Thursday December 11 Ag News - NeExt Crop Budgets Updated - NeFB Policy, Elections - NCBA on Frivolous Lawsuits Hearing - October Corn, Soy Use - USDA on Regenerative Pilot Program - and more!

 Updated Nebraska Crop Budgets for 2026 Available Now 

Nebraska producers, farm managers, and ag professionals now have access to the updated 2026 Nebraska Crop Budgets, a set of 84 enterprise budgets that reflect current production costs, input trends, and economic considerations for the year ahead. This year’s release includes a newly added cover crop budget and updated cost estimates across all major crop systems.

Developed using the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC), the 2026 budgets provide a consistent, research-based benchmark for evaluating the cost of production and making informed management decisions. With continued variability in input markets and evolving production challenges, these budgets offer timely information useful for planning.  

The Nebraska crop budgets for 2026 represent statewide assumptions and should be customized to reflect each operation’s machinery lineup, land tenure, irrigation system, and input costs. Key cost and production updates include:
Higher nutrient costs and fertilizer adjustments across most crops.
Slightly increased pesticide application rates and product prices as producers manage greater weed and disease pressure.
Lower anticipated diesel and gasoline prices, though machinery and equipment ownership costs continue to trend upward.
Updated machinery depreciation, repairs, labor, and irrigation costs, reflecting both market conditions and long-term replacement needs.

A Foundation for Planning and Financial Decision-Making
Clear cost-of-production information is essential for financial resilience and operational planning. Because input prices and market conditions change rapidly, the annual Nebraska budgets are best used as a baseline, with producers encouraged to update key assumptions for their own operations. A producer's own budgets may be used to: 
Compare enterprise profitability and evaluate crop rotation decisions.
Understand cash costs versus total economic costs, including depreciation and opportunity costs.
Support lender discussions and capital budgeting.
Inform crop insurance selections and risk management strategies.
Guide marketing and pricing decisions in uncertain markets.

Produced with the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC)
All 2026 budgets were created within the ABC program (agbudget.unl.edu), allowing users the flexibility to:
Import any Nebraska budget directly into their ABC account.
Adjust input quantities, prices, labor needs, fuel requirements, machinery ownership, interest, and overhead.
Toggle easily between cash cost and full economic cost evaluations.
This customization ensures budgets reflect real-world financial and agronomic conditions at the farm level.

Included Crop Systems
The 2026 series includes budgets for alfalfa, corn, dry edible beans, grain sorghum, millet, oats, peas, soybeans, sugar beets, sunflowers, wheat, forage options, and multiple cover crops. Input prices used in the budgets are drawn from surveys and market data collected from August to October 2025. 

Find the complete 2026 Nebraska Crop Budgets at cap.unl.edu/cropbudgets and learn more about using the Agricultural Budget Calculator at cap.unl.edu/abc.




Save the date for our 2nd Annual Northeast Nebraska Crops Update

Get ready for the 2026 growing season! Join us at the Haskell Ag Lab on February 4, 2026, from 9am-3:30pm. Pre-register at go.unl.edu/26register-crops-update.

Topics include: soybean and corn disease updates, Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, soybean defoliation, One Big Beautiful Bill: Ag Outlook, and more. 




Nebraska Farm Bureau Members Set Policy on Key Issues and Elect Leaders at Annual Meeting and Convention

Delegates representing farm and ranch families from all 93 Nebraska counties outlined key agricultural policy priorities and elected leaders for Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) as part of the organization’s 108th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 7-9 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a broad spectrum of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.

At the heart of their discussion were the challenges and opportunities facing farm and ranch families. From taxes and water to data and regulations, members expressed their shared commitment to preserve and protect what makes Nebraska farming and ranching strong.

“It’s no secret that Nebraskan’s pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. As an organization, we’re committed to finding ways to lessen that burden. Delegates discussed ideas to better control property taxes, including issues around transparency in taxation as it relates to local tax collection and local bonds, to ensure the public is better informed” said Katie Olson, NEFB First Vice President.

Delegates adopted policy to support economic development by placing greater emphasis on supporting sparsely populated villages, towns, and counties, focusing on workforce housing and childcare.

As farming and ranching modernize, operations are producing more digital data. Members addressed a growing concern about how that information is used, who owns it, and what’s being done to keep it protected. Delegates adopted policy to ensure farmers and ranchers retain all rights to their data, while also calling for standards of care and protection of data by third parties with access to the information.

Water is critical to agriculture, and effective water management is just as important. Nebraska continues to examine water quality, quantity, and the infrastructure behind it.

“Delegates discussed the best path forward to safeguard irrigation, support sustainable water use, and preserve natural resources. Farmers and ranchers understand how important it is to be proactive in addressing natural resources challenges in our state, but any initiative needs to be backed by sound science and should work for farm and ranch families,” said Olson.

Another top issue discussed at the meeting was regulations related to the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act. Last year, the Legislature engaged in discussions about changes to Nebraska’s brand laws. That topic will be back on the table this session.

“Members had a long and heathy discussion about the Brand Act, discussing ideas that could bring clarity or modernization while balancing tradition and protection of livestock operations. Delegates ultimately voted to stand on our current policy, which supports the work of the Brand Committee,” said Olson.

Delegates turned a spotlight on the Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement by advancing policy which will be discussed at the national level during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in January. From food labeling to school food programs to agriculture practices, the MAHA movement has raised several policy questions that matter to agriculture and rural Nebraska.

“In a time when urban and rural interests sometimes feel at odds, delegates emphasized the need for policies grounded in fairness, transparency, and respect for agriculture’s role in feeding the nation. Their effective leadership is essential for advancing agriculture and ensuring the overall prosperity of our state and our nation,” said Olson.

In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.

Lance Atwater, an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the South-Central Region representative. Atwater and his wife, Krystal, have a row crop farm near Ayr.
Bree DeMontigny, a Cherry County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the North Central Region representative. DeMontigny has a commercial cow/calf ranch near Valentine.
Steve Stroup, a Dundy County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Southwest Region representative. Stroup and his wife Julie have a cow/calf operation along with a feed lot and grow irrigated corn and hay near Benkelman.

Dawn Kucera, a Madison County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Ag Promotion At-Large representative. Kucera and her husband, Regan, have a row crop farm, growing corn and soybeans near Madison.

Matthew Erickson, a Johnson County Farm Bureau member, was newly elected to serve as the Youth At-Large representative. Erickson and his wife, Riley, have a row crop farm and they custom farm. They also raise chickens for Smart Chicken near Sterling.



NCBA Pushes to Reduce Frivolous Environmental Litigation in House Hearing

Wednesday, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the Abuse of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Todd Wilkinson, South Dakota cattle producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) past president, testified on the rampant EAJA abuse by environmental groups that have become repeat litigants as soon as Congress discontinued reporting requirements in 1995.
 
“EAJA was created with the best intentions, to allow Americans to challenge government actions without facing crushing legal costs. Unfortunately, like so many well-intentioned programs, it became vulnerable to abuse when oversight faded. Today, EAJA allows payments not only to parties who prevail in court but also to those who settle or enter consent decrees. This allows radical environmental groups to collect EAJA fees while forcing agencies to change policy through settlements,” Wilkinson said. “Too often, these lawsuits are filed with the sole purpose of coercing federal agencies into settlements that drive policy changes. That’s not responsible governance – that’s forced manipulation. Congress needs to reform EAJA to stop this rampant abuse for financial and political gain by improving reporting requirements, establishing financial limitations on tax-exempt organizations, and capping the legal fees paid to these groups under EAJA.”
 
Background
In 2013, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that 71 sue-and-settle cases resulted in more than 100 new regulations and more than $100 million in new annual compliance costs for federal agencies. Since that time, costs have continued to stack up, straining already tight budgets and greatly reducing government efficiency. EAJA has the right level of financial limits for individuals and businesses, and these limits should be amended to include non-profits. Groups whose sole mission is to sue the federal government should not be able to continue coming back to EAJA to fund their political efforts.



GROWER’S GALA MARKS 10 YEARS, RAISES $84,000 FOR AGRICULTURAL LITERACY

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation held its 10th Annual Grower’s Gala on Dec. 8, during the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney. It was a night of celebration, recognition, and thanks as members from across the state gathered to honor those who support the foundation’s mission of bringing awareness and understanding of agriculture. With dinner, a lively auction, and a dash of holiday cheer, the Gala delivered another unforgettable night.  

“Nights like this remind me why our Nebraska Farm Bureau community is so special,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director. “Celebrating together, honoring the people who make it all possible and enjoying a little holiday fun — that’s what the Grower’s Gala is all about.” 

Lancaster County Farm Bureau continued its annual “Deck of Cards” gun raffle tradition. The grand prize went to Karen Tiedeman of Lancaster County Farm Bureau, who won a Benelli M2 Performance Shop Waterfowl Edition. This year also included a surprise runner-up, Mark Haskins of Hall County Farm Bureau, who received a Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun as a nod to the evening’s Christmas theme. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors including Leadership Sponsor Tallgrass Energy, more than $84,000 was raised to strengthen Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, fund scholarships and awards, and advance consumer engagement efforts across the state. 

“We are so grateful to everyone who supported this year’s gala,” said Lona Thompson, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation senior director of development. “Every gift helps strengthen agricultural literacy, fund scholarships, and ensure every Nebraskan understands the importance of agriculture.” 

The evening also recognized dedicated leaders whose service has shaped the foundation’s work. Teresa Ibach, retiring board member, and Andra Smith, retiring board member and Promotion & Engagement Committee chair, were honored for completing their maximum terms. They brought energy, insight, and a genuine commitment to strengthening agricultural literacy across Nebraska.  

“Volunteers like these are the heart of everything we do, and we are grateful for the energy, passion, and service they’ve given over the years. Their contributions have made a lasting difference in our programs and in the lives of the students and communities we serve,” Schafer said.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/5/2025 

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 5, ethanol production eased 1.9% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.41 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 2.5% higher than the same week last year and 3.2% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.6% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.05 billion gallons (bg).
 
Ethanol stocks held steady at 22.5 million barrels. Stocks were 0.6% less than the same week last year and 2.4% below the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2), which rose to an 11-week high.
 
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 1.6% to 8.46 million b/d (129.99 bg annualized). Still, demand was 4.0% less than a year ago and 2.1% below the three-year average.
 
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol sank 0.7% to a 41-week low of 851,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.08 bg annualized. Net inputs were 3.6% less than year-ago levels and 3.4% below the three-year average.
 
Ethanol exports declined 26.5% to an estimated 125,000 b/d (5.3 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.




Five Fertilizers Lead Nutrient Prices Higher Again 

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of December 2025 continue to show most are slightly higher.

For the second week in a row, five fertilizers were higher once again while the remaining three were a little lower. No fertilizers had considerable price moves. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The five nutrients higher are potash, which had an average price of $489/ton, 10-34-0 $667/ton, anhydrous $865/ton, UAN28 $414/ton and UAN32 $465/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly lower looking back to the prior month. DAP had an average price of $916/ton, MAP $921/ton and urea $586/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.64/lb.N, anhydrous $0.53/lb.N, UAN28 $0.74/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 9% higher, potash is 11% more expensive, MAP is 13% higher, urea is 18% more expensive, anhydrous is 20% higher, DAP is 24% more expensive and both UAN32 and UAN28 are 28% higher looking back to last year.




Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 7.11 million tons (237 million bushels) in October 2025, compared with 6.15 million tons (205 million bushels) in September 2025 and 6.47 million tons (216 million bushels) in October 2024. Crude oil produced was 2.83 billion pounds, up 18 percent from September 2025 and up 11 percent from October 2024. Soybean once refined oil production at 2.08 billion pounds during October 2025 increased 7 percent from September 2025 and increased 4 percent from October 2024. 

Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 524 million bushels in October 2025. Total corn consumption was up 9 percent from September 2025 and up 2 percent from October 2024. October 2025 usage included 93.1 percent for alcohol and 6.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.55 million bushels, down 2 percent from September 2025 but up 2 percent from October 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 476 million bushels, was up 9 percent from September 2025 and up 3 percent from October 2024. Corn consumed in October 2025 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.6 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

Flour Milling Products 
All wheat ground for flour during the third quarter 2025 was 231 million bushels, up 4 percent from the second quarter 2025 grind of 223 million bushels and down less than 1 percent from the third quarter 2024 grind of 232 million bushels. Third quarter 2025 total flour production was 106 million hundredweight, up 3 percent from the second quarter 2025 and down 1 percent from the third quarter 2024. Whole wheat flour production at 4.35 million hundredweight during the third quarter 2025 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the third quarter 2025 was 1.66 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the third quarter 2025 was 1.60 million hundredweight.



USDA Launches New Regenerative Pilot Program to Lower Farmer Production Costs and Advance MAHA Agenda

Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term productivity, all while strengthening America’s food and fiber supply.

Building off the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy released in September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also investing in research on the connection between regenerative agriculture and public health, as well as developing public health messaging explaining this connection.

“Protecting and improving the health of our soil is critical not only for the future viability of farmland, but to the future success of American farmers. In order to continue to be the most productive and efficient growers in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and improve soil health and land stewardship. Today’s announcement encourages these priorities while supporting farmers who choose to transition to regenerative agriculture. The Regenerative Pilot Program also puts Farmers First and reduces barriers to entry for conservation programs,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This is another initiative driven by President Trump’s mission to Make America Healthy Again. Alongside Secretary Kennedy, we have made great strides to ensure the safe, nutritious, and affordable food our great farmers produce make it to dinner tables across this great country.”

“In September, under President Trump’s leadership, we released the MAHA Strategy Report, which includes a full section on soil health and land stewardship,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “Today’s regenerative farming announcement directly advances that deliverable. If we intend to Make America Healthy Again, we must begin by restoring the health of our soil.”

“We cannot truly be a wealthy nation if we are not also a healthy nation. Access to wholesome, nutritious, and affordable foods is a key tenet of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, which President Trump has directed this administration to execute across all government agencies,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “I commend Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy for today’s efforts to strengthen our nation’s food supply.”

Protecting Soil and Reducing Production Costs
In response to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, Congress created the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help people help the land and improve conservation of the nation’s soil and water resources.

This action led to improved soil health and natural resources management which, in turn, has led to increased productivity. Between 1948 and 2021, total U.S. farm production increased 190% while total farm inputs—such as land, labor, and water—decreased 2% in the same period.
However, current conservation programs at USDA have become overly burdensome and farmers are bogged down with red tape whenever they try to adopt soil health and regenerative agriculture practices. Even with the improved soil health since the creation of NRCS, USDA data shows that farmers recently reported that 25% of acres had water-driven erosion concerns and 16% of acres had wind-driven erosion concerns.

The Regenerative Pilot Program directly addresses these challenges by cutting administrative burdens for producers, expanding access to new and beginning farmers, and boosting yields and long-term soil resilience across operations.

About the Regenerative Pilot Program
Administered by NRCS, this new Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model—empowering producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application. The initiative highlights USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system.

In FY2026, the Regenerative Pilot Program will focus on whole-farm planning that addresses every major resource concern—soil, water, and natural vitality—under a single conservation framework. USDA is dedicating $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to fund this first year of regenerative agriculture projects.

Producers can now bundle multiple regenerative practices into one application, streamlining the process and increasing flexibility for operations. The program is designed for both beginning and advanced producers, ensuring availability for all farmers ready to take the next step in regenerative agriculture.

Chief’s Advisory Council
To keep the Regenerative Pilot Program grounded in practical, producer-led solutions, NRCS is establishing the Chief’s Regenerative Agriculture Advisory Council. The Council will meet quarterly, with rotating participants, to advise the Chief of NRCS, review implementation progress, and help guide data and reporting improvements. Its recommendations will shape future USDA conservation delivery and strengthen coordination between the public and private sectors.

Public + Private Partnerships
There is a growing desire among private companies to fund conservation practices that improve natural resources management. This announcement unlocks new opportunities for USDA to leverage existing authorities to create public-private partnerships within NRCS conservation programs. These partnerships will allow USDA to match private funding, in turn stretching taxpayer dollars further, and bringing new capacity to producers interested in adopting regenerative practices.

Companies interested in partnering with USDA NRCS in the Regenerative Pilot Program can email regenerative@usda.gov for more information.

How to Apply
Farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply through their local NRCS Service Center by their state’s ranking dates for consideration in FY2026 funding. Applications for both EQIP and CSP can now be submitted under the new single regenerative application process.




New Study Shows EPA “Half RIN” Proposal Would Keep U.S. Soybean Demand Strong 

A new economic analysis finds that EPA’s proposal to assign 50% of the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits to imported biofuels and biofuels made from imported feedstocks compared to domestic would strengthen domestic soybean markets while preserving flexibility in biomass-based diesel sourcing. The study, funded by the United Soybean Board and conducted by World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES), evaluated feedstock demand, farmer income, and commodity pricing under different final decisions for EPA’s proposed 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes.
 
The half-RIN proposal ensures that imported feedstocks remain available for biofuel producers but reduces policy incentives to substitute foreign oils for U.S. soybean oil. According to the study, the option still allows imports to be used but makes domestic feedstocks, including soybean oil, more competitive. EPA’s pending volume rule already projects record biomass-based diesel use, which would support domestic crushing and soybean oil utilization.
 
“Soybean farmers support strong biomass-based diesel markets,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland and Kentucky farmer. “This study confirms that when policy values domestic feedstocks, rural communities benefit. The half RIN proposal still gives biofuel producers flexibility, but it keeps American soybeans competitive and keeps more value here at home.”
 
Researchers modeled three scenarios and found that the half-RIN approach delivers the greatest economic benefit to U.S. soybean farmers across every major metric evaluated. Removing the 50% credit reduction, even if EPA later adjusts blending volumes, would reduce the value of U.S. soybeans, lower demand for domestic soybean oil, and increase reliance on imported used cooking oil and tallow as biofuel feedstocks.
 
If the RVO is finalized without the half RIN:
Soy cash receipts would fall $2.1 billion for the 2026/27 crop and $2.0 billion for 2027/28.
The value of soybean oil and meal would decline $4.8 billion in 2026/27 and $6.0 billion in 2027/28.
Soybean oil used in biofuels would drop 2.4 billion pounds in 2026 and 3.3 billion pounds in 2027.
Foreign imports of tallow and used cooking oil would increase by 2.3B pounds in 2026 and 2.4B pounds in 2027, displacing domestic soybean demand.
 
Even if EPA attempts a compromise:
A scenario where EPA raises 2026–2027 biofuel volume obligations to offset removal of the half RIN still reduces soy farmer income by $800 million in 2026/27 and $500 million in 2027/28.
Soybean oil used in biofuels would still fall by 600 million pounds in 2026 and 200 million pounds in 2027.
Imports of used cooking oil and tallow would still surge, increasing by 2.8B pounds in 2026 and 3.1B pounds in 2027.
 
The study shows the half-RIN proposal is the most advantageous option for U.S. soybean farmers, maximizing domestic feedstock use while maintaining market flexibility. Imported materials remain part of the mix in every case, but the half credit better aligns RIN generation with domestic availability and supports farm income, crushing capacity, and rural economic growth.




United Soybean Board Elects Brent Gatton as New Chair for 2026 

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Brent Gatton from Bremen, Ky., as the new chair during the organization’s December board meeting in St. Charles, Mo. He’s joined by nine newly elected farmer-leaders to serve alongside him on the Executive Committee for the upcoming year.  
 
“Farmers have weathered a year marked by real economic uncertainty, and I’m privileged to step into this role at such a pivotal moment,” said Brent Gatton, newly elected USB Chair. “The Soy Checkoff remains relentlessly focused on creating value for U.S. soybean farmers by protecting existing markets, accelerating new uses, and opening new doors for U.S. soy around the world. As Chair, I’m focused on pushing forward investments that move volume while also promoting our sustainability to keep U.S. soybean farmers competitive in the global marketplace.” 
 
The newly elected USB Executive Committee includes: 
Brent Gatton, Chair – Kentucky
Matt Gast, Vice Chair – North Dakota
Susan Watkins, Treasurer – Virginia 
Tom Frisch, Secretary – Minnesota   
Robb Ewoldt – Iowa
Tony Mellenthin – Wisconsin
Carla Schultz – Michigan
Don Wyss – Indiana
Joey Boudreaux – Louisiana
Kyle Durham – Missouri   
Philip Good – Mississippi (Past Chair)   

Gatton, a fifth-generation farmer who raises soybeans, corn and wheat with his wife and three sons, brings a great deal of experience to the Chair role. He has served on the United Soybean Board for the past seven years and has held key leadership positions, including Vice Chair of USB and Chair of the Value Alignment Committee. Previously, Gatton also served on the board as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit & Evaluation Committee. In addition to his USB appointments, he also serves as Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Soybean Board, is a director on the Muhlenberg County Farm Bureau Board, and a director on the Sacramento Deposit Bank Board.  
 
As the new Chair, Gatton will ensure FY26 investments and priorities across the market segments of food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production effectively grow demand for U.S. soy, drive on-farm resilience, and bring value to the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers. In the coming year, he will also focus on increasing greater communication and education efforts to strengthen the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplify checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers, and enhance partnerships with 30+ state soybean boards on research, outreach and demand generation.   
 
“Brent brings a deep understanding of what farmers are up against and where the greatest opportunities lie,” said Philip Good, USB’s Past Chair. “He is stepping into this role at a time when farmers need steady, strategic leadership, and his commitment to building demand – both here at home and across the globe – is exactly what this moment calls for. I’m confident Brent will guide the board with clarity and purpose as we continue investing in a stronger, more resilient future for U.S. soybean farmers.”




USDA to Conduct 2025 Organic Survey
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the 2025 Organic Survey. In Early December, NASS will mail survey codes to respondents with an invitation to reply online. NASS will follow up by mailing the full questionnaire in early January. Last conducted in 2021, this Census of Agriculture special study will look to gather new data on organic production, marketing practice, income, and expenses in the United States. This effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of organic agriculture production on the nation. The results will be available on October 30, 2026.
 
“Organic agriculture is a growing industry, and it is our job as a federal statistical agency to help measure this part of the agriculture sector,” NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “We are excited to provide data on organic agriculture that will help inform organic producers and other industry professionals to make informed decisions for their operations.”
 
The 2025 Organic Survey is part of the Census of Agriculture Program and as such is required and protected by law (Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113). These federal laws require producers to respond and USDA to keep identities and answers confidential. Farmers and ranchers who receive the survey may complete it securely and conveniently online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. The deadline for response is February 5, 2026.
 
NASS will mail the survey to all known organic farms and ranches within the 50 states, as well as those producers transitioning to certified organic production. The questionnaire asks producers to provide information on acreage, production, and sales as well as production and marketing practices. 




CoBank releases 2026 year ahead report – forces that will shape the US rural economy

Economic uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy is much lower than it was a year ago, steadying the broader outlook for 2026. The reduced market anxiety can be seen in historically low volatility metrics for equity, bond and currency markets, as well as in historically tight corporate credit spreads.

The effective across-the-board tariff rate is now about 17% but based on tax collections, the actual average import tax paid is only about 10%. According to a new year-ahead report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, that rate is expected to drop even further as the reduced tariffs on China and imported food products take effect and more bilateral agreements are finalized.

With tariffs fading from the forefront of economic concern somewhat, AI has become the focal point of financial market prognostication. Direct investments in AI and related infrastructure, combined with the wealth effects from the surging stock market, have conservatively added 1% to U.S. GDP this year. However, the unprecedented levels of investment are driving fears of an AI-driven stock market bubble. The concern is that the AI boom has lifted the entire stock market to unsustainable heights, and a significant market correction would lead to a sharp pullback in consumer spending, potentially even causing a recession.

“That’s one possibility but it’s not the most likely scenario,” said Rob Fox, vice president of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “Corporate earnings remain extremely strong and aggregate corporate debt levels are historically low. Most of the stock market gains in the second half of 2025 were attributable to continually improving earnings expectations, not irrational exuberance.” 

Over the next three to five years, Fox said AI will likely play out similarly to the oil and gas shale boom between 2010 and 2015 – overproduction of a commoditized product, lower than expected earnings and disappointing industry profit margins. “However, just as the overall economy benefited from lower oil and gas prices, we will see productivity gains from AI across the entire economy. As long as the majority of AI capital expenditures are from existing cash flow rather than debt, structural risk to the economy should be limited.”

The CoBank 2026 outlook report examines several key factors that will shape agriculture and market sectors that serve rural communities throughout the U.S.

U.S. Economy: Markets adjust to a new normal
Several indicators suggest the economy will continue to remain steady in 2026. With the year-on-year tariff inflationary effect fading by end of the first quarter, core inflation is likely to resume its downward trend in the second half of the year. That will provide sufficient cover for the Federal Reserve to continue cutting interest rates in 2026. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the accelerated depreciation provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will boost GDP growth by almost a full percentage point next year. The labor market has cooled from the post-COVID cycle and is now more in line with historic norms. But near 4% wage growth and sub 5% unemployment are well within the margin of safety for a growing economy in 2026.
 
U.S. Government Affairs: Tariffs, farm policy and the shifting Washington landscape
The environment in Washington is beginning to change, if ever so slightly. The one-sided nature of the November election results likely served to refocus many elected officials on their own political fortunes. While there is potential for Congressional agreement on the remaining appropriation bills by January, bipartisan cooperation will become less likely as the 2026 mid-term elections approach. Farm Bill programs have been extended through September, but pressure is growing for Congress to take further action before the election. Questions surrounding the president’s authority on tariffs, a key issue impacting several market sectors and businesses, will also dominate policy discussions in the coming year.
 
Grains, Farm Supply & Biofuels: Ample grain supplies will burden markets in 2026
Global grain and oilseed markets remain oversupplied, but increased biofuels production and improving export conditions are boosting optimism that prices have passed their cyclical bottoms. Demand for U.S. grains and oilseeds will continue strengthening as low prices stimulate usage. But grain farmers will face hard choices for planting this spring. Prevailing prices of nearly all crops are below the cost of production. Current price ratios indicate soybeans stand to pull acres from all major crops in 2026. High input costs may discourage farmers from planting corn and switch to cheaper alternatives. Farmer affordability remains under pressure and while corn prices have slid, fertilizer prices have not.
 
Animal Protein: Investment in efficiency is paying dividends as consumers clamor for protein
Despite rising price points for meat and poultry, animal protein demand should remain strong in 2026. The combination of higher revenues and falling feed prices is boosting producer optimism for the year ahead, but not to the degree that expansion is expected to proliferate. Livestock supply conditions have grown notably tighter in the last two years and are likely to remain so over the next 12 to 18 months. As a result, feeding efficiencies and heavier carcasses will remain a focal point in 2026. While optimism in the sector is strong, several headwinds including new and recurring livestock diseases and trade disruptions could constrain growth in the coming year.
 
Dairy: Protein will drive milk checks for the foreseeable future
Milk protein is poised for an extended bull-market run as demand for protein-based dairy products continues to climb. While demand for full-fat dairy products also remains strong, butterfat has moved to an oversupply situation. Dairy processors are awash in butterfat with some putting caps on butterfat payments. That means protein will be the leading driver in milk checks in the coming years. Shifting consumer dietary trends suggest protein markets will remain strong for many years to come. And according to data from Circana and Dairy Management Inc., four of the top 10 protein products for absolute unit sales growth in the past 52 weeks were dairy products, including cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt.
 
Food & Beverage: Restaurant recession, retail reformulations challenge manufacturers
Restaurants are showing further signs of weakness as higher prices are taking a toll on consumer dining-out behavior. Even restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Shake Shack that had fared relatively well have now begun to underperform. Meanwhile, retail grocery brands face increasing input costs and a quasi-regulatory demand to reduce or remove artificial ingredients like food coloring. Most concerning for those brands is the lack of data indicating consumers actually want or will pay for these reformulated products. Regulatory encouragement to reduce artificial ingredients comes with considerable costs and represents a growing challenge for food and beverage companies.
 
Power & Energy: Patchwork or partnership? 2026 a pivotal year for grid governance
U.S. electricity consumption is increasing at its fastest pace since World War II. Earlier this year, the federal government declared a national energy emergency citing the unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven in large part by data centers. The Department of Energy is now using its emergency authority to direct FERC to quickly standardize large load interconnections. If adopted, some of the proposed reforms would mark a major shift in how large, energy-intensive customers like data centers connect to the grid. While the reforms could expedite grid access for major customers, they may compromise local utility investment and state regulatory authority. That means unified planning and coordination at the federal, state and local levels will be even more critical going forward.
 
Digital Infrastructure: Navigating AI’s expansion into rural America
The rise of AI is fueling a historic surge in data-center spending and hyperscalers will increasingly depend on rural America to achieve their ambitious buildout plans. Rural areas offer what hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon desperately need: land for sprawling campuses and the ability to colocate data centers with major power infrastructure. Given the business and geopolitical stakes, data center operators are moving fast and writing big checks to reduce friction in rural communities. While these communities face tradeoffs, rejecting data center projects could mean missing out on generational economic benefits.