Friday May 16 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Remains Weak

For the 20th time in the past 21 months, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below the 50.0 growth neutral reading in May, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for May increased to 44.0 from April’s 40.0. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“The economic outlook for 2025 farm income remains weak according to bank CEOs. Almost one in four bankers rate tariff retaliation from trading partners as the top risk facing farmers in 2025 while 68.0% ranked lower farm commodity prices as the major risk factor for farmers,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Regarding the tax deliberations going on in Congress, a majority, or 54.2%, argue for extending the tax cuts as passed in 2017.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 12th time in the past 13 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price index dropped to 39.6 from 41.7 in April. “Elevated interest rates, higher input costs and volatility from tariffs have put downward pressure on ag land prices. Only 8.0% of bank CEOs are bullish on farmland prices for 2025,” said Goss.

When asked to name the top risk factor for farming in 2025, 68% named lower ag commodity prices as the numbe-one 2025 concern, while 23.5% indicated higher tariffs as the top risk factor.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same 2024 period, fell from $3.4 billion in 2024 to $2.7 billion in 2025 for a decline of 19.3%. For Q1, 2025, Mexico was the top destination for regional ag exports, accounting for 50.6% of total regional agriculture and livestock exports.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index increased to a very weak 23.9 from 17.4 in April. “This is the 21st straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input prices, tighter credit conditions, low farm commodity prices and market volatility from tariffs are having a negative impact on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Confidence: Rural bankers remain pessimistic about economic growth for their area over the next six months. The May confidence index slumped to 30.0 from 36.0 in April. “Weak grain prices, negative farm cash flows, combined with tariff retaliation concerns pushed banker confidence lower,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for May increased to 35.8 from 32.8 in April. The state’s farmland price index for May fell to 37.3 from April’s 39.3. Nebraska’s new hiring index climbed to 48.0 from 40.6 in April. According to trade data from ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, expanded by $28.5 million for a gain of 9.6%. Mexico was the top destination for Q1, 2025, accounting for 57.8% of 2025 Nebraska agriculture and livestock exports.

Iowa: May’s RMI for the state improved to a weak 46.8 from 39.8 in April. Iowa’s farmland price index for May increased to 41.6 from 36.8 in April. Iowa’s new hiring index for May increased to 44.9 from April’s 37.5. According to trade data from ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, sank by $23.0 million for a decline of 4.7%. Mexico was the top destination for Q1, 2025, accounting for 70.9% of 2025 Iowa agriculture and livestock exports.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



Gov. Pillen Appreciates Federal Waiver for Drivers Hauling Much Needed Fuels
 
Governor Jim Pillen is expressing his appreciation to the Trump administration for enacting a regional federal waiver on service hours for drivers hauling fuels. The emergency declaration applies to Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska and is effective through June 30, or when the emergency expires, whichever is earlier.
 
All three states previously issued executive orders to relax the restrictions for drivers while there have been fuel product shortages. Nebraska’s order is set to expire today. As stated in the order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it will help address “shortages resulting from unexpected increased demand for the spring planting season coupled with refinery conversion to summer blends, pipeline maintenance in key supply corridors and outages at terminals.”
 
“The ability to get fuel where it is needed, when it is needed -- especially in the face of shortages -- is of utmost importance,” said Gov. Pillen. “We must have the backs of those haulers who are trying to meet those demands. The Biden Administration failed to provide this relief at the regional level. This time, leaders are rightly thinking of how best to make things better for impacted states.”




Nebraska Extension launches webinar series on toxic plants and livestock health

Livestock producers can learn how to recognize, prevent, and manage toxic plants in pastures and rangelands through a new three-part webinar series hosted by Nebraska Extension this June.

The Toxic Plants Webinar Series will bring together specialists in range and forage management, veterinary toxicology, and plant science to share best practices and insights into plant toxins affecting livestock health. The webinar series is open to all and will be especially useful to cattle producers, pasture managers, and landowners.

Each session will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. CDT and will include time for audience questions. Registration is $30 per participant and includes a copy of EC-3037 Nebraska Plants Toxic to Livestock to be mailed to participants.

Session 1: Common Toxic Plants
June 11, 7:30-8:30 AM. CDT
This session will cover the identification of common toxic plants found in Nebraska pastures and rangelands, including range and forage species. Experts will discuss seasonal and environmental factors—such as drought or overgrazing—that increase the risk of poisoning. Presenters: Ben Beckman, Cheryl Dunn, and Ryan Benjamin.

Session 2: How Plant Toxins Affect Livestock Health
June 18, 7:30-8:30 AM CDT
Participants will learn about the different classes of plant toxins, how they affect livestock, and how to recognize the signs of poisoning. The session will also provide guidance on veterinary care and emergency response. Presenters: Ben Beckman and Lindsay Wachter-Mead.

Session 3: Prevention and Management
June 25, 7:30-8:30 AM. CDT
This session will focus on practical management strategies to reduce the risk of plant poisoning, including grazing management, stocking density, and the control or removal of toxic plants. Presenters: Ben Beckman, Jerry Volesky, Lindsay Wachter-Mead, and Ryan Benjamin.

To register for the webinar series or learn more, visit https://go.unl.edu/toxicplants

For questions, contact Ben Beckman at ben.beckman@unl.edu.



Julie Peterson Named Interim Director of West Central Research, Extension and Education Center

Julie Peterson has been named the interim director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) in North Platte. Her appointment follows longtime director Kelly Bruns’ selection as the interim dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

Peterson, an entomologist and extension specialist, currently serves as associate director of WCREEC and leads the center’s Agroecosystems Entomology Lab. Her research has addressed topics including biological pest control, pesticide resistance, insect behavior, and food web dynamics, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions for agricultural producers.

In her new leadership role, Peterson will continue her own research and outreach efforts while also guiding WCREEC faculty in pursuing research and extension funding, supporting faculty through promotion and tenure processes, and fostering statewide and national collaborations. She will also contribute to implement the strategic vision for UNL’s statewide network of research, extension and education centers.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue working with the incredible team at WCREEC,” Peterson said. “This center plays a vital role in advancing agricultural science and supporting producers across Nebraska. I’m excited to help expand our impact through collaborative research, innovative outreach, and support for our talented faculty, staff and students.”

“Dr. Peterson is an extremely accomplished scientist, as well as a strategic team member and natural leader,” said Derek McLean, dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division within UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “She is a great fit in this position, and I am confident she will advance the important work of the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center.”

Peterson earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. She joined WCREEC in 2014 and has since become a key figure in entomology research and education across Nebraska.

The West Central Research, Extension and Education Center serves as a hub for field-based research and outreach that supports agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and economic development in western Nebraska. The center includes 1,800 acres of pastureland, dryland, and irrigated cropland, where faculty and graduate students from across UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources conduct applied research.



IFBF appreciates the legislature's passage of several policy and budget priorities important to Iowa agriculture

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Iowa legislative session, Farm Bureau members are encouraged by the passage of several policy and budget priorities that are important to agriculture and rural Iowa, including the modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund and support for animal agriculture.

Modernization of the Grain Indemnity Fund, a participant-funded safety net for farmers, was needed to reflect modern grain prices and crop production to adequately protect farmers affected by a grain elevator failure through no fault of their own.  Legislators increased the size of the fund, increased the per farmer cap and provided coverage for price-later contracts, all welcomed modernizations for Iowa farmers.   

Farm Bureau members appreciate the legislature’s work to fund several critical programs for livestock agriculture, including additional funding for Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS) efforts towards animal disease preparedness and response, vaccine development and livestock disease research, as well as increased funding for the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

“Livestock farming is a huge driver of Iowa’s economy, and support for research, veterinary care and growing animal agriculture is welcomed news,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “Livestock farming accounts for more than $20 billion in value-added contributions for the state and accounts for 170,000 Iowa jobs, so there’s no question on the importance of animal agriculture to the state.”              

Members also appreciate the legislature’s property taxpayer protections, including maintaining funding levels for the Homestead Tax Credit and Ag Family Tax Land Credit, as well as continuing the property tax replacement payments for K-12 education.   Members are also grateful for the legislature’s continued partnership in conservation progress.  Sustained funding for proven conservation efforts will allow Iowa to continue successful efforts for improved water quality as national leaders in several conservation practices.                       

“The year-round, active engagement of Farm Bureau members across the state has always been the key to our success,” Johnson said.  “Our members’ efforts ensure that lawmakers hear directly from their constituents on the impact of policies, while encouraging support for Iowa farmers, property taxpayers and the agricultural community.”



Practical Farmers of Iowa Announces Over 60 Field Days Across Midwest

Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers are invited to participate in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2025 field day season. This year, more than 60 farmer-led events are happening across Iowa and surrounding states from June through November. All events are led by PFI farmer members who are eager to share their knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operations.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or have been farming for decades, or if you farm 2 acres or 2,000 – there’s something for everyone at a PFI field day,” Liz Kolbe, PFI’s farmer-led education director, says.
 
Field days cover a wide range of topics, showcasing farmers with operations of all sizes and production practices. This year’s events explore conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of various scales and species; fruit and vegetable production; flowers and orcharding; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; and more.
 
To continue to serve PFI’s growing network, 13 field days will be held in states outside of Iowa, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
 
“This is by far our largest field day season yet,” Liz says. “We’re excited to give more farmers than ever the chance to connect, swap ideas and get inspired, and our hope is that attendees leave with at least one new idea they can take back to their own farms.”
 
PFI field days are free to attend and open to all – membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required or expected. Events are marked by a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

All events occur rain or shine. While RSVPs are not required for most field days, they are appreciated to help with event and meal planning. The full list of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.

Practical Farmers’ 2025 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Diverse Corn Belt; Grain Millers; Green Cover; Mad Capital; Naylor Seed; Niman Ranch; Organic Valley; Sunderman Farm Management Co.; and Tidal Grow AgriScience.



Bacon Votes Yes on House Agriculture Reconciliation Bill

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) voted yes on the House Agriculture Committee’s (HAC) Reconciliation markup, which includes measures to restore integrity to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). These reforms will ensure SNAP works the way Congress intended it to, by reinforcing work, rooting out waste, and setting accountability incentives to control costs and end executive and state overreach.

“We need to find the waste and eliminate it so we can strengthen the program for the vulnerable,” said Rep. Bacon.

Since 2019 SNAP rolls have increased by 17% and the cost of the program has ballooned by 83%. States administer the program and collectively make almost $13 billion in erroneous payments to participants in the SNAP program. The national error rate of 11.68 percent has nearly doubled since 2019. In addition, enforcement efforts have been limited by some states who do not enforce work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Currently, 40% of these work-ready individuals live under a waiver that exempts them from work requirements.

“Clearly this isn’t sustainable for American Taxpayers,” said Rep. Bacon. “We are delivering on our promise to reign in waste and fraud.”

Each state will be required to shoulder a share of the costs, based on their erroneous rates, beginning in 2028.

“Our team successfully negotiated with committee leadership to lower the burden of the state’s share,” added Rep. Bacon. “Nebraska was looking into shelling out an additional $83 million and we got that lowered to about $30 million. Plus, if Nebraska and other states lower their error rates, they will lower their percentage of share cost.”



Soy Farmers Grateful for Chairman Thompson’s Continued Focus on Critical Farm Bill Programs

The American Soybean Association is grateful for Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s continued, steadfast support of farm bill programs that are critical to U.S. soybean farmers. The House Agriculture Committee has completed a two-day markup of budget reconciliation legislation the Chairman is using as a vehicle to advance farm bill priorities that are key for ASA.

“It is no secret the farm economy is in a dire situation, and ASA appreciates the efforts of Chairman Thompson to highlight the needs of farmers, including increasing reference prices for commodities, increasing support for market access programs and more,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland, who grows soy in Kentucky. “ASA continues to urge Congress to work toward passing a much-needed five-year farm bill this year but is encouraged to see continued congressional support for our top priorities.”

The budget reconciliation package marked up by House Ag contains several provisions ASA advocated for during the farm bill negotiations of the last Congress, including:
• Increasing reference prices for soybeans
• Strengthening crop insurance
• Doubling funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program (MAP and FMD)
• Making improvements to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program
• Investing in conservation programs
• Investing in agricultural research
• Reauthorizing farm bill biobased and biofuel programs, including BioPreferred

The multi-committee budget reconciliation process includes myriad policy priorities for congressional Republicans, and while this is just an early step in the larger reconciliation process, ASA is pleased the House Agriculture Committee is keeping farmer priorities top of mind as work continues to draft a comprehensive five-year farm bill.



BEEF CHECKOFF CALLS FOR ELIGIBLE BEEF INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT ANNUAL PROGRAM FUNDING REQUESTS

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) invites all eligible beef industry organizations to submit funding requests for programs and projects for the upcoming fiscal year 2026, which begins October 1, 2025. Requests must be in the form of an Authorization Request (AR). Multiple program areas are eligible for funding.

By law, the Beef Checkoff—through their administrative body, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board—contracts with national, non-profit, beef industry-governed organizations to carry out promotion, research and education work as directed in the Beef Promotion & Research Act and Order.
As outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Order, eligible groups that may contract with the Beef Checkoff are established national nonprofit industry-governed organizations that
    are nonprofit organizations pursuant to sections 501(c) (3), (5) or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3), (5) and (6)); and
    are governed by a national board of directors representing the cattle or beef industry; and
    have been active and ongoing for at least two years.

Organizations must submit a first-round draft of an Authorization Request to the CBB by Monday, June 2, 2025. At the 2025 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California, July 7-9, organizations will have the opportunity to present their specific plans and funding requests to various Beef Checkoff Program Committees. This valuable process allows producers and importers to provide input on Checkoff-funded programs, build programs free of redundancy, and achieve the strategies outlined in the Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP).

The number of Beef Checkoff contracting organizations changes from year to year, as does the available amount of funding, which is based on the annual Checkoff collection. As an example, for the current fiscal year 2025, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved eight contractors to conduct Beef Checkoff work.

If your qualified organization is interested in submitting an Authorization Request to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, contact Sara Arp, CBB Sr. Director of Operations, by Monday, May 19, 2025 at 303-220-9890 or sarp@beefboard.org.
    The deadline for first-draft Authorization Requests is Monday, June 2, 2025.
    Final-draft Authorization Requests must be received by the CBB office by Monday, July 21, 2025, to be considered by the BPOC.

Learn more about the funding process and the Beef Checkoff at DrivingDemandforBeef.com.
Please note: Authorization Requests must specify estimated costs of all activities that will be conducted throughout the program, and expenses are reimbursed on a cost-recovery basis. Organizations are not provided funds in advance, but are reimbursed for actual, approved expenses already incurred (excluding project mark-ups/profits).



Secretary Rollins Concludes Visit to U.K., Fights for Key Opportunities for U.S. Agricultural Products

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins concludes the final day of her trade delegation visit to the United Kingdom. This visit comes after President Donald J. Trump announced last week, on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day for World War II, a historic U.K. trade deal that will lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen cooperation on economic security.

“This trade delegation to the U.K. has been essential to put U.S. Farmers First on the world stage and expand market access for the bounty of American Agriculture. I was able to build on critical bilateral relationships and advocate on behalf of American farmers and ranchers directly. Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, highest quality food in the world, and I can’t wait for consumers ‘across the pond’ to get more of a taste of the beef, poultry, pork, seafood, rice, specialty crops, and all the agricultural exports America has to offer,” said Secretary Rollins.

Day Three:
On the final half-day of her visit to the U.K., Secretary Rollins visited the newest retail location for Whole Foods U.K. and showcased signature U.S. brands on U.K. grocery store shelves. The team at Whole Foods provided insight on on-going discussions to bring additional products to the U.K. market, the sophistication of product branding that imported U.S. products need to attract U.K. consumers, and the benefit USDA funding provides to promote new U.S. products. Additionally, the Secretary heard stories of success of Alaskan seafood products sold at the store and was able to view Texas hot sauces and condiments proudly displayed on Whole Foods shelves.
Secretary Rollins visited Whole Foods to hear from a retail importer about U.S. agricultural products and discuss opportunities for growth

Secretary Rollins visited Whole Foods to hear from a retail importer about U.S. agricultural products and discuss opportunities for growth.

Overall:
Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and producers fairly.

While in the U.K., Secretary Rollins secured major wins for American exporters of energy resources, including fair market access for wood pellets to be utilized to support energy production in the U.K., as well as additional opportunities to import ethanol produced in the U.S. Secretary Rollins also highlighted additional opportunities for U.S. un-milled rice exports to the U.K. and advocated for the U.S. seafood industry and U.S. dairy products, which are unfairly targeted by risk classifications or are only accepted due to minor technicalities that can be addressed through partnerships between the U.S. and U.K. governments. Throughout her visit, Secretary Rollins fought to improve the public misperception about the safety, quality, and consistency of America’s agricultural products. Through conversations with American farmers who export to the U.K., she confirmed they are interested in exporting more products, and U.K. importers and retailers are interested in selling and promoting more American agricultural goods.

The success of this first international trade mission follows four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused the agricultural trade balance to go from a trade surplus under President Trump to a significant trade deficit under President Biden. Following this trip, Secretary Rollins will travel to Italy, Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil over the next four months. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.



E85 Pilot Program In Mexico Shows Positive Results

During the past six weeks, 10 taxis in Monterrey, Mexico converted to Flex Fuel technology and traveled more than 43,000 miles, using in excess of 1,500 gallons of E85—gasoline blended with 85% bioethanol—cutting operating costs by more than $2 Mexican pesos (MXN) per mile and reducing between 4.9 and 6.4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually per taxi.

Projected savings per vehicle over its lifespan reached up to $19,230 MXN, with environmental benefits including a significant reduction in air pollutants, according to data from the E85 Pilot Project, a study conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nuevo León State Ministry of the Environment and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).

“This program showcased the benefits of biofuels for transportation and how they can be a solution for Mexico to reduce polluting emissions,” said Heidi Bringenberg, USGC director in Mexico. “The clear financial and environmental benefits laid out through the trial prove ethanol’s viability and availability in Mexico and beyond.”

Analyses conducted by the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) reinforced the Pilot Project’s results, indicating that E85 use in Tier 1 Flex Fuel vehicles reduces key emissions including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates and toxic compounds including benzene and 1,3-butadiene. These reductions far outweigh the recorded increases in methane, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

At the state level, estimates show that with just five percent adoption of E85 in the vehicle fleet, Nuevo León could mitigate 148,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and generate savings of up to $375 million MXN. E85 is not only a viable alternative fuel but it also is a catalyst for developing a new national agroindustry based on sugarcane and sorghum for bioethanol production.

“I’m eager to see the Mexican energy and transportation sectors react to this study and how it will spur investments in a new agroindustry in the country,” Bringenberg said. “With U.S. agriculture already enjoying a close relationship with Mexico, its top export market, any increase in biofuel consumption translates to significant demand for U.S. producers to meet.”



U.S. Grains Council Re-Engages Peruvian Corn Market

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently held a technical training course for feed manufacturing industry stakeholders in Peru to re-engage the market for potential U.S. corn exports in the future. USGC Marketing Specialist for Latin America Diana Correa (front, fourth from left) is pictured with attendees in Lima.

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) conducted a technical training course for Peruvian feed manufacturers aimed at strengthening relationships with decisionmakers in the industry while reinforcing the value proposition of U.S. corn in terms of quality, consistency and supply reliability.

“Peru is a major corn importer, purchasing up to four million metric tons (MMT) annually, but U.S. market share has slipped in recent years,” said Diana Correa, USGC marketing specialist for Latin America (LTA). “By re-engaging the market, the Council can position itself as a key resource for technical knowledge and trade-related discussions, which in turn may help pave the way for future opportunities for U.S. grain exports.”

In addition to providing information on the applications of U.S. corn in feed milling, the program also introduced U.S. corn co-products to Peruvian buyers, ensuring they are aware of their nutritional benefits as part of a diversified sourcing strategy.

Correa represented the Council at the event along with USGC Deputy Regional Director for LTA Juan Sebastian Díaz. Auburn University Extension Specialist and Associate Professor of Poultry Science Wilmer Pacheco was also on hand to lend his expertise to the more than 30 industry stakeholders in attendance.

The two-day event featured educational presentations followed by site visits and meetings with vital components along the value chain.

Seminar topics included updates on the latest technologies in feed milling, mixing techniques to produce homogenous food and operational tips and strategies to improve overall pellet quality.

Participants then traveled to a leading feed mill in the region to see firsthand how corn and corn co-products are used for maximum performance and efficiency. Finally, the group met with representatives from the Peruvian Poultry Association to learn about the resources and services they provide to the industry.

“By targeting training programs at professionals like feed mill operators, procurement managers and nutritionists, the Council can amplify its messaging about the benefits of U.S.-origin corn,” Correa said. “This is just the first step in regaining U.S. producers’ share in this mature market, and we are closely watching how our engagements in Peru are helping spread the word about U.S. corn quality and reliability.”