Thursday February 26 Ag News - CVA adds AcreIntelligence - Heng-Moss named IANR VC - Nebraska BQA Trainings Announced - Topics for '26 Dairy Beef Short Course Announced - SD Farmer new USSEC Chair - and more!

CVA: Farm with the Power of Leaf-Level Intelligence

Every acre on your operation tells a story. What if you could see beyond the surface or beyond what traditional scouting can catch? Having the power to uncover issues at the leaf level before they impact yield is possible with AcreIntelligence, powered by Taranis, Central Valley Ag is bringing the future of agronomy directly to your fields. 

Agronomy Performance
AcreIntelligence combines advanced aerial imagery, AI-driven detection, and trusted agronomic intelligence to reveal what typical scouting could miss. Instead of relying only on manual field checks, AcreIntelligence allows you to take another step above your field to gain full-field visibility with precision. 

This technology is designed to:
    Detect threats early, before they spread
    Measure emergence with greater accuracy
    Identify nutrient deficiencies, disease pressure, and insect activity at the leaf level
    Help you act faster with clear, data-backed recommendations 

It's not just more data, it's a way for you to keep control over your acres. 

The Future of Agronomy in the Field
Today's production agriculture demands efficiency, precision, and speed. AcreIntelligence has been created to effectively offer growers a chance to examine what is beyond the eye. With this technology, any grower has the ability to detect a change in any field. By pairing advanced AI detection with the local expertise of your CVA agronomist, you gain:
    A broader view of your entire operation
    More targeted input decisions
    Increased confidence in mid-season management choices
    Greater opportunity to protect yield potential

CVA agronomists are available to help your operation reach its fullest potential. By incorporated AcreIntelligence, agronomy specialists are equipped to bring you clearer visibility and stronger insights to lead the next generation of crop decisions. 

Built for Growers who want more
You know your acres better than anyone. AcreIntelligence simply helps growers see them differently. Whether it's identifying early0-season variability, spotting disease before it escalates, or validating stand establishment, this tool adds another layer of confidence to your management strategy. 



Heng-Moss named permanent vice chancellor for agriculture and natural resources

Tiffany Heng-Moss has been named Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska system. She has served in the dual role on an interim basis since June 2025. 

The appointment, announced Feb. 24 by Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson, is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

“Dr. Heng-Moss has demonstrated the vision, expertise and leadership needed to guide IANR at a critical time for agriculture and natural resources,” Ankerson said. “I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about her impact across the state, focus on strengthening every arm of our land-grant mission, and what the future holds under her leadership. Dr. Heng-Moss is a champion for all agriculture and natural resources and for positively shaping the future of our communities and industries.”

Heng-Moss said she is honored to step into the new role and continue serving IANR, the university and state.

“I’m incredibly proud of the impact that IANR has had across the state over the past 53 years,” Heng-Moss said. “Looking ahead, there is incredible opportunity to build on this remarkable legacy and to expand our impact in new and innovative ways.

“Deep gratitude goes to the faculty, staff, postdocs and students, whose passion, innovation and commitment drive our mission every day. Appreciation also extends to our alumni and the many external partners and stakeholders whose collaboration strengthens our work and broadens our impact. As we look to the future, I’m inspired by what we can accomplish together.”

A Nebraska native and alumna of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Heng-Moss brings more than 20 years of experience advancing the university’s land-grant mission through teaching, research and extension. Her appointment follows results of a 360 review and a search advisory committee, soliciting feedback from a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders.

“During her time in the interim role, Dr. Heng-Moss has proven to be a thoughtful, forward-looking and exceptionally effective leader,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system. “The agriculture and natural resources industries are vital to Nebraska’s success, and it is essential that the university have a strong, collaborative and innovative leader who can grow and strengthen our ag and natural resources programs in the years ahead. Dr. Heng-Moss is certainly that person, and I am thrilled to continue working alongside her.” 

Heng-Moss joined the Nebraska faculty in 2001 with appointments in teaching, research and extension. She taught undergraduate and graduate courses in entomology, pest management, plant resistance to insects and the undergraduate capstone experience, and mentored dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Her research has focused on developing crops with resistance to insect pests and understanding plant defense mechanisms across several of Nebraska’s major cropping systems. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and served as principal or co-investigator on more than $70 million in teaching and engagement grants and $8 million in research funding.

Through Nebraska Extension, Heng-Moss worked directly with producers across the state to translate research into practical applications. She also partnered with K-12 schools to support education related to food, energy and water systems.

From 2017 to 2025, Heng-Moss served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, where she led initiatives focused on academic innovation, workforce development and student success. During her tenure, more than 3,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students enrolled in degree pathways aligned with units in agricultural sciences and natural resources, conferred more than 6,000 degrees and increased its four-year graduation rate by 10 percentage points, achieving its highest six-year graduation rate on record.

Heng-Moss earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 1995, a master’s degree in entomology in 1997 and a doctorate in entomology in 2000, all from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.



NEBRASKA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE ANNOUNCES 2026 CERTIFICATION SCHEDULE

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance has released the 2026 schedule for Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation certification events.

The trainings allow attendees to earn both certifications during the same session.

Beef Quality Assurance is a national program that provides science-based information and practical guidance to beef producers on best management practices for raising cattle under optimal conditions. Core principles include proper animal husbandry, prevention of violative residues and reduced injection site damage. The program has expanded to include cattle handling, facility design, transportation practices, recordkeeping and overall herd health management.

The mission of Beef Quality Assurance is to strengthen consumer confidence in beef by focusing on everyday production practices that influence the safety, quality and wholesomeness of beef products. The program’s principles guide the management of more than 80% of the U.S. cattle supply.

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance encourages all segments of the beef industry, including producers and cattle transporters, to maintain current certifications, which demonstrate a commitment to responsible management practices and continuous improvement.

Benefits of certification include staying current on industry standards, strengthening consumer trust and supporting cattle health and operational efficiency. Analyses of online calf sales have also shown that certified cattle often bring a premium in video auction markets.

Certification is valid for three years. Individuals certified prior to 2023 may need to renew their certification.

The 2026 schedule includes (all times are Central Daylight Time unless otherwise noted):
> Plainview: April 22, 4 p.m., Plainview Public Library, 209 N. Pine St.
> Ithaca: April 23, 4 p.m., Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G
> Albion: July 8, 5:30 p.m., Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, 2572 State Highway 14

To learn more about Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance or to find a certification event near you, visit https://bqa.unl.edu. To register for an event, visit the website or contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 308-633-0158.

Additional certification events may be added to the 2026 schedule as they become available. Producers are encouraged to check the website periodically for updates.



Union Pacific and Heartland Co-op Celebrate First Train Loading at New Millerton Facility

Union Pacific’s partnership with Heartland Co-op reached an exciting milestone as the new grain shuttle facility in Millerton, Iowa, is now fully operational and handling its first train loads. This state-of-the-art site strengthens service for farmers in south central Iowa and expands access to key domestic and export markets across Union Pacific’s network.

This achievement reflects close collaboration between Heartland Co‑op and Union Pacific teams across Operating, Marketing and Sales, Service Design, Network Economic and Industrial Development, Real Estate and Public Projects. The Millerton facility represents a shared, long‑term investment in Iowa agriculture and continued growth across the region’s grain market.

“Heartland Co‑op’s investment alongside Union Pacific underscores our shared commitment to long‑term growth,” said Emily Peters, director, Marketing and Sales. “This new site strengthens our presence in the region and deepens our grain origination foundation.”



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Multi-Species Backyard Flocks in Keokuk and Van Buren Counties

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in multi-species backyard flocks in Van Buren and Keokuk Counties. These cases are Iowa’s third and fourth detections of H5N1 HPAI in 2026.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.

Heightened Biosecurity 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to continue bolstering their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website.

List of Confirmed Cases
As H5N1 HPAI detections are confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, those cases are added to tracking websites located on the USDA APHIS website.



2026 Dairy Beef Short Course to cover calf health, growth technologies, and feedlot facilities

Dairy producers, feedlot operators, and industry professionals should plan to attend the 2026 Dairy Beef Short Course on Tuesday, March 17 in Sioux Falls, SD. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Denny Sanford Premier Center and features a full day of research-based information on feeding and managing beef-on-dairy cattle.

“This year’s program has something for everyone in the beef-on-dairy supply chain, from early calf management all the way through carcass outcomes and facilities,” said Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Kimmi Devaney of Progressive Dairy will serve as emcee for the day. Presenters and topics include:
    Lessons in Lung Health — Dr. Joe Armstrong, Zoetis
    Energetics of Changes in Liver Size and Health in Calves — Dr. Kendall Swanson, North Dakota State University
    The Effect of Growth Enhancing Technologies on Mineral Requirements in Beef Cattle — Dr. Dathan Smerchek, Iowa State University
    What’s Going on With Carcass Size? — Dr. Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University
    Facilities: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly — Industry and producer panel

Morning speakers will also participate in a panel discussion before lunch. Lunch is provided.

Registration is $75 per adult, plus $15 for a printed copy of the presentations. College students may register at a discounted rate of $20.

Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/DBSC2026.

The deadline to register is March 10.

The Dairy Beef Short Course is offered by the I-29 Moo University, a collaboration of Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, University of Minnesota, and South Dakota State University, and sponsoring organizations.

For more information, contact Gail Carpenter at 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu, or Jim Salfer at 320-203-6093 or salfe001@umn.edu.



South Dakota Farmer Mike McCranie Elected USSEC Chair 

Responsible for the international marketing of U.S. Soy in 90+ markets around the world, the board of directors of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) are tasked with guiding the organization’s work to attain market access, differentiate and elevate preference for U.S. Soy.  

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, USSEC’s 2026/2027 Board of Directors was announced during its annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. USSEC’s board comprises 16 members: four director seats are appointed by the American Soybean Association (ASA), four seats are appointed by the United Soybean Board (USB), and the remaining eight seats are elected to represent trade, industry and state organizations of USSEC’s exporter and allied member classes. 

Mike McCranie, a fourth-generation farmer who grows soybeans near Claremont, South Dakota, was elected USSEC board chair. As chair, McCranie will guide the board in its priorities for the year ahead, helping to differentiate and elevate U.S. Soy in the international marketplace. 

“This is a huge honor and a role I am personally committed to,” McCranie said. “With 58 percent of the U.S. soybean crop exported in the most recent marketing year, there’s tremendous opportunity to continue building demand and prioritizing international relationships. 

McCranie farms soybeans and corn with his wife, Monica, and their sons, Matthew and Mitchell. McCranie represents USB and is a member of USB’s Demand Action Team. He is active in his community and church, and is a member of numerous agricultural organizations, including the South Dakota Soybean Association and South Dakota Corn Growers Association. 

“Relationships are critical to the work we do, and we are grateful for Mike and all our board leaders who volunteer their time and expertise and understand the power of trust and partnerships,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “From regional conferences to one-on-one technical expertise, it’s all about building trust and showcasing how customers benefit from using U.S. Soy.”  

USSEC’s 2026/27 Board of Directors 
(*indicates new to the board) 

ASA Appointments 
Janna Fritz, Bad Axe, Mich. 
Mike Koehne, Greensburg, Ind. 
Randy Miller, Lacona, Iowa 
Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo, Ill. (Vice Chair) 
 
USB Appointments  
Tim Bardole, Rippey, Iowa 
Mike McCranie, Claremont, S.D. (Chair) 
Cindy Pulskamp, Hillsboro, N.D. 
Reggie Strickland, Mount Olive, N.C. (Second Vice Chair) 
 
Allied Class 
Reese Allemore, Russell Marine Group, New Orleans, La.* 
Scott Gaffner, Illinois Soybean Association, Greenville, Ill. (Secretary) 
Joel Schreurs, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Tyler, Minn. 
 
Exporter Class 
Clayton Charles, FS Grain LLC 
Austin DeLong, The DeLong Company* 
Bobby Ewalt, Bunge North America, Inc. (Treasurer) 
Shawn Hulm, J.D. Heiskell & Co.* 
Scott Sinner, SB&B Foods, LLC 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/20/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 20, ethanol production decreased 0.4% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.75 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 3.0% higher than the same week last year and 5.6% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate was unchanged at1.07 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.51 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.2% to a five-week high of 25.6 million barrels. Still, stocks were 7.0% less than the same week last year and 1.8% below the three-year average. Inventories built across the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, edged down 0.2% to 8.73 million b/d (134.24 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 3.3% more than a year ago and 0.6% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol were unchanged at 866,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.31 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.4% more than year-ago levels and 0.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports contracted 20.3% to an estimated 141,000 b/d (5.9 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Growth Energy Raises Alarm over Missed E15 Deadline 

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, expressed renewed urgency after Congress missed another deadline to approve a permanent, legislative fix offering consumers year-round access to E15. After reaching an impasse in January, House leaders agreed to establish an E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, tasked with striking a deal no later than February 15 and sending legislation to the House floor no later than February 25, 2026. Despite reports of progress, no legislation has been introduced.  

“This is an urgent priority for rural America, and we’re grateful for the hard work by our champions on the council to keep this process moving forward,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “But we need to get year-round E15 to the President’s desk in time to reignite the struggling farm economy and guarantee real savings at the pump this summer. We urge Speaker Johnson and his team to stand behind President Trump’s promise to quickly deliver year-round access to lower-cost, American-made E15.  

“Stakeholders already have consensus legislation with clear support across the entire supply chain – including farmers, biofuel producers, retailers, and the vast majority of refiners. Now is the time to pull out all the stops to make certain the legislation has the momentum needed to speed through the House and Senate.”



Dairy Checkoff Showcasing Innovation, Research Resources at Expo West

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is positioning itself as a strategic innovation partner and resource to the nearly 70,000 entrepreneurs, investors, brands and retailers who will attend Natural Products Expo West, March 3-6, in Anaheim Calif.

Expo West is the largest trade show of its kind in North America for the consumer packaged goods and natural products industry. This will be the third consecutive year DMI will be at the event with the checkoff seeking to demonstrate how dairy can fuel breakthrough product concepts – and how innovators can tap into its resources to accelerate speed to market.

DMI will highlight the National Dairy Foods Research Center, which has received national and local checkoff support for nearly 40 years. There are six regionally based centers affiliated with a network of universities that collaborate with farmer-founded organizations to discover ways of building global demand for dairy. DMI also will promote www.dairyinnovator.com to inspire Expo West attendees with hundreds of tools and concepts to help ignite dairy innovation.

“We’re at Expo West to show entrepreneurs and innovators what’s possible with dairy and how the checkoff’s support and research network can help them bring ideas to life,” said Marla Buerk, executive vice president of innovation for DMI. “Our goal is to serve as a resource that helps brands innovate faster, smarter and more successfully, while creating demand opportunities for dairy farmers.”

Headlining DMI’s presence at its booth is a new concept: cottage cheese ice cream. This high-protein product was developed through collaboration across DMI’s consumer insights and research center teams. It serves as proof of how DMI can translate emerging consumer trends into commercially viable dairy solutions.

“This is about inspiring innovation,” Buerk said. “We took two powerful trends – cottage cheese and high protein – and showed how dairy can stretch into entirely new categories. The concept demonstrates the depth of expertise and support our system provides, from insights to formulation to commercialization.” 

The checkoff also is bringing entrepreneurial farmers and companies to its booth to highlight how ideas move from concept to shelf. This includes a farmer who is launching milk uniquely packaged in a can in whole fat and flavors including Horchata and coffee, which appeal to Gen Z consumers, and a yogurt maker featuring a high-protein, high-fiber yogurt line.

“These examples show how insights turn into real products,” Buerk said. “They represent the kind of innovation that grows dairy demand and creates value for farmers.”

Farmers Joyce Racicky (Nebraska) and Kim Korn (Idaho), who serve as DMI board members, also will be at Expo West to engage with attendees and answer questions about dairy farming.

“When people meet farmers, it builds credibility and trust,” Buerk said. “It reminds everyone that behind every product is a family farm committed to quality, care, and sustainability.”

DMI is again hosting an education session to further reinforce its role as a strategic insights and innovation partner for brands navigating rapidly evolving consumer expectations.

Its session – “What Consumers Really Want and Emerging Ways to Deliver It” – will examine why health and wellness is experiencing explosive growth, yet more than 50% of consumers say today’s food and beverages are failing to meet their needs.

“Consumers are telling us something is broken,” said Norrie Wilson, who serves as an innovation and insights consultant for DMI. “They’re highly motivated by health and wellness, but they’re dissatisfied with what’s available, so they’re creating their own solutions. That creates a massive opportunity for brands – and for dairy – to deliver better answers.”

In the session, DMI will be joined by a data company to demonstrate how advanced social and cultural intelligence can uncover deeper layers of unmet consumer needs that will shape the future of food and beverage innovations. The presentation will explore emerging benefits focused on sleep, skin health, body composition, strength, mobility and metabolism, illustrating how dairy naturally aligns with evolving wellness priorities.

“This approach allows us to go far beyond traditional research,” Wilson said. “We can identify not just what consumers want today, but what they will want next and how brands can develop solutions that truly resonate.”

By participating in Expo West, DMI is helping to ensure dairy remains visible, relevant and competitive within one of the industry’s most influential marketplaces.

“Every conversation, every product discovery and every relationship at Expo West has the potential to become dairy’s competitive advantage,” Wilson said. “We’re there to make sure dairy is not just part of the conversation but leading it.”

For information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com. 



Rollins, Vaden, and Forst Announce Disposal of Dilapidated USDA Facilities

Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst, announced the imminent disposal of the South Building and Braddock Place, returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region.

“This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers.”

“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA’s budget could not sustain. Today’s announcement cements the beginning of USDA’s larger reorganization, ensuring this Department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources.”

“GSA remains committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning fiscal drain and empty space into economic opportunity,” said GSA Administrator Edward Forst. “I commend Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership for the proactive approach to meeting the needs of their workforce and saving taxpayer money.”

Today’s event marks the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Reorganization Plan. Each phase will be thoughtful, and completed according to law, and with mindfulness to USDA employees, Congress, and accountability to the American taxpayer.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from lamb producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handler organizations interesting in nominating members to the American Lamb Board. Applications are due by March 25, 2026.

The board is composed of six American lamb producer representatives, three feeder representatives, three first handlers and one seedstock producer. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The membership of the organization consists primarily of producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handlers who market or handle a substantial quantity of lamb or lamb products.
    The primary purpose of the organization is for the production or marketing of lamb or lamb products.

Producer, seedstock producer, feeder or first handler organizations or associations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete an Application for Certification of Organization (LP-82). The form is also available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) American Lamb Board web page.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply.

Send completed forms and requests for more information about the certification process to Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov or call (202) 713-6918.



Farm Rescue Expands into Missouri to Deliver No Cost Operational Support to Farm Families in Crisis

When a serious injury, illness or natural disaster threatens a farm family’s ability to plant, harvest or care for livestock, the future of that operation can hang in the balance. Now, farm and ranch families in Missouri will have a new safety net.

Farm Rescue today announced it is expanding its service area into Missouri, marking the 11th state served by the organization. Harvest assistance will begin in fall 2026, with planting, haying, commodity hauling and livestock feeding support to follow. All services are provided at no cost to qualified families.

For over 20 years, Farm Rescue has been the only nonprofit organization of its kind providing farm and ranch families with the operational support they need in times of crisis. The organization’s vision is a world where family farms and ranches thrive for generations to come.

“Our mission is to provide farmers and ranchers the operational support they need so their families and legacies can continue,” said Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue. “Expanding into Missouri allows us to stand alongside more families when they need it most and help keep their operations moving forward during incredibly difficult times.”

Missouri agricultural leaders are welcoming the expansion. “Farm Rescue brings critical support to farm families when they need it most,” said Casey Wasser, CEO and executive director of Missouri Soybeans. “Farming is more than an occupation — it’s a way of life, and when challenges arise, having organizations willing to step in and help can make all the difference. We are proud to support efforts that strengthen Missouri’s farm families and the communities they call home.”

Farm Rescue was founded in 2005 by North Dakota native Bill Gross, who envisioned practical, boots on the ground assistance for farm families facing unexpected hardship. Since its founding, the organization has assisted more than 1,250 farm and ranch families and contributed tens of thousands of volunteer hours to ensure critical planting, harvesting and livestock care windows are not missed.

With the addition of Missouri, Farm Rescue now serves families in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Missouri’s diverse agricultural landscape, including row crops, livestock and specialty operations, makes it a natural fit for the organization’s expanding footprint.

Farm Rescue deploys experienced volunteers and modern equipment to complete essential time sensitive tasks. Volunteers work directly with each farm family to follow their specific management practices, from planting depth and seeding populations to livestock protocols, ensuring operations continue exactly as intended. This structured assistance allows families to focus on recovery without placing additional strain on neighbors or local communities.

A 2024 impact evaluation found that for every one dollar invested in Farm Rescue, more than ten dollars in direct and indirect economic value is secured for farm families and the rural communities they support.

The Missouri expansion is supported by generous donors and corporate partners, including John Deere, Anheuser-Busch through its Busch Light brand and Nutrien Ag Solutions. These partnerships provide critical equipment, service and operational support as Farm Rescue launches in the state.

Applications for assistance are currently being accepted and can be obtained at farmrescue.org or by calling 701-252-2017.