Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman, took over the role of NCBA president during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. 

Wehrbein has a 45-year career in the cattle feeding sector, so he brings decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience to NCBA’s top post. He sees both challenges and opportunities ahead, but he’s confident that NCBA’s unifying presence will remain critical to addressing key issues facing farmers and ranchers. 

He’s particularly passionate about fostering opportunity for the next generation of producers, recognizing their ability to drive innovation and industry progress. 

“They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he noted. “They understand the issues and are ready to make a difference.”

 Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while strengthening the freedom to operate. 

“The overarching principle and aim of NCBA is to make things better for our members,” he said.

Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman, took over the role of NCBA president during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Wehrbein has a 45-year career in the cattle feeding sector, so he brings decades of dedication to the industry and leadership experience to NCBA’s top post. He sees both challenges and opportunities ahead, but he’s confident that NCBA’s unifying presence will remain critical to addressing key issues facing farmers and ranchers. He’s particularly passionate about fostering opportunity for the next generation of producers, recognizing their ability to drive innovation and industry progress. “They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he noted. “They understand the issues and are ready to make a difference.” Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while strengthening the freedom to operate. “The overarching principle and aim of NCBA is to make things better for our members,” he said.-NAFB

Nebraska cattlemen becomes new NCBA President

As part of the project, Missouri has been doing research on ways to help farmers combat diseases that can decimate soybean crops

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jazmynemartinez/">JAZMYNE MARTINEZ</a>

A major soybean research project, which collaborates with the University of Missouri, will shut down April 15 due to President Donald Trump’s dismantling of funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The Soybean Innovation Lab, based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, formed in 2011 to provide researchers and organizations with the resources needed to advance soybean development. The lab is comprised of over 100 technical soybean experts from 24 countries, each representing a variety of institutions.

The land grant system will lose 19 innovation labs across 17 states, including Missouri.

MU has been involved in the Soybean Innovation Lab since 2013, said Kerry Clark, an MU researcher who leads the mechanization division for the lab. Clark said MU’s sector of the Soybean Innovation Lab research received $1.2 million, or about $150,000 annually, before losing funding.

As part of the project, Missouri has been doing research on African soybean diseases that would help Missouri farmers combat a disease that can decimate soybean crops. The research found diseases in African soybean crops that could be prevented in Missouri and abroad, Clark said.

“(The cease in funding and the end of the project) puts us many years behind now in trying to combat soybean rust, which is a disease that can take out soybean crops entirely,” Clark said.

In Missouri, soybeans cover more than 5 million acres of the state every year. Soybeans are the No. 1 crop in Missouri, leading in both acreage and value, according to the Missouri Soybean Center. The economic health of Missouri depends on the growth of soybeans because the yearly on-farm value of soybeans is greater than $2.5 billion.

“Soybeans are such an important crop for the state of Missouri,” said Brady Deaton, a former MU chancellor and member of the Soybean Innovation Lab advisory board. “ … So new knowledge, which is being generated by this innovation lab, flows to all producers and consumers of soybeans, and in that sense, has some direct effect.”

Deaton said the end of the project will affect knowledge about soybean breeding, soybean diseases and the uses of technology in Africa and other parts of the world.

Missouri’s research pioneered new technologies, particularly threshing, which is the process of removing the soybeans from their pods . The research also focused on the uses of soybeans and nutrition, and understanding how it was being used for feeding both people and livestock, Deaton said.

The funding disruption also cuts off relationships between the research, business and government sector, said a social media statement from Peter Goldsmith, the director of the Soybean Innovation Lab. He said the labs will lose relationships and collaboration with local businesses, organizations and government.

“U.S. soybean farmers lose one of their best tools to expand their markets and U.S. standards globally,” Goldsmith said in his post. “Local economies in emerging markets lose soybean as an incomparable engine growing wealth, prosperity, and economic development.”

The story goes deeper than just Missouri soybeans. Since his inauguration Jan. 20, Trump has attempted to gut funding and staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, according to The Associated Press. These cuts directly affected the Soybean Innovation Lab. The USAID distributes federal humanitarian aid to other countries.

Deaton said the soybean research fit into the goals of the USAID because it addressed high priority issues, including human and economic development around the world.

“The sudden cessation or cutting of the funds is just very damaging we will find,” Deaton said. “I think, to the efforts of the United States and its foreign policy to bring about positive, meaningful change in those parts of the world where it’s working, and it works in very targeted ways, in some of the poorest countries.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-soybean-research-project-shuts-down-as-trump-cuts-off-funding/article_75729912-e7ca-11ef-a4f7-7b6dd7815f44.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701186272628.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>As part of the project, Missouri has been doing research on ways to help farmers combat diseases that can decimate soybean crops</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jazmynemartinez/">JAZMYNE MARTINEZ</a>A major soybean research project, which collaborates with the University of Missouri, will shut down April 15 due to President Donald Trump’s dismantling of funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development.The Soybean Innovation Lab, based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, formed in 2011 to provide researchers and organizations with the resources needed to advance soybean development. The lab is comprised of over 100 technical soybean experts from 24 countries, each representing a variety of institutions.The land grant system will lose 19 innovation labs across 17 states, including Missouri.MU has been involved in the Soybean Innovation Lab since 2013, said Kerry Clark, an MU researcher who leads the mechanization division for the lab. Clark said MU’s sector of the Soybean Innovation Lab research received $1.2 million, or about $150,000 annually, before losing funding.As part of the project, Missouri has been doing research on African soybean diseases that would help Missouri farmers combat a disease that can decimate soybean crops. The research found diseases in African soybean crops that could be prevented in Missouri and abroad, Clark said.“(The cease in funding and the end of the project) puts us many years behind now in trying to combat soybean rust, which is a disease that can take out soybean crops entirely,” Clark said.In Missouri, soybeans cover more than 5 million acres of the state every year. Soybeans are the No. 1 crop in Missouri, leading in both acreage and value, according to the Missouri Soybean Center. The economic health of Missouri depends on the growth of soybeans because the yearly on-farm value of soybeans is greater than $2.5 billion.“Soybeans are such an important crop for the state of Missouri,” said Brady Deaton, a former MU chancellor and member of the Soybean Innovation Lab advisory board. “ … So new knowledge, which is being generated by this innovation lab, flows to all producers and consumers of soybeans, and in that sense, has some direct effect.”Deaton said the end of the project will affect knowledge about soybean breeding, soybean diseases and the uses of technology in Africa and other parts of the world.Missouri’s research pioneered new technologies, particularly threshing, which is the process of removing the soybeans from their pods . The research also focused on the uses of soybeans and nutrition, and understanding how it was being used for feeding both people and livestock, Deaton said.The funding disruption also cuts off relationships between the research, business and government sector, said a social media statement from Peter Goldsmith, the director of the Soybean Innovation Lab. He said the labs will lose relationships and collaboration with local businesses, organizations and government.“U.S. soybean farmers lose one of their best tools to expand their markets and U.S. standards globally,” Goldsmith said in his post. “Local economies in emerging markets lose soybean as an incomparable engine growing wealth, prosperity, and economic development.”The story goes deeper than just Missouri soybeans. Since his inauguration Jan. 20, Trump has attempted to gut funding and staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, according to The Associated Press. These cuts directly affected the Soybean Innovation Lab. The USAID distributes federal humanitarian aid to other countries.Deaton said the soybean research fit into the goals of the USAID because it addressed high priority issues, including human and economic development around the world.“The sudden cessation or cutting of the funds is just very damaging we will find,” Deaton said. “I think, to the efforts of the United States and its foreign policy to bring about positive, meaningful change in those parts of the world where it’s working, and it works in very targeted ways, in some of the poorest countries.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-soybean-research-project-shuts-down-as-trump-cuts-off-funding/article_75729912-e7ca-11ef-a4f7-7b6dd7815f44.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri soybean research project shuts down as Trump cuts off funding

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. January runoff in the Basin above Sioux City, was 0.7 million acre-feet, 92 percent of the average. Runoff was near or below average for most of the Missouri River Basin, and most of the upper basin had below-normal precipitation.

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. January runoff in the Basin above Sioux City, was 0.7 million acre-feet, 92 percent of the average. Runoff was near or below average for most of the Missouri River Basin, and most of the upper basin had below-normal precipitation.

Below average runoff in Upper Missouri River Basin

USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts inflation-adjusted U.S. net cash farm income, to increase by $30.6 billion from 2024 to nearly $194 billion in the coming year. U.S. net farm income, a broader measure of farm sector profitability, is forecast to increase by nearly $38 billion in the same timeframe. The projected growth comes after net farm income declined in 2023 and is forecast to have declined in 2024. 

USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts inflation-adjusted U.S. net cash farm income, to increase by $30.6 billion from 2024 to nearly $194 billion in the coming year. U.S. net farm income, a broader measure of farm sector profitability, is forecast to increase by nearly $38 billion in the same timeframe. The projected growth comes after net farm income declined in 2023 and is forecast to have declined in 2024.

Farm sector profits to grow in 2025

National Ag Day is scheduled for March 18, 2025. 

It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions that agriculture makes to our lives. 

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level, but awareness efforts in communities across America are vital. The Ag Day Planning Guide has been created to help communities and organizations more effectively host Ag Day events. The National Ag Day Program encourages Americans to understand how food and fiber products are produced, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.

 Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use, and wear daily, but too few people truly understand this contribution.

National Ag Day is scheduled for March 18, 2025. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions that agriculture makes to our lives. The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national level, but awareness efforts in communities across America are vital. The Ag Day Planning Guide has been created to help communities and organizations more effectively host Ag Day events. The National Ag Day Program encourages Americans to understand how food and fiber products are produced, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products. Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use, and wear daily, but too few people truly understand this contribution.

National Ag Day is next month

Leaders from Mexico and Canada said President Donald Trump stepped back from his threat to impose tariffs on its North American neighbors.

 However, tariffs on China were still set to take effect. The tariffs were part of a demand from U.S. President Trump that Canada and Mexico crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Reuters says Trudeau committed to deploying new technology and personnel along the U.S. border to stop the flow of fentanyl. 

Mexico agreed to reinforce its northern border with the U.S. with 10,000 National Guard members. The U.S. also committed to preventing the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico. Trump warned Monday that he might increase the tariffs on Beijing beyond the ten percent he imposed and that he would discuss the matter with the Chinese government’s leadership in the next day or so.

 “China will stop sending fentanyl or the tariffs go higher,” Trump warned.

Leaders from Mexico and Canada said President Donald Trump stepped back from his threat to impose tariffs on its North American neighbors. However, tariffs on China were still set to take effect. The tariffs were part of a demand from U.S. President Trump that Canada and Mexico crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Reuters says Trudeau committed to deploying new technology and personnel along the U.S. border to stop the flow of fentanyl. Mexico agreed to reinforce its northern border with the U.S. with 10,000 National Guard members. The U.S. also committed to preventing the trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico. Trump warned Monday that he might increase the tariffs on Beijing beyond the ten percent he imposed and that he would discuss the matter with the Chinese government’s leadership in the next day or so. “China will stop sending fentanyl or the tariffs go higher,” Trump warned.-NAFB

Trump Pauses Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

U.S. global food aid is stalled as the Trump Administration and government efficiency chief Elon Musk look to dismantle or combine parts of the U.S. Agency for International Development into the State Department.

Some 340 million dollars in U.S. food aid is now in limbo or stuck at U.S. ports, according to House Ag Democrats, who say key aid programs like Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole are frozen. Furloughed USAID employees and the still-empty helm at USDA, they argue, jeopardize future farm commodity sales for food aid.

But Republicans like Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley are hesitant to criticize President Trump for his foreign aid freeze.

“He got a mandate from the voters to drain the swamp, and this is a perfect example of a swamp that needs to be drained. Now, does it need to be drained of food aid? No.”

Grassley is confident food aid will restart after USAID programs are vetted and waste eliminated.

Republicans are also withholding judgment on Trump’s tariffs after success in winning border concessions from Mexico and Canada, and the impact of Trump’s first-term tariffs.

“It didn’t increase costs to the consumer, and it didn’t have an impact on inflation. Now, will that be repeated? I could not categorically say it’s going to have the impact (in) Trump 47 because the economic environment is a little bit different than it was.”

Meantime, Trump’s pick to head USDA, Brooke Rollins, advanced out of the Senate Ag Committee.

“I left after I cast my vote, but my understanding was she got out unanimously. So, I think on the floor, maybe we ought to short-circuit and do it by unanimous consent.”  

That is as farm groups call for Rollins’s swift confirmation amid tough times for producers, new uncertainty around food aid, and a continued lack of a new farm bill.

U.S. global food aid is stalled as the Trump Administration and government efficiency chief Elon Musk look to dismantle or combine parts of the U.S. Agency for International Development into the State Department.Some 340 million dollars in U.S. food aid is now in limbo or stuck at U.S. ports, according to House Ag Democrats, who say key aid programs like Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole are frozen. Furloughed USAID employees and the still-empty helm at USDA, they argue, jeopardize future farm commodity sales for food aid.But Republicans like Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley are hesitant to criticize President Trump for his foreign aid freeze.“He got a mandate from the voters to drain the swamp, and this is a perfect example of a swamp that needs to be drained. Now, does it need to be drained of food aid? No.”Grassley is confident food aid will restart after USAID programs are vetted and waste eliminated.Republicans are also withholding judgment on Trump’s tariffs after success in winning border concessions from Mexico and Canada, and the impact of Trump’s first-term tariffs.“It didn’t increase costs to the consumer, and it didn’t have an impact on inflation. Now, will that be repeated? I could not categorically say it’s going to have the impact (in) Trump 47 because the economic environment is a little bit different than it was.”Meantime, Trump’s pick to head USDA, Brooke Rollins, advanced out of the Senate Ag Committee.“I left after I cast my vote, but my understanding was she got out unanimously. So, I think on the floor, maybe we ought to short-circuit and do it by unanimous consent.” That is as farm groups call for Rollins’s swift confirmation amid tough times for producers, new uncertainty around food aid, and a continued lack of a new farm bill.-NAFB

USAID food aid gets hit, Rollins nomination advances

The Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously voted to advance Brooke Rollins to be the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Rollins will now be considered by the full U.S. Senate. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule applauded the move. 

“Brooke Rollins will be an outstanding Secretary of Agriculture,” he said. “She is deeply committed to advocating for our country’s producers and understands what rural America faces.” 

He also said the Wheat Growers Association encourages the Senate to get her confirmed as quickly as possible. Ranking Democrat Amy Klobuchar said she would support the nomination, but Democrats are worried about workforce, tariff, and conservation issues. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a committee member, told the Hagstrom Report that he wants to bring up the nomination quickly but also said the pipeline is “full” this week. 

Groups like the American Farm Bureau, the American Sugar Alliance, and many others called for quick confirmation.

The Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously voted to advance Brooke Rollins to be the Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins will now be considered by the full U.S. Senate. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule applauded the move. “Brooke Rollins will be an outstanding Secretary of Agriculture,” he said. “She is deeply committed to advocating for our country’s producers and understands what rural America faces.” He also said the Wheat Growers Association encourages the Senate to get her confirmed as quickly as possible. Ranking Democrat Amy Klobuchar said she would support the nomination, but Democrats are worried about workforce, tariff, and conservation issues. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a committee member, told the Hagstrom Report that he wants to bring up the nomination quickly but also said the pipeline is “full” this week. Groups like the American Farm Bureau, the American Sugar Alliance, and many others called for quick confirmation.-NAFB

Ag committee unanimously approves Rollins’ nomination

U.S. farmers retained their post-election optimistic outlook at the start of 2025 as the January Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose five points above December to 141.

 The barometer’s rise was primarily attributed to a nine-point rise in the Current Conditions Index. The Index of Future Expectations rose only three points in comparison. Compared to previous surveys, fewer producers in January pointed to lower crop and livestock prices as a top concern, which helped explain why producers felt better about the current situation. 

The shift in attitudes was attributable in part to an improvement in crop prices between December and January. Farmers remain more optimistic about the future than the current situation, as the Future Expectations Index was still 47 points above the Current Conditions Index. 

The Farm Financial Performance Index rose 14 points in January, a sign that producers expect this year to be better than 2024.

U.S. farmers retained their post-election optimistic outlook at the start of 2025 as the January Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose five points above December to 141. The barometer’s rise was primarily attributed to a nine-point rise in the Current Conditions Index. The Index of Future Expectations rose only three points in comparison. Compared to previous surveys, fewer producers in January pointed to lower crop and livestock prices as a top concern, which helped explain why producers felt better about the current situation. The shift in attitudes was attributable in part to an improvement in crop prices between December and January. Farmers remain more optimistic about the future than the current situation, as the Future Expectations Index was still 47 points above the Current Conditions Index. The Farm Financial Performance Index rose 14 points in January, a sign that producers expect this year to be better than 2024.-NAFB

U.S. farmers staying optimistic for 2025

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is announcing the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Those imports will resume in the next several days. To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of bison and cattle from Mexico in November after positive detection of New World screwworm in southern Mexico. After extensive discussions between representatives of the U.S. and Mexico, APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and mitigate the screwworm threat. 

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is announcing the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Those imports will resume in the next several days. To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of bison and cattle from Mexico in November after positive detection of New World screwworm in southern Mexico. After extensive discussions between representatives of the U.S. and Mexico, APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and mitigate the screwworm threat.

Cattle and bison imports resume from Mexico

The Prices Received Index for Agricultural Production in December 2024, rose to 126.5, marking a more than 5% increase from November and a 12% rise from December 2023. While the Livestock Production Index surged 8.3% from November and an impressive 33% year-over-year to 172, the Crop Production Index declined by 1.8% from last month and 8.7% from the previous year, settling at 92.7.

The Prices Received Index for Agricultural Production in December 2024, rose to 126.5, marking a more than 5% increase from November and a 12% rise from December 2023. While the Livestock Production Index surged 8.3% from November and an impressive 33% year-over-year to 172, the Crop Production Index declined by 1.8% from last month and 8.7% from the previous year, settling at 92.7.

Prices received index on the rise

South Korea’s President was arrested and indicted after briefly imposing martial law in December. He also faces an impeachment trial that will determine if he’s removed from office. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says that while the political turmoil has further weakened Korea’s currency, consumers are largely unfazed by the situation, and it has not affected demand for U.S. red meat. South Korea is the leading value market for U.S. beef exports, with shipments through November of last year totaling over $2 billion, up five percent from the previous year. 

South Korea’s President was arrested and indicted after briefly imposing martial law in December. He also faces an impeachment trial that will determine if he’s removed from office. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says that while the political turmoil has further weakened Korea’s currency, consumers are largely unfazed by the situation, and it has not affected demand for U.S. red meat. South Korea is the leading value market for U.S. beef exports, with shipments through November of last year totaling over $2 billion, up five percent from the previous year.

Korean unrest not affecting beef demand

The United States reported its first outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry on a duck farm in California. Reports show that authorities also detected the more common H5N1 strain on the same farm in Merced County, California. Almost 119,000 birds on the farm had been killed by December 2. A recent outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Georgia, the biggest chicken producer in the U.S., is set to trigger trade restrictions from major meat importers. 

Industry groups warned last week that a move of that kind could financially harm farmers and processors. The USDA’s most recent egg price outlook says egg prices were predicted to increase by 20 percent in 2025, compared to 2.2 percent for overall food prices. The USDA has attributed the rise in egg costs to the "bird flu outbreak which has caused a strain in the number of laying hens."

The United States reported its first outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry on a duck farm in California. Reports show that authorities also detected the more common H5N1 strain on the same farm in Merced County, California. Almost 119,000 birds on the farm had been killed by December 2. A recent outbreak of bird flu in poultry in Georgia, the biggest chicken producer in the U.S., is set to trigger trade restrictions from major meat importers. Industry groups warned last week that a move of that kind could financially harm farmers and processors. The USDA’s most recent egg price outlook says egg prices were predicted to increase by 20 percent in 2025, compared to 2.2 percent for overall food prices. The USDA has attributed the rise in egg costs to the "bird flu outbreak which has caused a strain in the number of laying hens."

New strain of bird flu hits California flock

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said. 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said.

Supreme Court lifts Corporate Transparency Act injunction

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. 

Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle on feed down one percent 

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Alison Graab applauded the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act. “The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” she says. “By creating new markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.” 

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Alison Graab applauded the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act. “The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” she says. “By creating new markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.”

SAF coalition reintroducing the Farm to Fly Act

Long-time USDA Chief Information Officer Gary Washington was named the Acting Secretary of the USDA. While the newly inaugurated Trump administration is waiting for Senate confirmation of its initial nominations for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials, one of the first actions by the White House on Monday was appointing temporary leaders in several departments. Washington has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CIO for almost seven years and a government employee since 1997. 

Long-time USDA Chief Information Officer Gary Washington was named the Acting Secretary of the USDA. While the newly inaugurated Trump administration is waiting for Senate confirmation of its initial nominations for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials, one of the first actions by the White House on Monday was appointing temporary leaders in several departments. Washington has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CIO for almost seven years and a government employee since 1997.

Gary Washington named acting ag secretary

Trump administration has announced additional nominees for key positions within the United States Department of Agriculture. The selected individuals bring a wealth of experience and leadership in agriculture, business, and government. Richard Fordyce has been nominated as the USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Fordyce previously served as the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency during Trump’s first term. And is the former Missouri State Director of Agriculture. Fordyce and his wife run a farm in North Missouri that produces soybeans, corn, and cattle.

Other nominees include: Luke Lindberg for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Dudley Hoskins for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and Michael Boren nominated for Natural Resources and Environment. All nominees will work alongside Secretary of Agriculture nominee Brooke Rollins, whose Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for next Thursday. These appointments aim to strengthen the USDA’s ability to support farmers, ranchers, and agricultural industries across the country.

Trump administration has announced additional nominees for key positions within the United States Department of Agriculture. The selected individuals bring a wealth of experience and leadership in agriculture, business, and government. Richard Fordyce has been nominated as the USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Fordyce previously served as the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency during Trump’s first term. And is the former Missouri State Director of Agriculture. Fordyce and his wife run a farm in North Missouri that produces soybeans, corn, and cattle.Other nominees include: Luke Lindberg for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Dudley Hoskins for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and Michael Boren nominated for Natural Resources and Environment. All nominees will work alongside Secretary of Agriculture nominee Brooke Rollins, whose Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for next Thursday. These appointments aim to strengthen the USDA’s ability to support farmers, ranchers, and agricultural industries across the country.

Missouri native tabbed by Trump administration for USDA role

Farm Action reacted to the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against John Deere over the right to repair. The Commission alleges John Deere is illegally driving up costs by forcing farmers to repair their equipment at authorized dealers. Farm Action’s Chief Strategy Officer Joe Maxwell says they applaud the FTC for taking this bold action to bring justice to farmers who have been stripped of the right to repair their own equipment. “That robs them of time and money as a result,” Maxwell says. “By withholding software information to diagnose and repair equipment, manufacturers are forcing farmers to often face long wait times and sometimes drive hundreds of miles to find an authorized dealer.”

Farm Action reacted to the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against John Deere over the right to repair. The Commission alleges John Deere is illegally driving up costs by forcing farmers to repair their equipment at authorized dealers. Farm Action’s Chief Strategy Officer Joe Maxwell says they applaud the FTC for taking this bold action to bring justice to farmers who have been stripped of the right to repair their own equipment. “That robs them of time and money as a result,” Maxwell says. “By withholding software information to diagnose and repair equipment, manufacturers are forcing farmers to often face long wait times and sometimes drive hundreds of miles to find an authorized dealer.”

FTC right to repair lawsuit against Deere & Co.

In 2023, roughly 86 percent of all farms were small family farms. A USDA report says these farms have a gross cash income below $350,000 and operate on 41 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. The family farms produced 17 percent of the total value of U.S. agricultural production. Large-scale family farms, those with gross cash income above $1 million, represented four percent of farms and accounted for 31 percent of agricultural land and 48 percent of the total value of agricultural production in 2023. 

Mid-sized family farms, with income between $350,000 and $999,999, represented six percent of farms and accounted for 18 percent of agricultural land and 18 percent of the total value in agricultural production. In total, family farms accounted for about 96 percent of total farms, 90 percent of agricultural land, and 83 percent of the total production value in 2023. The remaining four percent are corporate owned, non-family farms.

In 2023, roughly 86 percent of all farms were small family farms. A USDA report says these farms have a gross cash income below $350,000 and operate on 41 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. The family farms produced 17 percent of the total value of U.S. agricultural production. Large-scale family farms, those with gross cash income above $1 million, represented four percent of farms and accounted for 31 percent of agricultural land and 48 percent of the total value of agricultural production in 2023. Mid-sized family farms, with income between $350,000 and $999,999, represented six percent of farms and accounted for 18 percent of agricultural land and 18 percent of the total value in agricultural production. In total, family farms accounted for about 96 percent of total farms, 90 percent of agricultural land, and 83 percent of the total production value in 2023. The remaining four percent are corporate owned, non-family farms.

U.S. agriculture dominated by family farms

The latest report on foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture land shows that nearly 46 million acres of U.S. farmland were held by foreign investors in 2023. That represents 3.6 percent of total privately-held agricultural land. This marks a 1.58-million-acre, or nearly 4 percent increase from 2022 and a 12 percent rise since the American Farm Bureau’s last analysis in 2021. 

The latest report on foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture land shows that nearly 46 million acres of U.S. farmland were held by foreign investors in 2023. That represents 3.6 percent of total privately-held agricultural land. This marks a 1.58-million-acre, or nearly 4 percent increase from 2022 and a 12 percent rise since the American Farm Bureau’s last analysis in 2021.

Foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture land increases

Researchers have been updating the map of known soybean cyst nematode distribution regularly since 2000, and with each update, the threat spreads. The latest update, spearheaded by Greg Tylka, a nematologist from Iowa State University, reveals 31 counties in ten states reporting SCN for the first time between 2020 and 2023. In Canada, ten rural municipalities in Quebec and three counties across Manitoba and Ontario reported SCN for the first time during that three-year span. 

Researchers have been updating the map of known soybean cyst nematode distribution regularly since 2000, and with each update, the threat spreads. The latest update, spearheaded by Greg Tylka, a nematologist from Iowa State University, reveals 31 counties in ten states reporting SCN for the first time between 2020 and 2023. In Canada, ten rural municipalities in Quebec and three counties across Manitoba and Ontario reported SCN for the first time during that three-year span.

SCN continuing spread renews focus on threat

According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, sales of agricultural tractors and combines fell in the United States during the month of December when compared to a year ago. U.S. sales of agricultural tractors fell more than 11 percent, while combine sales fell by 26 percent year over year. AEM Senior Vice President, Curt Blades says, “December’s sales of ag tractors and combines follow patterns we saw throughout 2024, which reflects softness in the market,” and  “While the year has been marked by high interest rates and uncertainty throughout the overall ag economy, AEM is looking forward to the potential in 2025 and will continue to advocate for policies focused on positively impacting the industry.” 

Canada’s sales of ag tractors dropped just over 3 percent, while combines fell by more than 37 percent in December when compared to the previous year. The biggest December drop was in 100-plus horsepower tractors, down 27 percent from 2023.

According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, sales of agricultural tractors and combines fell in the United States during the month of December when compared to a year ago. U.S. sales of agricultural tractors fell more than 11 percent, while combine sales fell by 26 percent year over year. AEM Senior Vice President, Curt Blades says, “December’s sales of ag tractors and combines follow patterns we saw throughout 2024, which reflects softness in the market,” and “While the year has been marked by high interest rates and uncertainty throughout the overall ag economy, AEM is looking forward to the potential in 2025 and will continue to advocate for policies focused on positively impacting the industry.” Canada’s sales of ag tractors dropped just over 3 percent, while combines fell by more than 37 percent in December when compared to the previous year. The biggest December drop was in 100-plus horsepower tractors, down 27 percent from 2023.

2024 tractor and combine sales close year in a slump

The government released short-term guidance on accessing clean fuel tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. However, the announcement fell short of finalizing the program’s details. Reports say biofuel groups were hoping for more clarity on the tax credits for fuels that help combat climate change. The groups are hopeful that more complete guidance will provide a pathway for corn-based ethanol to expand its market as a sustainable aviation fuel feedstock. 

The government released short-term guidance on accessing clean fuel tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. However, the announcement fell short of finalizing the program’s details. Reports say biofuel groups were hoping for more clarity on the tax credits for fuels that help combat climate change. The groups are hopeful that more complete guidance will provide a pathway for corn-based ethanol to expand its market as a sustainable aviation fuel feedstock.

Treasury department releases partial 45Z guidance

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;-

The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a third regulatory reform under the Packers and Stockyards Act, with the latest regulation giving greater stability and fairness to chicken farmers working for major meat companies, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press conference Monday the regulation came from “the ground up” and reflects changes that poultry farmers across the country have said they needed.

“This rule basically addresses many of the concerns that we’ve heard from rank and file producers who just simply want a fair shake,” Vilsack said. “They don’t want the field necessarily tilted in their direction, they just don’t want to have to work uphill.”

The regulation limits some of the variability within the poultry tournament system, a system where growers are ranked against one another to determine pay. The new rule stops companies from deducting from a grower’s baseline pay because of their placement in the tournament system.

The rule sets that no more than 25% of a grower’s total compensation can be based on the tournament system and requires greater stability, and information, on the inputs producers receive.

The rule, according to Vilsack, will also provide producers with “key information” on the nature and extent of capital investments that a company would require a contract grower to make in order to extend a contract.

“This is a strong rule and a good rule, and it’s a rule that bubbled up from the ground up, not the top down, and I think those kinds of rules, ultimately, are successful and the ones that are preserved,” Vilsack said.

USDA has made two other rules to strengthen fairness and transparency under of the Packers and Stockyards Act during the Biden administration, including another poultry-oriented rule&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2023/11/08/usda-announces-progress-further-competition-agriculture-level-playing-field-farmers" target="_blank">finalized in 2023</a>&nbsp;that mandated large processing companies give “critical information” to their poultry growers related to earnings, flock placement and protocol for sickness or natural disaster.

The other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/03/05/usda-announces-next-major-step-promoting-competition-agriculture-and-advancing-economic-opportunity#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20Inclusive%20Competition,retaliation%20and%20deception%20in%20contracting." target="_blank">rule prohibited discrimination and banned companies from retaliating</a>&nbsp;against farmers who communicate with government agencies or join grower associations.

Vilsack said USDA has also strengthened partnerships with state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice to better enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“We try to be responsive to the field, to the ordinary folks out there working hard every day, trying to make a living and trying to take care of their family, trying to make sure their their operation remains profitable in a tough time, and that they’re in a position to be able to turn it on to the next generation in better shape than they found it,” Vilsack said, reflecting on the work of USDA during the Biden administration.

USDA additionally announced Tuesday the withdrawal of a fourth rule, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/28/2024-14042/fair-and-competitive-livestock-and-poultry-markets" target="_blank">Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets</a>, which it had proposed in June 2024 and would have defined general practices that were either unfair or in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Vilsack said the department chose to withdraw the rule, rather than leave it to be finalized by the incoming administration, because it was a very complex rule that could have been “fundamentally” changed by a couple of tweaks.

“If there is an intent to do that,” Vilsack said, “then it seems like it ought to start from the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process.”

This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/usda-finalizes-packers-and-stockyards-reform-to-help-chicken-farmers/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736876076607.jpeg" alt="Broiler chickens are raised in a chicken house on the Bobby Morgan chicken Farm in Luling, Texas on Aug. 23, 2013. (Photo by Bob Nichols/USDA)." />
 <figcaption>Broiler chickens are raised in a chicken house on the Bobby Morgan chicken Farm in Luling, Texas on Aug. 23, 2013. (Photo by Bob Nichols/USDA).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;-The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a third regulatory reform under the Packers and Stockyards Act, with the latest regulation giving greater stability and fairness to chicken farmers working for major meat companies, according to an announcement Tuesday.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press conference Monday the regulation came from “the ground up” and reflects changes that poultry farmers across the country have said they needed.“This rule basically addresses many of the concerns that we’ve heard from rank and file producers who just simply want a fair shake,” Vilsack said. “They don’t want the field necessarily tilted in their direction, they just don’t want to have to work uphill.”The regulation limits some of the variability within the poultry tournament system, a system where growers are ranked against one another to determine pay. The new rule stops companies from deducting from a grower’s baseline pay because of their placement in the tournament system.The rule sets that no more than 25% of a grower’s total compensation can be based on the tournament system and requires greater stability, and information, on the inputs producers receive.The rule, according to Vilsack, will also provide producers with “key information” on the nature and extent of capital investments that a company would require a contract grower to make in order to extend a contract.“This is a strong rule and a good rule, and it’s a rule that bubbled up from the ground up, not the top down, and I think those kinds of rules, ultimately, are successful and the ones that are preserved,” Vilsack said.USDA has made two other rules to strengthen fairness and transparency under of the Packers and Stockyards Act during the Biden administration, including another poultry-oriented rule&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2023/11/08/usda-announces-progress-further-competition-agriculture-level-playing-field-farmers" target="_blank">finalized in 2023</a>&nbsp;that mandated large processing companies give “critical information” to their poultry growers related to earnings, flock placement and protocol for sickness or natural disaster.The other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/03/05/usda-announces-next-major-step-promoting-competition-agriculture-and-advancing-economic-opportunity#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20Inclusive%20Competition,retaliation%20and%20deception%20in%20contracting." target="_blank">rule prohibited discrimination and banned companies from retaliating</a>&nbsp;against farmers who communicate with government agencies or join grower associations.Vilsack said USDA has also strengthened partnerships with state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice to better enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.“We try to be responsive to the field, to the ordinary folks out there working hard every day, trying to make a living and trying to take care of their family, trying to make sure their their operation remains profitable in a tough time, and that they’re in a position to be able to turn it on to the next generation in better shape than they found it,” Vilsack said, reflecting on the work of USDA during the Biden administration.USDA additionally announced Tuesday the withdrawal of a fourth rule, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/28/2024-14042/fair-and-competitive-livestock-and-poultry-markets" target="_blank">Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets</a>, which it had proposed in June 2024 and would have defined general practices that were either unfair or in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.Vilsack said the department chose to withdraw the rule, rather than leave it to be finalized by the incoming administration, because it was a very complex rule that could have been “fundamentally” changed by a couple of tweaks.“If there is an intent to do that,” Vilsack said, “then it seems like it ought to start from the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process.”This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/usda-finalizes-packers-and-stockyards-reform-to-help-chicken-farmers/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;