Wednesday April 08 Ag News - UNL Alumni Lifetime Achievement Awards - UNL Webinars on wildfire recovery, cattle health challenges - Heuermann Lecture Apr 28 - NCGA Fertilizer Attitudes Survey - and more!

 UNL Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recognizes four distinguished alumni with the 2025 Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. Thomas S. Payne, Calvin O. Qualset, James “Jim” S. Schepers, and the late James “Jim” Specht are honored for their contributions to agriculture, research, and community service. The awards will be presented at the department’s Spring Banquet at the Nebraska East Union on April 15, 2026.

Calvin Qualset, an internationally recognized geneticist and plant breeder, improved cereal crop productivity and sustainability. Qualset was raised on a farm near Newman Grove, Nebraska, and graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree in technical agriculture from the University of Nebraska in 1958. At the University of California, Davis, he helped develop more than 24 wheat, barley, oat, and triticale varieties, doubling wheat yields and tripling acreage in California. He also played a leading role in conserving crop genetic diversity and served as founding director of the UC Genetic Resources Conservation Program.

Thomas Payne strengthened the genetic foundation of wheat globally through his work at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). He led the world’s largest wheat germplasm collection and the CIMMYT International Wheat Improvement Network, which tests thousands of wheat lines across more than 700 sites in over 90 countries. Payne also served as assistant and interim director of the Wheat Program and as CIMMYT Board secretary. Payne was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1958 and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1977. 

James Schepers contributed to soil science and precision agriculture, focusing on nitrogen management in crops. His research developed an active crop canopy sensor to monitor plant chlorophyll and guide in-season nitrogen applications. This work improves fertilizer efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and increases farm profitability. Scheppers was raised on an irrigated farm in the Platte River Valley near Shelton, Nebraska, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. 

James Specht, a soybean genetics expert, advanced understanding of soybean physiology and genetics. He contributed to the first molecular marker–based genetic map of soybean and studied yield response to water availability. Specht’s research guided earlier planting strategies, improving soybean yield and water efficiency across the Midwest. Specht was raised near Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on a farm that produced irrigated sugar beets and other crops. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received his Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy in 1967.



Webinar on USDA Wildfire Recovery Programs in Nebraska April 15

Nebraska producers and landowners affected by recent wildfires can learn more about federal disaster assistance and recovery options during an upcoming webinar hosted by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The webinar, "Wildfire Recovery Programs: USDA Resources for Nebraska," will be held at noon Central Time on April 15. It will feature representatives from the Nebraska state offices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, who will discuss available programs and considerations for those working through wildfire recovery.

The presentation will cover USDA resources related to livestock losses, grazing and forage losses, fencing and water infrastructure repair, debris removal, and eligible conservation assistance. Speakers also will explain how those programs apply in the current wildfire response and what producers and landowners should know as they work with local USDA offices.

The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s webinars page https://cap.unl.edu/webinars/.

The Nebraska Farm Service Agency details many wildfire resources on its website https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/nebraska. 



Nebraska Extension to host April 16 webinar on spring cattle health challenges

The program, Nebraska Cattle Health Outlook: New World screwworm update, scours prevention and diagnostics, and UNL research on bovine pinkeye, will be held April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Central Time via Zoom.

The webinar is designed for Nebraska beef producers and allied industry professionals seeking timely, research-based information on late-spring herd health risks.

Dr. Matt Hille, assistant professor and diagnostic pathologist at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, will lead the session. Hille earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University and spent five years in feedlot and cow-calf practice in South Dakota before returning to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to complete a doctorate and residency in anatomic pathology. His work focuses on infectious diseases and immunology in beef cattle.

Topics will include:
    An update on New World screwworm
    Prevention and diagnostic strategies for calf scours
    University of Nebraska–Lincoln research on bovine pinkeye

The webinar will provide practical guidance to help producers make informed herd health decisions heading into the late spring and summer months.

Registration is available at: https://pears.io/events/nebraskaextension/5109/

For more information, contact Brock Ortner at 308-327-2312 or bortner2@nebraska.edu. 



Heuermann Lecture - Advancing Agricultural Innovation
A Fireside Chat with Under Secretary Scott Hutchins and IANR Vice Chancellor Tiffany Heng-Moss
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
3:00 p.m. CST - Lecture
Nebraska East Union, Great Plains Room
1705 Arbor Drive
Lincoln, NE 

Scott Hutchins, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and Chief Scientist, will join Vice Chancellor Tiffany Heng‑Moss for a fireside chat exploring the future of agricultural innovation.

Drawing on his leadership overseeing USDA’s science agencies and decades of experience advancing agricultural research and innovation across the public and private sectors, Hutchins will share insights on collaboration, discovery, and the role of land‑grant universities in shaping resilient food and agricultural systems.

No cost and open to the public, no RSVP required. Lectures are streamed live online. Visit Website For Details https://heuermannlectures.unl.edu/.  



NCGA Surveys Find Rising Alarm Over Fertilizer Costs and Availability, with Risks Escalating Into 2027

U.S. corn farmers are facing growing uncertainty around fertilizer affordability and access, with concern mounting well beyond the current planting season, according to new survey results released today by the National Corn Growers Association.

Findings from two nationwide surveys conducted in late March reveal that while many growers secured fertilizer supplies for the 2026 crop before recent global disruptions intensified, anxiety about fertilizer pricing and availability is rapidly accelerating—particularly for the 2027 crop year.

“Fertilizer prices were high even before the war in Iran began,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and NCGA President. “Added market stress due to the Strait of Hormuz closure has only intensified an already difficult situation, particularly as we look towards 2027.”  
For every farmer expressing greater concern about fertilizer prices and availability for 2026, nearly two farmers report heightened concern for 2027, the surveys found, underscoring that today’s market volatility is already shaping decisions well beyond this season.
 
Retail fertilizer prices rose following the onset of conflict in the Middle East, a critical hub for global fertilizer trade. While prices remain below their 2022 peaks, affordability has deteriorated because corn prices are much lower today. On a “currency of corn” basis, farmers now need 185 bushels of corn to purchase one ton of urea, the highest level on record.
 
Beyond rising costs, farmers are increasingly worried about whether fertilizer will be available when they need it. Global shipping disruptions and reports of curtailed fertilizer production in several countries are tightening supplies and heightening uncertainty across markets.
 
To make matters worse, two multi-billion-dollar fertilizer companies based in the United States – Mosaic Corporation and J.R. Simplot – have pushed for continuation of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco, resulting in higher prices and a stoppage of fertilizer shipments from that country.
 
While near-term supplies for spring 2026 appear relatively stable for many producers, survey responses make clear that concern intensifies looking ahead. Fertilizer supply chains operate on long timelines, and disruptions today could compound into tighter supplies later this year—precisely when farmers begin securing inputs for the 2027 crop.

“Fertilizer purchasing decisions are forward-looking,” the report notes, “and today’s uncertainty is already influencing how growers view the risks of the next crop cycle.” 



RFA Applauds Regulatory Progress on 45Z, Seeks Additional Refinement and Immediate Release of New GREET Model

The U.S. Department of Treasury has made “meaningful progress” in developing rules implementing the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, but several aspects of the regulations need additional clarity and refinement, according to comments submitted to Treasury by the Renewable Fuels Association.

According to RFA’s comments, the top priority for Treasury should be releasing an updated 45ZCF-GREET model as soon as possible. The model is used by ethanol producers to determine the lifecycle “emissions rate” of their fuel, which ultimately establishes the value of the 45Z tax credit.

“If effectively implemented, the 45Z tax credit has the potential to stimulate domestic energy production, strengthen U.S. energy security, bolster rural economies, and support increased investment and innovation in the renewable fuels and agriculture sectors,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The technology-neutral structure of 45Z is a crucial feature, allowing clean fuel producers to pursue the most economically efficient and practical pathways for reducing emissions and boosting domestic energy production.”

“However, as currently drafted, certain aspects of the proposal introduce inconsistencies and implementation challenges that may limit participation, create unintended market impacts, and reduce the near-term effectiveness of the program,” he added.

Among the major points stressed in the comments:
    RFA strongly supports Treasury’s proposed integration of important changes to the 45Z credit program, as directed by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
    Treasury and the Department of Energy should immediately release an updated 45ZCF-GREET model that reflects OBBBA-directed changes.
    The agencies should work with the Department of Agriculture to finalize and integrate workable, equitable, and science-based technical guidelines for regenerative agriculture feedstocks and an updated FD-CIC calculator.
    Treasury should adopt a more flexible Provisional Emissions Rate process that allows for efficient characterization of new technologies and incremental emissions-reducing improvements at existing clean fuel facilities.
    Energy Attribute Certificates must be retained as a practical, market-based tool for reducing emissions rates.
    The interaction of “undenatured fuel ethanol” and “denatured fuel ethanol” for 45Z credit generation must be clarified.
    Treasury should clarify that only transportation and industrial fuels are eligible for 45Z credit generation.
    Foreign feedstock restrictions should not result in undue tracking, certification, and reporting requirements for feedstocks and fuel pathways that do not rely on imports.
    Treasury should clarify several elements of Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship requirements and provide safe harbors for good-faith efforts to comply.

“We believe the final 45Z regulations must recognize the realities of today’s biorefining and agriculture sectors and the complexities of our nation’s transportation fuels marketplace,” Cooper wrote. “At the same time, final regulations must embrace an intuitive and manageable approach to registration, reporting, recordkeeping, and emissions rate modeling that creates a dependable operating environment and empowers investment.”



Clean Fuels Welcomes Opportunity to Clarify 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit Rules

Clean Fuels Alliance America submitted comments this week on behalf of biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF producers on Treasury’s proposed rule for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. Clean Fuels expressed appreciation for Treasury’s responsiveness to industry input on the January 2025 Notice of Intent to Propose Rules and urged the agency to provide additional certainty with timely final rules.

“The Proposed Regulations accurately respond to taxpayer comments on the prior guidance and provide additional certainty for the industry,” Clean Fuels writes. “Clean Fuels and its members request additional clarity in some areas.”

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “Producers greatly appreciate the clarifications and reliance clauses that Treasury provided in this proposed rule. They are grateful that Congress adopted additional changes to the 45Z credit through the One Big Beautiful Bill. But the 45Z tax credit came into effect in January 2025 without sufficient industry guidance. Producers are asking for certainty that Treasury’s new proposal applies to sales in 2025. Increased certainty will help achieve Congress’ goals of producing more domestic energy and supporting farmers with domestic market opportunities.”



ACE Calls for Swift Action on 45Z, Reiterates More Clarity Needed on Low-Carbon Farming Practices

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service regarding proposed rules on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, emphasizing the need for timely implementation and further clarity to support ethanol producers and farmers.

In written comments, ACE CEO Brian Jennings underscored the significant financial pressure facing rural America and that enabling farmers and producers to benefit from low-carbon practices is critical to unlocking the full value of the 45Z credit.

“Since farming practices represent about half of ethanol’s carbon intensity, clean fuel producers must have the opportunity to monetize low-carbon farming practices such as reduced tillage or precision fertilizer use to fully unlock the value of 45Z.”

ACE noted that if these practices are fully recognized, the economic impact could be substantial.

“If Treasury allows low-carbon farming practices to qualify towards emissions rates it could mean billions of dollars annually for clean fuel producers and farmers, providing a market-based opportunity to dramatically increase rural and farm income.”

Jennings expressed support for elements of the proposed rule, including the use of modeling tools such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (FD-CIC) and Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) 45ZCF-GREET model, while stressing the importance of keeping them current with the latest science and real-world data supported through activities such as the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) activity being led by ACE and specifically designed to address information gaps regarding the low-carbon benefits of farming practices to help improve the accuracy of modeling tools.

“We have strongly recommended updates to FD-CIC values for low-carbon farming practices by incorporating the best available science and results from real-world activities, so we are encouraged Treasury expects to make these updates as part of future iterations of the 45ZCF-GREET.”

ACE also urged coordination with the USDA and the DOE to finalize the tools.

“We implore Treasury and the IRS to act swiftly to finalize clear guidance and work closely with USDA and DOE to develop and finalize the tools necessary to achieve full monetization of farming practices.”

Additionally, ACE’s comments call for Treasury to rely on existing USDA protocols within the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) to verify low-carbon farming practices.

“If these existing USDA protocols are sufficient for verifying the distribution of billions of taxpayer dollars for crop insurance, commodity, and conservation programs, they are equally sufficient for verifying the same conservation practices for the 45Z credit. The Treasury Department should rely on existing USDA assets in the reporting and verification for the 45Z tax credit.”

ACE consultant Jonathon Lehman will testify at the May 28 hearing.



Growth Energy Submits Recommendations for Treasury’s Final 45Z Rule

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, submitted comments to the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) outlining recommendations for the implementation of the Section 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, as enhanced and extended by the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). 

“Treasury has done an outstanding job of collecting feedback from all relevant stakeholders, and we applaud their commitment to implementing 45Z in a way that ultimately maximizes the credit’s economic benefits,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With the right guidance, including flexible guidelines for farmers seeking to adopt innovative practices, 45Z can accelerate U.S. energy leadership and unlock billions of dollars in new investments across rural America. We look forward to Treasury’s final ruling that will give farmers and biofuel producers the certainty they need to expand access to more affordable fuel options.” 

Among other recommendations, Growth Energy urged regulators to include on-farm practices in the credit calculation, follow the law to exclude indirect land use change (iLUC) from the credit calculation, and quickly finalize their guidance. These actions would provide near-term certainty for farmers, clarify how the 45Z-CF GREET model will be used to determine credit eligibility, and open pathways for a wider variety of crop-based feedstocks. Growth Energy also called on Treasury to eliminate administrative complications that could stall investment.  

“Our members are critical to the supply of biofuel in the United States and have substantial interests in the sound implementation of the 45Z credit,” wrote Growth Energy. “Our industry is eager to advance the administration’s energy goals by providing low-cost, innovative, and American-made fuel as we remain committed to helping our country diversify its energy portfolio and provide consumers with better and more affordable choices at the fuel pump.” 



USDA Announces the Creation of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network to Strengthen U.S. Farm and Ranch Profitability

USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins today announced the launch of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech (NPG-Ag), a nationwide initiative designed to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies under real-world U.S. farming and ranching conditions.

“Agricultural research in the United States has long supported the development of practical solutions that improve farm and ranch productivity while strengthening rural economies; indeed, innovation has been our competitive edge and ensured food security since the nation’s founding 250 years ago,” said Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Scott Hutchins. “By establishing a coordinated national research network to objectively validate new and emerging technologies, especially digital and AI-driven technologies, we are helping ensure row crop, specialty crop, and livestock producers all have access to reliable performance data for their investment decisions with a goal to accelerate adoption of AgTech innovations. Moreover, we fully expect that NPG-Ag will expand and facilitate the development and application of emerging technologies across the public and private sector to uniquely benefit U.S. agriculture.”

The initiative has been designed to thoroughly test and validate both existing and emerging tools under real-world production conditions, ultimately providing farmers and ranchers with trusted, practical insights that they can rely upon when making technology-investment decisions.

American farmers and ranchers are facing real pressures, and they need confidence that new technologies will deliver tangible value on the ground—whether through lower input costs, reduced labor demands, or greater overall efficiency. The NPG‑Ag delivers a targeted solution to this agricultural challenge, meeting today’s demands and preparing for tomorrow’s needs. This effort is designed to accelerate the U.S. farmer’s confidence to adopt innovations that improve profitability and strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of American agriculture. The NPG-Ag will also provide farmers with trusted, data-driven information on technology performance and economic return, helping reduce investment risk and support more informed decisions. Moreover, the network will support the collaborative development of emerging technologies so that U.S. farmers and ranchers are the first to benefit.

The initiative will be spearheaded by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), working in coordination with other USDA research agencies. Grand Farm, a North Dakota-headquartered AgTech ecosystem and innovation testbed, will serve as the USDA’s National Program Manager, alongside land-grant universities across the country that will serve as primary research and testing partners.

“ARS has long played a vital role in driving productivity gains and strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture by delivering scientific solutions to our nation’s most pressing agricultural challenges,” said ARS Administrator Joon Park. “ARS has established a new Director of Digital Agriculture to position the agency for the AI and digital agriculture era—and to support the responsible adoption of novel innovations. This position will help empower our scientists, programs, and external partners to develop, adopt, evaluate, and deploy emerging technologies that enhance public–private innovation and accelerate the research-to-farmer pipeline. As the lead for USDA’s NPG-AgTech, ARS remains firmly committed to ensuring that emerging technologies are rigorously evaluated through a transparent, science-based process supporting their adoption.”

Agricultural technology companies are invited to enroll their commercial and pre-commercial products with Grand Farm when the request for products is opened to the public. For more information, please visit the USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech website https://www.usda.gov/agtech.



Sand County Foundation Receives Grant to Enhance Grasslands Resilience

Sand County Foundation is among six nonprofit organizations nationally to receive the first round of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) “Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative funding.” The initiative will help cattle ranchers enhance wildlife habitat, conserve water resources, and improve soil health across the nation’s grasslands. 

A nonprofit conservation organization, Sand County Foundation has been awarded a multi-year, $7.8 million NFWF grant to accelerate regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, and conservation of wildlife and water on working ranches across the nation. 

Healthy grasslands are critical to supporting people, wildlife, and rural economies. This initiative advances voluntary conservation practices that can support grasslands and strengthen the resilience of working ranchland.

“Sand County Foundation is thrilled about this opportunity,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation CEO. "For years, our network of ranchers has been seeking ways to expand grassland conservation. Thanks to NFWF, we can help them realize their ambitions."

“Sand County Foundation’s team looks forward to providing technical assistance for land managers who want to improve ecological and economic resilience across their grazed land,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s Vice President of Agricultural Conservation and Research.

Sand County Foundation will support ranchers in California, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

 

Farmer sentiment improves despite rising input cost concerns

Farmer sentiment improved in March as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to 127, up from 116 in February. The improvement was driven by a notable increase in producers’ expectations for the future, with the Future Expectations Index climbing 14 points and the Current Conditions Index rising 6 points. Despite the improvement, producers’ outlooks remain more cautious than a year ago, with the Future Expectations Index still below the March 2025 levels. The survey was conducted March 16-20.

Producers reported mixed financial conditions in March, with 18% indicating their operations were better off than a year ago. Expectations for the year ahead continue to be cautiously optimistic, with 20% of respondents anticipating improved financial performance, compared with 18% expecting worse financial performance over the next 12 months. The Farm Capital Investment Index edged up 3 points to 53, but plans to expand machinery purchases remain limited, with only 4% of producers planning increases. 

“While producers are feeling more optimistic about the future, there’s still a noticeable gap between short-term challenges and long-term confidence,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “Longer-term optimism is supported by stronger expectations for farmland values and the broader economy, though livestock producers remain notably more optimistic than crop producers.”

This month’s survey also examined producer expectations for inflation and interest rates. Approximately 39% of respondents stated that they expect inflation for consumers to exceed 3%. When asked whether the U.S. prime interest rate would be lower, about the same or higher 12 months from now, 34% of producers anticipate lower interest rates, while 16% said they expect rates to be higher. 

The March survey also included questions about leasing farmland for solar energy production. Twelve percent of producers reported discussing a solar lease within the past six months. Reported lease rates varied widely, with roughly 21% exceeding $1,500 per acre. More than half of respondents (56%) said contract offers included an escalator clause, most commonly in the 2% to 3% annual range. Overall, 5% of respondents indicated that they or one of their landowners had signed a solar lease. 

Farmland value expectations strengthened in March, with the Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index rising from 123 to 125 and the long-term index increasing from 150 to 159. Producers pointed to alternative investments, net farm income and interest rates as the primary factors influencing farmland values.

Optimism about the direction of the U.S. economy improved in March, with 65% of producers indicating the country is headed in the “right direction,” compared to 59% in February. 



American Highland Cattle Association taps Curious Plot to help position the breed and association for sustainable growth

The American Highland Cattle Association (AHCA) and Curious Plot are teaming up to reshape the image of the popular and growing heritage beef breed. American Highland is a breed known for its resilience, maternal instincts and beef quality, making these cattle low-maintenance and profitable for both purebred and crossbreeding programs. AHCA enlisted Curious Plot to spread the word to business-minded cattlemen and women who value herd temperament, high-quality lean beef yield and unique marketing opportunities.

The popularity of American Highland cattle in social media may make some people think they belong more in a petting zoo than a profitable beef operation. But underneath the distinctive long hair and iconic horns is a docile, hard-working animal with exceptional maternal instincts, high calving ease, hardiness, longevity and superior foraging ability, which produces high-quality, lean beef.

“We are not a novelty breed. We are a working beef breed. Strong in heritage, growing in numbers and trusted by a new generation of cattle producers,” said American Highland President Diane Clark. “This is beef that earns its place on the plate. Highland beef delivers a healthier, elite alternative that today’s discerning consumers are demanding.”

With more than 2,200 members and 70,000+ registered head in the herdbook, AHCA is one of the fastest-growing breed associations in the U.S. ─ and is just getting started.

“American Highland is a professional beef breed association for cattlemen and women looking for a profitable and growing beef breed, regardless of farm size or business model,” said Clark. “Our mission is to grow the category and position the breed as an elite beef breed in the cattle industry. This breed has a bold future ─ and we’re ready to lead it forward.”

Indeed, American Highlands are more than a striking silhouette in the pasture or a petting-zoo novelty. American Highlands’ ability to thrive in harsh climates, utilize rough forage and reduce feed costs provides economic and sustainability advantages for producers who are looking for low-maintenance, high-longevity cows suitable for a variety of environments, from cold and rugged highlands in the Mountain West and New England to Southwestern desert climates with sparse forage and warm, lush pastures of the Southeast.

“We have faced some difficult communication challenges with clients in food, agriculture and companion animal health, but this one is really hairy,” said Curious Plot CEO Laurie Fleck. “The viral social media trend portraying the breed as cuddly comfort animals is sending the wrong message to beef producers and consumers. Correcting that misperception is a challenge we are excited to tackle.”

Adding to the challenge is confusion between American Highland Cattle and miniature Highlands. Typical American Highland cattle are full-size animals, generally ranging from frame scores of 2 to 5. By contrast, so-called “mini” cattle are intentionally bred to be smaller, often through selective breeding or crossbreeding with cattle carrying dwarf genetics. Standard American Highlands are the recognized, traditional heritage breed used in beef and production settings; the Mini Highland is not a recognized beef breed.

American Highland beef represents a healthier, premium alternative for consumers and a profitable opportunity for cattle producers. American Highland beef’s flavor profile, marbling and tenderness are valued in direct-to-consumer and grass-fed markets: naturally lean, distinctively clean tasting and raised with purpose. Highland beef delivers a healthier, elite alternative that today’s discerning consumers are demanding. 

“The future of the U.S. beef industry lies in more diverse production models to meet the needs of today’s producers and consumers,” said Fleck. “American Highlands are well-positioned for the future, and we are proud to help tell the story and promote continued growth.”