It was another great year for the Shop St. Joseph program.  

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the number of tickets given away during the program continues to grow year over year 

“We almost gave out 2 million tickets, so it’s hard to believe that 19 years ago when we started this program how much has changed” Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “So, 19 years ago we were giving out about 140,000 tickets when we started, now we’re giving out almost 2 million.” 

Hawn says the program was developed 19 years ago as a way to keep shoppers from traveling to Kansas City to do their holiday shopping. 

“And now it’s to keep people from buying online, it’s so funny how much things change, but they stay the same,” Hawn explains.  “Still a great program, still a great motivator, still gets people excited about shopping local, but it’s funny how trends do change over time.” 

This year's winner received their ticket from the Narrative Home.  Hawn says the idea to implement the Small Business Bonus came three years ago. . . 

“Since then, every one of the $10,000 winners has come from a small business, which is really cool,” Hawn says.  “So, the last three years both the $10,000 and the $2,500 have not been the same store, but they’ve both been small businesses, which is really fun.”  

Hawn says since the winner was announced, she's heard from the owner of Narrative Home about the number of customers who came in, who heard of the store thanks to Shop St. Joe 

“So that’s why we do this, we do this to really remind people to shop local, to shop strategically, because those are the stores that make our community unique,” Hawn says. 

Jackie Miller, a local teacher, took home the $10,000 prize.  Billie Sue Wall won the $2,500 Small Business Bonus, shopping at Quality Hearing &amp; Audiology Center. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber sees Shop St. Joe continue to grow year over year

KFEQ Morning News 01/02/2026

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph welcomed the first baby of 2026 on Thursday and it is a boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Faylynn Graham and Kaiden Unl's gave birth to a son Theo, Mosaic Life Care announced.&nbsp; Theo weighs 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 19 inches long.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mosaic Life Care welcomes first baby of 2026

&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 86-year-old Linda Holle was located in South Dakota, and is now safe.

The statewide silver alert is canceled.&nbsp;

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide silver alert for a missing Kansas woman.

The whereabouts of 86-year-old Linda Holle of Wichita are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Holle is likely driving a blue 2007 Ford Expedition bearing Kansas tag 1054ADS.&nbsp; She was last believed to be in St. Joseph, Missouri on Dec. 31, at approximately 11:20 p.m.

Holle is a white female who is around 5-foot-3 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She has blonde and gray hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

If you see Holle, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111.

Silver Alert: Kan. woman last seen in St. Joseph found in South Dakota

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda CRV driven by a 17-year-old Agency girl was southbound on Route FF at Prescher Road in Agency. The Honda struck a pedestrian identified as a 36-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man was was walking southbound in the southbound lane of travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buchanan County EMS transported the pedestrian to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. teen driver struck man walking on the roadway

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Polaris Ranger driven by a 15-year-old Easton boy was northbound on 85th Road at U.S. 36 three miles east of St. Joseph.

The UTV crossed into the path of a westbound 2013 Chevy Traverse driven by a 37-year-old Calhoun man. The UTV struck the drivers side of the SUV. After impact the UTV overturned and came to rest on the north shoulder of U.S. 36. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road and came to rest in a field.

Buchanan County EMS transported the UTV driver and a 16-year-old St. Joseph boy to Mosaic Life Care. A private vehicle transported a 13-year-old Easton boy to Mosaic. The teens were passengers on the UTV.&nbsp; The SUV driver was properly restrained and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 teens injured after UTV, SUV crash in Buchanan County

The St. Joseph Police department is taking advantage of advancing technology and combatting crime in a more focused way.  

Police Chief Paul Luster says the department is focused on what is called precision policing, using data to help drive how officers focus on crime 

"What I call we go fishing with a spear not a net, so we have a scenario violent crime pop up in a neighborhood, well let’s really look at our data, let’s do our research, and lets what I call laser focus, pinpoint on the people or the person, let’s pinpoint the location, and then let’s be precise on how we’re going to handle that issue,” Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Luster says the process helps officers go into an issues laser focused on how to combat the crime with a precise approach 

“We know we’re having a problem, this is our problem house, these are the people associated with the house, let’s get our partners on board, let’s get out there in the community and not only deal with that house but let’s attempt to bolster relationships with the neighborhood, let them know we’re here and we’re working on it, maybe get some information if we can, encourage them to call in with information,” Luster explains. 

Luster says that extends to bi-weekly meetings with law enforcement partners, including the prosecutor's office, to go over the cases that are shown in the data. 

Luster says the data help determine hotspots of where certain crimes are happening  

“Map of the city and we may put in the criteria, of let’s just say we put in aggravated assaults, and we plug that in and that grabs data from our reporting system and then it will put heat spots on that map,” Luster says.  “And it may go from a light color to glowing hot on that map, so that shows us ok we’re having problems in this neighborhood and maybe this neighborhood.” 

Luster points to a recent community engagement in the College Hill Park neighborhood where there were some hotspots.  The engagement ended up resolving some cases and getting community engagement while working in that area. 

St. Joseph Police take more focused approach with precision policiing

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News 

A move is underway
in Congress to address an apparent oversight:&nbsp;
that members of the Air National Guard don’t benefit from the college
tuition assistance offered members of the Army National Guard.

Northern Missouri
Congressman, Sam Graves, sponsors bi-partisan legislation to address the
discrepancy.

“If you join the
Army National Guard, you get tuition assistance to go to college and a lot of
members, or a lot of young people, join the Army Guard as a result of that,” Graves
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But Air National Guard, they don’t have that same
opportunity. So, what this does is just make it the very same rules as the Army
National Guard.”

Graves says he has
no idea how the discrepancy developed.

He does know it
has hurt recruitment efforts of the Air National Guard. That, he hopes, is soon
to change.

“It’s going to be
a big difference and that means the Air National Guard is going to be able to
compete with Army National Guard on a level playing field,” according to
Graves.

Graves has
co-sponsored the legislation along with Congressmen Brad Finstad of Minnesota
and Eric Sorenson of Illinois.

Under the
legislation, federal college tuition assistance would be provided for drill
status guard members of the Air National Guard, such as those stationed with
the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.

Move underway to give Air Guard members college tuition help

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by a 46-year-old Schulter, Oklahoma man was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of Mound City.&nbsp; The vehicle's towed unit had equipment failure, struck an emergency cross over, became detached and overturned in the median. A northbound 2022 Volvo semi driven by a 64-year-old Omaha, Nebraska, man attempted to avoid the Freightliner. The Volvo skidded off the east side of the road, struck the Freightliner and overturned.

Holt-Atchison EMS transported the Volvo semi driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The Freighliner driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized in St. Joe after semi accident

During the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho, American Farmland Trust announced a new initiative called “Thriving Farms and Ranches” during the event. 

The Governor’s Summit explored the challenges of balancing the growth of cities and towns with Idaho’s valuable agricultural economy, as working lands are being lost at an alarming rate. “We know that one of the best ways to protect farm and ranch lands is to keep them in production,” said Addie Candib, AFT’s Western Managing Director. “At a time when farmers and ranchers face increasing headwinds, it’s imperative that we invest in the programs and policies that support our working lands.” 

Through the initiative, AFT will work to ensure farmers and ranchers can be more financially secure, invest in the long-term future of their operations, and attract the next generation of the nation’s farmers. AFT will combine existing programs to strengthen, diversify, and grow markets, make conservation investments, and advance policies to support U.S. agriculture.

AFT Announces New Initiative to Empower Farmers and Ranchers

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the establishment of a “batching deadline” of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of key conservation programs. 

This national batching deadline ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program">EQIP</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/conservation-stewardship-program">CSP</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/agricultural-conservation-easement-program">Agricultural Conservation Easement Program</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/agricultural-management-assistance">Agricultural Management Assistance</a>. This includes the new NRCS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/regenerative-pilot-program">Regenerative Pilot Program</a>, which provides targeted farmer-first assistance through EQIP and CSP. “The NRCS team continues its commitment to America’s producers by advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt.

NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support. National and State Conservation Innovation Grants will follow later in 2026.

USDA “Batching” Deadline in January

Beef prices are projected to continue increasing in 2026 as U.S. beef production continues to decline, with no obvious signs of a rebuilding cattle herd. 

That comes from John Lovett of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. At the beginning of 2025, U.S. cattle inventories were at their lowest point since the 1950s, and the industry has been in liquidation mode since it peaked at 94.7 million head in 2019. “Since then,” Lovett said, “the nation’s beef herd has decreased by eight million head of cattle.” Liquidating cattle inventories is one phase of a typical cattle cycle, which is a ten-to-12-year pattern of expanding and contracting cattle numbers, driven largely by changes in producer profitability and worsened by drought. 

Bloomberg said cheap beef could be driven further out of reach for many consumers as Brazil, another large cattle supplier, is heading into a period of shrinking cattle numbers that could push global prices higher.

Beef Prices Predicted to Keep Climbing in 2026

March corn closed down 1 3/4 cents per bushel at $4.40 1/2 and May closed down 2 1/4 cents per bushel at $4.48 1/2. January soybeans closed down 3 1/4 cents at $10.46 1/4 and March soybeans were down 1 1/4 cents at $10.62 1/4. March KC wheat closed down 5 1/4 cents at $5.22, March Chicago wheat was down 2 1/4 cents at $5.10 3/4 and March Minneapolis wheat was down 0.01 cents at $5.785.

Corn and wheat continued to build on Monday's surprising weakness while soybeans traded both sides before fading and were unaffected by a new flash sale to China and rumors of more in the works. Soybean product markets were mixed in quiet trade.

Following Monday's weaker close, the live cattle complex was higher as traders remain optimistic about the year to come. As we know now more than ever, managing risk remains a critical part of the cattle business and volatility is always looming; but there's still much to be excited about in the cattle sector as the calendar looks ahead to 2026. Still no developments have surfaced in the fed cash cattle market.

Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.82 ($348.51) and select up $0.06 ($345.68) with a movement of 93 loads (63.14 loads of choice, 11.25 loads of select, 9.65 loads of trim and 8.83 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle complex trading higher, the feeder cattle contracts have elected to up their game as most of the contracts were trading $2.00 to $3.00 higher into Tuesday's close. The market has plenty of upward potential as the contracts have already broken through the resistance at the 100-day moving average.

The lean hog complex was also higher as traders are no longer up against immediate resistance pressure and the contracts were feeling some spillover support from the cattle sectors' ambitious trade activity.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/30140107/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Since 2020, AgriBusiness Global has developed a yearly forecast of key events likely to impact global agriculture and agribusiness in the year ahead. Among the top forecasts for 2026 are input prices staying flat or increasing as suppliers compete for farm purchases. They also said China’s economy will continue to be challenged as the country’s enormous pesticide manufacturing capacity continues to drive margin erosion globally. While this is a positive for end-users of crop inputs, profitability for the supply channel remains challenging. Agro-industry “stagflation” is expected to continue into next year. 

Flat global demand in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific nations is being driven by aging, shrinking populations, and in the U.S., especially, food consumption may drop because of the increasing use of obesity drugs and the Make America Healthy Again program. The energy outlook will remain positive, except where political taxes play a role. 

Ag forecasts for 2026

The Federal Communications Commission recently blacklisted all new foreign-made drones and components due to concerns that the foreign equipment is an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. Reports said the technology is on the Commission’s “Covered List,” barring foreign drone manufacturers from receiving the FCC’s approval to sell new drone models for import or sale into the U.S. Reports say, the ban’s timing hurts as many farmers are financially struggling because of high production costs, which makes the precise application of crop protection products and fertilizers especially important. 

Most precision agriculture is increasingly accomplished through using drones. “Foreign-manufactured drones represent a significant majority of the agricultural drone market, and sudden restrictions on their use without sufficient domestic alternatives would add new financial burdens on already over-stressed farmers,” the American Soybean Association said in a statement. The FCC said the ban won’t ground the thousands of already deployed unmanned aircraft in the U.S.

Drone ban could impact farmers 

The USDA is forecasting that the agricultural trade deficit will shrink in 2026 more than previously anticipated. Agri-Pulse said USDA expects the trade deficit to drop from $43.7 billion in fiscal year 2025 to $37 billion in fiscal year 2026. 

That’s according to the Quarterly Trade Forecast published on Tuesday. During a previous report released in August, the USDA originally predicted a trade deficit of $41.5 billion in this fiscal year. Driving the adjusted outlook are factors like larger-than-expected exports. 

USDA’s export prediction during FY2026 is now $173 billion, up from the projected $169 billion in August. However, even with the revision, exports are still set to contract year-over-year after the U.S. recorded $175.6 billion in exports during fiscal year 2025. “A significant portion of the better outlook can be attributed to improvements in the Chinese market,” Agri-Pulse reported. “Exports are also projected to improve in South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.”

USDA Projects $37 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Next Year

The Bureau of Land Management released its updated greater sage grouse management plans, amending 77 separate land use plans across the West. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council submitted comments on these plans after each phase of the revisions in 2015, 2019, and 2024, advising BLM leadership to leverage livestock grazing as a tool for strengthening sagebrush habitat and preventing wildfires that kill countless birds every year. These amended plans will accomplish these goals and will greatly increase conservation efforts. 

“The revised sage grouse management plans recognize the role of cattle producers, as the original conservationists, and follow the best available science,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Without ranchers actively managing millions of acres of western rangeland, there would be less habitat and forage, and the grouse populations would be substantially smaller.” A single conservation strategy among all states would have been ineffective.

Sage Grouse Plains Use Science and Stakeholder Input

March corn closed down 1 cent per bushel at $4.50 and May Corn&nbsp;closed down 3/4 cent per bushel at $4.58 1/4 and January soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents at $10.58 3/4 and March soybeans were down 4 cents at $10.72 1/2. March KC wheat closed down 1/2 cent at $5.33 1/2, March Chicago wheat was down 2 3/4 cents at $5.19 and MIAX March Minneapolis wheat was down 0.01 cents at $5.7925.

With little in the way of fresh news, and in typical holiday-slowed futures trade, corn, soybeans and for the most part wheat traded lower after an early start, with beans and Chicago wheat weakest.

The livestock complex was trading mixed into Friday's noon hour as the market tries to regain focus following the Christmas holiday. Still no new cash cattle trade had developed and no bids were currently on the table.

The live cattle complex was trading higher into Friday's noon hour after as the market is seeing a little bit of a post-holiday rally. More than anything it seemed as though the contracts were trading a tic higher after a weaker close on Wednesday as traders elected to let the contracts fall away from the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average.

The feeder cattle complex was again following the direction of the live cattle market as it too was higher. But what's different about the feeder cattle complex as opposed to the live cattle market is that for the last four trading days, the feeder cattle complex has been able to maintain a position above the market's 100-day moving average in its spot March contract.

Although pork cutout values are up noticeably, the lean hog contracts were still trading lower.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/24195559/30001.mp3">Click HERE fro Audio</a>

Commodity market daily recap

For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a rural ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The December reading hit 50.1, its highest level since July 2025, and was up from November’s 44.0. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. 

“Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to restrain economic activity in the ten-state region,” said Ernie Goss of Creighton University. When asked to identify the most effective policy changes to boost farm income, half of the bank CEOs named the reduction of farm tariffs and trade restrictions as the most effective or useful. For only the second time in the past 20 months, farmland prices expanded above growth-neutral. Farm loan delinquencies only grew by 1.6 percent during the past six months.

Rural Mainstreet Index Climbed Above Growth Neutral

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident during a police chase just before 5a.m. New Year's Day in Kansas City. Missouri.

Independence police officers were pursuing a gray Ford F-250 for multiple alleged traffic violations. While traveling westbound on 9th Street approaching Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, the suspect vehicle failed to stop for a red traffic signal and collided with a blue pickup truck traveling southbound on Benton Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake&nbsp; Becchina.

 The suspect vehicle also struck a silver Nissan Cube that was stopped at the traffic signal facing eastbound. 

Following the collision, the gray Ford F-250 continued and struck a parked RV on private property, becoming immobilized. The driver fled the scene on foot. It was later determined that the Ford F250 was reported stolen. The driver of the blue pickup truck sustained minor injuries. Three occupants of the silver Nissan Cube were transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. On Thursday afternoon, police reported the driver of the Nissan had died.

This incident represents the first traffic fatality this year, compared to none at this time last year.&nbsp;

KCPD: Driver stopped at traffic signal killed in crash with stolen pickup

KANSAS CITY—One person died in a house fire New Year's Day in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 7:30a.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 3200 block of E 52nd Street, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

&nbsp;On arrival crews reported fire from the 2nd story of a 2-story home.&nbsp;Interior operations were initiated along with a search, and a victim, later confirmed as a 90-year-old man was found inside the structure.

KCPD Bomb and Arson responded to the scene and conducted an investigation due to the fatality and as a part of standard procedure.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported at this incident.&nbsp;The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Body of  man found in Kansas City house fire

JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 GMC Sierra driven by Ahijah L&nbsp;Adams, 59, Topeka, was westbound on U.S. 24 just north of 5th and Phillips.&nbsp; The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the left rolled and the driver was ejected.

Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in pickup rollover accident

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a wanted burglary suspect after a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Just after 4p.m. December 29, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy S10 pickup truck for an alleged traffic infraction on 150th Road near Q. Road, near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jay Rell Kroulik, 46, of Cuba, Kansas. During the course of the traffic stop a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of an open container, and illegal drugs.

Kroulik was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, and driving while suspended. Kroulik also had an outstanding felony warrant out of Cloud County, for burglary.

Wanted Kan. burglary suspect captured during traffic stop

NEOSHO COUNTY—On Wednesday, the Neosho County Sheriff released additional details and a video of a video of a hit-and-run crash involving a sheriff's deputy.

On December 26,&nbsp;a Neosho County Deputy Sheriff's patrol vehicle was struck. The Deputy was legally parked, off of the roadway on a pasture access, facing east on 160th Road between Kiowa and Jackson Roads.

A west bound vehicle traveled left of center, off the roadway into the ditch. The vehicle launched the culvert and struck the Deputies patrol unit head on. 

Upon being struck, the deputy radioed in the accident and activated the emergency equipment. This causes the in-car camera system to make a recording of approx. 30 seconds before the emergency lights are activated. 

Due to the extensive damage to the patrol unit, the vehicle battery was damaged, and the patrol unit lost enough power to keep the emergency lights going and also failed to upload the video to the cloud storage. 

The video was not able to be retrieved until Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; There were some individuals who reached out and assisted with leads in the case. Investigators were able to get enough information for a search warrant in Wilson County. The vehicle from the accident was located, the suspect was interviewed and subsequently arrested. 

  Jeremy L. Borton, 48, Buffalo, Ks., was arrested on requested charges of Leaving the Scene, Failure to Report, Driving while Suspended, No Ignition Interlock Device when Required, No Liability Insurance, Aggravated Battery (Reckless). He was transported to the Neosho County Jail. Upon completion of the investigation, reports will be forwarded to the Neosho County Attorney's Office for review.&nbsp;

🎥Driver arrested after hit-and-run crash into Kan. deputy's vehicle

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that has left one person dead.

Just before 11p.m. New Year's Eve, officers were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from police.

First responders discovered a man with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect information.

Homicide: One victim in Kan. shooting on New Year's Eve

Washington, D.C.– On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the next phase in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. As announced earlier this month by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, $12 billion will be paid to American farmers in 2026. Of that amount, $11 billion consists of one-time FBA program payments. This is in response to four years of disastrous Biden administration policies that created record-high input and production costs, zero new trade deals, and a forgotten rural America.

“President Trump committed to increase certainty in the farm economy, and farmers can count on these payment rate calculations when going to the bank as they plan for the spring planting season. Putting Farmers First means delivering real relief when it matters. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments in their bank accounts by February 28, 2026,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These one-time payments give farmers the bridge to continue to feed and clothe America and the world while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net. &nbsp;USDA is making this process as simple and seamless as possible so producers can focus on what they do best – feeding and fueling our nation.”

Eligible Row Crop Commodities and Payment Rates:&nbsp;

Below are the payment rates for the FBA eligible commodities that triggered a payment. &nbsp;

• Barley: $20.51• Canola: $23.57• Chickpeas (Large): $26.46• Chickpeas (Small): $33.36• Corn: $44.36• Cotton: $117.35• Flax: $8.05• Lentils: $23.98• Mustard: $23.21• Oats: $81.75• Peanuts: $55.65• Peas: $19.60• Rice: $132.89• Safflower: $24.86• Sesame: $13.68• Sorghum: $48.11• Soybeans: $30.88• Sunflower: $17.32• Wheat: $39.35

Eligibility, Program Applications, and Crop Insurance Linkage&nbsp;

FBA payments are based on 2025 planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production, and the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report. Double crop acres, including all initial and subsequently planted crops, are eligible. Prevent plant acres are not eligible.&nbsp;

All intended row crop uses are eligible for FBA except grazing, volunteer stands, experimental, green manure, crops left standing and abandoned or cover crops.&nbsp;

Crop insurance linkage is not required; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new risk management tools provided for in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to best protect against future price risk and volatility. The OBBBA federal crop insurance improvements include expanding benefits for beginning farmers and ranchers, increasing coverage options, and making crop insurance more affordable.&nbsp;

Of the $12 billion being provided by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, up to $11 billion is being directed to eligible row crop producers and the remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in assistance is reserved for specialty crops and sugar. Timelines for payments to producers of these crops are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs. Producers, including specialty crop producers and stakeholder groups, can submit questions to <a href="mailto:farmerbridge@usda.gov" target="_blank">farmerbridge@usda.gov</a>.&nbsp;

More information FBA is available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba" target="_blank">https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba</a>&nbsp;or you can contact your local USDA FSA county office.&nbsp;

Farmers can now learn how much aid they will get from USDA

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust this week.

On December 29, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Hutchinson suspected of distributing illegal narcotics, according to a media release.

 During the search, an illegal clandestine lab manufacturing operation was discovered. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations Drug Task Force was requested to assist with the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Curtis K. Chappel, 42, from Hutchinson, was arrested on requested charges including unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, distribution of a hallucinogenic, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psilocybin, possession of a hallucinogenic, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and distribution of drug paraphernalia. Chappel is currently being held at the Reno County Correctional Facility without bond. 

Additionally, Jeremy W. Fundenberger, 47, Hutchinson, was arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of a depressant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jeff A. Kennedy, 46, Hutchinson, was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm.

During the execution of the search warrant, numerous supplies and equipment used in the manufacturing of illegal narcotics were seized, including over 50 pounds of suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 25 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of marijuana, as well as cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.

Police: 3 jailed after Kansas drug lab bust

The nation’s capital&nbsp; is celebrating the transition to a new year in a historic way.

For the first time ever, the Washington Monument was&nbsp; illuminated on all four sides with a large-scale projection light show that began New Year’s Eve. The display kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.

🎥 DC light show kicked off America's 250th birthday 

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.

These vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and had transferred narcotics between the three vessels prior to the strikes. Three narco-terrorists aboard the first vessel were killed in the first engagement. The remaining narco-terrorists abandoned the other two vessels, jumping overboard and distancing themselves before follow-on engagements sank their respective vessels. Following the engagements, the U.S. Southern Command immediately notified the Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system.

On Dec. 31, at the direction of&nbsp; Secretary Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking. A total of five narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second

🎥US military strikes more drug boats killing 8 'narco-terrorists'

 Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement, making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise which he has led to three Super Bowl titles.

"I mean, I think I'm coming back, right?" Reid said during his weekly Zoom press conference with Kansas City reporters. "If they'll have me back, I'll come back. You never know in this business. That's a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah."

Now 67, Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. He's less familiar though with facing those questions in the final days of December, now that the Chiefs have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Philadelphia Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

His past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.&nbsp; With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.

Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL's career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.&nbsp; In five trips to the big game, Reid &amp; Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick and Chuck Noll are the only coaches with more Super Bowl rings. Belichick captured six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots and Noll won four with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 3:25pm the NFL announced on Monday.&nbsp; Pregame will air at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Andy Reid plans to be back with Chiefs next season

Bo Nix ran for a score before throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to R.J. Harvey with 1:45 left in the game, and the Denver Broncos held on in the closing seconds for a 20-13 victory over the banged-up Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas in a Thursday Night Football matchup.

After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and ended with the Broncos Will Lutz knocking through a 27 yard field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. Along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, Kristian Fulton tipping the ball to set up a Nick Bolton interception, which set up a short field for the Chiefs that Chris Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.

It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.&nbsp; The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.

Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 on a 53 yard field goal from Harrison Butker, when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.&nbsp; Kansas City tied the game in the fourth quarter on another field goal from Butker, from 47 yards out.

The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Chris Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone on third-and-goal for the eventual winning score.

&nbsp;Oladokun and tight end Travis Kelce gave Kansas City a chance, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down in the final seconds.

Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; He plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.&nbsp; Kareem Hunt rushed seven times for 38 yards, while Isiah Pacheco rushed nine times for 32 yards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Up next, Kansas City (6-10) finishes its season in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Kickoff time is to be determined, the game will air on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

Oladokun, Smith score first NFL touchdowns as Chiefs fall 20-13

KFEQ Sports 12/24/2025

 Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal today to help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, which is expected to lure the team across the state line from Missouri and replace the popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium.

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously at the state capitol in Topeka to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.

The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m.&nbsp; "to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region." She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America's Center.

Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later today as well regarding "sports team developments."

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.

Last year however, Jackson County voters soundly defeated a local sales tax extension which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers today, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

Kansas approves STAR  bonds paving way for Chiefs to move across state line

Missouri football head football coach Eli Drinkwitz announced the hiring of Chip Lindsey as the Tigers' offensive coordinator, replacing Kirby Moore after he took a job as the head coach at Washington State earlier this month.

Lindsey brings 28 years of coaching experience to Missouri, including offensive coordinator stints at Michigan, North Carolina, Auburn, Arizona State, UCF and Southern Miss. He also served as the head coach at Troy from 2019-21. He has an impressive track record of developing NFL quarterbacks, including first-round pick Drake Maye (UNC), Jarrett Stidham (Auburn) and Nick Mullens (Southern Miss).

Lindsey arrives at Mizzou after rebuilding the Michigan offense in 2025. He developed true freshman Bryce Underwood into one of the most promising quarterbacks in the country while building a balanced offense that averaged 213.2 rushing yards per game (15th nationally) while averaging another 185.8 yards per game through the air.

"We are excited to welcome Chip Lindsey to Mizzou to lead our offense," Drinkwitz said in a news release from the university. "He does a tremendous job of not only coaching and developing players but organizing and implementing the offense. He is an excellent offensive mind with wide range of experience from high school to offensive coordinator to college head coach. Chip is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff and someone who can seamlessly transition into the job."

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