Friday October 31 Ag News - Calkins to Receive NeFB Award - More Reaction to US-China Trade Deal - RFS Exemptions/RVOs - USMCA Up for Renewal - Lamb Imports - and more!

Nebraska Farm Bureau Honors Dr. Chris Calkins with Prestigious Silver Eagle Award

Nebraska Farm Bureau has named Dr. Chris R. Calkins, Emeritus Professor of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as the recipient of its Silver Eagle Award, the organization’s highest honor. Best known as the co-discoverer of the flat iron steak, now one of America’s most popular cuts, Calkins built a distinguished career as a professor of meat science, shaping both the beef industry and generations of students.

“Dr. Chris Calkins has had an extraordinary impact on Nebraska agriculture and the beef industry worldwide,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “Through his groundbreaking work, from helping develop the flat iron steak to dedicating decades to research, education, and promoting beef from Nebraska worldwide, Dr. Calkins has opened new doors for farmers and ranchers and helped make Nebraska synonymous with top-quality beef.  He embodies the very spirit of the Silver Eagle Award.”

The Silver Eagle Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Nebraska agriculture and rural life. Dr. Calkins, a renowned meat scientist and muscle biologist, has spent more than 40 years advancing the beef industry through his groundbreaking research, teaching, and global outreach. Since joining the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1981, he has published hundreds of scientific works, earned six patents, and secured over $6.5 million in research funding, all while driving innovation and adding significant value to Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

Among his many achievements, Calkins co-led the landmark Beef Muscle Profiling Project, which identified value-added beef cuts such as the flat iron, petite tender, and ranch steaks, contributing billions of dollars to the beef industry, including more than $6 billion to Nebraska alone. His work on instrument grading for beef tenderness, the impact of distiller’s grains on beef quality, consumer marketing research, and dry-aged beef has set new standards for innovation and industry practices.

Beyond his research, Calkins has been a global ambassador for Nebraska beef, leading educational programs and demonstrations in 22 countries to strengthen Nebraska’s reputation for beef quality. His collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture helped boost the state’s share of U.S. global beef sales five-fold and European sales ten-fold over 12 years. He continues to promote Nebraska beef worldwide and has mentored more than 50 graduate students and numerous undergraduates who now hold leadership roles in academia, industry, and government.

His extensive list of honors includes awards from the American Meat Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, and induction into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

Dr. Calkins is a native of Lake Stevens, Washington. He and his wife of 48 years, Ellen, are the parents of two daughters and proud grandparents of two grandchildren.

“Through his dedication to research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Calkins has elevated Nebraska agriculture on both the national and global stage. He’s so deserving of this recognition. We’re truly honored to present Dr. Calkins with the Nebraska Farm Bureau Silver Eagle Award,” McHargue said.

The Silver Eagle Award will be presented during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting and Convention on Dec. 8, at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Recent Trade Agreement with China

"Nebraska Farm Bureau's trade policy agenda for 2025 was very simple; we must expand markets and eliminate trade barriers. While easy to say, these two substantial asks remain vital to the economic futures of Nebraska's farm and ranch families. This week's announced trade deals with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and today's trade announcement on China certainly fall within those goals and are welcomed by Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. The first four deals announced earlier this week represent nearly 226 million potential new customers for Nebraska agricultural products, and we look forward to these deals being fully implemented. 

At the same time, today's announced commitment by China to purchase sorghum, 12 million metric tons of soybeans in 2025, and a minimum of 25 million metric tons of soybeans per year for the next three years, is certainly a ‘big deal.’ While we await more details, we are hopeful the agreement will lead to more traditional and long-lasting marketing relationship with China moving forward. We are well aware of the complex and sometimes fraught economic and geopolitical relationship between the U.S. and China; however, China remains a significant export partner for Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure China lives up to their commitments."  



Ricketts Issues Statement Following Trump’s Successful Asia Trip, Trade Negotiations with Xi Jinping

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement following President Trump’s trip to Asia:

“Throughout his Asia trip, President Trump has secured great trade deals for America. Despite the president’s deal with Communist China, we must continue to diversify our trading partners. We shouldn’t be dependent on selling soybeans to Communist China. We also shouldn’t rely on importing their critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. We must continue to diversify our markets, secure our supply chains, and protect our technology to end our reliance on Communist China. I am committed to working with the administration on these priorities.”



Iowa Soybean Farmers Encouraged by Tangible Progress with China

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) welcomes the Trump administration’s latest action to prioritize Iowa farmers in today’s announcement regarding U.S.-China trade. Following months of uncertainty around Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and other agricultural products, this positive development is encouraging news for Iowa farmers who rely on open market access to drive soybean demand.

“Today’s announcement addresses many of the concerns around market access to China following months of stalled purchases and uncertainty,” said Tom Adam, ISA president and soybean farmer from Harper. “This is great news for American agriculture and for soybean farmers who have been eager to reestablish a stable and long-term relationship that positions us for success moving forward. We are very grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China.”

While details are still emerging, ISA understands that today’s announcement, if enacted and followed, includes minimum purchase commitments of 12 million metric tons, or roughly 441 million bushels, of U.S. soybeans for the remainder of this marketing year and a minimum of 25 million metric tons, or 918.5 million bushels, annually through 2028. ISA, alongside fellow state and national soybean organizations, is encouraged that these commitments are framed as minimums and looks forward to continued growth in soybean purchases beyond these levels. China purchased 22.9 million metric tons, or 841 million bushels, of U.S. soybeans during the 2024-25 marketing year. Excluding the last two years, China has historically purchased 28 to 36 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually over the last 10 years.

Looking ahead, ISA continues to work with the administration and Iowa's Congressional delegation to ensure today's positive developments lead to lasting market stability and stronger opportunities for Iowa soybean farmers. This includes growing domestic demand by finalizing the EPA's proposed 2026 Renewable Fuel Obligations, diversifying international demand through new trade partnerships and more.



ASA Celebrates U.S.–China Announcement

The American Soybean Association (ASA) appreciates President Trump and his administration for prioritizing America’s farmers in today’s announcement regarding U.S.–China trade. After months of stalled purchases and uncertainty, this is a very positive development for soybean farmers who rely on open markets.

“Today’s announcement is great news for American agriculture, and soybean farmers are extremely grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China,” said Caleb Ragland, ASA President and soybean farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky. “This is a meaningful step forward to reestablishing a stable, long-term trading relationship that delivers results for farm families and future generations.”

While details are still emerging and to be confirmed, we understand that today’s announcement includes minimum purchase commitments of 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans for the remainder of this marketing year and a minimum of 25 million metric tons annually through 2028. ASA is encouraged that these commitments are framed as minimums and looks forward to continued growth in soybean purchases beyond these levels. China has historically purchased 25 to 30 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans in recent years, and today’s commitments lay a strong foundation to return to those traditional volumes over the coming marketing years.

ASA looks forward to continuing to work with the administration to ensure today’s positive developments lead to lasting market stability and stronger opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.



Center for Rural Affairs to host events discussing food systems  

Feeding Northeast Nebraska 
Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Norfolk Public Library
Food security stakeholders from northeast Nebraska are invited to attend an important discussion about strengthening our food systems. Crossroads Resource Center author and food systems expert Ken Meter will present findings from the 2024 Northeast Nebraska Local Farm & Food Economy report. His analysis draws from sources including the U.S. Census of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, and the U.S. Bureau for Economic Analysis to provide a snapshot of northeast Nebraska’s agricultural economy. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the author. This event will be presented in English and Spanish. In-person space is limited; this event will also be available online. For more information, contact Kjersten Hyberger at kjh@cfra.org or 531.335.1838.



Led by Bird, Midwest Attorney Generals Ask D.C. Agencies to Investigate "Irreconcilable Statements" Made by Refiners Seeking RFS Exemptions

Iowa’s Attorney General Brenna Bird, along with the Attorney Generals of South Dakota and Nebraska, sent a joint letter today to several federal agencies to investigate refiners that could be misleading regulators to seek exemptions of the Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS).

The letter notes that of the 140 full or partial RFS refinery exemptions (SREs) the EPA granted in its 2025 notice, several of these refiners are communicating to shareholders and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that they are “economically thriving.” 

“These statements made in public to financial regulators and investors appear to be inconsistent with what must be contemporaneous statements of disproportionate hardship to environmental regulators. Both strong economic results and disproportionate economic hardships cannot coexist," stated the Attorney Generals in the letter.

“IRFA applauds Attorney General Bird for leading the effort to bring this potentially illegal situation to light,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “In a time when crop prices are low and increased biofuels usage is a key solution, it is deeply troubling to see what appears to be an attempt by some oil refiners to game the system and avoid their legal requirements under the RFS. We are fully behind Attorney General Bird's call to investigate these conflicting claims."

The Midwest Attorney Generals letter was directed to the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.



Clean Fuels Applauds Congressional Letter Supporting Robust RFS Volumes

Clean Fuels Alliance America this week thanked 49 Senators and Representatives who signed a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging him to finalize the 2026-2027 RFS rule as quickly as possible and calling for “reallocation of 100% of the waived gallons from any granted Small Refinery Exemptions.”

“These volumes matter — not just to biofuel producers, but to the farmers who grow the corn, soybeans, and other feedstocks that power this economy, and to every American who enjoys lower prices at the pump because of biofuels,” the letter states. “As EPA considers its supplemental proposal, we urge the agency to fully reallocate 100% of the waived gallons for compliance years 2023–2025.”

Clean Fuels particularly thanked Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) for co-leading the bipartisan, bicameral letter.

“Clean Fuels greatly appreciates the recognition by congressional champions that timely, robust RFS volumes matter not just to producers, but also to farmers and American consumers,” added Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs. “We appreciate and support EPA’s efforts to finalize timely, robust RFS volumes and ensure they are not eroded by small refinery exemptions. Clean Fuels’ analysis shows that farmers risk losing billions of dollars in crop value if EPA does not fully reallocate small refinery exemptions granted this year.” 



RFA Thanks Bipartisan Lawmakers for Endorsing 100% RFS Volume Reallocation

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and 47 other members of the House and Senate, who called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reallocate all waived renewable fuel volumes from recently approved small refinery exemptions.

“At a dire time for the US agricultural economy, we thank these senators and representatives for their hard work to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard is enforced as intended,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “They recognize the importance of a strong RFS program and the role that renewable fuels have in attaining American energy independence and dominance, while supporting the family farms that help keep our nation’s biorefineries running. We’re grateful for their leadership and collaboration.”

In earlier testimony to the EPA, Cooper also stressed the importance of reallocation. “Without reallocating 100 percent of the exempted volumes, the volumes originally proposed cannot be achieved and any final volumes will be illusory."

The lawmakers write: “As EPA considers its supplemental proposal, we urge the agency to fully reallocate 100% of the waived gallons for compliance years 2023–2025. Without full restoration the benefits of the original proposal won’t reach the farm gate or lower prices at the pump. Farmers and rural businesses will ultimately bear the brunt of weakened demand and lower prices.”



Major Food and Agriculture Groups Call for Renewal of USMCA

A letter signed by 124 organizations representing the American food and agricultural value chain, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), filed a letter today voicing support for a full 16-year renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in the public consultation process for the 2026 Joint Review of the USMCA.  
 
“The United States is the world’s largest agricultural exporter, and a majority of signers consider Canada and Mexico among their top five export markets,” the letter said. “Trade integration between all three countries, enhanced by former trade agreements and accelerated by the USMCA, allowed agricultural exports from the United States to soar.”
 
The leaders from all three countries must consider whether to extend the USMCA and are required to begin the review by July 2026. If they fail to extend the agreement, it will automatically expire in 2036, and annual reviews could commence. The letter’s signatories are concerned that countries could pull out during a prolonged period of debate on extending the agreement.  
 
Trade cooperation between the three countries affords multifold benefits. USMCA has not only helped fuel the U.S. economy, but it has also facilitated and streamlined the flow of commerce throughout all three countries, the letter argued.  
 
Since USMCA was originally signed into law by President Trump on Nov. 30, 2018, it has created efficiencies in the agricultural sector at a cost savings to American farmers, producers and ranchers. The agreement has also provided regulatory transparency among countries and ensured science-based treatment of agricultural commodities and products to the benefit of animal and plant health, which have worked well for U.S. exporters.  
 
An example of the agreement’s benefits came in 2024 when the nation’s corn growers prevailed in a dispute with the Mexican government over a ban on genetically modified corn after the U.S. initiated a dispute settlement under USMCA.  
 
Without the economic might that the trilateral agreement affords, farmer incomes would be harmed, as industry would be saddled with additional and burdensome costs related to transportation and compliance measures, the signatories noted.   

The letter also argued U.S. agricultural exporters and family farms depend on the stability of USMCA to factor into their multi-year planning.
 
“Without the certainty guaranteed by USMCA, agribusinesses and family farms would face undependable markets and weakened global competitiveness.”  



Dairy Market Report - OCTOBER 2025
 
U.S. milk production grew by 3.6% annually during the June-August period, while total milkfat production increased by 5.3%, as the average component composition of producer milk continues to increase. U.S. fluid milk sales were 1.7% lower than a year earlier during the same 3-month period.

U.S. average milk prices rose moderately in August from a month earlier to $20.90/cwt, while feed costs declined, resulting in a $0.58/cwt higher DMC margin for August of $11.52/cwt. Retail price inflation rose again in September as overall consumer prices increased by 3% from a year earlier. Dairy continued to resist inflationary pressures, with its average retail prices increasing by 0.7% from a year earlier versus 3% for all food and beverages.

Read the full report here: https://www.nmpf.org/dmr_oct2025/.  



ASI Requests Investigation Into U.S. Lamb Imports

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has formally asked the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate lamb imports, which are putting domestic producers at risk. ASI warns that imported lamb, often sold at lower prices, is harming U.S. farmers, packers, and ranch workers, and is seeking federal support to protect and strengthen the domestic lamb industry. A formal request of the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) requesting the U.S. International Trade Commission (the “Commission”) initiate a global safeguard investigation into U.S. imports of lamb meat, pursuant to Sections 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974. ASI also provided a public and confidential report to the federal agency that explains the trade situation and the injury data that has been gathered from lamb companies in recent weeks. 

U.S. Lamb Imports a Key Focus in Senate Hearing
On October 29, 2025, USTA Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan testified at her nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. During the hearing, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming asked her about lamb imports. Callahan indicated that she is concerned that U.S. lamb imports are undercutting U.S. producers and expressed an interest in reversing the domestic sheep industry's long-running decline in U.S. market share. "We have farmers, second- and third-generation farmers—that are at risk of losing their ranches," Callahan said. "They're being outcompeted by imports."