Thursday May 22 Ag News

 Screwworm eradication: a tale of modern politics
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

By now you all have heard or read that the border with Mexico was closed again on May 11 to imports of live cattle and other ungulates; (https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/05/11/secretary-rollins-suspends-live-animal-imports-through-ports-entry-along-southern-border-effective). We discussed the first border closure in this column in December of 2024.

We are grateful USDA Secretary Rollins took this step “to protect the livestock industry of the United States from this devastating pest.” Detection of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in cattle were made as far north as the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca in southern Mexico, about 700 miles from the nearest US border. By any measure and considering that there are at least four months of warm temperatures, high humidity and southerly breezes blowing from the Gulf of America left, it is not beyond the scope of possibility that the NWS blowfly could make it into the US this year. Transmission by infected wildlife is also a possibility.

In the December column, we spoke about efforts under way to eradicate this pest. Eradication is based on releasing sufficient sterile male flies to overwhelm the natural NWS blowfly population. Female blowflies mate once generally while males cover many females.

What is considered minimum sterile male blowfly release? In the late 1950’s in Florida, it was estimated that 50 million sterile male flies released weekly over 32 million acres led to eradication of NWS in that area.

Data from the COPEG (The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Cattle Screwworm; https://www.copeg.org) are not easily obtained as their website is not updated regularly. The latest update was made on January 11, 2025, wherein COPEG reported weekly production and delivery flights of 109 million sterile males and 26 flights. Even the most recent case statistics posted on their website (as of January 11, 2025) has only three cases reported in Mexico. The most recent case statistics map is provided by USDA APHIS (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm/outbreak-central-america) for March 28, 2025. Although the source cited in the map is COPEG. This map reveals a larger number of cases in the southern states of Mexico bordering with Central America and the states of

Veracruz and Oaxaca than COPEG website. (A report in a Mexican newspaper cites over 1,400 cases in these states; https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/suman-1-400-casos-gusano-barrenador-mexico-20250519-759617.html)

Unfortunately, at a time when information should be more readily available, and many politicians and government officials declared that they will be transparent, information available to the public on this pest progresses slowly and inconsistently.

In the meantime, various news outlets in the US and Mexico reported that the Mexican president described Secretary Rollins’s action to close the border unfair. What is lost in this emotional showdown is the fact that Mexico had imposed limitations on USDA aircraft flights to deliver sterile males in Mexican airspace. Mexico refused landing permits, applied duties on flight components, sterile flies, and sterile insect technique equipment, which negatively affected USDA efforts to eradicate this pest.

Long before the Internet and while color TV was being introduced, Mexico and the United States cooperated effectively in eradicating this pest once. Taking into consideration the advances in technology, communication, and flight, etc., this should not be a difficult international effort to undertake. Yet, emotions, at least on the surface, but likely other conflicting interests are creating complications in efforts to eradicate this pest.

One might suspect that internal cattle market conditions in Mexico would influence politicians’ decisions to support eradication efforts. Yet, the feeder cattle market in Mexico has not suffered much. Feeder calves weighing from 400 to 440 lb sold for $261/cwt in Tamaulipas while the border was open in April; yet they only dropped $40/cwt since the announcement of the border closure.

Generally, 1.25 million head of feeder cattle are imported from Mexico with peak months during April and May. Data from USDA indicated that only 80,000 live feeders were imported in March 2025 while 117,000 feeders were imported during the same month in 2024. (Although the border was open in March of 2025, this reduction in number demonstrates the effect of more intense surveillance in 2025). Collectively, from November of 2023 to March of 2024, nearly 600,000 feeders were imported from Mexico while during the same period between 2024 and 2025, only 200,000 feeders crossed the border from Mexico.

Volatility is expected to remain in feeder cattle supply and prices for the rest of 2025. Re-opening the border might take at least 60 days. At the same time, the prospect of heifer retention to expand the US beef cowherd is dependent on timely and sustained precipitation. Concurrently, US dairies committed too many cows to insemination with beef semen. This all led to a decline in replacement heifer supply in dairies. These factors will support feeder calf prices reaching new highs.



Ricketts Leads Beef Month Resolution

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a resolution to designate May 2025 as Beef Month in America. Ricketts is a longtime champion — and enjoyer — of Nebraska beef. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and John Cornyn (R-TX) co-led this resolution.

“Nebraska is the beef state. Last year, we led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports. We lead the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head. We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation,” said Ricketts. “Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world. Cattle and beef production delivers billions of dollars to our economy every year. This month, we honor hard-working cattlewomen and men.”

“Nebraska is the beef state – and we’re proud of it,” said Senator Fischer. ”I want to thank Senator Ricketts for leading this resolution to officially designate May as National Beef Month and recognize the important role Nebraska’s ranchers play in raising cattle and producing high quality beef.”

“Thanks to the work of America’s cattle producers, nothing compares to our nation’s beef,” Senator Marshall said. “From gate to plate, beef plays a crucial role in our economy and our diets. As the third-largest red meat-producing state in the nation, hundreds of Kansas communities are built on the cattle industry, and I’m proud to partner with Senators Ricketts and Fischer to recognize May as National Beef Month.”

“Texas ranchers are the backbone of America’s beef supply, and their hard work is often done in dark hours and without thanks. I’m proud to join Senator Ricketts and my colleagues on a resolution to recognize May as National Beef Month,” said Sen. Cornyn.

“As the number one beef exporting state in the nation, Nebraska is home to thousands of hardworking beef cattle producers who are proud to provide consumers with the safest, highest-quality, and most delicious beef in the world,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Dick Pierce. “We thank Senator Ricketts for recognizing the importance of nutritious American beef to our nation.”

“We want to thank Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts for introducing a Senate Resolution recognizing May 2025 as National Beef Month and proudly join in celebrating the vital role beef plays in Nebraska’s economy, culture, and rural communities,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation President Mark McHargue. ”Nebraska leads the nation in commercial red meat production and ranks first in cattle on feed, with the beef industry contributing over $12 billion annually to our state’s economy. Nebraska's cattle producers are committed to producing high-quality beef that feeds families across the country and around the world. This resolution honors their hard work and reinforces the importance of our state's #1 industry, beef production.”



Ricketts Discusses Biofuels and Year-Round Nationwide E15 with Secretary Zeldin

Wednesday, during an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing with Administrator of the EPA Lee Zeldin, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the importance of biofuels to Nebraskan farmers and reaffirmed the use of sound science and risk-based analysis in regulatory action. Ricketts underscored the value nationwide, year-round E15 offers for consumers, farmers, and the environment.

“I know that everybody here knows that I love this committee because we get to talk about biofuels, so that’s what we’re going to do for a little bit here,” said Ricketts. “Supporting biofuels is consistent with President Trump’s mandate to unleash American energy. Year-round, nationwide E15 sales are a no-brainer in my humble opinion. It’s affordable, drives farm profits, and lessens energy reliance on adversaries.”

Ricketts’ comments were made in a hearing of the Committee on Environment and Public Works entitled: “The U.S. Environmental protection Agency’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.” The witness was Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Ricketts is co-leading bipartisan Congressional Review Act legislation to block the Biden EV mandate. He recently introduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act to expand the use of biofuels on ships and has led bipartisan resolutions designating May as Renewable Fuels Month each of the last two years. Senator Ricketts is also supporting Senator Deb Fischer’s bill to make the year-round sale of E15 permanent across the country.



Smith: House Passage of Reconciliation Bill Historic Win Years in the Making

Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed, with his support, a legislative package to advance President Trump's priorities to enact tax relief, secure the border, promote energy abundance, and expand economic growth.

“Passage of this legislation is a hard-fought win for the American people and years in the making. Through unprecedented coordination and collaboration across numerous committees, House Republicans have fulfilled our commitments to bring tax relief and certainty to American families, seniors, small businesses, and our hardworking agriculture producers. I am pleased the package includes measures I have led to drive major investment empowering parental choice in education and end the IRS's unlawful, unfair, and expensive Direct File program. The bill prevents a more than $2 trillion tax increase on middle- and low-income Americans and opens the door to an historic era of American prosperity. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass it so President Trump can sign it into law.”



April Milk Production in the United States up 1.5 Percent

Milk production in the United States during April totaled 19.4 billion pounds, up 1.5 percent from April 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,055 pounds for April, 11 pounds above April 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.43 million head, 89,000 head more than April 2024, and 5,000 head more than March 2025.



USMEF Spring Conference Underway in Fort Worth

Representatives of the entire U.S. red meat supply chain gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, Wednesday as the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) opened its Spring Conference. USMEF Chair Steve Hanson, a rancher, cattle feeder and grain farmer from southwestern Nebraska, welcomed members with an optimistic message, despite heightened uncertainty in the trade policy arena.

“While our industry is obviously facing many challenges, it’s also a very exciting time to be in the red meat business,” Hanson said. “Our products are better than ever, and international demand is outstanding. There are many factors we cannot control, so it is important to remain customer-focused and not lose sight of our mission, which is to expand the global footprint for U.S. pork, beef and lamb.”

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom built on this theme, noting that demand for U.S. red meat is at record levels in many international markets, even in the face of heightened competition.

“A lot of times the best defense is a strong offense, and in many key markets we are doing both,” said Halstrom. “We're defending where necessary, especially against newcomers like Brazil, which has recently gained greater access in several key regions. But at the same time we are aggressively pursuing new opportunities in both established and emerging markets.”

As an example, Halstrom pointed to the recent expansion of USMEF’s staff presence, with new representation in West Africa and Malaysia, and an additional staff member in Indonesia. He also shared video highlights from USMEF’s recent two-day trade seminar in Accra, Ghana, which attracted buyers from 12 African nations.

Halstrom concluded by comparing USMEF’s approach to international marketing to the insights shared recently at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders’ meeting. He noted that Berkshire’s leadership views holdings in markets such as Japan, for example, as investments of 50 years or more, focusing on company fundamentals rather than being distracted by short-term issues that dominate headlines.

“That's really what USMEF does as well, focusing on the long-term vision of building demand in targeted export markets,” Halstrom explained. “Global populations are growing and the middle class is expanding, but it's really about the spending power. We're not focused on all consumers. We're focused on the top tiers in these markets and those top tiers want and can pay for high-quality proteins. So despite there being a lot of noise about international trade, we're going to keep our eye on the ball and remain focused on the long term.”

Rick Stott, president and CEO of Superior Farms, explained how community and industry interests came together to overcome a proposal advanced by anti-agriculture activists last year. Voters in Denver rejected a ballot initiative that would have banned slaughterhouses within the city limits. If passed, the measure would have forced closure of Superior Farms’ lamb processing facility, which employs about 160 workers and provides essential services for lamb producers.

“We took a survey right out of the gate and one of the things we found was that economic impact was very important to the community,” said Stott. “We were blessed to have Colorado State University jump on board early on to identify what was close to a $1 billion dollar negative impact on the city of Denver and the surrounding communities, if we disappeared.”

Stott also highlighted the powerful support Superior Farms received, not only from the meat and livestock industries, but also from a community that cared deeply about the livelihood of Superior’s employees and their families. This was amplified by the company’s decision to open its plant to more than 1,000 visitors and observers in the months leading up to the November election.

“Some of them may not like what we do, but they all appreciated it,” Stott explained. “They appreciated our employees, because when they came through our plant, they saw people who were happy to come to work. They saw people who were engaged in what they do, proud of the jobs they did and proud of their company.”

Keynote speaker Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, provided USMEF members with a cautiously optimistic outlook on the U.S. cattle industry’s herd rebuilding efforts. He noted that cow slaughter has declined significantly, providing greater herd stability. And while heifer retention has been slow to develop, Blach sees enough encouraging signs that he feels January 2025 will prove to be the low point of this cattle cycle.

“Does this [rebuild] look anything like it did back in 2014 and 2015 – the most rapid expansion in the history of the industry?” Blach said. “No, this one isn't that way. It is much, much slower, just as we expected it would be. And I think you need to plan on it continuing to be a slower expansion as it unfolds.”

Blach provided a broad outlook of the U.S. protein market, analyzing demand trends for beef, pork and poultry. He noted that the beef industry’s heightened focus on quality has paid enormous dividends – not in terms of consumption volume, but in consumers’ willingness to pay for higher-quality cuts.

“When you look at demand across all proteins, chicken is capturing 50% of the stomach but 25% of the wallet,” Blach explained. “Beef, on the other hand, is getting 25% of the stomach and 50% of the wallet. Which would you rather have?”

Blach said exports continue to make critical contributions to the bottom line of U.S. livestock and poultry producers, who collectively export about 17% of total production. The pork sector leads the way at 30%, with beef exports accounting for about 14% of production.

“Right now we are in a profitable period across the board, for cattle, pork and poultry producers,” Blach. “And that’s something we hadn’t seen in several years.”

The conference continues Thursday with guest speaker John Newton, Ph.D., executive head of Terrain, discussing the challenges involved in developing the new Farm Bill, as well as the latest on agricultural appropriations, tariffs and trade, and other critical policy issues. Following this presentation, USMEF’s Beef, Pork, Exporter and Feedgrain/Oilseed breakouts will offer detailed discussions on topics pertinent to each sector.

At Friday's closing business session, Jihae Yang, USMEF VP for the Asia Pacific, Latin America Representative Homero Recio and Gerardo Rodriguez, regional director for Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, will update members on promotional campaigns, consumer trends and trade challenges in their respective markets.



USMEF Statement on Luke Lindberg's Nomination Advancing from Senate Agriculture Committee

The Senate Agriculture Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Luke Lindberg to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

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

USMEF thanks the Senate Agriculture Committee for advancing Luke Lindberg’s nomination and we encourage the full Senate to move quickly on his confirmation. We have seen firsthand Mr. Lindberg’s passion for expanding global demand for U.S. agricultural products, including U.S. red meat.

USMEF receives tremendous support from agricultural organizations in South Dakota, and in his role as CEO of South Dakota Trade, Mr. Lindberg was a champion for ag exports and helped to convey the importance of international trade to producers and other industry stakeholders. His experience with the Export-Import Bank and the America First Policy Institute will also serve him very well in the role of under secretary.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/16/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 16, ethanol production scaled up 4.3% to 1.04 million b/d, equivalent to 43.51 million gallons daily. Output was 1.7% higher than the same week last year and 3.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.02 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.73 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 2.0% to 24.9 million barrels, the lowest weekly volume since mid-January. Yet, stocks were 3.0% more than the same week last year and 7.0% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2), were flat in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), and rose in the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sank 1.7% to a five-week low of 8.64 million b/d (132.88 bg annualized). Demand was 7.2% less than a year ago and 5.9% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, down 1.1% to 919,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.13 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.7% less than year-ago levels and 0.8% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports declined 17.5% to an estimated 94,000 b/d (3.9 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



April Hired Workers Up 3 Percent; Gross Wage Rate Increased 3 Percent from Previous Year

There were 637,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on the Nation's farms and ranches during the week of April 6-12, 2025, up 3 percent from the April 2024 reference week. Workers hired directly by farm operators numbered 512,000 during the week of January 12-18, 2025, up 3 percent from the January 2024 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average gross wage of $19.52 per hour during the April 2025 reference week, up 3 percent from the April 2024 reference week. Field workers received an average of $18.58 per hour, up 2 percent. Livestock workers earned $18.15 per hour, up 4 percent. The field and livestock worker combined gross wage rate, at $18.43 per hour, was up 3 percent from the 2024 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 40.8 hours during the April 2025 reference week, up slightly from the hours worked during the April 2024 reference week.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average gross wage of $19.80 per hour during the January 2025 reference week, up 2 percent from the January 2024 reference week. Field workers received an average of $18.70 per hour, up 1 percent, while livestock workers earned $18.15 per hour, up 4 percent from a year earlier. The field and livestock worker combined gross wage rate, at $18.46 per hour, was up 2 percent from the January 2024 reference week. Hired laborers worked an average of 40.0 hours during the January 2025 reference week, up 3 percent from the hours worked during the January 2024 reference week.



NGFA urges CFTC to reject 24/7 agricultural futures trading proposal

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today submitted comments to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in strong opposition to any expansion of agricultural futures trading hours to a 24/7 schedule. The letter responds to the CFTC’s request for comments on the potential implications of round-the-clock derivatives trading.

NGFA members—including commercial hedgers who rely on agricultural futures markets to manage price risk—warn that extending trading hours would increase costs and volatility without corresponding benefits to market function.

“Our members have been clear—expanding trading hours to 24/7 would disrupt current risk management practices, increase operational costs, and create unnecessary exposure,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “We hope the CFTC will recognize that longer trading hours do not equal stronger markets.”

The letter highlights industry concerns about diluted market liquidity, higher staffing and compliance burdens, and the disconnect between cash and futures market operations.



Anhydrous Price Down Slightly; Urea, UAN28, UAN32 Up Significantly for Third Week

For the third consecutive week, average retail prices for three fertilizers led prices for seven of the major fertilizers higher. But for the first time in 12 weeks, the price of one fertilizer was slightly lower than last month during the second week of May, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Average retail prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month. Prices for three of those were significantly higher, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

Leading the way higher again was the price of urea, which was up 9% from last month at $469 per ton. Both UAN28 and UAN32 were 8% more expensive than last month. UAN28 had an average price of $412 per ton, while UAN32 was $484 per ton. The prices of four other fertilizers were up just slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $794 per ton, MAP $825/ton, potash $469/ton and 10-34-0 $666/ton.

For the first time since the last week of February 2025, the price of one fertilizer was down from the prior month. Anhydrous had an average price of $777/ton, down from $781/ton the second week of April.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.68/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.76/lb.N.

The prices of five fertilizers are now higher compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% higher, 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive, both urea and UAN28 are 13% higher and UAN32 is 16% higher looking back to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% lower, anhydrous is 2% less expensive and potash is 8% lower compared to last year.



New Poll Shows Americans Back the Value of Pesticides in Protecting Food Affordability and Choice

A new national survey of 1,000 registered voters commissioned by CropLife America (CLA) reveals strong trust in American farmers and public recognition of the benefits pesticides provide in making food more affordable and accessible.

The May 2025 poll was conducted by Adam Geller of National Research Inc., who served as one of President Trump’s pollsters in 2016 and was one of the lead pollsters for Trump-endorsed SuperPACS in 2020 and 2024. The poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans approve of the job American farmers are doing, underscoring their vital role in feeding the nation. Importantly, an overwhelming majority of voters agree that when farmers use tools like pesticides to control weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests, it leads to greater food choices and lower grocery costs for families.

The data also reveals that concerns about pesticide use are low among the public, with only 4% agreeing that banning or restricting these products should be the highest priority for the forthcoming Make America Healthy Again Commission’s initial assessment. This was compared to 27% who prioritize children and teen mental health, and 24% who prioritize teaching children about healthy food choices.

“This poll confirms what America’s farmers have known for generations: the public trusts them and understands that pesticides are an essential tool for growing the food we all rely on,” said CLA President and CEO Alexandra Dunn. “When we protect American crops, we protect American families by keeping prices down and helping ensure an affordable and abundant supply of fruits, vegetables, and grains.”

“As families continue to strain to put fresh, healthy food on their tables, Americans recognize that pesticides are essential tools for an abundant and cost-effective food supply,” said pollster Adam Geller.

A plurality of voters support farmers’ current use of pesticides. After learning more about the science supporting pesticide use and how extensively well-regulated they already are, this jumps 10-points from initial support, with a corresponding increase in trust that farmers use these tools responsibly.



Claims Now Open in $83.5 Million Settlement with JBS in Cattle Antitrust Case

On February 20, 2025, the Cattle Plaintiffs in the In re: Cattle and Beef Antitrust Litigation against JBS, Tyson, Cargill and National Beef received preliminary approval of an $83.5 million settlement with JBS. The class action lawsuit, filed in 2019 by National Farmers Union (NFU), R-CALF USA and four individual ranchers, alleges anticompetitive conduct in the cattle market. Eligible parties may now submit claims under the terms of the JBS settlement.

The court’s action establishes certain deadlines for persons who may be eligible to share in the JBS settlement. The settlement classes covered by the proposed settlement include, subject to certain exclusions and conditions, all persons or entities: a) within the U.S. that directly sold fed cattle for slaughter to Tyson, JBS, Cargill and/or National Beef from June 1, 2015, to February 29, 2020, other than pursuant to a cost-plus agreement and/or a profit sharing agreement; b) who held a long position in live cattle futures traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) prior to June 1, 2015, and subsequently liquidated the long position through an offsetting market transaction at any point prior to November 1, 2016. The deadline to submit claims is September 15, 2025.   

The settlement website, www.CattleAntitrustSettlement.com, informs both cattle feeders and futures traders of the details of the settlement. The website also provides instructions as to how claims can be filed, and how persons can object or opt out of the settlement.  

NFU urges those who meet the Settlement Classes’ description above to review the information on the website and submit claims before the September 15, 2025, deadline.

As noted in the claim form, any information feeders and futures traders submit in connection with their claim “will be maintained confidentially and will not be made available publicly or to any Defendant.”   

The Cattle Plaintiffs are represented by Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP, Cafferty Clobes Meriwether & Sprengel LLP and Robins Kaplan LLP.

The court has appointed a Claims Administrator that can answer any questions potential class members may have about the JBS settlement, including any questions regarding how to submit a claim to share in the JBS settlement.  The Claims Administrator can be reached at 1-844-435-8844 or Info@CattleAntitrustSettlement.com.



Apply by June 9 for Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“This competition supports incredible entrepreneurs who are making sure agriculture is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you have a vision for how your business can drive agriculture forward, apply today.”

Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Aug. 4. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest.

The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2026 in Anaheim, California, to win:
      Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
      Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile.

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include Gripp, which offers farmers an operator-centric way to keep records of assets in combination with communication tools to keep everyone connected (2025 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner) and Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, a company that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples (2024 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner). Other examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at fb.org/challenge.

Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.fb.org/about/get-involved to learn about becoming a member.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 9.