Wednesday December 11 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Names 2025 Leadership Academy Class

Ten farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals from across Nebraska have been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) 2025 Leadership Academy. They will begin a year-long program starting in January.

“The goal of Leadership Academy is to equip the future leaders of Farm Bureau with the tools they need to successfully advocate for agriculture, connect with members, and embody the grassroots mission. The opportunities to serve in leadership roles in Farm Bureau and our state are vast and Leadership Academy provides participants the opportunity to develop the skills needed to step into those roles and push Farm Bureau and their communities forward,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB’s director of generational engagement and facilitator of the 2025 Leadership Academy.

Academy members will participate in sessions focused on leadership development, understanding the county, state, and national structure of Farm Bureau and its grassroots network, policy work on agricultural issues, and the importance of agricultural literacy. The group will also travel to the Capitols in Lincoln and Washington, D.C. to visit with elected officials and agency representatives.

“We are eager to work with this group of diverse individuals and are excited to support their passion, ambition, and commitment to agriculture. We cannot wait to see the rippling impact they will have on their communities, state, and world. Congratulations to the NEFB Leadership Academy Class of 2025,” said Schipporeit.

The 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are:
Kris Rut is the president of Arthur County Farm Bureau and resides near Arthur, Neb., where she ranches alongside her husband, Tom. Together, they have four children. In addition to her work on the ranch, Kris is the agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor at Arthur County Schools. Kris was named Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s FFA Advisor of the Year in 2024.  

Hannah Pearson is a member of Custer County Farm Bureau. She grew up on a commercial cow-calf operation and was actively involved in showing Hereford cattle at the state and national level. She attended Texas Tech University and competed on the meat and livestock judging teams. Hannah returned home to Nebraska and works at Custer County Feeders while working to establish her own cattle herd.

Chad Nienhueser is a member of Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau. He grew up on his family’s farm near Kenesaw and attended Central Community College in Hastings. Chad currently holds the position of president of the Adams/Webster County Board. Chad is married and has two children, ages 12 and 10.  

Lisa Bousquet is a member of Dakota County Farm Bureau. Lisa and her family farm in rural Dakota County where they have a diversified livestock and crop operation. She manages the Dakota/Thurston County Fair and is involved in many community organizations, including Dakota County 4-H where she serves as a leader.  

Teagan Thode is a member of Keith County Farm Bureau and is a lifelong resident of Ogallala. Teagan is a sales agronomist and has been actively involved in agriculture his entire life. He began his journey with the Collegiate Farm Bureau and is eager to expand his engagement through the Leadership Academy.

Bruce Williams, a member of Saunders County Farm Bureau, grew up on a Saunders County crop and livestock farm. After college, he worked as a Territory Manager for John Deere for 14 years across Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska. He married Amy, completed his MBA, and began part-time farming before fully transitioning back to Northern Saunders County. Together with Amy and their four children, they raise corn, seed soybeans, alfalfa, and chickens.

Matt Eggleston is a member of Custer County Farm Bureau and grew up on a small farming/ranching operation. After returning home, Matt focused on revitalizing the pastureland through managed grazing practices. He has been a member of the Custer County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for two years and currently serves as president. Matt and his wife have four children and enjoy life in a small town.  

Halie Groth is a member of Buffalo County Farm Bureau and resides in Kearney. She was raised on a farming and feedlot operation in Boone County and attended the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership. Halie works as a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and enjoys spending her free time with her family and watching Husker volleyball.

Joni Titus is a member of Cherry County Farm Bureau. She is the fifth generation on her family’s ranch where they raise black Angus cattle. Joni holds an MBA and works as a supervisor for Intuit (QuickBooks). She is involved in her community, serving as chair for the local youth wrestling club. Joni looks forward to better understanding the agriculture industry and growing as a leader through the Leadership Academy program.  

Nick Birdsley is a member of Douglas County Farm Bureau and is an Agriculture Educator at Ralston High School. A graduate from the Urban Ag Academy, his passion for teaching urban youth about where their food comes from and preparing them for careers within the ag industry is apparent. Nick has served in other programs focused on advocacy and education including the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council and the Nebraska Children's and Families Foundation. He continuously advocates to his students the importance of leadership and  serviceship in their community.



Jones Named Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Achievement Award Winner

Grant Jones was named recipient of the 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement in Agriculture Award. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon during Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) 107th Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney.

Jones is a Chase County Farm Bureau member and was selected based on performance in farm or ranch management, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and service to his community and Farm Bureau.

As the fourth generation on his family’s operation, Jones always knew he belonged on the ranch. After graduating in 2014 from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with his bachelor’s degree in animal science, Jones returned home to find his place on the operation. Jones, alongside his parents, owns and operates Chundy Land and Cattle and Chundy Aquaculture.

From cows to row crops to shrimp, Jones saw immense opportunity in diversification. Today, Chundy Land and Cattle encompasses a registered SimAngus seedstock herd, a backgrounding lot, custom grazing, hay, and a row crop operation. Chundy Aquaculture is a direct-to-consumer shrimp farm.

Jones serves as the Southwest Region YF&R committee member and is an active Chase County Farm Bureau board member. Jones serves on NEFB’s State Legislative Policy Committee (SLPC). Outside of his extensive Farm Bureau involvement, Jones serves on the Nebraska Angus Board and the zoning board in Chase County.



Jordon Harms Takes Home Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award

Clay County Farm Bureau member, Jordon Harms, earned the 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon at Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) 107th Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney.

Harms is a fourth generation corn and soybean farmer and was recognized for his ongoing involvement and commitment to agriculture. Candidates for the award are judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic, service, and community organizations.

Returning home to the family operation was always the dream for Harms. From a young age, Harms enjoyed working on the farm with his family. He was active in 4-H and FFA, holding several officer positions. Harms holds an applied science degree in agribusiness management technology from Southeast Community College. After completing college and spending two years working away from the farm, he successfully rented land and began pursuing his dream of farming.

When water policy changed in his community, Harms turned to the Clay County Farm Bureau board for guidance. It was then he discovered the power of the Farm Bureau grassroots mission when advocating for agriculture. Harms believes that active involvement is one of the most effective methods to help the next generation in becoming the future leaders of the agriculture industry.

As an active Clay County Farm Bureau board member, Harms stays engaged in Farm Bureau. He actively participates in NEFB Young Farmers and Ranchers programming, serves on the State Legislative Policy Committee (SLPC), and completed the NEFB Leadership Academy program.



Cody Maricle is Named Collegiate Discussion Meet Champion

Cody Maricle of Boone County took top honors at the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Collegiate Discussion Meet. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon at Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 107th Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney.  

Maricle earned the top score during the final round of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet held during the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention. The contest aims to simulate a committee meeting rather than a debate where competitors offer solutions to timely problems facing agriculture.  

Maricle is a junior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Precision Agriculture with minors in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.



David Schuler of Morrill County Wins NEFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet

Morrill County Farm Bureau member, David Schuler, won the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet. The award was announced Dec. 10 at the Member Appreciation luncheon at Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 107th Annual Convention in Kearney.  

Schuler received the top score during the final round of the Discussion Meet contest. Rather than debating, contestants work to develop a solution to a problem being discussed, building on each other’s contributions. Competitors in the annual contest must be prepared to speak on several current agricultural related topics; the selected question is announced a short time prior to the contest.  
 
Schuler returned home to his family’s ranch near Bridgeport in 2018. Schuler, his wife, Christy, and his parents run Schuler Red Angus, a registered Red Angus seedstock operation. Schuler has been active in Nebraska Farm Bureau, serving on the YF&R committee and as a voting delegate at the state convention.



Nebraska Corn Board Proud of Nebraskan’s Award and Serving in Leadership with the U.S. Meat Export Federation

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently met for their strategic planning meeting in Tuscan, Arizona which included the election of officers for 2024-2025 and organization awards. Nebraska is well represented in leadership and one producer received a notable award.

Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from Elsie, Nebraska, was elected the new USMEF chair, succeeding Minnesota pork and grain producer Randy Spronk. Dave Bruntz, president of Bruntz Farming & Feeding in Friend, Nebraska, was elected vice chair. Bruntz served on the Nebraska Corn Board from 2013 to 2022, including a term as chairman.

Adam Grabenstein, a farmer and cattle producer from Farnam, Nebraska serves on the USMEF executive committee and is the co-chair of the feed grains/oil seeds sector. Grabenstein serves as the district 5 director of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB).

In addition to electing new officers, USMEF presented Mark Jagels with their Distinguished Service Award. Jagels, a corn and livestock producer from Davenport, Nebraska, and former USMEF chair was honored for his outstanding dedication to the red meat industry. He served on NCB from 1999 – 2014 as the district 2 director, including chairman of the board. USMEF's Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the federation's success. Jagels' commitment to promoting U.S. red meat exports has been instrumental in growing the industry's global presence.

“Nebraska has a strong representation with USMEF, and we are elated to see Nebraska's agriculture leaders taking on key roles as well as celebrated in their service,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “Steve, Dave, Adam and Mark are all highly respected and dedicated individuals who will and have served the federation and the state of Nebraska well. We congratulate them on their new roles and recognition."

The Nebraska Corn Board commends these individuals as they help lead a well-respected international organization whose goal is “putting U.S. meat on the world’s table.” NCB has been a long-time supporter of USMEF.



CAP Webinar: Farm Transitions and Sweat Equity
Dec 12, 2024 12:00 PM
Jenn Krultz Sather, Master of Agribusiness Graduate, Kansas State University
Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Approximately 84% of assets on U.S. farms are represented in land ownership. Land values have dramatically increased over the past 50 years, while commodity price trends have paled in comparison. As farmers look to retire and successfully transition their farms to the next generation, it may be necessary to rely on sweat equity to compensate a returning heir as sufficient cash may not be available in any given year.

In this webinar, Jenn Krultz Sather will share findings from her Kansas State University master’s thesis research on sweat equity arrangements in family farm succession planning. This research relied on Kansas Farm Management Association data regarding farm income, expenses, debt, and family living expenses to create three simulation farms.

Krultz Sather will discuss different transition arrangements to determine which arrangements provide the highest cash and sweat equity values to ensure the success of each farm for both the retiring generation and the returning heir. She will also cover the concept of “fair vs. equal” when multiple stakeholders are involved, and “risk vs. opportunities” when relying on sweat equity assessments.

Details and registration at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Focus of 2025 Three-State Beef Conference is improving efficiencies in the cow herd

The Three-State Beef Conference provides beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry with a regular update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. Iowa State University extension beef specialists Erika Lundy-Woolfolk and Chris Clark are Iowa organizers of the annual event, and say the content is based on prior attendee feedback and current industry economic conditions. The 2025 event is set for Jan. 14-16, at locations in Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska.

“With tight margins and reduced national inventory, this year’s program is focused on helping cattlemen improve efficiencies within the cow herd,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. "This is reflected in this year's theme, 'A systems approach to address common issues in beef cow-calf production for longer-term success.'"

This marks the 40th anniversary of the Three-State Beef Conference and its track record of providing important timely information to cattle producers. Lundy-Woolfolk said the Iowa location has averaged about 35 attendees over the past several years.

“Program evaluations have listed appreciation of the practicality of meeting topics and the sharing of info related to current and ongoing challenges in the industry,” she said. “Also, participants have noted estimated economic return per cow in their operations as a result of attending.”

The Iowa location is the second in the series and will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield. The first session of the 2025 conference will be held in Maryville, Missouri, at the Agricultural Learning Center, 22893 US Hwy 71, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and the third session is on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Nebraska Cattlemen office, 4611 Cattle Dr, Lincoln, Nebraska. All locations all follow the same schedule, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 6 p.m. Lundy-Woolfolk said attendees at the Iowa location are invited to an optional Beef Quality Assurance training ahead of the program, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Topics, speakers, and their affiliations are as follows:
    The genetics of calving, Dr. Randie Culbertson, Assistant Professor and Extension Cow-Calf Specialist, Iowa State University.
    Yearling bull development and management, Dr. Kacie McCarthy, Beef Cow-Calf Specialist, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
    An update on recent bovine pinkeye research and implications for management in beef cattle, Dr. Matt Hille, DVM, MS, PhD, diagnostic pathologist & extension specialist, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

The conference brochure has agenda information and a registration form https://iowabeefcenter.org/events/Threestatebrochure2025.pdf.

Preregistration will help with meal plans and in keeping costs down. Please call or email with your registration information by Friday, Jan. 10. Iowa producers should contact the Adair County Extension office at 641-743-8412 or email to register. The registration fee is $30 per person and includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Also, please indicate if you will attend the BQA certification.

If you need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform us as soon as possible.  For more information, contact your local county university extension office.



2025 Water and Natural Resources Tour

Join the Nebraska Water Center and Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District as we experience urban water management, winter agriculture, and transboundary aquifer management. We’ll go behind the scenes and meet the experts to get a first-hand look at water and natural resources in the American Southwest.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Water and Natural Resources Tour February 2-7, 2025.

$1440 per person, single occupancy room
$1365 per person, double occupancy room

We’ll learn from experts in Phoenix, Maricopa, and Yuma and see first-hand how water and natural resources are managed in Arizona. The tour gives you exclusive access to research facilities, test farms, and tribal management of water and natural resources. We’ll also experience a day in the life of the farm workers that produce 90% of the United States' winter vegetables – including the 5:00 a.m. start time and breakfast burritos in the field.

    Learn About: Urban water management, wastewater treatment, and natural resource management in desert cities.

    Tour: Visit tribal farming operations and meet with researchers to discuss new findings in desert water management.

    New Projects: Experience winter vegetable production and learn how Colorado River water management is crucial to our country’s food security.

    Make new connections: Forge new friendships with water professionals and enthusiasts alike as we experience what the southwest has to offer together.

Registration will be open until January 10, 2025. Spaces are limited, so act fast to secure your seat!  

To learn more and register online, visit go.unl.edu/WaterTour.

If you prefer to register by mail, print the PDF attached below, fill out the form, and mail a check to the address listed.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Briggs at annbriggs@nebraska.edu.



Corn Growers Respond to Monarch Butterfly Listing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed listing the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species. The threatened designation proposal for the monarch butterfly reflects the need for strong conservation measures while maintaining regulatory flexibility that balances species protection with existing land uses.

This proposed listing initiates a 90-day public comment period, ending March 12, 2025. During that time, growers’ voices will be critical in shaping the final rule, anticipated to be finalized in late 2025, and any restrictions placed on activities that may affect monarchs.

“As corn growers, we look forward to providing input on how we can protect Monarch butterflies without disrupting critical agricultural activities that help fuel and feed the world,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr.

The Endangered Species Act provides U.S. government agencies the authority to evaluate the conservation status of species and offers legal protections to those listed as endangered or threatened.

In 2014, a petition was accepted to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.



ASA Asks for Transparent, Science-Based Process on Monarch Listing, Encourages Farmers to Stay the Course on Conservation

In response to its proposed “threatened” listing of the Monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act, the American Soybean Association is calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to hold a transparent process based in science to engage the public and gather feedback. The process can take up to a year and allows numerous points for public input. Meantime, ASA encourages soybean farmers to “keep on keeping on” with their conservation efforts in support of Monarchs and their habitats.

Brandon Wipf, ASA board member and soy grower from South Dakota, is ASA’s liaison with Farmers for Monarchs, an agriculture-based group with the purpose of protecting the butterfly through conservation. Wipf said of FWS’ decision, “Farmers are proud to be part of the solution when it comes to protecting both the environment and species. We have long adopted voluntary conservation practices that support wildlife and specifically, Monarch butterflies. We welcome this opportunity to share our story and ensure any future listing decision is grounded in sound science and allows farmers the flexibility to continue growing soy productively, sustainably, and using practices that help Monarch populations thrive.”

The proposed threatened listing decision was long expected. It begins a year-long process to determine if FWS’ proposed decision is warranted and what protections may be needed to safeguard Monarch populations. The process, known as a 4(d) rule, allows flexibility to design a suite of appropriate, effective protections. In addition to the 90-comment period announced by FWS that starts Dec. 12, the process includes public hearings and other opportunities for engagement. Importantly, any decision is required by law to be based on the best available science and commercial data, including data regarding conservation efforts already in use. ASA encourages soybean growers to provide feedback on the proposal and share what steps farmers currently take to be good environmental stewards.

Wipf continued, “Most U.S. farms have used various sustainability methods for years and have continued to add additional conservation efforts along the way. For example, many farmers maintain land plots for wildlife food and habitat, including pollinators. And data shows more growers than ever are using practices that promote soil and water health such as reductions in tillage and cover crops. Farmers need to continue doing what they have been doing: being good, proactive stewards of our natural resources, including maintaining conservation practices that help protect Monarch butterflies.”

ASA plans to further review the proposed listing decision in the days ahead, will offer public comment, and will encourage individual farmers to do the same.



Farm Bureau Comments on Proposed Monarch Butterfly Designation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species with a 4(d) rule.

“Preserving natural surroundings for America’s wildlife has long been a priority for farmers and ranchers. That dedication extends to the monarch butterfly.

“The use of a 4(d) rule acknowledges the work farmers are undertaking to protect the monarch while recognizing the need for flexibility in conservation efforts between diverse regions and crops. This opens the door for an important dialogue about farmers as caretakers and cultivators of the land. Our farm families treasure that responsibility.

“We look forward to fully reviewing the proposed designation and plan to submit robust comments before the final determination. We are also committed to the larger goal of modernizing the Endangered Species Act to protect wildlife and promote voluntary efforts to preserve at-risk species.”



NCBA Responds to Dietary Guidelines Report and Reiterates Role of Beef in a Healthy Diet

Tuesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reiterated the important role of beef in a healthy diet and responded to the questionable advice published in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. Despite a wealth of high quality scientific evidence that beef has an important role to play in a healthy diet, the committee is advising the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that federal nutrition guidelines include a reduction in red meat consumption.

“Most Americans today already eat beef within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended levels for a healthy diet. This reduction is a solution in search of a problem,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “Public health advice should be based on the totality of scientific evidence. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee ignored robust and rigorous scientific evidence about beef’s essential nutrients and the foundational, positive role it plays in health as a preferred protein food in a variety of healthy diets for all Americans.”

Obesity and chronic disease are critical health issues in our nation and eating beef is a solution. With a single, 3-ounce serving of lean beef, Americans receive half of their daily protein needs, as well as 10 essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins—all in less than 170 calories. NCBA will continue working hard to ensure the wealth of evidence in support of beef’s positive role in health is available to the future secretaries and considered in the final guidelines over the coming months.

“Cutting back on beef isn’t going to Make America Healthy Again. There’s irrefutable evidence about the valuable role of beef and its nutrients in promoting health,” said NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeill. “We’ve had 40 years of Dietary Guidelines, and during that time, beef consumption has decreased, yet Americans suffer more from obesity and chronic disease than ever before. Advising Americans to cut back on beef takes us even further in the wrong direction, putting our most vulnerable populations like women, children, teens and the aging at risk. This advice detracts from the real and most basic challenges we face with eating healthfully. Nutrition guidance should encourage Americans to have the flexibility to choose nutrient dense foods and dietary patterns they enjoy within calorie goals.”

Background
Every five years, the federal government formulates the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a foundational document on nutrition that helps inform federal nutrition policies and programs like school lunches.

Now that the Advisory Committee has completed its report, the agencies will evaluate the committee’s recommendations and translate that information into the final guidelines. The report is expected to post to the Federal Register tomorrow, and will be open for a 60-day comment period.

Lean beef is a proven healthy choice in a balanced diet. Beef provides essential nutrients and protein with fewer calories than non-meat alternatives. Additionally, research shows that beef is more effective in promoting muscle health than soy-based options. Beef is compatible with heart health, plays an important role in managing weight, and supports the nutritional needs of at-risk populations including adolescents, pregnant women, and older adults.   



NMPF Statement on Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee Scientific Report
NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud

“NMPF thanks the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee for recognizing dairy’s important role in a healthy diet and its continued recommendation of three servings of dairy for Americans two years and older.

“Throughout this process, the committee looked carefully at the nutrition dairy products provide. The committee’s scientific review showed that reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet leads to undernourishment in key nutrients for millions of Americans. The review also made clear that expanding the food group to include additional plant-based alternative beverages outside of fortified soy is not supported by scientific evidence. Specifically, the committee noted “the direct substitution of plant-based milk alternatives for cow’s milk within the patterns may introduce unintended consequences for meeting other nutrient recommendations and may vary by product selected.” This is especially important, as the dietary guidelines greatly affect the food options available to children through school meals and other nutrition programs.

“NMPF also thanks the committee for acknowledging that dairy is an equitable option that provides accessible and affordable sources of essential nutrients to everyone, and that lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy foods can provide those same nutrients for people who may not be able to tolerate regular dairy.

“We are disappointed that the committee only recommends consumption of unflavored milk, especially as they acknowledged that flavored milk contains beneficial nutrients and did not explicitly conclude any connection between flavored milk consumption and obesity risk.

“It is reassuring that the committee came to multiple conclusions supporting dairy that are backed by decades of scientific evidence. We encourage the agencies to look further into recent science supporting the benefits of whole milk in the diet. The committee found evidence that substituting higher-fat dairy with lower-fat dairy showed no association with cardiovascular disease morbidity, and it also found evidence of positive benefits for growth and bone health specifically related to whole milk consumption by young children. We see these conclusions as positive steps. We will continue to advocate for consideration of full-fat dairy in the final dietary guidelines expected to be released next year.”



Meat Institute Issues Statement on the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

The Meat Institute today released the following statement regarding the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Report):

“The Meat Institute remains strongly opposed to the Report’s recommendation to reduce meat consumption and will urge the agencies to reject it,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.

“Meat products provide high quality protein that is critical for developing, maintaining, and repairing strong muscles; vital for growth and brain development in children; beneficial for providing satiety and maintaining a healthy weight; and essential to prevent muscle loss in the aged. Including meat and poultry in the diet allows consumers to more easily fulfill their dietary needs for protein, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and potassium – all of which are nutrients the Report has found many Americans are under-consuming.

“For the 95% of Americans who consume meat, the Report’s recommendations are tone deaf and unrealistic. Americans need guidance on how meat fits in a healthy diet. Directives from out-of-touch academics to eat legumes and avoid the nutrient-dense foods they love does not foster improved health and fails to account for the central role of meat within America’s cultural diversity. The Report’s recommendations fail to provide attainable nutritional guidance by marginalizing one of the most nutrient dense, accessible, and culturally relevant foods in the American diet.”



Research confirms novel soybean yield-protection mechanism for 2025

With reports of high disease outbreaks in 2024, and the World Meteorological Organization (WO) predicting a 60% chance of La Niña weather in 2025, this could lead to cooler conditions. If this happens, soybean growers will need to be prepared for any weather condition or disease outbreak next season.

Thanks to continued research into Saltro® fungicide seed treatment, Syngenta has confirmed an additional way for soybean growers to unlock soybean yield potential, as well as their ROI potential, regardless of early-season pressure.

“Since it entered the market, Saltro has consistently delivered thorough protection against Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) and more recently, Red Crown Rot (RCR)*,” said Dale Ireland, Ph.D., Syngenta technical lead. “We’ve continued to run trials and have found Saltro also improves soybean health and potential yield in situations with no perceived pest or disease pressure, and that’s where the recently confirmed benefit of MagniSafe technology comes in.”

This well-documented and unique phenomenon, enabled exclusively by MagniSafe™ technology, results in extraordinary increases in root and shoot mass and enhanced plant-health improvements that can be seen regardless of disease or pest pressure.

“In various weather conditions and regardless of variety planted, Saltro-treated soybeans grow stronger, faster and healthier – above and below ground,” said Katie Jaeger, Syngenta product lead. “Compared to other seed treatments or untreated seed trials, we’ve seen Saltro set soybeans up for greater success. It helps soybeans establish a larger root system for maximum nutrient uptake and helps plants emerge stronger and healthier for faster speed-to-canopy. In the field, it’s translated into higher yield and greater return potential.”

Under SDS pressure, Saltro delivers a 3-bushel yield advantage over competitor ILEVO® in eight years of trials. With enhanced plant health and crop safety, Saltro also boosts potential yields in the absence of disease or pest pressure with a 1.5-to-4.5-bushel yield increase compared to a base treatment alone across the broad acre.

“Soybean growers need higher yield to be profitable,” Jaeger said. “The unique protection from Saltro could bring the extra bushels growers need to bounce back after a challenging season and heading into an uncertain 2025. I encourage growers to try Saltro next season and see how its MagniSafe technology may impact yield and their bottom line.”