Thursday September 04 Ag News

 NeFU Brings Ten Participants to the National Farmers Union Fly-In

Ten Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members are headed to Washington, D.C. September 7-10 to participate in the 2025 National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Fly-In.  The NeFU group has meetings scheduled with the Nebraska Congressional Delegation as well as Representatives from other states and various regulatory agencies. The annual Fly-In usually brings 275-300 family farmers and ranchers to the halls of Congress.  

NeFU President John Hansen of Lincoln will head up the Nebraska delegation. “Hansen said “We are going on this Fly-In with a sense of urgency as we ask Congress to pass an updated and improved Farm Bill ahead of the September 30th deadline. The financial squeeze is on in ag country. Our producers need the rest of the income safety net tools that did not get funded as part of the budget reconciliation process, especially our younger and beginning farmers that the 2022 Census of Agriculture says makes up a fourth of our producers. Nebraska is depending on those younger next generation producers to be the future of agriculture. Congress needs to step up and finish the Farm Bill rather than kick the can down the road a fourth time.”

Attending this year are Farmers Union Midwest Agency (FUMA) General Manager Jeff Downing of Ashland, FUMA agent Tye Johnson of Holdrege and his wife Becky, NeFU District 6 Director Andrew Tonnies of North Bend; Bill Armbrust of Elkhorn, NeFU District 7 President Keith Dittrich of Tilden, Stephanie Finklea of Omaha, Scott Thomsen of Kennard, and NeFU District 2 President Tom Knopik of Fullerton.  For five of the ten participants, this will be their first trip to our Washington, D.C. 

The Fly-In participants will hear from NFU and USDA officials Monday morning at USDA’s Jefferson auditorium. Monday afternoon, they will move to the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building and hear from House and Senate majority and minority staff and leaders. Tuesday and Wednesday are when the participants meet with Congressional Representatives, and some key regulatory agency leaders.

President John Hansen, said, “Our NeFU delegation this year is a good reflection of the diversity of our state’s agricultural production approaches. We have corn, soybean and wheat producers, urban agriculture, conventional and organic producers, specialty crop producers, direct marketers, and livestock producers. Regardless of what they grow and how they do it, they all know how badly our state needs Congress to pass an improved and updated Farm Bill. They will be sharing their stories with our elected officials.” 



CVA Launches Limited-Time Online Apparel Store Celebrating 2025 International Year of the Co-op

Central Valley Ag (CVA) is excited to announce a limited-time online apparel store in celebration of 
the 2025 International Year of the Co-op, offering exclusive apparel that honors the strength and spirit of the cooperative system.

The online store will be open from September 2 through September 19, featuring exclusive designs available in adult and youth sizes, with both warm and cool season clothing options - all created to recognize this milestone year for cooperatives across the globe.

“This special collection is a way for members, customers, and community supporters to proudly represent what it means to be part of something bigger,” said Owen Baker, SVP of Marketing. “We hope everyone wears their co-op gear proudly — especially in October during National Co-op Month.”

All items are made to order, with production and shipping beginning after the store closes to ensure availability in a wide range of styles and sizes. Shipping is available to any address, with additional details provided at checkout.

Key Details:
• Store Open: September 2 – September 19, 2025
• Ordering: Online only, link available at www.cvacoop.com and on CVA social media
• Sizes: Adult and youth
• Apparel: Warm and cool season options
• Shipping: Begins after store closes; rates and delivery details available online

Celebrate your connection to the cooperative system with this exclusive apparel drop from CVA. Supplies are limited and only available during this short window — don’t miss it!



Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund receives $10,000 gift from Cargill

A $10,000 contribution from the Cargill Blair Cares Council is boosting the efforts of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DHSHF) to promote soil health and regenerative agriculture in Nebraska and the surrounding states.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, received one of three $10,000 gifts made during the Blair corn milling plant’s 30th anniversary celebration in mid-July. The other two recipients were the Washington County Fair and the Washington County Food Pantry. The Blair Cares Council is among the more than 350 local Cargill employee groups that are contributing millions of dollars and lending more than 100,000 hours of their time and talent to volunteer activities that have a local impact.

  “This donation honors the legacy of a true advocate for no-till farming and regenerative agriculture,” said Ann O’Riley, Director of Merchandising at Cargill’s Blair location. “This fund’s commitment to advancing education on soil health, water conservation and sustainable farming practices aligns perfectly with Cargill’s purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. By supporting this fund, we are making an investment in the future of farming across Nebraska and surrounding states, fostering innovation, and promoting practices that protect our natural resources today and for generations to come.”

DGSHF honors Dan Gillespie, a lifelong farmer and a long-time no-till farming practitioner and advocate. Following a courageous battle with ALS, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund was established to allow Gillespie’s family, friends and fellow soil health enthusiasts across the nation to carry on his work indefinitely.

  The benefits of no-till farming are plentiful. In addition to the 10% to 12% increased soil productivity, no-till practices result in healthier food and water. Combined with the use of cover crops, no-till farming has demonstrated a 500% increased capacity to intake heavy rainfall events which have been occurring more often. These farming methods capture an average of 4-6 more inches of water in the soil instead of flooding streams and rivers and are proven to reduce the loss of precious topsoil which prevents fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides from getting into the water and food ecosystem.

  The volunteer fund advisory committee is focused on building an endowment to award grants twice a year that support education and programming for youth, current and future farmers, ranchers and others directly involved in agriculture in Nebraska and surrounding states. Generosity from organizations like Cargill has allowed DGSHF to make an even greater impact – the fund advisory committee recently decided to increase their grants to $2,000 per cycle.

Applications for the current grant cycle will be accepted until October 1. For more information and to support the work of the fund, visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund. Grantmaking efforts prioritize projects supporting current and future growers (adults or youth) in adopting practices that address water quality and soil health, such as cover crops, reduced tillage, complex crop rotations and nutrient management to reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off and greenhouse gas emissions. Past DGSHF grants have supported organizations like No Till on the Plains, UNL Extension, Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and high school and college youth-centered sustainable agriculture projects and programs. 



Farm Sector Income & Finances - Farm Sector Income Forecast
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to increase in 2025. Forecast at $179.8 billion for 2025, net farm income would be $52.0 billion (40.7 percent) higher than in 2024. Net cash farm income is forecast at $180.7 billion for 2025, an increase of $40.1 billion (28.5 percent) relative to 2024 (not adjusted for inflation).

In inflation-adjusted 2025 dollars, net farm income is forecast to increase by $48.8 billion (37.2 percent) from 2024 to 2025, and net cash farm income is forecast to increase by $36.5 billion (25.3 percent) compared with the previous year. If realized, both measures in 2025 would be above their 2005–24 averages (in inflation-adjusted dollars).

Summary Findings
    Overall, farm cash receipts are forecast to increase by $24.0 billion (4.7 percent) from 2024 to $535.2 billion in 2025 in nominal dollars. Total crop receipts are forecast to decrease by $6.1 billion (2.5 percent) from 2024 levels to $236.6 billion in 2025 following lower receipts for soybeans, corn, and wheat. Conversely, total animal/animal product receipts are projected to increase by $30.0 billion (11.2 percent) to $298.6 billion in 2025. Receipts for cattle, eggs, hogs, broilers, and turkeys are forecast to rise relative to 2024.
    Direct Government farm payments are forecast at $40.5 billion for 2025, a $30.4-billion increase from 2024. The forecast increase is largely because of supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers from the American Relief Act of 2025. Direct Government farm payments include Federal farm program payments paid to farmers and ranchers but exclude U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and insurance indemnity payments made by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC).
    Total production expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to increase $12.0 billion (2.6 percent) from 2024 to $467.4 billion in 2025. Spending on livestock/poultry purchases are expected to see the largest increase relative to 2024 at $10.6 billion (21.5 percent) while spending on feed is expected to decline in $4.6 billion (6.2 percent) in 2025. 

Total Cash Receipts Forecast To Increase in 2025
Total inflation-adjusted cash receipts are forecast to grow $10.9 billion (2.1 percent) from 2024 to $535.2 billion in 2025. Crop cash receipts are projected to decline $12.3 billion (4.9 percent) during the year, while animal/animal product cash receipts are expected to grow by $23.2 billion (8.4 percent).

Crop Receipts Projected To Fall in 2025
Crop cash receipts are forecast at $236.6 billion in 2025, a decrease of $6.1 billion (2.5 percent) from 2024 in nominal terms. The cash receipts were largely lower due to price declines across most crops (fruits and nuts were exceptions) relative to 2024 which were offset only partially by greater quantities for some commodities. Combined receipts for corn, soybeans and wheat are forecast to fall $6.8 billion in total, while receipts for fruits and nuts are expected to increase.

Corn receipts are expected to fall by $2.3 billion (3.7 percent) in 2025 primarily due to lower prices. Likewise, soybean receipts are forecast to decrease by $3.4 billion (7.2 percent). Falling prices and quantities sold are expected to result in a decline of $0.5 billion (14.8 percent) in rice receipts during the year. Wheat receipts are forecast to fall $1.1 billion (9.8 percent), due to lower prices and quantities sold. Receipts for hay are projected to fall by $0.2 billion (2.5 percent) in 2025, while cotton receipts are expected to remain near 2024 levels.

Rising Animal/Animal Product Receipts Forecast in 2025
Total animal/animal product cash receipts are forecast at $298.6 billion in 2025, an increase of $30.0 billion (11.2 percent) in nominal terms from 2024. Receipts for all major animal/animal products are expected to grow largely due to higher prices with some offsetting effects of lower quantities, most notably for cattle and calves. Milk was an exception, with lower cash receipts.

Cash receipts from cattle and calves are expected to increase $17.7 billion (15.7 percent), due to sustained growth in prices only partially offset by lower quantities. Hog receipts are also forecast to rise by $2.6 billion (9.5 percent) due to higher prices in 2025. Milk receipts are expected to fall $0.5 billion (1.0 percent) nominally in 2025.

Direct Government Farm Payments Forecast To Increase in 2025
Direct Government farm program payments are those made by the Federal Government to farmers and ranchers with no intermediaries. Most direct payments to farmers and ranchers are administered by the USDA using the Farm Bill but can also come from supplemental programs authorized by the U.S. Congress. Government payments discussed here do not include Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) indemnity payments (listed as a separate component of farm income) and USDA loans (listed as a liability in the farm sector’s balance sheet). Direct Government farm program payments are forecast at $40.5 billion for 2025, a $30.4 billion increase from the $10.1 billion total for 2024. This overall increase reflects higher anticipated payments from supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance, mainly from the funding authorized in the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 contained in the American Relief Act, 2025.
    Supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance payments in 2025 are forecast at $35.2 billion and consist primarily of payments from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. The act included the Economic Assistance for Producers and other payments related to losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
    Conservation payments from the financial assistance programs of USDA's Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are expected to be $4.8 billion in 2025, an increase of $446.3 million (10.3 percent) from the 2024 level. The increase in conservation payments is due to an increase in payments from NRCS programs.
    Farm bill payments that are a function of commodity prices are forecast at $550.4 million for 2025, largely unchanged from 2024. Payments under the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Dairy Margin Coverage programs are forecast to decrease, while payments from the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program are forecast to increase relative to 2024.

Production Expenses Forecast To Increase in 2025
Farm sector production expenses are forecast at $467.4 billion in 2025, increasing by $12.0 billion (2.6 percent), compared with 2024. When adjusted for inflation, the expenses are projected to be comparable to their 2024 levels (increasing slightly by $0.3 billion or 0.1 percent compared with 2024). 

Spending on feed, livestock/poultry purchases, and labor are expected to represent the three largest categories of spending in 2025. Feed expenses, the largest single expense category, are forecast at $68.6 billion in 2025, falling by $4.6 billion or 6.2 percent compared with 2024. In turn, livestock and poultry purchases are projected at $59.9 billion, rising by $10.6 billion or 21.5 percent compared with 2024. Finally, labor expenses are forecast at $54.3 billion, rising by $2.2 billion (4.2 percent) compared with the 2024 level. Labor expenses here include both cash and noncash employee compensation.

Among other categories of spending, pesticide expenses (spending on agricultural chemicals and application costs) and fuel and oil expenses are forecast to fall in 2025 relative to 2024, while interest expenses and net rent are forecast to rise. All values and calculations are in nominal dollars.



More Mixed Prices With Fertilizers

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mixed, about half lower and half higher than last month, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the fourth week of August 2025. For the fourth week in a row, prices of four fertilizers were slightly higher compared to last month while the other four were a bit lower. No fertilizer was higher or lower a notable amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The fertilizers with slightly higher prices were DAP, which had an average price of $853/ton; MAP $910/ton; potash $485/ton; and anhydrous $765/ton.

Four fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $632/ton; 10-34-0 $667/ton; UAN28 $417/ton; and UAN32 $482/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.69/lb.N; anhydrous $0.47/lb.N; UAN28 $0.75/lb.N; and UAN32 $0.75/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 4% higher, MAP is 12% more expensive, anhydrous is 13% higher, DAP is 15% more expensive, UAN28 is 27% higher, urea is 29% more expensive and UAN32 is 32% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining fertilizer continues to be lower. Potash is 1% lower compared to last year.



Growth Energy Welcomes Passage of California E15 Bill

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the California State Senate today after the legislature unanimously approved AB 30, a bill that would finally allow California fuel retailers to sell E15, a fuel option made with 15% American ethanol that’s approved for use in 96% of all light-duty vehicles on the road today. 

Specifically, AB 30 provisionally approves E15 for sale in California while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes its environmental review of this fuel option, which burns cleaner and can save California drivers from 10 to 30 cents per gallon on average. The bill’s passage is the result of a years-long effort led by Growth Energy to demonstrate to California lawmakers and regulators that E15 is not only better for the environment—it’s also more affordable than ordinary fuel and could potentially save Californians millions of dollars while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact. 

“After nearly 15 years since E15 was first approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has been legal to sell in every other state, California has finally approved E15 for use in the nation’s second-largest fuel market,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor after the Senate approved the bill. “We thank Assembly Member David Alvarez and the Problem Solvers Caucus for continuing to push to make this cost-saving fuel available to Californians and we urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 30 into law right away.” 

“Growth Energy has already begun to provide technical expertise in support of CARB’s still-forthcoming E15 approval rulemaking, and we encourage the state to identify other ways to maximize the impact AB 30 can have in the short-term,” Skor added. “With AB 30, the legislature heard and responded to California drivers that demanded more affordable fuel options. We thank lawmakers for listening, and look forward to working with fuel retailers and state regulators to get this fuel into the tanks of California motorists as quickly as possible.” 

The California General Assembly unanimously approved AB 30 on August 29. With the Senate’s passage, the bill now heads to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for final signature.



RFA Applauds Passage of Bill Legalizing E15 in California

Lower-cost E15 is now just one step away from becoming a legal fuel in California, as the state Senate voted 39-0 today to pass Assembly Bill 30. The bill, which would legalize E15 immediately upon the governor’s signature, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for final approval. California is the only state in the nation that does not currently allow the sale of E15.

“With today’s passage of AB30, California is taking a big step toward lower gas prices and a cleaner, more sustainable future for families across the state,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “Many other states have already seen the benefits of E15—healthier air, better engine performance, and cost savings at the pump. Now, California drivers are on the cusp of experiencing those same advantages, and we urge Gov. Newsom to sign the bill into law as quickly as possible. E15 will provide relief at the pump for Californians who continue to face the highest gas prices in the country.”

Cooper continued, “We applaud the California legislature for swiftly passing this critical bill, and we especially thank the bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus for bringing awareness and attention to this issue. AB30’s sponsors, Assemblymembers David Alvarez and Heath Flora, also deserve special recognition for their leadership in opening the California marketplace to more affordable, cleaner fuel options.”

“California’s regulatory agencies have reviewed the E15 gasoline blend for nearly eight years and have yet to issue any rulings,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “This unnecessary holdup has prevented California’s drivers from accessing a cleaner, more affordable fuel option that’s already approved across the country. AB 30 sends a clear message: Californians cannot afford to wait while bureaucracy stalls progress. This bill delivers economic benefits to Californians struggling with high fuel prices, and I am especially grateful to the Problem Solvers Caucus for their partnership on this commonsense solution.”

Recent studies show E15 could save California drivers $2.7 billion annually, or $200 per household, and significantly cut the emissions of tailpipe pollutants that create smog and contribute to illness and disease.

Gov. Newsom has expressed his support for legalizing E15, saying last year that “there is massive potential for this [E15] to be a win-win for Californians: lowering gas prices by up to twenty cents per gallon while keeping our air clean.”

RFA has been leading the effort to secure E15 approval in California for the past seven years, Cooper noted, beginning with the 2018 initiation of a “multimedia evaluation” of E15 in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and other ethanol industry stakeholders. While California’s recently finalized 2025-2026 state budget includes funding for CARB to complete the E15 approval process, AB30 allows the fuel to be sold while CARB’s work progresses.

This week, RFA began hosting a series of E15 educational workshops this fall for California fuel marketers, equipment suppliers, and others in the supply chain who are interested in making lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 available to drivers. 



ACE Unveils E15 Cost Calculator at CFCA Summit

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) introduced a powerful new tool this week at the California Fuels + Convenience Alliance (CFCA) Summit to help fuel marketers seize the opportunity of E15: the E15 Cost Calculator, now live at flexfuelforward.com.

With California expected to approve E15, ACE’s new online calculator equips retailers with a resource to plug in real-time data to compare the costs and potential profits of selling E15 versus E10. It provides station-specific insights, including applicable state and federal tax credits, to show whether offering E15 can boost the bottom line.

“We've taken part in every trade show this organization has held since 2000, when California was gearing up to switch to E10, and this reminds me a lot of that,” said Ron Lamberty, Chief Marketing Officer of ACE. “What retailers wanted to know then is, ‘Can I make more money selling this new fuel?’ and ‘Can I sell it using my existing equipment?’ The questions are the same today. Fortunately, the answer to both is almost always ‘Yes,’ and these tools let retailers find that out using their own real-world numbers.”

The E15 Cost Calculator is the latest addition to FlexFuelForward.com—ACE’s digital hub tailored to fuel marketers. It joins the Flex Check tool, which helps station owners quickly determine if their existing equipment is compatible with E15.

Built with the needs of independent retailers and small chains in mind, these tools are available 24/7, empowering decision-makers to assess their options on their own schedule—without sales pressure.

“Single-store and small chain owners are in their stores all day and might not have time to do this kind of research during what others consider normal business hours,” Lamberty added. “That’s why we built this site and these tools—so they can get solid, specific answers when it’s convenient for them.”

The calculator can be used by marketers and retailers in all 50 states, and includes state-specific taxes and E15/E85 incentives in states that have them, making it a relevant and reliable resource for fuel retailers across the U.S.



Corn Grower Leader Applauds Investigation of Brazil’s Trade Practices

One of the nation’s top farmers, testifying today before members of a trade panel established by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, praised the Trump administrations for investigating Brazil’s trade practices and encouraged quick action to address any wrongdoing.

“Unfortunately, Brazil does not value a level playing field and unfairly penalizes U.S. corn growers,” Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. told the panel. “Over the past decade, Brazil has taken targeted trade actions aimed at evaporating current and future demand for U.S. farmers.”

The testimony comes after USTR initiated a probe, under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, to determine whether Brazil engaged in unfair trade practices.

U.S. corn growers and ethanol producers once enjoyed a level playing field with Brazil. But in 2017, without provocation, Brazil imposed a 20% tariff on U.S. ethanol. The tariff was suspended but was later reinstated at 16%. Then, in early 2024, Brazil increased the tariff to 18%.

“Brazil was the top market for U.S. ethanol exports by far,” Hartman told the panel. “But as soon as the tariff was reimposed, the market was in freefall decline. And while Brazil was imposing tariffs that resulted in a decline of American exports, Brazilian sugarcane ethanol was being imported into the United States at an increasing rate.”

NCGA has been on the forefront of this issue, and Hartman said that the United States should take reciprocal measures if negotiations do not result in Brazil’s elimination of the tariff. Hartman further said that advocacy will continue as USTR takes its next steps.

“We have thoroughly documented our views supported by evidence and stand ready to work with the Trump administration to fix years of economic harm and fight for what we deserve,” Hartman said.



NCBA Testifies at Trade Hearing Investigation on Brazil

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus Wednesday testified at a Section 301 investigation hearing regarding Brazil’s trade practices. The hearing, convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and held at the U.S. International Trade Commission, examined the Brazilian government’s trade policies and actions for unreasonable, discriminatory harm to U.S. commerce. NCBA focused attention on Brazil’s restrictions on U.S. beef and our long-standing concerns with the Brazilian government’s track record of food safety and animal health.

“NCBA is extremely supportive of President Trump holding Brazil accountable by levying upwards of 76% tariffs on Brazilian goods headed to the U.S. market. This is a good first step, but the administration must continue to hold Brazil accountable for its trade barriers on U.S. beef and its lack of transparency and accountability,” said Bacus. “NCBA urges the Trump administration to suspend beef imports from Brazil until a thorough audit and inspection process proves that Brazil can meet an equivalent level of food safety and animal health.”
 
In the past five years, Brazil has sold $4.45 billion of beef to American consumers but has failed to reciprocate meaningful access for U.S. beef by implementing burdensome technical barriers. Meanwhile, Brazil’s failure to report serious animal health cases in a timely manner has raised questions about their food safety and animal health standards. Brazil has repeatedly waited weeks, months, or even years to report cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) while using the delay to sell more product.

“NCBA was the first to raise alarms over the Brazilian government’s food safety issues in 2017 and its delays in reporting atypical BSE cases in 2021 and 2023. The United States holds all trading partners to the highest science-based standards, and Brazil should not be the exception,” Bacus added.

A Section 301 investigation refers to an investigation launched by the U.S. Trade Representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Trade Act is intended to address unfair foreign trade policies that harm U.S. commerce. A Section 301 investigation explores whether a foreign country’s actions or policies pose an unfair barrier to U.S. trade. NCBA has spent years raising concerns with Brazil’s trade practices and appreciates the opportunity to testify at today’s Section 301 investigation hearing.  



Land O’Lakes, Inc. and Local Ag Retailers Announce Participation in AgRogue Growth Partners to Find, Fund and Scale New Ag Technologies

Land O’Lakes, Inc. Wednesday unveiled its participation in AgRogue Growth Partners, a bold initiative aimed at harnessing the strength of the cooperative model to fast-track the discovery, investment and adoption of breakthrough technologies to support farmers, their businesses, and their communities.

In recent years, agriculture has seen cutting edge innovation and technology meet resistance at the farmgate, then fail to reach its potential. As the Land O’Lakes cooperative system has a long history of driving adoption of the latest ag technologies, Land O’Lakes and a coalition of its retailer-owners will invest up to $7 million in each of 10 to 15 companies focused on improving crop inputs, ag data, supply chain processes, business models and more.

“We believe the key to jumpstarting the adoption of modern ag technologies lives in the partnership and trust between retailers and growers. This platform represents a focused strategy that builds on the strength of Land O’Lakes’ co-op model and our retail owners to assist Radicle Growth in finding, funding and scaling new innovation to help ensure our system remains at the leading edge of ag tech, and U.S. agriculture remains competitive on a global stage,” said Jason Trusley, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Through AgRogue Growth Partners, the coalition will:
    Invest in and scale innovative technologies, business models and systems that drive on-farm impact.
    Pool resources — including capital, talent and market insights — to access proprietary ag innovations beyond traditional channels.
    Accelerate early adoption by leveraging the trusted, local relationships between participating retailers and farmers. 

This launch comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. agriculture. Net farm income for U.S. row crop producers remains persistently low, while public funding for agricultural research has declined to 1970s levels. At the same time, global competitors like China have dramatically increased their investments.

“Right now, we’re seeing a wave of necessary innovation stall before it reaches the farm gate — often lacking the local trust and infrastructure needed to succeed,” said Brett Bruggeman, chief operating officer and executive vice president of ag business at Land O’Lakes, Inc. “As one of the largest farmer-and retailer-owned cooperatives in the U.S., we know our retail-owners are uniquely positioned to bridge that gap and get proven innovation into farmers’ hands faster.”

Retail partners include Keystone Cooperative (Indiana), Central Valley Ag (Nebraska), Farmers Cooperative – Dorchester (Nebraska), Farmward Cooperative (Minnesota), Alabama Farmers Cooperative (Alabama), and GreenPoint Ag (Alabama). The AgRogue Growth Partners will be managed by Radicle Growth, a leading ag tech investment firm, which will help identify and vet cutting-edge startups from around the world.

“AgRogue Growth Partners represents an exciting new chapter in agricultural innovation, driven by a commitment to farmer success,” said Kevin Still, President & CEO of Keystone Cooperative. “By uniting our strengths, we'll focus on creating new opportunities for farmers to thrive - providing them with new tools and resources they need to overcome industry challenges and grow a more reliable, abundant food supply.”