Friday May 23 Cattle on Feed, Red Meat Prod, Cold Storage, MAHA, Reconcilliation Bill, and more Ag News

 NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.55 million cattle on feed on May 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year. Placements during April totaled 445,000 head, unchanged from 2024. Fed cattle marketings for the month of April totaled 485,000 head, up 4% from last year. Other disappearance during April totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.



United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million head on May 1, 2025. The inventory was 2 percent below May 1, 2024.

On Feed, by State  (1,000 hd - % May 1 '24
Colorado .......:            960           101         
Iowa .............:            680           103          
Kansas ...........:          2,290           100          
Nebraska .......:          2,550           102          
Texas ............:          2,590            94           

Placements in feedlots during April totaled 1.61 million head, 3 percent below 2024. Net placements were 1.56 million head. During April, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 310,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 225,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 370,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 443,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 195,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 70,000 head.

Placements by State  (1,000 hd  -  % April '24)
Colorado .......:               120             89     
Iowa .............:                87             98        
Kansas ...........:              380            103          
Nebraska .......:              445            100         
Texas ............:              310             94             

Marketings of fed cattle during April totaled 1.83 million head, 3 percent below 2024. Other disappearance totaled 50,000 head during April, 11 percent below 2024.

Marketings by State  (1,000 hd  -  % April '24)
Colorado .......:                155             91        
Iowa .............:                 86             99          
Kansas ...........:               420             91          
Nebraska .......:               485            104          
Texas ............:                380             99          




Commercial Red Meat Production Down 1 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.60 billion pounds in April, down 1 percent from the 4.64 billion pounds produced in April 2024.

Beef production, at 2.24 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.57 million head, down 6 percent from April 2024. The average live weight was up 36 pounds from the previous year, at 1,431 pounds.

Veal production totaled 2.1 million pounds, 39 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 10,300 head, down 41 percent from April 2024. The average live weight was up 17 pounds from last year, at 355 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.34 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.8 million head, up 1 percent from April 2024. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 291 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.8 million pounds, was up 13 percent from April 2024. Sheep slaughter totaled 205,000 head, 9 percent above last year. The average live weight was 123 pounds, up 4 pounds from April a year ago.

Production by State (million lbs - % April '24)
Nebraska ...........:          655.7             99       
Iowa ..................:          758.1             98       
Kansas ...............:           486.9             96       

January to April 2025 commercial red meat production was 18.1 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2024. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 40 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 4 percent.



USDA Cold Storage April 2025 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on April 30, 2025 were up 5 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 2 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 11 percent from the previous month but down 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 9 percent from last month but down 22 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30, 2025 were down slightly from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 5 percent from last month but down 18 percent from April 30, 2024.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on April 30, 2025 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from April 30, 2024. Butter stocks were up 4 percent from last month but down 7 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.



House Passes Reconciliation Bill with Key Wins for Agriculture
Nebraska Farm Bureau

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed their version of what has been called the “One Big Beautiful” reconciliation bill, delivering several important provisions for farmers and ranchers. The legislation includes long-awaited updates to farm programs, such as increased reference prices and expanded crop insurance options, offering producers stronger risk management tools.

On the tax side, the bill reauthorizes and expands the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a top priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau. The bill increases the federal estate tax exemption, maintains the current lowered federal income tax brackets, and extends the 199A and bonus depreciation tax credits, all which would be drastically altered should Congress fail to pass an extension.

Nebraska Farm Bureau remains concerned with the significant provision requiring a state cost-share of the federal SNAP or food stamp program which would lead to a new state expenditure of anywhere between $80 million and $100 million.

Despite the narrow vote margin, the bill now heads to the Senate, where significant changes are expected.

Nebraska Farm Bureau wants to thank Nebraska Congressmen Mike Flood (NE-1), Don Bacon (NE-2), and Adrian Smith (NE-3) for their exceptional work in trying to improve this important legislation.

Nebraska Farm Bureau members are encouraged to stay engaged as the legislative process continues.



Bacon Issues Statement on Reconciliation Bill Vote

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement about the Reconciliation Vote earlier this morning:

“No expectant mothers, single parents, children, disabled, or elderly are losing SNAP or Medicaid benefits. That misinformation is being spread to try and scare people.

“By passing this bill, we will strengthen these programs through an audit of the programs, removal of those who should not be receiving benefits, and making sure that able-bodied adults without dependents are fulfilling work and volunteer requirements that are already in place for the program. Those who are eligible for Medicaid and SNAP are not touched by this bill. We protected those who need Medicaid and SNAP.

“We have also made the tax cuts permanent, saving the average Nebraska family of four making $80,000 from a tax increase of about $1,700.

“Additionally, this bill includes crucial defense spending increases, supplementing national defense by approximately $144 billion over four years, ensuring we can properly maintain our military readiness and take care of our troops. We're strengthening our borders through a new $12 billion grant fund to support states' border security efforts and approximately $90 billion in total border security investments.

“I worked closely with Republican leadership to advocate for the needs of Nebraskans and this bill, while not perfect, reflects that.”



Pork Producers’ Wins Included in House-Passed Reconciliation Bill
 
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement on the reconciliation package that passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
 
“America’s pork producers are one step closer to more certainty with the House’s reconciliation bill passage, which includes necessary legislation to keep farms afloat during uncertain times. At the same time, we will keep pressure on Congress to pass a five-year farm bill, which includes a fix to California Proposition 12.”
 
NPPC urges the Senate to advance the following provisions to ensure pork producers can continue to farm and have more certainty to pass down their farms to the next generation.

    Preserving necessary resources to protect the nation’s food supply through foreign animal disease (FAD) prevention, including:
    o    National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
    o    National Animal Health Laboratory Network
    o    National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
    o    National Veterinary Stockpile
     
    Increasing market access programs for U.S. pork.
    o    The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) build export markets for U.S. agricultural products through generic marketing and promotion and the reduction of foreign import constraints. For every $1 spent on MAP and FMD programs, U.S. agriculture saw $24.50 in export gains and contributed to the creation of 225,800 full-and part-time jobs across the U.S. economy.
     
    Maintaining resources for the feral swine eradication to protect the health of our herds.o    Established in the 2018 Farm Bill, the hugely successful Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program helps address the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, ecosystems, and human and animal health, especially through FADs like African swine fever.
     
    Making the Qualified Business Income Deduction permanent, allowing producers to make organizational decisions for their business not based solely on tax liability.
     
    Making Bonus Depreciation permanent at 100% to provide producers with flexibility to plan cash flows for major asset acquisitions.
     
    Changing the way the Business Interest Expense Limitation is calculated to avoid harming producers relying on borrowing to make improvements or normalize cash flow in poor market conditions.
     
    Making the Estate Tax Exemption increase permanent to prevent new tax exposure for family-owned farms.
     
    Substantially increasing the expensing limitations of Section 179 to provide producers flexibility in planning cash flows around major asset acquisitions.



NCBA Priorities Approved in House Reconciliation Bill

Several key priorities championed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) moved one step closer to becoming law when the U.S. House of Representatives passed their reconciliation bill. The bill includes key cattle health, disaster recovery, and tax priorities crucial to the success of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.
 
“Cattle farmers and ranchers need Congress to invest in cattle health, strengthen our resources against foreign animal disease, support producers recovering from disasters or depredation, and pass tax relief that protects family farms and ranches for future generations,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Thankfully, this reconciliation bill includes all these key priorities. NCBA was proud to help pass this bill in the House and we will continue pushing for these key policies until the bill is signed into law.”
 
The reconciliation bill includes provisions that are crucial to the success of cattle producers and will:
    Reimburse cattle producers for loss due to depredation by federally protected predators.
    Expand access to the livestock forage disaster program for producers experiencing drought.
    Continue funding the feral swine eradication program.
    Bolster the “three-legged stool” that protects the cattle industry from foreign animal disease, including the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). The NAVVCB currently houses emergency supplies for responding to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

Additionally, the bill includes key NCBA tax priorities that protect the legacy of family farms and ranches for future generations, such as:
    An increase to the estate and gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually. The package also makes this exemption permanent.
    Preserved stepped-up basis.
    A permanent increase to the Section 199A Small Business deduction from 20% to 23%.
    Expanding the limitation on Section 179 expensing from $1 million to $2.5 million.
    Reinstating the 100% bonus depreciation for five years.
    Extending the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023.

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association extends our gratitude to all the members of Congress who voted yes on this reconciliation package,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “America’s farming and ranching families sorely need the provisions in this bill to succeed. We strongly urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and deliver a win for our nation’s cattle producers.”



NCGA Comments on Next Steps for Budget Reconciliation Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” this week. The budget reconciliation legislation will next be considered by the U.S. Senate. In response to these developments, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman released the following statement:

“Congress took a large legislative step forward today with the House passage of the budget reconciliation bill. We encourage the U.S. Senate to include corn growers’ priorities as the legislation is changed and considered going forward. For example, the bill is an opportunity for extending year-round, consumer access to E15. We will continue to advocate for the inclusion of our tax and agriculture priorities, which are important to the financial wellbeing of farmers and their families.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Make Our Children Healthy Again Report
 
“Nebraska Farm Bureau is highly disappointed in the recently released Make Our Children Healthy Again or MAHA Report. It is abundantly clear the report was written to cast doubt and fear about our food system, highlighting outlier studies and unproven theories. At the same time, it makes an insincere attempt to celebrate farmers while pledging to help them thrive. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers are committed to improving human health outcomes with sound science and the use of the latest technology. As the MAHA Commission continues with their work, we hope there is a more transparent process with farmers involved and a heavy dose of science ultimately guiding the conversation.”



Iowa Corn Growers Deeply Troubled by MAHA Report Release

The Make America Healthy Again Commission released its long-awaited report, which denigrates the safety of key pesticides used by corn growers and other farmers. In response, the Iowa Corn Growers Association released the following statement:   

“The report released by the Make American Healthy Again Commission is deeply concerning to Iowa corn growers. Crop protection tools, like pesticides, are essential for farmers working to provide affordable, high-quality food to those around the world. Farmers should not have to defend themselves against misinformation when decades of scientific research prove these tools are not only safe but essential.   

“Farmers care deeply about leaving the land better than they found it. The crops farmers grow is the food they feed their own families, and together they strive to ensure that their agricultural products are safe and accessible for everyone who depends on them.”



Selecting the right supplements for your cows

When it comes to choosing the right mineral package for your cows, one size does NOT fit all. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the decision begins with two factors: the stage of production and the current diet.

“With much of the Iowa cow herd now being turned out on pasture, be sure to compare components formulated for early spring, breeding season, or late summer as you consider overall packages,” she said. “Some vitamins, minerals, and other additives provide specific value to this diet.”

For example, during the early, rapid growth stage of cool-season pastures and cover crops, it’s important that cows get extra magnesium.

“The vegetative grass is high in potassium, which is antagonistic to magnesium, and without adjusting to fortify the diet, there is a risk of grass tetany,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. “Once grass growth has slowed and the early cool-season species start to head out, the potassium content drops, and the extra magnesium is no longer needed.”

Copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, and similar trace minerals have a critical role in reproductive success. Many breeding packages will be formulated to have higher levels of these now than at other times of year.

Lundy-Woolfolk said vitamins play an important role in reproduction and a female's return to estrus, and some breeding packages will boost vitamin levels.

“However, most actively growing forages have high vitamin levels, so additional supplementation of vitamins is not warranted unless forage supplies dwindle and stored feed is fed,” she said.

Other feed additives can be used to combat nutritional and health challenges In the summer, garlic or IGR might be incorporated as a fly control measure. Another example would be feeding CTC to control anaplasmosis. Summer packages in fescue areas may have additives designed to reduce the impact of fescue toxicosis.



Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo Returns to Des Moines, July 21-23, 2025, for 5-Year Celebration of Ag Tech Innovation

Tech Hub LIVE Conference and ExpoSM, the premier event for ag retailers and precision ag professionals, returns to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, July 21-23, 2025, to mark five years of delivering real-world ag tech solutions under the theme “TECH THAT WORKS: Driving Efficiencies for Retailer Success and Farmer Resilience.”

Powered by the CropLife Media Group™, in partnership with the Global AgTech Initiative and AgriBusiness Global brands, Tech Hub LIVE continues to grow as the industry’s largest gathering of ag retailers, dealers, agronomists, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, and tech providers committed to advancing practical innovation in agriculture.

Opening Keynote Highlights:
    Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, will officially welcome attendees and open the conference with a forward-looking conversation on innovation, sustainability, and the future of farming.
    Jeff Blair, President and CEO of GreenPoint Ag, will headline the keynote presentation, “Beyond the Headwinds: Adapting & Advancing,” addressing the economic pressures facing ag retailers—from high input costs to market instability—and how technology is enabling new levels of efficiency and resilience.

“We’re navigating a tough landscape, but we’re not standing still,” said Blair. “With the right tools—automation, data analytics, precision systems—we’re not just adapting, we’re advancing. Tech Hub LIVE is where these conversations become action, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Registration is now open, with Early Bird Rates available through May 30 at www.TechHubLIVE.com.

The 2025 event will feature an active exhibit hall showcasing the latest technologies, along with a dynamic lineup of breakout sessions, panel discussions, expert exchanges, Tech Talks, and fireside chats with CropLife editors—offering unique insights into the future of ag retail and data-driven farming, while giving attendees the flexibility to tailor their experience across a wide range of sessions and formats.

Partner sponsors include Agri-Access and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, further reinforcing the event’s strategic focus on innovation and community impact.

“Tech Hub LIVE has always been about what works—solutions that help ag retailers and growers succeed today while preparing for what’s next,” said Amy Reddington, Show Director. “This year’s event marks a milestone and a moment to look ahead together.”

For more information or to register, visit www.TechHubLIVE.com.



Secretary Rollins Approves State Waivers to Make America Healthy Again by Removing Unhealthy Foods from SNAP in Indiana and Iowa

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Indiana and Iowa, each commencing in 2026. On Monday, Secretary Rollins signed the first-ever waiver of this kind in Nebraska.

“President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country. On my first day as Secretary, I sent a call to states to innovate, and Governors Jim Pillen, Kim Reynolds, Mike Braun, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Laura Kelly, Patrick Morrisey, Jared Polis, Brad Little, Spencer Cox, and Greg Abbott have stepped up and taken action. I look forward to signing even more waivers in the days ahead as we continue to restore the health of America,” said Secretary Rollins.

“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and today Secretary Rollins signed our waiver to return SNAP in Indiana to its intended purpose: nutrition. President Trump and Secretary Rollins are putting our farmers first and supporting American agriculture, and I was proud to join them today,” said Governor Braun.

“Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads,” said Governor Reynolds. “To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease—and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function—we need a change. Thank you to Secretary Rollins and her team for helping make that change happen.”

Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and personal care products. This historic action expands the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in Indiana and Iowa. Indiana’s waiver excludes soft drinks and candy, and it will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The waiver for Iowa excludes any food item eligible for sales tax including sweetened beverages, snacks, and candy, and this waiver will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

As part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, this historic action seeks to reverse alarming disease trends across the country. Prediabetes now affects one in three children ages 12 to 19; 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic condition; and 15% of high school students drink one or more sodas daily.



U.S. Grains Council, NCGA Observe Corn Planting In Nebraska

Earlier this month, Nebraska Corn invited U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) staff to visit local farms as they plant the 2025 corn crop and tour key cogs in the state’s agricultural value chain.

USGC Manager of Global Programs Samantha Redfern; USGC Industry Relations Coordinator Emily Schneider; USGC Manager of Global Programs Shuda Jarboe; USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson; and USGC Global Programs Coordinator John Owen attended to learn about the planting process and the conservation efforts in use to ensure healthy harvests for years to come.

“Planting season is the perfect opportunity for Council staff, especially new employees, to visit our members across the country and learn about their operations and their priorities in how their crops are grown, shipped and sold,” Redfern said.

Upon arrival, the group visited the greenhouse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus to observe the latest research and development in the academic agricultural community. Later, they stopped at the Nebraska Corn Board to learn about modern irrigation techniques that reduce the water consumption of U.S. corn.

The next day, USGC member POET hosted a tour at its Fairmont ethanol plant for staff to see how biofuels and their co-products, like distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn fermented protein (CFP), are produced.

For further insight into corn production and uses, the team visited the farms of Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Michael Dibbern and Nebraska Corn Board Director Dan Nerud to check in on their planting progress and study their production methods. Additionally, staff visited a local feedlot to further their understanding of feed grains' role throughout the value chain.

“International customers prefer to know as much as possible about where their product came from, and by visiting U.S. producers and sharing their stories, the Council’s staff is better equipped to nurture global market growth,” Redfern said. “Thank you to our members, Nebraska Corn and POET, for their warm hospitality and for contributing to the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.”



USMEF Conference Focuses on Innovative Solutions in a Challenging Trade Environment

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Spring Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday with a panel discussion in which senior international staff gave examples of innovative efforts to overcome trade challenges.

Jihae Yang, USMEF vice president for the Asia Pacific, noted that with high tariffs and other barriers severely limiting pork and beef exports to China, the organization has intensified campaigns aimed at moving items traditionally popular in China to alternative markets. For example USMEF partnered with a major retailer in South Korea for a promotion of U.S. beef short plate, after uncertainty over plant eligibility and higher tariffs made the product more difficult to move in China. Yang added that if the trade impasse with China persists, she foresees more U.S. short plate being available to importers and distributors in Southeast Asia.

Yang also updated members on how USMEF is working with a Korean meal kit manufacturer and a Japanese distributor to develop and promote items featuring U.S. pork bung. U.S. pork tongue trimmings are also being promoted in popular dishes in Japan’s casual dining sector.

Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF director for Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, explained that while Mexico has been developed into the largest destination for U.S. red meat, the U.S. industry now faces unprecedented levels of competition in the Mexican market. He noted that it is more important than ever to differentiate U.S. red meat from other suppliers’ products and educate consumers about its unique attributes.

“Right now a major focus for USMEF is to establish loyalty in the next generation of consumers, developing several programs for the future customer,” Rodriguez said. “With Mexico being a trading partner for so long, it can be easy to think of it as a mature market. But there are always new markets within the market that we can expand, and new tactics we can employ. Our mobile grill academy is a good example, where we highlight the unique attributes of U.S. red meat all across the country.”

USMEF Latin America Representative Homero Recio highlighted the U.S. industry’s efforts to overcome Colombia’s restrictions on U.S. beef, which were imposed for much of last year due to findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows. The ban, which eventually extended to beef from 14 U.S. states, was lifted in September 2024 but the impact has persisted, in part because it created a new opportunity in the Colombian market for Canadian beef. Recio said that while reclaiming this business has not been easy, it has resulted in heightened efforts to establish customer loyalty to U.S. red meat.

“This really gave us the resolve to say, ‘we're going to get this back, we're going to fight back,’” he explained. "In the past, we often talked about ‘our importers.’ Well, you know what? ‘Our importers’ went and bought Canadian beef. So we have to go to the next level, whether it's with a supermarket chain or a foodservice chain, and develop a further, stronger relationship with them and really tie them to a brand.”

John Newton, executive head of Terrain, was the featured speaker at USMEF’s Thursday general session. Newton applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of President Trump’s budget reconciliation bill earlier that morning.

“If anybody stayed up until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning last night, you know that President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ made it over the finish line in the House. There is work to do in the Senate, but the bill touches on a lot of the Farm Bill elements that farmers have been asking for.”

Newton explained the urgency of many farm programs included in the bill as he described some of the major challenges facing agriculture, especially row crop producers. Farm operating costs remain elevated while revenue derived for major crops have been below cost of production for three straight years, he said. Input costs show no signs of going down, while crop prices have – in some cases – fallen by 30% and show no signs of improvement.

“For seven years now, Congress has responded to ag market conditions with annual ad hoc support for agriculture. But it's that federal support that's been propping up the farm economy. It's not because we're seeing higher grain prices.”

Newton described the process the bill will undergo in the Senate and while expecting some modifications, believes the goal in the Senate is to get it signed by July 4.

Newton highlighted an increase in funding for USDA’s export market development programs as critical support for America’s farmers and ranchers. Strengthening these programs will be very helpful in finding and developing new markets around the world. Newton added that the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is particularly bullish on expanding American agriculture’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

“The world becomes more competitive each year, so, it's really important for us to get out and find those new deals to help the farm economy,” Newton explained. “Trade is clearly a focus of this administration, and I think President Trump will push for substantive progress ahead of next year’s midterm elections. In fact, I might be one of the few people who thinks we're going to get a Phase Two deal with China.”

Heightened U.S.-China trade tensions, which have severely limited beef and pork exports to China in recent weeks, were a major topic of discussion throughout the USMEF Spring Conference. But President and CEO Dan Halstrom noted that rather than dwell on trade obstacles, the conversation focused mostly on how to develop and capitalize on alternative destinations.

“USMEF’s focus is on bringing solutions to the table,” Halstrom said. “So when we see something like China happen, we're pivoting on the demand side – and this is what our membership expects of us. That's why we have these offices all over the world, 105 employees in 20 regions, and that's what they are there for – to be as nimble as possible at finding solutions when there are changes in market conditions and market access.”

Opening day speakers at the USMEF Spring Conference included CattleFax CEO Randy Blach and Rick Stott, President and CEO of Superior Farms. Highlights from their remarks are available in this press release.

USMEF members will next meet at the organization’s annual Strategic Planning Conference, Nov. 12-14 in Indianapolis.



Soybean Farmers Decry Unscientific MAHA Commission Report That Ironically Will Make Americans Less Healthy

The American Soybean Association strongly rebukes the May 22 Make America Healthy Again Commission report for being brazenly unscientific and damaging to consumer confidence in America’s safe, reliable food system. Should the administration act on the report—which was drafted entirely behind closed doors— it will harm U.S. farmers, increase food costs for consumers, and worsen health outcomes for all Americans. ASA calls on President Trump, who has long been a friend of farmers, to step in and correct the Commission’s deeply misguided report.

Farmers represented by ASA are disturbed the MAHA report contains recommendations that are not at all grounded in science and seem to advance the agenda of food elitists and activist groups that have long sought to undermine U.S. agriculture. These developments are even more troubling after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. falsely assured members of Congress earlier in the week of the report’s release that, “there is not a single word in [the report] that should worry the American farmer.”

ASA Director Alan Meadows grows soybeans in Halls, Tennessee. As ASA’s Regulatory Committee Chairman, he understands explicitly the implications of the MAHA report and spoke to the deep concerns of he and ASA’s full farmer board: “Both farmers and members of Congress tried to warn the administration that activist groups were trying to hijack the MAHA Commission to advance their longstanding goal of harming U.S. farmers. Reading this report, it appears that is exactly what has happened.”

MAHA’s misleading report suggests glyphosate, atrazine and other pesticides essential to farmers are potential contributors to health ailments.

“Activist organizations and trial lawyers are already engaged in baseless lawfare on pesticides. By bizarrely, without reason singling out two specific pesticides, the administration has offered activists a gift on a silver platter. Those groups will be poised to use the report to advance litigation aimed at taking away these tools American farmers use safely and effectively to produce our food,” Meadows said. “It is sad—and downright unjust—that, because of this one unfounded report, those decisions likely will be made by a judge and the court of public opinion instead of the regulatory system created for these very decisions and based on years and reams of credible science and research.”

In addition to repeated safety findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ASA notes that glyphosate was recently re-approved by the European Union for 10 years after finding it safe. These findings follow similar conclusions from regulators in Canada, Japan, the UK, Australia, South Korea, and elsewhere.

Concerningly, this report may also undermine national security. If domestic manufacturers exit the market due to increased and unfounded liability created by the report, the U.S. will be almost entirely reliant on China—which currently produces more than 80% of the world’s glyphosate—for continued supplies of this essential agricultural tool.

ASA is also disturbed the report implies seed oils are contributors to reduced human health. Significant research conducted over decades shows that plant-based oils are low in saturated fats and can improve health outcomes. For example, a March 2025 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found after following more than 220,000 individuals for more than 30 years that frequent consumption of plant-based oils led to a 16% reduction in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments when compared to alternatives high in saturated fat.

“This is truly a case of saying up is down and down is up,” Meadows said. “We’re discouraging people from consuming heart-healthy oils and driving them to instead use fats that will make them less healthy and cost them more in the process. This is the exact opposite of what our government should be doing.”

A third-party economic study released in April and conducted on behalf of ASA and the United Soybean Board found that removing seed oils from the food supply could increase consumer costs for edible fats and oils by as much as 42%.

The Executive Order creating the MAHA Commission directs that a second report be issued within 80 days of this report, providing policy recommendations based on the findings of the first report.

U.S. soybean farmers call on President Trump to intervene and correct the glaring misinformation and anti-farmer findings in this first report. Further, farmers implore the president to create a process for public input for any follow-up reports to ensure activists cannot again use a closed-door process to harm American farmers and consumers.



Corn Growers Deeply Troubled by MAHA Report Release

The Make America Healthy Again Commission today released its long-awaited report, which denigrates the safety of key pesticides used by corn growers and other farmers. In response, the National Corn Growers Association released the following statement:

“The Make America Healthy Again Report is filled with fear-based rather than science-based information about pesticides. We are deeply troubled that claims of this magnitude are being made without any scientific basis or regard for a long history of EPA expert evaluations of these products.

“Decades of extensive research and testing show that pesticides, including atrazine and glyphosate, can be applied safely for their intended uses. If the administration’s goal is to bring more efficiency to government, then why is the secretary of Health and Human Services duplicating efforts by raising questions about pesticides that have been answered repeatedly through research and reviews by federal regulatory bodies?

“We call on the administration to respect the existing body of science on pesticides and, moving forward, to include America’s farmers in discussion as this process evolves.”



Pork Producers Work to Fill Protein Gap in America, Despite MAHA Report Implications
 
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement on the ‘Make American Healthy Again’ (MAHA) Commission report.
 
“U.S. pork producers are proud to provide a safe and nutrient-dense protein for all Americans, and we support honest efforts to continuously improve our nation’s health and prosperity. Like others in farming and agriculture, we agree that nutritious, healthy, safe, and affordable protein from meat should be widely accessible so everyone can achieve the basic needs of a balanced diet. Filling our nation’s protein gap is critical, especially for those focused on food insecurity and improving the health of our nation.
 
“Efforts that not only exclude agriculture’s input, but also undermine the work of farmers serving our nation, are misguided and detrimental to all who care about facts and truth. Inflammatory rhetoric and distortions, meant to galvanize attention to achieve particular ideological outcomes, are harmful and undermine the world-class safety and reliability of the American food system. We urge extreme caution and recognize this as a moment for leadership that not only fosters and maintains trust in the foods we consume but also defends farmers against unwarranted and unfounded attacks.
 
“Our current system of producing food at scale for a vast and growing nation has unleashed prosperity and opportunity from coast to coast, and it is built on the strength of the shrinking number of us who continue to farm. Right now, it is vital for policy makers, members of Congress, and executive branch officials to ensure that America’s food security – and farm families like mine – remain strong, vibrant, and lasting.
 
“We urge President Trump to support America’s farmers, who use modern practices to feed 98% of the population. We implore this administration to ensure farmers have a seat at the table when discussions and decisions impacting our livelihoods are made. On behalf of my fellow 60,000+ pork producers and our commitment to continuous improvement, we stand ready and willing to assist and partner in transparent, risk-based research to further the health of our nation.”



NFU Statement on the Make America Healthy Again Commission Report

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statement today upon the release of the Make America Healthy Again Commission Report:

“NFU appreciates the attention the White House brings to the health and well-being of America’s children. We agree that addressing chronic disease, nutrition and environmental exposures must be grounded in sound science, transparency and a commitment to public health.

“Farmers and ranchers live, work and raise their families on the same land where they grow the safe, nutritious food that feeds our nation and the world. Policy solutions must ensure family farmers retain the tools they need to support their livelihoods and the well-being of their communities. Innovation has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, and we must be cautious not to stymie progress with one-size-fits-all restrictions.

“The report rightly highlights the threat of corporate consolidation in our food and agriculture system. As small and mid-sized farmers are pushed out, diversity in farming, local food systems and rural economies decline. Improving health outcomes must go hand-in-hand with restoring fairness and competition. We stand ready to work with the administration on meaningful solutions to this long-standing issue.

“Farmers are key partners in building a healthier food system. But meaningful progress requires that farmers have a seat at the table. Disregarding the expertise of respected regulatory bodies and leaving farmers out of the conversation undermines public trust and puts the future of American agriculture and rural economies at risk. We urge the administration to include the voices of family farmers and ranchers as they continue this work and to ensure that solutions are rooted in sound science, fairness and transparency.”



John Deere Acquires Sentera to Integrate Aerial Field Scouting

John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today the acquisition of Sentera, a leading provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. This acquisition will advance the capabilities of John Deere’s existing technology offerings, providing farmers and ag service providers with a more comprehensive set of tools to generate and use data to make decisions that improve farm profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.

“We’re excited to add Sentera’s talented team to our organization and integrate their advanced solutions into the suite of John Deere tools that help farmers do more with less,” said Chris Winkler, Director of Digital Software and Solutions at John Deere. “Combining Sentera’s imagery capabilities with the John Deere Operations Center™ will enable farmers and trusted advisors to seamlessly gather and integrate agronomic data, understand real-time conditions, and turn data into insights that drive decisions in the field throughout the growing season.”

Sentera’s industry-leading cameras are compatible with most major drone platforms and enable farmers and crop scouts to quickly and efficiently capture high-resolution data at scale. Their capabilities and FieldAgent software tools help farmers and agronomists assess plant-level health, identify stressors, and take action. In addition, SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds, a customized herbicide prescription, can be delivered to sprayers with individual nozzle control.

Drones equipped with Sentera technology fly over fields at high speeds and generate high-resolution images. These images are processed with Sentera’s FieldAgent application to identify the exact location of specific weeds and generate a weed map. This map becomes a targeted prescription for how much product a farmer needs to load into their sprayer, helping minimize waste. Once the prescription is generated, it can be wirelessly sent to compatible equipment through the John Deere Operations Center.

Weed maps are just one example of actionable data that is enabled with Sentera scouting technology. The same process can be used in a field to assess crop stand uniformity, disease pressure, and pests. Integrating Sentera also supports John Deere’s approach to meeting farmers where they are on the technology adoption journey. It offers new precision capabilities to a broad range of customers while also complementing more advanced precision ag technologies, including See & Spray™.

“As a customer of John Deere and Sentera today, the value of this integration is clear,” said Nick Einck, Director of Agronomy at Chandler Coop in Chandler, Minnesota. “Sentera’s scouting solutions allow us to quickly gather data across more acres and with greater detail, enabling us to customize our approach to each field. Coupled with the John Deere technologies we already leverage today, we can be more efficient and deliver even better outcomes for our customers.”

Sentera will continue to supply cameras directly to drone manufacturers for integration into their products, as well as sell to farmers, agronomists, ag retailers, and other users. The John Deere Operations Center will continue to be open for other drone imagery providers for integration, as well, ensuring customers and their trusted advisors continue to have choices on the solutions that work best for their operation.

“John Deere provides us a great outcome and is exactly the right home for Sentera,” said Brian Wenngatz, CEO of Sentera. “They are the industry benchmark for innovation in precision agriculture, and they share our belief that the future of access to these technologies is built on trusted relationships, measurable insights, and scalable platforms. Together, we’ll be able to support more farmers and help them unlock even more value.”