Wednesday February 18 Ag News - CoBank Expects more Soybean Acres in '26 - Value of BQA - Push for Year Round E15 - USDA Updates Pork/Chicken Line Speed Regulations - CBB officers for '26 - and more!

CoBank analysis indicates U.S. farmers will increase soybean acres this spring  

Low crop prices and high production costs are weighing heavily on U.S. farmers as spring planting season draws near and farmers make critical decisions about which crops will offer the most favorable economic return. While late-winter price movements and regional basis signals could influence farmers over the next few weeks, soybeans are currently expected to increase their share of American farmland in 2026 while planted acreage of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cotton and rice is expected to decline compared to last year.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, U.S. soybean acreage is projected to increase nearly 6% this year, with soybeans pulling acres from multiple crops. The expansion of U.S. soy crush capacity and expectations of continued Chinese demand have lifted soybean prices to more attractive levels than competing crops.

“Following recent price rallies, soybeans offer greater profit potential than corn, wheat, sorghum, cotton and rice,” said Tanner Ehmke, lead grains and oilseeds economist with CoBank. “Beyond price signals, crop rotation needs will also play a role. Following a big year for corn in 2025 in which acres climbed to the highest level in decades, more corn acres will be available to rotate to soybeans. And with record supplies of corn in storage, farmers will look to rotate into other crops to diversify their marketing risk. Soybeans currently offer the best marketing opportunities.”

The report provides U.S. planted acreage projections for corn, soybeans, wheat, durum, grain sorghum, cotton and rice, along with regional factors that will influence farmers’ spring planting decisions for 2026.

Soybeans & Corn
CoBank’s analysis indicates U.S. soybean acreage will increase 5.9% over last year to reach 86 million acres as soybeans pull acres from a variety of crops. Soybean prices have performed better than most crops on expectations the EPA will announce a higher renewable volume obligation and that China will continue purchasing soybeans. In the South, soybeans will pull acres from cotton, rice and corn while wheat and corn in the Midwest and Central Plains will lose acres to soybeans. The outlier will be the Northern Plains where soybean basis remains under pressure from the loss of exports to China, causing farmers to favor more corn acres over soybeans. Soybean yield performance in the region has also been underwhelming relative to corn.

Total U.S. corn acreages are projected at 94.0 million, down 4.8% from last year. While overall acreage will dip, corn will gain acreage in western states at the expense of wheat, grain sorghum and soybeans. Corn has benefited from steadier demand compared to crops like soybeans and sorghum that have been affected by trade disruptions. In the Northern Plains, depressed soybean basis levels will encourage farmers to switch soybean acres to corn. Successive years of high corn yields have convinced farmers that corn genetics perform well in the Northern Plains. In other regions, heavy corn acres last year indicates more acres will be switching to another crop for rotational purposes, with soybeans typically the favored crop. Farmers in the Midwest are carrying record levels of corn stocks and will be reluctant to follow with more corn acres this spring.

Spring Wheat, Durum & Grain Sorghum
Spring wheat acres are expected to fall 1% to 9.89 million acres due to weaker yield performance and profit potential compared to corn. The continual westward movement of corn acres often comes at the expense of wheat. However, if the USDA predicts a substantial decrease in wheat acres in its March Prospective Plantings report and triggers a rally in wheat prices, farmers may change acreage plans and increase wheat production in response to higher prices.

U.S. durum acres are projected to fall 3% to 2.12 million acres. Following last year’s jump in durum production which brought U.S. acreage to the highest level in eight years, ample stocks in the U.S. and Canada have caused a substantial setback in durum prices versus other crops. Durum, which is grown predominately in North Dakota, will lose acres to pulse crops and spring wheat.

Grain sorghum acres are expected to fall 5% to 6.31 million acres as farmers in the Central Plains opt for more corn or soybeans in their rotations as wide sorghum basis discourages production. Sorghum stocks in the U.S. have climbed to the highest in four years following a bigger harvest last year. Wide premiums of corn over sorghum, corn’s impressive yield performance last year, and improved soil moisture across the Central Plains will entice farmers to expand acres to corn in place of sorghum. Steadier local demand for corn with feedlots and favorable crop insurance premiums also favor corn over sorghum. Sorghum acres could rebound if export demand to China continues to build.

Cotton & Rice
CoBank’s analysis indicates U.S. cotton planted acreage will fall to 9.19 million acres, dropping 1% year-over-year to reach the lowest level in 11 years. Cotton acres in the South will migrate to soybeans, while irrigated cotton acres on the Plains will shift to corn. The slower pace of U.S. cotton exports to China, combined with rising export competition from Brazil and Australia and increasing use of manmade fiber have prevented cotton prices from rebounding. However, base acreage payments will stabilize cotton acres and prevent further erosion.

Total rice planted acreage in the U.S. is projected at 2.83 million acres – the lowest in 30 years. This is also a year-over-year decline of 20%, with long-grain rice in the South falling 25% to 1.59 million acres. Medium- and short-grain rice acres are expected to fall to 665,000 acres, down 4.6% from last year. Of the major commodities, rice is the highest-cost crop to plant and has suffered disproportionately on price. Subsidized Indian rice is flooding the world market while more South America rice is flowing into key export markets like Mexico, displacing U.S. exports. Farmers in the South will be eyeing soybeans as the alternative to long-grain rice.


Beef Quality Assurance has high value for producers and consumers

Beef Quality Assurance, a program developed by cattlemen in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is central to ensuring beef products are raised with animal welfare, food safety and responsible management in mind. In Nebraska, veterinarians are directly involved in that work, helping producers apply research-based practices to their operations, which ultimately affects what reaches the consumer.

Sierra Rush, DVM, is one of those veterinarians. Through her work with feedlot and cow-calf operations through Rice Veterinarian Services in Broken Bow, Nebraska, Rush is involved in Beef Quality Assurance training. This allows her to work directly with producers to improve cattle care and management practices.

“Veterinarians are the middlemen, really,” she said. “We work with the producers, and then we work with Nebraska BQA, and we’re given that research on how best we can use husbandry skills to advance care at the production level.”

Rush said her involvement in BQA stems from seeing how closely animal care and consumer trust are connected.

BQA boosts public confidence by letting consumers know “that we are doing everything we absolutely can do at each operation to make sure welfare is top priority,” she said.

As a veterinarian, Rush brings research-backed knowledge and hands-on experience into BQA trainings. She uses research to explain why certain practices matter, while helping producers understand how those practices fit into daily operations.
By using research to support BQA practices, Rush helps producers understand that the program is not about meeting minimum requirements but, rather, about improving consistency and accountability across the beef supply chain.

Rush’s trainings focus on key BQA areas including animal behavior and handling, herd health management, biosecurity, record keeping, emergency action planning and transportation. She also incorporates mobility scoring and handling discussions that relate directly to cattle condition prior to transport, an important factor in both animal welfare and beef quality.

She often addresses BQA principles when visiting an operation, helping producers see how small changes can improve outcomes.

“When we’re working cattle, I’m not afraid to kind of have a conversation when cattle aren’t flowing down the alley very well,” said Rush, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumna.

“Like, how about we do it this way?” That approach has helped build trust and has led to a strong number of producers returning to her BQA clinics. Many attend not only to maintain certification but also to better understand how research-based practices could improve animal care.

Rush is especially focused on supporting young producers and employees who may be newer to the industry.

“When young producers think of BQA, they think of the general, typical things like where to give shots or hot shot use, ” she said. “But there’s so much more with the program.”

After BQA trainings, Rush often sees management changes that reflect the principles of BQA.

Examples range from “the smallest things like how to mix a vaccine, to producers calling me to sit down and help them create a biosecurity plan,” she said.
Rush also serves as a trainer and member of the newly formed Nebraska BQA advisory board. She said the program has historically been more focused on feedlot operations, but she sees it continuing to expand across all sectors of the industry as operations switch over to younger people.

By connecting research to daily cattle care, veterinarians like Rush help ensure Beef Quality Assurance remains an effective tool for producers and a source of confidence for consumers. 



Iowans Call on Congress and President Trump to Finish the Job for E15

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) called on Congress and President Trump to finally approve nationwide, year-round E15. The recently formed Rural Domestic Energy Council was scheduled to release an E15 approval framework by February 15, but no announcements have been made.

“This is no time for quitting on E15,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “Farmers and consumers are counting on Congress and President Trump to finish the job for E15. A small number of foreign owned oil refiners should not be allowed to sabotage an E15 agreement supported by the vast majority of farmers, retailers, oil refiners, and consumers. Congress needs to prove it can function, because we’re getting fed up with the dysfunction. IRFA appreciates the leadership of the Iowa delegation on E15 and urges them to keep fighting until Congressional leaders listen to common sense.”

While February 15 has passed, the rule authorizing the Energy Council gave until the end of the month for floor action on E15. A recent corn supply study underscored the need to develop new markets to underpin farm income and rural economies. According to the study, adoption of nationwide, year-round E15 would provide robust near-term demand with the ability to return corn prices to profitable levels.

“Iowa’s corn farmers greatly appreciate the work of our federal leaders in the U.S. House and Senate for their continued commitment to getting E15 across the finish line,” said Mark Mueller, ICGA President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa. “We now ask that the Rural Domestic Energy Council release their solutions that grant Americans access to nationwide, year-round E15. Farmers need market access for their homegrown ethanol, and consumers deserve the right to choose cheaper, cleaner-burning E15 at the pump. The time is now to get this legislation across the finish line and produce a win that benefits American farmers and consumers alike.” 



Farm & Biofuel Leaders Call on Congress to Accelerate Action on E15

The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association released a joint statement regarding the lack of progress toward 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, which was charged with reaching a deal on consensus legislation no later than February 15, 2026. No such deal has been announced.

“Year-round, nationwide E15 is an urgent priority for rural America, and it can't wait. House leaders already have bipartisan, consensus legislation that has broad support from the overwhelming majority of biofuels, agriculture, fuel retail, and oil refining interests. The solution is on the table, and we urge council members to refocus their attention on proposals that already have widespread support. Year-round E15 will deliver real savings for hard-working families and open a reliable market for U.S. farmers struggling to stay afloat. We cannot allow a tiny handful of mid-sized refiners to take year-round E15 hostage while demanding outlandish handouts, just to line their pockets at the expense of everyone else," said RFA President & CEO Geoff Cooper, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, and Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower.

“Our rural champions in Congress — backed by President Trump — understand that voters want to see more American-made energy, lower prices at the pump, and a stronger farm economy. House and Senate leaders should listen,” they added.



USDA Takes Action To Lower Food Costs on Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain through Proposed Changes to Line Speed Rules

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tuesday announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.

“As Secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food,” said Secretary Rollins. “These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system. By bringing our regulations in line with proven, real-world capabilities, we are supporting a stronger supply chain, giving producers and processors the certainty they need, and helping keep groceries more affordable for every household.”

USDA’s proposals would update outdated processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. The changes would update outdated limits by allowing eligible establishments to operate at speeds supported by their processes, equipment and food safety performance, with FSIS maintaining full oversight. The proposals maintain full federal oversight in every establishment and reaffirms the authority of inspectors to slow or stop operations whenever inspection cannot be performed effectively.

Together, these actions provide clarity and consistency for establishments that have operated for years under a patchwork of waivers, pilots, and temporary measures, replacing uncertainty with predictable, long-term rules. The updated regulations would also remove worker safety attestations that fall outside USDA’s statutory authority, reducing redundant paperwork for industry.

Today’s announcement reflects the Trump Administration’s broader commitment to strengthen the American food system by cutting red tape, supporting domestic production capacity, and ensuring that consumers benefit from efficient and reliable supply chains including, but not limited to abundant, safe, and affordable food. These proposals are rooted in decades of data and uphold the core principle that affordability and strong food safety protections can and must go hand in hand.

USDA invites public comment on both proposed rules. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. More information will be available at www.regulations.gov.



USDA Line Speeds Program Another Step Closer to Widespread Adoption, Boosting Pork Processing Capacity
 
The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule to update the New Swine Inspection System’s line speed regulations to increase efficiency at pork processing plants. 

The proposal aims to remove maximum line speed limits for establishments operating under NSIS. Participating establishments will be allowed to set their own line speeds based on their demonstrated ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict maximum speed limit. 

“Thank you, Secretary Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, for taking steps to unleash the potential to process pork more efficiently while also protecting food and worker safety,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. 

“Greater efficiency of increased line speeds provides financial security and more stability for pork producers. Without the NSIS program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.” 

Since 2019, NPPC has advocated for increased line speeds.
    In November 2021, FSIS permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while simultaneously gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts.
    In November 2023, FSIS extended the trials for an additional 90 days.
    In February 2024, FSIS again extended the trials through Jan. 15, 2025. In April 2024, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin discussed the pilot program with producers at NPPC’s legislative action conference.
    In June 2024, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) introduced his Farm Bill framework, making permanent the program, among several NPPC priorities.
    In January 2025, FSIS released the results of a months-long study at six plants, concluding that “line speeds were not determined to be the leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk at these plants.”
    In March 2025, USDA announced plans to make permanent the NSIS increased line speed program.

NPPC will continue to work with FSIS to ensure greater efficiency and food safety within pork processing plants.



Cattlemen’s Beef Board Elects New Officers for 2026

Cattle producers Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma, Terry Quam of Wisconsin and Kalena Bruce of Missouri are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). Elected by their fellow CBB members at the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, this new officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2026.

DeVuyst, the 2025 vice chair, is now the CBB’s chair, while Quam will transition from his role as the 2025 secretary-treasurer to become the 2026 vice chair. Bruce is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Quam’s former responsibilities as secretary-treasurer.

DeVuyst and her husband, Eric, own DeVuyst Ranch, a cow-calf and stocker operation. DeVuyst is also a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and head of its Ag Econ department. DeVuyst is involved with numerous agricultural organizations, including Oklahoma CattleWomen, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Pawnee County CattleWomen, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and American National CattleWomen. She’s also a faculty advisor for the Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen and is a past board member of the Western Agricultural Economics Association.

“As I step into this role, I do so at a pivotal time for the beef industry,” DeVuyst said. “Producers are navigating a challenging environment shaped by tight cattle supplies, rising costs and an increasingly complex marketplace, all while consumer expectations continue to evolve. In moments like this, the role of the Beef Checkoff is more important than ever. It’s an honor to serve as chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and to work alongside other producers and industry partners who share a commitment to protecting and strengthening beef demand.”

Vice Chair Terry Quam operates an Angus seedstock operation, Marda Angus Farms, in Lodi, Wisconsin. Since 1940, the farm has raised cattle that meet the needs of commercial cattlemen and purebred producers throughout the country. Quam has been a longtime, active member of his community and the agricultural industry at large. His activities and leadership roles include the Wisconsin Beef Council, NCBA, Farm Bureau, local and state Cattlemen’s associations, president of the Lodi Agricultural Fair, chairman of the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms, the Cotton and Wisconsin Corn Boards and Wisconsin Corn Growers.

A fifth-generation farmer from Stockton, Missouri, Kalena Bruce is a licensed CPA with a B.S. in accounting from Southwest Baptist University. She is the managing partner of Integrity Squared, a CPA firm she started more than a decade ago. Bruce and her husband, Billy, also run a commercial cow/calf operation. Bruce is a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, NCBA, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Missouri Young Farmer & Rancher Committee and the American Foundation for Agriculture. She was also a member of Class XVIII Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome this talented team of officers as they step into their roles for 2026,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Their diverse backgrounds, leadership and passion for beef will be instrumental as we continue advancing the Beef Checkoff’s work. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together as we focus on growing demand, strengthening consumer trust and supporting a strong future for the beef industry."

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



NCGA Releases New Report Warning of Pivotal Moment for U.S. Agriculture

As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today released a sweeping new report illustrating how far American agriculture has come—and how urgently action is needed to secure its future. The report, America’s Crop at Risk: The Future of Corn and Family Farms, underscores that the nation’s semiquincentennial is not only an historic milestone, but also a critical turning point for U.S. corn growers facing economic pressures unlike any seen in generations. 

“As we celebrate 250 years of American resilience and innovation, we must confront the reality that our farmers—who built this nation’s economic foundation—are in jeopardy,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “This report makes clear that we are entering one of the most consequential periods in modern agriculture. If we fail to act now, America risks losing not just farms, but the communities, values, and economic strength that agriculture has anchored since the country’s founding.” 

The report traces the evolution of American corn farming from 1776 to today. Once, 90–95% of the U.S. population worked in agriculture; today, just 1.3% of Americans farm, even as they continue to produce the food, fuel and fiber that support the entire nation. At the same time, consolidation, rising input costs, volatile markets, and limited competition have accelerated pressures on farm operations.  

“This 250th anniversary should be a moment of pride—but also reflection,” said Krista Swanson, NCGA Chief Economist. “Farmers have achieved extraordinary gains over two and a half centuries. But productivity doesn’t necessarily equal profitability—not in today’s environment. That is why 2026 represents a pivotal moment. The decisions we make now will shape whether the next 250 years include a thriving American farm sector.” 

Generational continuity—a defining tradition of American agriculture—is also at risk. In a survey recently conducted by NCGA, only 43% of farmers report having a family successor in place, leaving more than half of farm operations facing uncertain futures. With 96% of farm households relying on off‑farm income and nearly two‑thirds holding off‑farm jobs, many growers worry that the next generation may simply not be able to make farming viable.  

“America’s farmers are committed to carrying on this legacy—but commitment alone isn’t enough,” Bower emphasized. “As our nation celebrates its 250th year, we must ensure that we don’t lose the very people who made our country strong in the first place.” 

The report calls for bold action to expand demand, modernize regulatory structures, reduce market concentration, and foster new opportunities.  

NCGA will continue its advocacy in Washington while accelerating efforts to build new markets outside the traditional policy landscape. The association plans to release additional insights in the coming months on emerging demand pathways critical to future farm profitability.



Consumer Demand Matters
Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D.
Department of Agricultural Economics
Kansas State University

While the dynamics of 2025 are very unlikely to play out the same here in 2026, on balance, the year has started with positive support of cattle prices across weight classes. In both winter and producer educational events, on a host of online platforms, and as a market factor, I have unapologetically “beat the drum” on the essential role of supportive consumer beef demand. In short, the market simply would not have experienced observed beef and cattle price outcomes in either 2024 or 2025, absent notable consumer demand strength. Stated simply, the number of beef cows matters but is FAR from the complete story and robs the industry of credit for a good story worth telling (and better appreciation).

There is a positive, supply-side efficiency story of getting more saleable beef per cow in the industry. This reflects a host of productivity gains spanning the industry that I will not belabor here. Rather, here I will again emphasize beef demand’s role. Brian Coffey led a timely assessment posted to KSU’s AgManager.info website in mid-December (https://www.agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/meat-demand-research-studies/microeconomic-assessment-us-retail-beef ). I continue to encourage readers to review accordingly. Today, the latest Meat Demand Monitor (MDM) project (beef & pork checkoff supported) output was released (https://www.agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-meat-demand-monitor-survey-data/meat-demand-monitor-february-0). This is a fresh MDM summary report highlighting nearly 6-years of insights from over 190,000 resident survey respondents. While a wealth of detailed insights is included, meat protein is clearly having a favorable moment, and drivers of purchasing decisions continue to evolve, warranting ongoing tracking. 

Alas, consumer beef demand not only matters but is evolving. As we eagerly approach spring with a hopeful eye towards sunshine, rain showers, and green grass, I truly hope readers of this pause, reflect, and better appreciate the true source of economic viability for the beef-cattle industry. Indeed, greener pastures economically stem from positive consumer valuation of beef.