Wednesday March 05 Ag News

 Nebraska Extension offers second course on Calculating Annual Cow Costs

The Nebraska Extension will host another "Calculating Annual Cow Costs" webinar course on March 24, 27, and 31.

"We had exceptional interest in the first Calculating Annual Cow Costs course. So, we decided to offer a second course in late March," said Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator. "Knowing annual cow costs is the foundation for evaluating and making management decisions that can improve profitability for a cow-calf enterprise."

Input costs can challenge producers to examine the cost of production and identify opportunities to adjust the production system. Calculating costs and breaking them into categories can help producers understand where changes may be possible.

The webinar course will cover the fundamentals of knowing and calculating annual cow costs and will include:
    Understanding the economic unit cost of production for the cow-calf enterprise.
    Recognizing the value and cost of both grazed and harvested feed.
    Calculating cow depreciation and replacement development costs.
    Figuring the cost of equipment and labor utilized in the cow-calf enterprise.
    Examining breeding expenses and evaluating the value and cost relationship.
    Reviewing benchmark cost and production data to see how you compare.

The webinar series will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST. It is $70 per person and includes a resource workbook. The course is limited to 40 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/cow_costs. Registration is requested by March 17 since materials will be mailed out.

A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series or more information, contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.



UNL land and leasing webinars to cover cash rents, landlord-tenant issues for 2025

The latest agricultural land management and leasing considerations, including newly published Nebraska cash rent averages, will be covered during two virtual landlord/tenant cash rent workshops hosted by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on March 25 and 27.

The workshops are part of the center’s “Big Questions and Innovative Solutions in Land Management” series, which was presented at locations across the state during the winter. The virtual workshops will cover Nebraska land industry topics for farms and ranches, including evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, strategies for successful land transitions, lease provisions, legal considerations and managing communication and expectations among family members.

The workshops will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both extension agricultural economists with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

"We’re pleased to present online versions of this year’s workshop so that more people can access the important information they need to make informed land management decisions, navigate lease agreements, and stay up to date with the latest trends in cash rents and land values,” Jansen said.

The March 25 workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11:30 Central time and will be geared toward viewers in Central and Western Nebraska. The workshop on March 27 is set for noon to 2:30 p.m. Central time and will feature examples more relevant to viewers in Eastern Nebraska. Regardless of location, the general information presented in both meetings will be the same. Presentation materials will be mailed to participants and provided online.

The virtual workshops will be held on Zoom and are free to attend, but registration is required https://cap.unl.edu/land25.



Saunders County Corn Grower Association annual meeting

Members of the Saunders County Corn Growers Association are invited to a dinner meeting on Tuesday, March 11th at the Cedar Bluffs Auditorium, 106 W Main St., Cedar Bluffs, NE.

Time: 6:00 PM Social 6:30 – 9:00 PM Dinner & Meeting

RSVP by March 3rd via email to bchvatal@hotmail.com or call (402) 719-0436

Guest speaker for the evening is former Senator Tom Brewer, talking about his visit(s) to discuss agriculture in Ukraine during this time of war with Russia.  



Schwab Takes Role as Water Quality Measurement Coordinator for INRS

Iowa’s new water quality measurement coordinator, Elizabeth Schwab, is looking forward to combining her expertise in water quality and management of big data sets to support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Schwab is coordinating the ongoing effort to make data representing the status of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy available online in accurate and engaging ways. She started the position in January.  

“I am very excited about this opportunity to serve Iowans and water quality,” Schwab said. “I really enjoy working with different types of data sets to use them in ways that make sense and are as transparent as possible. I look forward to finding opportunities to highlight the INRS dashboards, possibly to make them easier to visualize and to provide training for those who want to use the data. I also think there may be areas where we can take advantage of new opportunities for automation to streamline reporting and data management.”

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy measurement project was established in 2015 to track and report nutrient reduction efforts in Iowa. To facilitate public access to data, a web-based dashboard provides regular updates showing the status of four types of measurable indicators – inputs, human, land and water.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Schwab holds bachelor’s degrees from Iowa State University in agronomy and environmental science and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in environmental science. She worked there as a research and teaching assistant before returning to Iowa State to work in the lab of Tom Isenhart, a water quality scientist in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Her background includes research on agricultural water management and drainage and the sociology of conservation adoption.

“Elizabeth Schwab brings valuable water quality-related knowledge and experience with big data sets to this position,” said Matt Helmers, professor and agricultural engineering specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center. “I am excited to work with her as the INRS virtual dashboards continue to be developed and refined.”

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf. Iowa’s strategy outlines opportunities to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources, such as municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including agricultural operations and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost-effective manner. Iowa’s strategy is a collaboration of the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.



New Course Helps Cattle Women Develop Market Strategies and Analyze Profitability

The farm management team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering three Women Marketing Cattle courses this spring.

Evening courses are offered in Decorah beginning April 8 and in Mt. Ayr beginning April 29. An all-day Saturday course is offered in Guthrie Center on May 17. The registration fee is $25.

Cattle and calves are Iowa’s fourth largest agricultural commodity, contributing more than $5 billion in agricultural sales to the economy annually. Women and beginning farmers are finding economic opportunities through beef production.

This women-centered program offers an opportunity to meet area cattle producers and learn with others in a comfortable setting. A team of instructors will provide different perspectives.

“Cattle producers have more marketing options today than ever before. They don’t have to wait and see what they get. Producers now have tools to reduce price risk in the market,” stated Tim Christensen, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist.

This course is about capturing more value from beef production by understanding the true costs of production and developing an overall marketing strategy. Instructors will compare and contrast different market channels and pricing strategies. Sales at weaning, backgrounding and finishing will be discussed. A refresher on carcass value and its relationship to price will be included.

Producers will learn how they can utilize futures prices to help them manage price risk and develop a marketing plan. They will learn more about livestock risk insurance plans, diversification and other risk management tools. Producers will gain new insights and access tools to help them analyze and understand profitability.  

The course includes an interactive market simulation activity. Class members will work together in small groups to practice news skills and try out a marketing strategy.

“We will take producers through a marketing year simulation where they will make key decisions and discover how those impact their profitability,” stated Joseph Lensing, farm management specialist.   

Courses
    April 8-22, Decorah: Women Marketing Cattle begins at 5 p.m. with a light meal at the ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County office. The course starts at 5:30 p.m. and concludes by 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday night for three weeks. The lead instructor is Joseph Lensing.  
    April 29 - May 13, Mt. Ayr: Women Marketing Cattle begins at 5:30 p.m. with a light meal at the ISU Extension and Outreach Ringgold County office. The course starts at 6 p.m. and concludes by 9 p.m. each Tuesday for three weeks. The lead instructor is Tim Christensen.
    May 17, Guthrie Center: Women Marketing Cattle begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. A light lunch is provided during this all-day Saturday program. The lead instructor is Tim Christensen.

Registration for the courses includes meals and course materials. Registration scholarships are available by writing to Madeline Schultz at schultz@iastate.edu.

Funding for this project was provided by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.

More information about this and other programs for women can be found at the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Team Women in Ag Program website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag.



Access Timely Agronomic Information on Updated Integrated Crop Management Website

Farmers, crop consultants, ag retailers and landowners can access timely agronomic related information on the newly updated Integrated Crop Management website from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

While the site’s URL remains the same (https://crops.extension.iastate.edu), this is the first major update of the site since 2017. The redesign enhances navigation, improves access to key resources and ensures compliance with university requirements.

The homepage now features:
    A timely topics stream displaying the latest Integrated Crop Management articles and blogs
    A button linking to upcoming crops-related extension events across the state
    A top menu bar that includes a “People” option to help users find their local extension field agronomist or search for other campus and statewide specialists

Additionally, the site introduces dedicated landing pages for Crops, Soils, Pests, Weather and Equipment. Each of these pages provides specialized content, including ICM news and blogs, encyclopedia articles, and valuable tools and resources relevant to each of the landing pages.

“We are excited for the updates and changes to the Integrated Crop Management website,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist. “The new website should be easier to navigate and also be more mobile friendly, while still providing a great go-to resource for agronomic-related information that many farmers, crop consultants, ag retailers and others in the industry rely on.”

If you have previously subscribed to receive email alerts about new ICM news articles or blogs, you will continue to get those alerts. New subscribers can sign-up by using the subscribe link at the bottom of the Integrated Crop Management homepage.

“We invite you to explore the updated Integrated Crop Management website and make it your go-to source for crop production and management information,” Vittetoe said.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Trade and Tariffs

“As we’ve said time and again, Nebraska's farm and ranch families are heavily dependent upon international customers for one third of their annual income. Nebraska, more than many other states, will also likely be heavily impacted by any prolonged trade dispute. The recently announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China and subsequent retaliatory tariffs being placed on U.S. agricultural goods and inputs, adds to the downward pressure on commodity prices, higher costs of inputs, and overall economic uncertainty which remains the top concern for farms and ranches across our state and nation.”

“However, these trading relationships are complex and are far from perfect. We call upon President Trump and his administration to quickly work through any disagreements to help prevent significant and long-term harm to some of our more important trading relationships and to these huge export markets for Nebraska agriculture.  Farmers and ranchers share many of President Trump’s broader policy goals, including expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products around the globe. We stand ready to work with the Trump administration to secure a bright economic future for our state’s number one industry agriculture.”



“Tariffs Are Not ‘Fun’ & Farmers Are Frustrated”
 
Farmer members of the American Soybean Association have for years consistently maintained their position that they do not support the use of tariffs, which threaten important markets and raise input costs for farmers, as a negotiation tactic. The interconnected nature of agricultural supply chains means tariffs have immediate negative, and in many cases lasting, impacts on their farms and the country’s rural economy.

President Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada took effect just after midnight in the early morning hours of March 4. Canada responded swiftly with plans to impose 25% tariffs on nearly $100 billion of U.S. imports over two tranches, and Mexico's president said it would also soon retaliate. The U.S. added an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports overnight, compounding the 10% export tax imposed on China a month ago and existing duties on the country’s goods. China’s comeback was quick: 10% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans and additional actions that limit market access.

“Farmers are frustrated. Tariffs are not something to take lightly and 'have fun' with. Not only do they hit our family businesses squarely in the wallet, but they rock a core tenet on which our trading relationships are built, and that is reliability. Being able to reliably supply a quality product to them consistently,” said Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association president and soy farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky.

Ragland explained, “As the #1 export crop for the U.S., soybean producers face huge, disproportionate impacts from trade flow disruptions, particularly to China, which is our largest market. And we know foreign soybean producers in Brazil and other countries are expecting abundant crops this year and are primed to meet any demand stemming from a renewed U.S.-China trade war. Soybean farmers still have not fully recovered market volumes from the damaging impacts of the 2018 trade war, and this will further exacerbate economic hardship on our farmers.”

In the 2023/2024 marketing year, U.S. exporters shipped 46.1 million metric tons (MMT) of soybeans to foreign markets, accounting for nearly $24 billion in sales. During the 2018 trade war with China, U.S. agriculture experienced over $27 billion in losses, with soybeans accounting for 71% of those losses. Soy farmers continue to struggle with long-term reputational impacts, as the markets they worked for years to build—over 40 years for China!—are grounded in being able to supply a reliable, quality crop.

Unlike in 2018, farmers are in a more tentative financial situation in 2025. Commodity prices are down nearly 50% from three years ago. And, they are operating their farms during a time when costs for land and inputs like seed, pesticides and fertilizer are high, meaning much slimmer margins and less savings to draw from when tariffs make circumstances go south.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she plans to announce retaliatory tariff and non-tariff measures against the U.S. at an upcoming rally in Mexico City’s central square.

Ragland said of Mexico and Canada, “ASA represents nearly half a million farmers in the United States who grow soybeans, and those farmers rely on two-way trade coming in and out of Mexico and Canada. Not only are those two markets vital for the export of whole soybeans, soy meal and soy oil, but we also rely on them for fertilizer and other products needed to successfully produce our crops. For instance, around 87% of the potash we use here in the U.S. is imported from Canada.”

Since the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, was ratified in 1993 and then continuing under USMCA, which was signed into law five years ago in January 2020, Mexico and Canada have developed into major trading partners for soy, our country’s #1 agricultural export. Mexico is the second-largest customer for whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil. Canada is U.S. soy’s fourth-largest customer for soybean meal. The U.S. imports the bulk of its potash from Canada, along with other crop inputs, equipment and more.

ASA and soy farmers are urging the administration to reconsider these tariffs and potential upcoming tariffs to which President Trump has alluded and continue negotiations with the three countries that include non-tariff solutions.



Corn Growers Respond to Tariffs

In response to the tariffs imposed between the United States and its trading partners, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:

“Farmers are facing a troubling economic landscape due to rising input costs and declining corn prices. We ask President Trump to quickly negotiate agreements with Mexico, Canada and China that will benefit American farmers while addressing issues important to the United States. We call on our trading partners to work with the president to resolve these issues so that that we can restore vital market access.”



Dairy Organizations Urge Intensified Negotiations to Restore Trade Flows

Leaders from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) released the following statements today in response to retaliatory measures announced by Mexico, Canada and China.

“The President believes tariffs are necessary to address the opioid crisis in the United States. We urge Mexico and Canada to take U.S. concerns seriously,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF. “Mexico and Canada are valuable trading partners that American agriculture depends on, and trade with those countries is critical to the well-being of dairy farmers. Let’s focus on getting the concerns ironed out quickly so we can focus on bolstering these critical trade relationships. Then, let’s put those tariff tools to work, driving change with the trading partner that’s brushed off U.S. concerns for far too long – the European Union.”

“Exports are fundamental to the health of the U.S. dairy industry. One day’s worth of milk production out of every six is destined for international consumers and U.S. dairy sales to Mexico, Canada and China account for 51% of our total global exports. That’s a lot at stake,” said Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC. “Dairy farmers and manufacturers are counting on a swift resolution to this impasse and urge a redoubling of efforts at the negotiating table to find a workable way forward that addresses U.S. national security concerns while also preserving export flows that are vital to supporting American farmers and workers. We’re eager to focus on working with the Administration on expanding global opportunities for American dairy products in ways that build on the existing base of sales to our trading partners.”  



Farm Bureau Urges Quick Resolution to Tariffs

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s decision to impose increased tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China.

“Farmers support the goals of ensuring security and fair trade with other nations, but additional tariffs, along with expected retaliatory tariffs, will take a toll on rural America.

“Farmers and ranchers are concerned with the decision to impose increased tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China - our top trading partners. Last year, the U.S. exported more than $83 billion in agricultural products to the three countries.

“Approximately 85% of our total potash supply – a key ingredient in fertilizer – is imported from Canada. For the third straight year, farmers are losing money on almost every major crop planted. Adding even more costs and reducing markets for American agricultural goods could create an economic burden some farmers may not be able to bear.

“We ask the president to continue working with our international partners to find ways to resolve disagreements quickly, so farmers can focus on feeding families in America and abroad.”



American Farmers and Ranchers Bear the Brunt of Tariffs

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew commented today on the President's decision to implement tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

“The tariffs announced today, along with retaliatory measures from China and Canada, will have serious consequences for American agriculture. Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and they need strong, fair trade policies that ensure they can compete on a level playing field—not be caught in the middle of international disputes.

“We are already facing significant economic uncertainty, and these actions only add to the strain. Trade policies must come with real, tangible protections for the farmers directly affected. We've heard there’s a strategy in place—now we need to see it. Promises alone won’t pay the bills or keep farms afloat.

“Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers. We urge the administration to work with our trading partners to prevent further harm to rural communities.”



USMEF Statement on Tariff Situation

The White House has announced that new tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada and an increase in the tariff rate assessed on certain goods from China took effect today.

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

USMEF is obviously disappointed that no agreements have yet been reached that would avoid or postpone tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as the tariff increase on goods from China. We are reviewing the retaliatory measures announced by Canada and China and are watching for details on the response from Mexico. These three markets accounted for $8.4 billion in U.S. red meat exports last year, including nearly $4 billion to Mexico. While the United States is the primary supplier of pork and beef to Mexico, U.S. red meat has already been facing heightened competition in this critical market.

Last year U.S. beef exports equated to more than $415 per fed steer or heifer slaughtered and pork exports equated to more than $66 per head slaughtered. These exports, a large share of which are underutilized cuts and variety meat, help producers maximize the value of every animal produced and allow U.S. consumers to enjoy more of the cuts they prefer.



ARA and TFI Joint Statement on Tariffs

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)  issued the following joint statement regarding the Trump administration’s announcement on tariffs on imports of Canadian goods:

“TFI and ARA acknowledge the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening American industry, including the agriculture economy. However, we are concerned about the impact of the 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports to farmers and the entire agriculture supply chain.

“The 25 percent tariffs on critical fertilizer imports from Canada, including potash, ammonium sulfate, nitrogen fertilizers and sulfur will drive up the cost of production for U.S. farmers. These costs ripple throughout the agriculture community, ultimately leading to higher prices at the grocery store.

“We urge continued engagement between the U.S. and Canada to resolve the outstanding border security issues, and barring a quick agreement, we request the Trump administration to provide a strategic carve out from the tariffs, which should also include critical minerals designation for potash as well as phosphate.”



NPPC’s Stevermer Calls on House Agriculture Committee to Reinstitute Prop. 12 Fix in Farm Bill
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn., testified today on the “State of the Livestock Industry” before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

In her testimony detailing pork producers’ farm bill priorities, Stevermer emphasized the need for a federal solution for the problems caused by one state’s overreaching regulation threatening all of U.S. agriculture – California Proposition 12.

“California Proposition 12 reaches far beyond California to include farmers in other states – and even other countries,” said Stevermer. “The outcomes of Prop. 12 defy common sense – and create a patchwork of differing state regulations, if Congress doesn’t act.”

“America’s 60,000+ pork producers are grateful House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson addressed Proposition 12 through Sec. 12007 of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, and we encourage the Committee to reinstitute this language in the 2025 Farm Bill.”

A sampling of the multitudes of problems Prop. 12 includes:
    Widespread, damaging consequences for farmers and consumers alike.
    Inconsistent stipulations – deeming cooked bacon legal and uncooked bacon illegal, despite both products coming from the same pig.
    Forcing producers thousands of miles away from California to pay for outside regulators to audit their farms.
    Threatening to put farm families out of business by significantly increasing the cost of raising pigs.
    Increasing prices at the grocery store, as much as 41% for certain pork products.

In May 2024, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee passed their bipartisan 2024 Farm Bill, which included 100% of pork producers’ priorities. NPPC is calling for the reintroduction and passage of the same farm bill as quickly as possible.
 
Stevermer also addressed and emphasized the importance of trade to U.S. agriculture and pork production, noting the critical need for “policies that foster the free flow of goods and expand export markets – primarily through trade agreements.”
 
Trade policies that allow businesses to trade fairly and with certainty “are critical to the continued success of America’s pork producers, U.S. agriculture, and the overall American economy,” Stevermer said in comments, adding that “the United States needs more comprehensive trade agreements that eliminate or significantly reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports.”



NCBA Members Testify Before Congress on Key Priorities

Tuesday, two members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) testified before two separate congressional committees on policy priorities for the cattle industry and to share their personal experience with dangerous predator reintroduction.
 
Troy Sander, a Kansas cattle producer and president of the Kansas Livestock Association, appeared before the House Agriculture Committee urging policymakers to pass a Farm Bill, pass tax legislation to protect family farms and ranches, and strengthen policies that protect our food security.
 
“Cattle producers are seeing higher prices for their livestock, but the entire industry continues to face pressure from rising input costs, taxes, and overregulation coming from Washington,” said Sander. “I urge Congress to pass new legislation that lowers taxes and finally ends the Death Tax, pass a Farm Bill, protect beef promotion efforts, and roll back harmful regulations that hurt farmers and ranchers.”
 
Kent Clark, a Washington rancher and member of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association, addressed the House Natural Resources Committee to explain his experiences with the reintroduction of dangerous predator species in rural communities throughout the West.
 
“Too often, Washington bureaucrats pursue policies like reintroducing experimental populations of dangerous wolves and grizzly bears right in the heart of ranching communities. Sadly, ranchers like me have seen the devastating impact of these decisions with these predators harming our cattle and threatening rural residents,” said Clark. “My message to Congress is to listen to rural communities and rethink policies that may sound good in Washington but will make life harder in rural America.”



Cattlemen’s Beef Board Unveils 2024 Impact Report

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) has released its 2024 Impact Report. Unlike previous annual reports, this format includes the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s annual financial statement and Beef Checkoff program evaluations—all in one document.

“Over the past few years, we’ve continued to face diminishing Checkoff dollars, the spread of misinformation from opposing groups and increasing competition in the protein marketplace,” said Andy Bishop, 2024 CBB chair. “This new Impact Report is designed to better demonstrate how, even in the face of those challenges, the Beef Checkoff continues to promote beef to consumers, conduct essential research and educate the public about beef’s incredible benefits and value.”

The 2024 Impact Report outlines each of the FY24 Authorization Requests funded by the Beef Checkoff in the program areas of Promotion, Research, Consumer Information, Industry Information, Foreign Marketing and Producer Communications. Information provided for each Authorization Request includes the contractors/subcontractors handling the work, available funding, description/purpose, accomplishments and results. The report also details each Authorization Request’s tactics, progress toward measurable objectives, key learnings and performance efficiency measures. In this way, beef industry stakeholders can get a clearer picture of their Beef Checkoff dollars at work.

Within the new report, readers will also find numerous colorful and engaging infographics that share interesting data from the annual Producer Attitude Survey, the Consumer Beef Tracker and the 2024 Return on Investment (ROI) and Broader Economic Impact Study. Easy-to-scan QR codes quickly link to websites with additional information about the CBB, the Beef Checkoff and the award-winning producer newsletter, The Drive.

“I hope everyone who wants to know more about the Beef Checkoff will take a few minutes to explore the 2024 Impact Report,” said Greg Hanes, the CBB’s CEO. “This report provides a true snapshot of the incredible work Checkoff contractors have done over the past year, while also sharing insights that will shape our efforts in 2025 and beyond. The Beef Checkoff and its programs are truly a collaborative effort, and it’s clear the Checkoff is funding essential work to keep beef the protein of choice.”

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



Dairy Products January 2025 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.21 billion pounds, 0.8 percent above January 2024 and 0.7 percent above December 2024. Italian type cheese production totaled 522 million pounds, 2.2 percent above January 2024 but 0.3 percent below December 2024. American type cheese production totaled 474 million pounds, 0.2 percent above January 2024 and 0.5 percent above December 2024. Butter production was 218 million pounds, 0.5 percent above January 2024 and 9.3 percent above December 2024.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with January 2024)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 154 million pounds, up 11.0 percent.
Skim milk powder - 35.5 million pounds, down 37.6 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with January 2024)
Dry whey, total - 76.2 million pounds, down 1.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 91.8 million pounds, up 2.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 38.2 million pounds, down 10.4 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with January 2024)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 59.6 million gallons, up 20.1 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 29.3 million gallons, up 10.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.54 million gallons, down 4.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.74 million gallons, up 14.1 percent.



ABA Applauds Introduction of ACRE Act of 2025
Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO

“The American Bankers Association applauds today’s bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act of 2025, and we thank the bill’s lead sponsors Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Angus King (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Don Davis (D-NC-01) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) for their leadership on this issue. The ACRE Act will deliver much-needed financial support to farmers and ranchers working through a difficult economic cycle by lowering the cost of credit without creating new government payments or programs. It would also drive down the cost of homeownership and increase access to credit in more than 17,000 rural communities across the country. We urge all members of Congress to support this critically important legislation.”



2025/2026 NAWG Officers Begin One Year Terms

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed its new officer team today at Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, CO. These officers will begin their one-year terms, continuing NAWG's mission to promote the needs of our nation's wheat growers.

Pat Clements of Kentucky will serve as President, Jamie Kress of Idaho will serve as Vice President, Nathan Keane of Montana will serve as Treasurer, and Chris Tanner of Kansas will serve as Secretary. Keeff Felty of Oklahoma will take on the role of Past President. These officers were elected on January 16, 2025, during NAWG's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

"We are excited to have these dedicated and strong leaders serving on the NAWG officer team,” said Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO. “Their combined experience and passion will help us continue to build a better future for wheat growers and rural America."