Monday February 16 Ag News - Ricketts Letter Supporting NE Beef - Webinar on Carbon Intensity Scoring - Pork Act Delegates Slated for March Forum - Farms and Land in Farms - House Ag Committee Farm Bill Proposal - and more!

Ricketts Leads Nebraska Delegation Letter Supporting Nebraska Beef

Friday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led the Nebraska congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, expressing support for Nebraska beef after a trade agreement with Argentina. The letter underscores the importance of trade policies that create opportunities, stabilize markets and lower consumer prices.

In the letter, Senator Ricketts and the delegation emphasized Nebraska’s status as the Beef State. The letter also emphasizes how market stability in the cattle industry is critical to America’s food security.

The letter reads:

“Nebraska is the beef state. Our ranchers are the lifeblood of our economy. Thank you for your continued efforts to strengthen our economy and provide markets for our ranchers through international trade deals. The recent Argentina deal opens new export opportunities for U.S. beef while aiming to address consumer prices. We applaud the increased market opportunity for Nebraskan producers who produce the best, safest beef in the world.

“The United States’ cattle inventory is at 75-year lows. Despite historically low supply, demand for beef remains strong. Consumers choose U.S.-produced beef because it is the best, safest beef in the world. We must continue to fight for policies that support Nebraskan ranchers and their efforts to rebuild the herd. Growing the herd is the only long-term strategy for lowering consumer prices. We cannot import our way to lasting lower prices for consumers. It is paramount to ensure any imports meet the same strict safety standards as our producers.”



CAP Webinar - Estimating What Matters: Carbon Intensity in Corn and Soybean Markets
Feb 19, 2026 12:00 PM 
Elliott Dennis, Associate Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
Richard Perrin, Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics
Felipe Miranda de Souza Almeida, Graduate Research Assistant, UNL Agricultural Economics

Low-carbon fuel policies are reshaping grain and meat markets. This webinar breaks down new research estimating the carbon intensity (CI) of corn, soybeans in the Northern Plains using two leading life-cycle models. We’ll show how CI varies across regions, irrigation systems, and production practices and why some common assumptions miss the mark. Most importantly, we’ll explore how management choices like tillage and cover crops can dramatically shift CI. If future premiums emerge, who benefits, and will these premiums actually be paid by consumers? 

Register at: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. 




USDA Announces Appointments to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 145 delegates, including 142 producers and three importers, to the 2026 National Pork Producers Delegate Body.

Members appointed to serve one-year terms are:
        Alabama: Ben Parmer, Auburn; Jody Hodnett, Wadley
        Alaska: Patricia R. Worrell, Wasilla; Richard C. Worrell, Wasilla
        Arizona: Bruce Lawler, Lakeside; Brad Tate, Taylor
        Arkansas: Richard Gray, Dardanelle; Charles Metz, London
        California: Russell McKeith, Visalia; Jared Lamle, Denair
        Colorado: Julie McCaleb, Anton; Brett B. Rutledge, Yuma
        Delaware: John B. Tigner, Jr., Hartley
        Florida: Tommy R. Crawford, Lake Butler
        Georgia: Mark Clemmer, Broxton; Robin A. Clemmer, Broxton
        Idaho: Kirk Pugsley, Caldwell; Logan Thornton, Kuna
        Illinois: Chad Leman, Secor; Joshua D. Maschhoff, Nashville; Katie Brown, Morrisonville; Thomas Titus, Elkhart; Cheryl Walsh, Princeville; Emmalee Haege, Nashville
        Indiana: Todd Rodibaugh, Carmel; Micah Render, Rensselaer; Kyle Crowder, Attica; Mike Taylor, Uniondale; Nate Lenig, Greenfield; Tanner Smith, Hillsdale
        Iowa: Matt Gent, Wellman; Dean Frazer, Conrad; Linda Schroeder, Remsen; Chet Mogler, Larchwood; Erin Brenneman, Wellman; Aaron Cook, Winthrop; Tim Schmidt, Hawarden; Dr. Matt Anderson, Algona; Aaron Juergens, Carroll; Ben Schmaling, Prescott; Joel Van Gilst, Oskaloosa; Chelsea Theobald, Muscatine; Denise Wiley, Walker; Dennis Liljedahl, Essex; Mark Meirick, Protivin; Tom Paustian, Walcott; Dale Gerard Reicks, New Hampton; Ryan Pudenz, Ames; Greg Lear, Specer; Steve Kerns, Clearfield; Trent Thiele, Elma; Chris Bellcock, Norwalk; Rob Stout, Washington; Clark Wikner, McGregor; Haley Kerr, Burlington; Todd A. Wiley, Walker; Todd E. Wilson, LuVerne; Leon Sheets, Ionia; Dave Struthers, Collins; Jamie Horbach, Clive
        Kansas: Chad M. Groves, Overland Park; Scott J. Pfortmiller, Saint John; Michael Springer, Neodesha; Curt Haverkamp, Bern
        Louisiana: Brady Rutledge, Iowa; John Fontenot, Iowa
        Maine: Brittany Hemond, Minot; Michael Hemond, Minot
        Maryland: Jennifer Gannon, Centreville
        Michigan: Kevin C. Turner, Lansing; Joseph R. Dykhuis, Holland; Andy White, Jones
        Minnesota: Jay Fultz, Tracy; Maddie Hokanson, Cannon Falls; Michael L. Patterson, Kenyon; Brandon L. Schafer, Goodhue; Brian M. Schwartz, Sleepy Eye; Patrick L. VonTersch, Luverne; Michael J. Walker, Belview; Myrna J. Welter, Stewartville; Terry D. Wolters, Hendricks; Dale E. Stevermer, Easton
        Mississippi: Kramer Lynn Gary, Eupora; Donny Ray, Olive Branch
        Missouri: David Reedy, Moundville; Anthony Russo, Columbia; Jeff Sims, Marshall; Dean B. Rehmeier, Augusta
        Montana: William W. Kleinsasser, Augusta; David J. Hofer, Conrad
        Nebraska: Ryan Preister, Humphrey; Cody Lambrecht, Bennington; David May, Henderson; Josh Wendt, Leigh
        Nevada: Clayton Combs, Las Vegas; Sarah Stallard, Las Vegas
        New York: Jennifer Schwab, North Java; James Luckman, Fort Plain
        North Carolina: Jay Archer, Tarboro; Josh Coombs, Clinton; Chad Herring, Mount Olive; D.J. Jones, Greensboro; Wen Murphy, Wallace; Lorenda B. Overman, Goldsboro; Bill Prestage, Clinton; Samantha H. Raynor, Beulaville; Rod Smith, Pink Hill
        North Dakota: James P. Clay, Cando; Tony Heins, New Salem
        Ohio: Kevin Stuckey, Hicksville; Nathan Isler, Prospect; Brad Heimerl, Johnstown; Chris Allen, Warsaw
        Oklahoma: Hannah A. Trujillo, Wetumka; Roy Cansler, Chester; Tom Layne, Enid
        Oregon: Henry C. Bennett, Eagle Creek; Matthew C. Bennett, Eagle Creek
        Pennsylvania: Aaron Ott, McConnellsburg; Ben Barcovtch, Berwick; Nat Stas, Latrobe; Matt Brandt, Selinsgrove
        South Carolina: Mark McLeod, Pinewood; Curt Lee, Alcolu
        South Dakota: Jason R. Foster, Garden City; Trent Nathan Thompson, Hudson; Mark A. Fuoss, Armour; Levi M. Wollman, Ethan
        Tennessee: Pamela Bartholomew-Gardner, Decaturville; Dr. Seth Krantz, Jackson
        Texas: Peter Baumert, Dalhart; Bo Williams, Stratford
        Utah: Brittany R. Parkinson, Beaver; Todd N. Ballard, Benson
        Virginia: R.O. Britt, Williamsburg; Dylan Carden, Prince George
        Washington: Karrie L. Klingeman, Moses Lake; Paul Klingeman, Sr., Moses Lake
        Wisconsin: Christina J. Meylor, Darlington; Al Ries, Lomira
        Wyoming: Taylor Starks, Casper; Sabina D. Wyse, Powell
        Importers: Martin Sauer, Jersey City, N.J.; George Gekas, Philadelphia, Pa.; Roland Schinbeckler, Warren, N.J.

The delegate body meets annually to recommend the rate of assessment, determine the percentage of assessments that state associations will receive, and nominate producers and importers to the National Pork Board. The board and the delegate body were established under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. By law, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees operations of the board and the delegate body. More information about the board is available on the AMS National Pork Board webpage and on the National Pork Board’s website https://www.porkcheckoff.org/.



Farms and Land in Farms Highlights

The number of farms in the United States for 2025 is estimated at 1,865,000, down 15,000 farms from 2024. The number of farms decreased in all sales classes except the $1,000,000 or more sales class. In 2025, 48.0 percent of all farms had less than $10,000 in sales and 78.8 percent of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales. In 2025, 9.9 percent of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more.
  
Total land in farms, at 873,950,000 acres, decreased 2,510,000 acres from 2024. The land in farms decreased in all sales classes except the $1,000,000 or more sales class which increased by 850,000 acres. In 2025, 25.7 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with less than $100,000 in sales, while 50.1 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with sales of $500,000 or more.

The average farm size for 2025 is 469 acres, up from 466 acres the previous year.

By State        
Iowa ............:   86,200 farms - 29,900,000 acres - 347 acres/farm
Nebraska .....:   44,100 farms - 43,900,000 acres - 995 acres/farm  



Chairman Thompson Releases Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released the following statement after releasing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026:

“A new farm bill is long overdue, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step forward in providing certainty to our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. We made historic agricultural investments last summer in the Working Families Tax Cuts (H.R. 1), but there are many key policy components that remain to be addressed. With that in mind, the House Committee on Agriculture will begin marking up a new farm bill February 23.

“This bill provides modern policies for modern challenges and is shaped by years of listening to the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans. The farm bill affects our entire country, regardless of whether you live on a farm, and I look forward to seeing my colleagues in Congress work together to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”



ASA Welcomes House Ag Action on 2026 Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association commends the House Agriculture Committee on advancing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. 

“We appreciate that Chairman Thompson heard the concerns and needs of soybean farmers and addressed them in the bill,” said Scott Metzger, ASA president and a soybean farmer from Ohio. “The provisions included will provide much-needed market and regulatory certainty for producers facing new risks and difficult business decisions.” 

Over the past two years, ASA has advocated for strengthening the farm bill to meet the pressing needs of soybean farmers. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes significant enhancements to improve access to credit, meaningful investments to promote expansion and diversification of markets, and support for vital provisions such as the BioPreferred Program, pesticide labeling uniformity, full access to domestic markets for the meat products of our livestock customers, and investments in precision agriculture. 

Strengthening the farm bill is critical for the future of U.S. soybeans, and ASA stands ready to work with lawmakers to advance this legislation and help stabilize today’s challenging farm economy.



America’s Pig Farmers Appreciate Proposed Prop. 12 Fix in Farm Bill 2.0
 
U.S. pork producers are one step closer to critical regulatory certainty—and consumers closer to keeping pork affordable—with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) Farm Bill 2.0, which includes a federal fix to the massive issues caused by the impending and disastrous patchwork of state laws spurred by California Proposition 12.
 
“America’s pork producers thank Chairman Thompson for continuing to take bold steps once again to protect our livelihoods from an unsustainable patchwork of state laws,” said National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “We implore the full House Agriculture Committee to stand up for the American farmer, preserve states’ rights, and help keep pork affordable for the American consumers.”
 
Chairman Thompson and other leaders in D.C. remain dedicated to protecting producers’ freedom to farm by finding a solution to Prop. 12, which has spurred a variety of problems from the farmgate to families’ plates, including:
    Trampling on states’ rights: Prop. 12 sets a precedent that undermines the foundation of interstate commerce, allowing a single state to dictate how food is produced across the country—even when that food is produced outside its borders. Fixing Prop. 12 protects the rights of states by allowing each the exclusive right to regulate how livestock are produced within their borders.
        In passing Prop. 12, California violated Congress’ exclusive constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce. Congressional action to fix the chaos caused by Prop. 12 is rooted in Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution: “The Congress shall have the power … To regulate commerce … among the several states” (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3).
    Setting the stage for a patchwork of 50 state laws, dictating different versions of animal housing laws, which all producers—no matter the state they farm in— must comply with if they want to sell their pork to all consumers.
        NPPC Vice President and Ohio pork producer Pat Hord, who has retrofitted his barns to be Prop. 12-compliant, has told Congress that compliance does not future-proof farmers from more financial burdens if patchwork laws are not addressed. “Whatever I do today could need to be changed when a new state decides they want a different housing standard,” Hord says. “These are expensive changes, and some farmers may exit the business amid this uncertainty, which increases consolidation.”
    Leading to industry consolidation, potentially crushing small and medium-sized farms: While even large farms cannot sustain ongoing changes to sow housing laws, they are more likely to be able to afford the initial changes mandated by Prop. 12. Contrarily, smaller and independent producers often cannot. This means fewer family farms and reduced competition across the industry.
        In the first quarter of 2025, 12% of small pork operations (<500 sows) exited the market or shifted production away from breeding due to compliance costs and uncertainty, according to USDA.
    Ignoring expert veterinary advice and chipping away at sound veterinary options: The American Veterinary Medical Association says Prop. 12 does “not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.” 
        The housing requirement established by Prop. 12 is arbitrary, lacks a scientific or animal welfare foundation, and disregards the expertise of producers and veterinarians whose professional responsibility is to safeguard animal health.
    Making pork less affordable at the grocery store: The latest data shows increased retail prices in California are still more than 20% higher than before Prop. 12 took effect.
    Causing problems with trading partners: Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, for example, states are not permitted to create non-tariff barriers to trade.

A fix for Prop. 12 is backed by nearly 1,000 agriculture groups across more than 40 states, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. 



Farmers Appreciate Release of House Farm Bill Text

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee release of its version of the farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. The legislation is needed more than ever as America’s farmers and ranchers struggle through the worst economic storm in generations.

“We’re still reviewing the text of the bill, but it includes important updates to credit, conservation, research, and rural development programs, and calls for expansion of specialty crop programs. The bill also preserves interstate commerce to enable farmers to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.

“We urge the House Agriculture Committee to work in a bipartisan manner to find consensus and move the bill forward. Additionally, in light of the ongoing economic conditions plaguing rural America, Farm Bureau will continue to work with congressional leaders on our top priorities including additional funding for bridge assistance payments, year-round E15 and a solution to our agricultural labor crisis.”



Council’s IMC, Annual Meeting Concludes With Board Of Delegates Meeting

Members of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) concluded the Council’s 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting, held Feb. 11-13, in Panama City, Panama, with its board of delegates meeting and Council reports.

The morning began with USGBC sector meetings on barley, sorghum, corn, general farm organizations and agribusiness and ethanol before the board of delegates session.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson moderated the day’s board of delegates agenda that included a summary of the conference’s highlights thus far and administrative and financial reporting on the Council’s activities to promote transparency and organizational health well into the future.

Wilson then moderated a panel on ethanol’s expanding frontier featuring Alicia Koch, USGBC director of global ethanol export development; James Glueck, executive director of the Plant Based Products Council; Erin Heitkamp, vice president of SAF and carbon solutions at GEVO; and Shailesh Sahay, partner at Bracewell.

“When we can transition into cleaner options for cooking with ethanol and geographies that also have a blending component, the demand and opportunity there is going to be huge,” Koch said. “There is a huge need around the world for clean cooking solutions.”

Following the panel, Council delegates recognized members and staff who recently reached milestones of service to the organization for their accomplishments.

Additionally, the Council’s Advisory Teams (A-Teams) and sectors presented the results of their discussions at the meeting before Wilson closed the meeting.

“By attending this conference, you will join a long legacy of helping the Council establish priorities for future efforts we will undertake to grow global markets for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distiller’s grains,” Wilson said. “We are very glad you made the trip to Panama to be with us!”

The next USGBC meeting will be the 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting held on July 29-31 in Milwaukee, WI.



U.S. Pork Secures Taiwan Access After Decades-long Effort
 
In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation.
 
“Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid off. This means more U.S. pork on international tables and more opportunities and prosperity for American producers,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “Thank you, President Trump and Ambassadors Greer and Callahan, for ensuring American pork producers were included in and greatly benefit from this historic agreement.”
 
The agreement stands to boost U.S. pork exports by:
    Cutting tariffs on U.S. pork exports by half.
    Following maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for ractopamine in pork fat, kidney, liver, and muscle. For other edible swine offal, the MRL is set at 0.09 ppm (90 ppb) or any Codex MRL.  
    Eliminating import licensing procedures that restrict U.S. imports, as well as removing facility and product registration requirements. 
    Ending 100% batch-by-batch inspection for ractopamine residues and country of origin labeling requirements on U.S. pork products in favor of import inspection rates based on compliance history.
    Accepting U.S. pork exports from all plants listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Directory, which is maintained by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, without requiring audits before exporting.
    Accepting USDA FSIS-issued export certificates and electronic data elements and limiting unnecessary attestations.

Additionally, within six months Taiwan must recognize the African swine fever protection zone established by the United States.  
 


USDA Issues Final Emergency Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Friday announced U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion. Eligible applicants who applied for ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) assistance will receive 100% of their eligible calculated payment in a single lump sum. USDA is also making a second payment to producers who previously received their initial factored payment for ELRP 2023 and 2024 assistance for losses due to eligible drought and wildfires.

“Livestock operations across the country were disrupted in 2023 and 2024 by catastrophic floods, drought, wildfires, and poor forage conditions. President Trump has ensured our farmers, ranchers, and producers have the tools and assistance necessary to continue their operations after they were impacted at no fault of their own. If the men and women who feed America cannot continue their operations, then our national security is at risk. We are working every day to ensure America’s food supply remains safe, stable, and secure,” said Secretary Rollins. “Due to the program demand for drought and wildfire assistance, initial payments were factored to ensure total program payments did not exceed available funding. Additional funds remain so we are delivering on our Farmers First commitment to livestock producers and issuing a second payment in addition to making a full payment, with no factor, to eligible producers who applied for flood and wildfire recovery assistance.”

At the direction of Congress, The American Relief Act, 2025, provides for $2 billion in emergency relief payments to livestock producers suffering losses due to drought, wildfires, or flooding in calendar years 2023 and 2024.

ELRP Drought and Wildfire (Wildfire Losses on Federally Managed Lands)
Livestock producers previously received an initial payment for drought and wildfire assistance that was factored by 35% to ensure payments did not exceed available funding.

Now, FSA has issued an automatic second payment to eligible producers who received an initial payment for drought and wildfire losses. The second payment is equal to 8.2% of the eligible producer’s 2023 or 2024 Livestock Forage Disaster program gross calculated payment, making the final payment factor 43.2% and total assistance provided more than $1.289 billion.

ELRP Flood and Wildfire (Wildfire Losses on Non-Federally Managed Lands)
After assessing ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW applications, FSA determined that a payment factor is not needed. Producers with approved ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW applications are receiving 100% of their calculated payment in a single lump sum, totaling $604 million in recovery assistance.

Payment Limit
ELRP 2023 and 2024 and ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW have a combined payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers who already received the maximum payment amount from ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire losses will not be eligible to receive an additional payment. Eligible producers may submit form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs, by Nov. 2, 2026, to be considered for an increased payment limit of $250,000.