fee to watch live or on-demand sessions.

Once you register for the Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update, you’ll receive a confirmation email, followed by reminder emails with a link to the webinar prior to the event. There’s no need to download any apps or programs to join, simply click “Launch from my browser” in the “Join the webinar” window.

Register online
For more information, visit www.soybeangallmidge.org or the Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update webpage https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E51jJpAdRWe0tkBfmQqu1w#/registration.



Extension Ag Land Management, Leasing Workshop Rescheduled in Wayne for Feb. 24

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Nebraska Extension will present a landlord/tenant cash rent workshop in Wayne for landowners and operators from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Wayne County Public Safety Annex, 521 Lincoln St. The workshop was rescheduled from Jan. 29 due to weather.

The meeting, titled “Financial Strategies for Effective Agricultural Land Leasing and Management” will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include financial considerations for farm succession and transition and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Agricultural economists Anastasia Meyer and Jim Jansen will lead the presentation. Both are with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Refreshments will be provided, sponsored by Farmers National Company.

The meeting is free to attend, but registration is required by Feb. 23 by calling Nebraska Extension in Wayne County at 402-375-3310.

More information about cash rental rates, leasing and farm and ranch transition can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu.



Cover Crop Business Accelerator Opens Applications for 2026

To support continued cover crop adoption across the Midwest, Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association are now accepting applications for the Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program.

Now in its seventh year, the program helps new and established cover crop businesses expand to meet rising farmer demand for cover crop seed and application.

“As cover crop use continues to grow, strong local infrastructure is needed to meet farmer demand,” Ann Krause, PFI’s senior field crops business coordinator, says. “When these businesses succeed, farmers have more options and fewer barriers to getting cover crops on the ground.”

Cover crop acres in Iowa have grown quickly in recent years. Iowa farmers planted more than 3.8 million acres of cover crops in 2024, up from about 1.6 million acres in 2017, according to the 2017–2024 Nutrient Reduction Survey Results.

Even with that growth, cover crops are still used on only a fraction of Iowa’s farmland. Keeping cover crop acreage growing will require more cover crop seed and more applicators across the landscape.

To address this, CCBA participants receive personalized business coaching, agronomy assistance and financial support. 

Funding can be used to offset equipment costs and provide incentives for seeding.

“The Cover Crop Business Accelerator program, created in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, is helping farmers learn from each other and adopt cover crops with confidence,” Mike Gilman, ISA’s senior conservation program manager, says. “Together, we’re expanding cover crop use while improving soil health, protecting water quality and strengthening the future of our farms.”

Ryan Wolf of Keosauqua, Iowa, is a current CCBA participant.

“If you have a cover crop business, it’s a no-brainer for me,” Ryan says. “The people you meet and network with at the events are absolutely wonderful, all doing similar work in different parts of Iowa and across the Midwest. I’d definitely do it again.”

Applications are open and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for farmers in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

To apply, visit practicalfarmers.org/cover-crop-business-accelerator-program. For questions, contact Ann Krause at (515) 232-5661 or ann.krause@practicalfarmers.org/.

This program is funded by Builders Vision Philanthropy and the Walmart Foundation.




Statewide evaluation of foliar fungicides on corn in Iowa in 2025
Alison Robertson, ISU Extension Field Crops Pathologist 

In 2025, the effect of commercial fungicides on foliar diseases of corn were evaluated at six ISU Research and Demonstration Farms: Northwest Research Farm (NWRF), Northern Research Farm (NRF), Northeast Research Farm (NERF), Armstrong Memorial Research Farm (lost due to wind damage before tasseling), Ag Engineering and Agronomy Farm (AEA), and Southeast Research Farm (SERF). Fungicide products evaluated and timing of application are shown in Table 1. A generic product applied at silking or at silking + ~21 days later (milk stage) was included to compare return on investment with name-brand products that are more expensive. 

Southern rust was the most prevalent disease observed at all farms, although tar spot, northern corn leaf blight, and bacterial leaf streak were also present at various locations. Southern rust severity varied across locations and was least severe in central Iowa (7.8%) and most severe in southeast Iowa (50.0%).

Effect of fungicides on foliar disease. 
All fungicides reduced southern rust. Among name brand products, efficacy varied slightly and no one product was consistently better than other products across locations. Two applications of the generic product, Cover XL, consistently reduced southern rust the best, although the reduction in southern rust severity was not always significantly different from name brand products. One application of Cover XL was not as effective at reducing southern rust as two applications of Cover XL, but it was not less effective than some name brand products. 

Effect of fungicides on yield. 
Statistically greater yields with a fungicide application occurred at all locations except NRF. No statistical differences among products applied at R1 was detected (P<0.001). Interestingly, a double application of Cover XL did not necessarily result in greater yields than a single application. Yields among name brand products did not differ from each other statistically.

Comparison of ROI. 
Return on investment (ROI) at each location was calculated for some products using product prices from the Corn Fungicide ROI Calculator and a grain price of $5.00/bushel. For Cover XL, product price ($5, 14 oz/acre) was received from ISU field agronomists and a farmer in northwest Iowa. Average ROI across all locations were: Cover XL 14 oz at R1, $71.90; Cover XL 10.5 oz + 10.5 oz at R1 + R3, $73.28; Veltyma 7 oz at R1, $60.39; Veltyma 7 oz + 7 oz at R1 + R3, $18.07; Miravis Neo 13.7 oz at R1, $54.45 and Delaro Complete 10 oz, $40.51. 

Management recommendations
The data support data from previous years and from surrounding states that the best time to apply a fungicide to reduce disease is at silking (R1). Moreover, depending on the product used, one application can be enough to effectively reduce disease through grain fill and thereby protect grain fill. The 2026 growing season starts with a clean slate, in regards to southern rust, since the pathogen cannot survive Iowa winters. However, other pathogens, such as those that cause tar spot, northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot, can overwinter and thus are always present in Iowa. Disease development will depend on weather conditions during the growing season and hybrid genetics.

Link to the report: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/statewide-evaluation-foliar-fungicides-corn-iowa-2025



USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb. 12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.



USMCA a Powerful Economic Engine for Rural America, Report Shows

Trade with Mexico and Canada delivers significant economic benefits to rural communities across the U.S., according to a new economic analysis released today by the Agricultural Coalition for the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

During a press conference this morning in Washington, D.C., coalition members highlighted the findings and urged leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico to renew and further strengthen USMCA as the agreement enters its formal review period.  

“Our analysis shows that USMCA is a powerful driver for employment, investment and long-term competitiveness in the U.S. agricultural sector,” said Krista Swanson, chief economist for the National Corn Growers Association, a member of the coalition. “While the agreement is due for a few targeted improvements, overall, it is critical to the farm economy and a key part of rural America’s success and resilience, particularly during tough economic times like we are in now.”  

Under the terms of the agreement, the United States, Canada and Mexico must begin a formal review of USMCA by July. As part of the process, the three countries will determine whether to renew the agreement, make targeted updates, terminate or shift to annual consultations.

This economic impact analysis uses a 2024 base-year model to evaluate the impact of U.S. agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico under USMCA.

Among the findings:
    Agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico generated $149 billion in total economic output, supporting nearly half a million jobs and $36 billion in wages.
    Every $1 in industry exports under USMCA drove an additional $2.45 of supported economic activity in the United States.
    USMCA -related agricultural and seafood trade contributed $64 billion to U.S. GDP and supported $13 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

The analysis also examined the economic benefits of USMCA across key agricultural commodities. During the press conference, coalition members highlighted how the agreement supports growth, stability and market access in their respective sectors.

 “The long‑term success of USMCA is a top priority for our members,” said International Fresh Produce Association Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. “Since the agreement took effect, fresh U.S. fruit export values have increased by 34%, while U.S. vegetable exports have grown by 14%. These gains highlight the tangible value USMCA delivers across the fresh produce supply chain and reinforce the importance of a strong, integrated North American trade environment.”

Taylor’s sentiment was echoed at the press conference by a representative from the dairy industry.

“Mexico is a very lucrative market for America’s dairy farmers, and Canada too represents important export sales as well as the opportunity for more growth,” said National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council Executive Vice President for Trade Policy and Global Affairs Shawna Morris. “USMCA is vital to our ability to trade with both partners. We urge the president to renew the agreement with targeted changes that will make it even more robust and helpful to farmers.”



U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Reacts to U.S. – Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

This week the United States and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh agreed to an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to strengthen their bilateral economic relationship and allow the two countries’ exporters access to each other’s respective markets. The Agreement builds upon a firm economic foundation between the countries that includes the U.S.-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement, signed in 2013.

A key part of the Agreement includes a commitment from Bangladesh to make purchases of approximately $3.5 billion of U.S. agricultural products, including wheat, soy, cotton and corn.

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. corn producers and the larger U.S. agricultural industry, clearing the path for greater market access and generating instant demand for products that will benefit both U.S. exporters as well as Bangladeshi consumers.”

“The Council applauds the work The Trump Administration continues to do in connecting our U.S. corn producers to customers around the world.”



USGBC Members, Staff Arrive In Panama City, Panama, For 23rd International Marketing Conference, 66th Annual Membership Meeting

U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) members are gathering this week for the 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting in Panama City.

This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets, the Panama Canal and discussions of the Council’s upcoming global trade strategy in Latin America and the Asia Pacific.

This meeting includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets come together to conduct market and commodity-specific deep-dives and share experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

“My theme for this year, The Time is Now!, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environment,” said Mark Wilson, USGBC Chairman. “Not only will attendees hear throughout this conference about our recent trade victories we’ve had over the last year, but they also will get the opportunity to meet and speak directly with members of the Council’s staff who are strategically placed around the world and working for them.”

Wednesday morning will feature presentations from the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera and the Panama Canal Authority Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales before a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding cover letter signing between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority.

Thursday will feature a presentation led by USGBC Regional Director for Latin America Marri Tejada on food security and the new geopolitics of grain in Latin America. The morning will also host a panel of USGBC global directors including USGBC Director for South Korea Haksoo Kim, USGBC Director for China Manuel Sanchez, USGBC Director for Japan Tommy Hamamoto and USGBC Director for Taiwan Michael Lu featuring the latest developments and challenges in their markets.

The conference will conclude with sector meetings and a panel on the expanding frontier for ethanol during the USGC Board of Delegates meeting on Friday.

The 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting runs through Friday in Panama City, Panama.



Meat Institute Updates Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Forms

The Meat Institute today published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to humane animal handling, employee safety, and continuous improvement.

“Humane animal handling is a core responsibility of meat packers and a foundational element of a safe and ethical food system,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “These updated Guidelines and Audit reflect the latest science and best practices, giving companies the tools they need to protect animal welfare, support their workforce, and deliver wholesome food to consumers around the world.”

The Guidelines and Audit were authored by the Meat Institute’s Animal Welfare Committee, working with Colorado State University Professor of Animal Behavior Dr. Temple Grandin.

The Audit is certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO).

Packer/processor members that complete the Animal Welfare Audit actively align with the Meat Institute's Protein PACT goal that by 2030, 100% of Meat Institute members who handle live animals will pass third party animal transport and slaughter audits.

The primary changes to the updated Audit and Guidelines include:
    Points for each criterion allowing users to set goals for each element of the Audit for continuous improvement.
    Transportation and slaughter audit for bison.
    Vocalization of cattle in the slaughter Audit will now be scored similarly to swine vocalization to maintain consistency across species.

The Meat Institute will host a webinar – open to the public – on Feb. 19 at 12 p.m. ET to detail the recent updates made to the Audit and Guidelines.  

The Meat Institute will also highlight these changes at this year’s Animal Care and Handling Conference May 12 – 13 in Kansas City, MO. The conference will focus on improving animal welfare throughout the supply chain, the latest academic research, and applying best practices.

The Audit was originally developed by the Meat Institute’s Animal Welfare Committee and Grandin in 1997, and its adoption by meat companies helped transform how livestock are handled and processed in meat plants.  By measuring objective criteria like animal vocalizations, falls, the movement of animals, and effective stunning, facilities evaluate their animal handling practices, identify problems and drive continuous improvement.