The Trump administration is working to reverse the terminations of several USDA employees working on an agency response to highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

A USDA spokesperson said several positions working on the response were fired last weekend. The spokesperson also said several of the positions were exempt from the recent cuts by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Reports say the positions that were in the process of developing a bird flu response included veterinarians, animal health technicians, and other emergency response personnel. 

“USDA continues to prioritize the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza,” the spokesperson said. “USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service frontline positions are considered public safety positions, and we’re continuing to hire the workforce necessary to ensure the safety and adequate supply of food to fulfill our statutory mission.”

 Bird flu continues to threaten poultry flocks, which is boosting egg prices.

The Trump administration is working to reverse the terminations of several USDA employees working on an agency response to highly pathogenic avian influenza. A USDA spokesperson said several positions working on the response were fired last weekend. The spokesperson also said several of the positions were exempt from the recent cuts by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Reports say the positions that were in the process of developing a bird flu response included veterinarians, animal health technicians, and other emergency response personnel. “USDA continues to prioritize the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza,” the spokesperson said. “USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service frontline positions are considered public safety positions, and we’re continuing to hire the workforce necessary to ensure the safety and adequate supply of food to fulfill our statutory mission.” Bird flu continues to threaten poultry flocks, which is boosting egg prices.

USDA fires employees working on bird flu response

Clean Fuels Alliance America joined other national trade groups in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to set robust, timely, and multiyear Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and beyond. 

The groups represent fuel producers, marketers, and agricultural feedstock suppliers who agree that strong RFS volumes will help deliver U.S. energy dominance. 

“Since the enactment of the RFS, our nation has benefited from increased energy security, an enhanced agriculture industry, and lower carbon fuel operations,” the groups wrote. “We believe strong, steady volumes for conventional biofuel targets, biomass-based diesel, and advanced fuels would more accurately reflect the availability and ongoing investments in feedstocks and production capacity.” 

The groups also say it would reflect the increased demand in new markets, such as marine, rail, and aviation. “Our industries will work to continue providing liquid fuels with the significant renewable fuel volumes the country needs,” the groups added.

Clean Fuels Alliance America joined other national trade groups in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to set robust, timely, and multiyear Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and beyond. The groups represent fuel producers, marketers, and agricultural feedstock suppliers who agree that strong RFS volumes will help deliver U.S. energy dominance. “Since the enactment of the RFS, our nation has benefited from increased energy security, an enhanced agriculture industry, and lower carbon fuel operations,” the groups wrote. “We believe strong, steady volumes for conventional biofuel targets, biomass-based diesel, and advanced fuels would more accurately reflect the availability and ongoing investments in feedstocks and production capacity.” The groups also say it would reflect the increased demand in new markets, such as marine, rail, and aviation. “Our industries will work to continue providing liquid fuels with the significant renewable fuel volumes the country needs,” the groups added.

Groups urge EPA to set robust RFS volumes

Another case of New World screwworm was found in a Mexican cow south of the border. Despite that, USDA says it won’t limit cattle imports from Mexico. Reports say U.S. cattle supplies in recent months grew tight after Washington blocked Mexican livestock shipments into the U.S. in late November due to the screwworm presence. The World Organization for Animal Health says the disease was found in a cow located in the Mexican state of Tabasco. 

Another case of New World screwworm was found in a Mexican cow south of the border. Despite that, USDA says it won’t limit cattle imports from Mexico. Reports say U.S. cattle supplies in recent months grew tight after Washington blocked Mexican livestock shipments into the U.S. in late November due to the screwworm presence. The World Organization for Animal Health says the disease was found in a cow located in the Mexican state of Tabasco.

No ban after new case of screwworm in Mexico

Today, February 20th,  is the tenth annual Give FFA Day during National FFA Week. The day is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of over a million FFA members across the country and growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with the mission of helping students develop their leadership skills and explore career paths in agriculture.

Funds raised on Give FFA Day support the FFA and agricultural education at the local, state, and national levels. The money supports special programs and events, provides the iconic FFA blue jackets to students, supplemental travel costs for career and leadership training, and pays for teacher support and resources throughout the year.  Kim Coveney, FFA’s manager of individual giving says,  “We know that every gift makes a difference and are grateful to our donors for their continued support.” 

Today, February 20th, is the tenth annual Give FFA Day during National FFA Week. The day is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of over a million FFA members across the country and growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with the mission of helping students develop their leadership skills and explore career paths in agriculture.Funds raised on Give FFA Day support the FFA and agricultural education at the local, state, and national levels. The money supports special programs and events, provides the iconic FFA blue jackets to students, supplemental travel costs for career and leadership training, and pays for teacher support and resources throughout the year. Kim Coveney, FFA’s manager of individual giving says, “We know that every gift makes a difference and are grateful to our donors for their continued support.”

Give FFA Day 

The D-N-R building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds known for its large tanks displaying the various fish species from across the state is getting a new interactive display. D-N-R spokesperson Tammie Krausman says the new feature is called the Conservation Discovery Area.

The inside feature will also have a tower designed into it that's modeled after the one at Pilot Knobb State Park. Krausman says another feature will be an in-floor river.

They had various outdoor displays in the 100 years the building has been on the fairgrounds, and an archery area has been one of the more recent popular attractions. Krausman says the new feature will fit in well with what they have now.

Krausman says it's hard to nail down exactly how many visitors the D-N-R building gets during the entire run of the State Fair.

&nbsp;The Natural Resource Commission approved the project at its monthly meeting and Krausman says they hope to have it done sometime in July.

&nbsp;The N-R-C approved a contract with Austincrete of Newton for nearly 125-thousand dollars to build the display. Krausman says the money comes from a 500-thousand dollar special legislative appropriation that was made to fund the update at the D-N-R building.

The D-N-R building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds known for its large tanks displaying the various fish species from across the state is getting a new interactive display. D-N-R spokesperson Tammie Krausman says the new feature is called the Conservation Discovery Area.The inside feature will also have a tower designed into it that's modeled after the one at Pilot Knobb State Park. Krausman says another feature will be an in-floor river.They had various outdoor displays in the 100 years the building has been on the fairgrounds, and an archery area has been one of the more recent popular attractions. Krausman says the new feature will fit in well with what they have now.Krausman says it's hard to nail down exactly how many visitors the D-N-R building gets during the entire run of the State Fair.&nbsp;The Natural Resource Commission approved the project at its monthly meeting and Krausman says they hope to have it done sometime in July.&nbsp;The N-R-C approved a contract with Austincrete of Newton for nearly 125-thousand dollars to build the display. Krausman says the money comes from a 500-thousand dollar special legislative appropriation that was made to fund the update at the D-N-R building.-Radio Iowa

New feature planned for DNR building at Iowa State Fair

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to spread, University of Missouri Extension veterinarians urge strict biosecurity operations.&nbsp;

Measures include restricting the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Avian influenza has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties thus far affecting commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry counties.

 To slow the spread, the state has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones. The USDA reports that there have been 18 affected commercial flocks and one affected backyard flock in Missouri, which has resulted in the depopulation of over 2-point-8-million birds in the state over the past 30 days.

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to spread, University of Missouri Extension veterinarians urge strict biosecurity operations.&nbsp;Measures include restricting the birds from exposure to other animals and wildlife. Avian influenza has been confirmed in five southwestern Missouri counties thus far affecting commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry counties. To slow the spread, the state has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri counties containing control areas or surveillance zones. The USDA reports that there have been 18 affected commercial flocks and one affected backyard flock in Missouri, which has resulted in the depopulation of over 2-point-8-million birds in the state over the past 30 days.-Missourinet

MU Extension urges biosecurity in poultry flocks

Governor Mike Kehoe has big plans for Missouri’s agriculture industry.

 Kehoe, a first-generation farmer, wants to borrow $55 million for new livestock buildings at the Missouri State Fair. 

Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn is excited to see the big investment.

&nbsp;“In the last couple of years, we received funding to build the new arena at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. It’s going to be 150,000 square foot in size. It’s really going to allow the Missouri State Fair to be used year-round not only for the two weeks during the fair, but for the other 50 weeks for larger events.”

It’s part of Kehoe’s proposed $53.7 billion budget for the state that lawmakers are currently working on. Kehoe’s administration says that the state fair bonding will be paid back over time by some of the revenues the buildings would generate.

&nbsp;Chinn says it would address a challenge regarding where people will stall their animals for big shows like rodeos.

“One will be a multiuse livestock barn that will have stalls in it and the other will be really focused more towards larger animals, your cattle and your horses. Each of the facilities should hold around 500 stalls. So, that will really make Missouri competitive in trying to host some of those national shows.”

The funds would be paid back over time by a portion of the revenues generated by these buildings.

Misouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations. Kehoe wants to spend over $330,000 to expand the state’s inspection program as part of next year’s state budget. 

Chinn tells Missourinet that meat and poultry is an important part of the state’s economy.

“Currently, we have businesses that would like to go under state inspection, but we don’t have enough team members to help support their business. So, we are prohibiting commerce from being able to take place. So, he’s putting that money in the budget to allow us to help support this growing sector of our economy.”

Missouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations.

Governor Mike Kehoe has big plans for Missouri’s agriculture industry. Kehoe, a first-generation farmer, wants to borrow $55 million for new livestock buildings at the Missouri State Fair. Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn is excited to see the big investment.&nbsp;“In the last couple of years, we received funding to build the new arena at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. It’s going to be 150,000 square foot in size. It’s really going to allow the Missouri State Fair to be used year-round not only for the two weeks during the fair, but for the other 50 weeks for larger events.”It’s part of Kehoe’s proposed $53.7 billion budget for the state that lawmakers are currently working on. Kehoe’s administration says that the state fair bonding will be paid back over time by some of the revenues the buildings would generate.&nbsp;Chinn says it would address a challenge regarding where people will stall their animals for big shows like rodeos.“One will be a multiuse livestock barn that will have stalls in it and the other will be really focused more towards larger animals, your cattle and your horses. Each of the facilities should hold around 500 stalls. So, that will really make Missouri competitive in trying to host some of those national shows.”The funds would be paid back over time by a portion of the revenues generated by these buildings.Misouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations. Kehoe wants to spend over $330,000 to expand the state’s inspection program as part of next year’s state budget. Chinn tells Missourinet that meat and poultry is an important part of the state’s economy.“Currently, we have businesses that would like to go under state inspection, but we don’t have enough team members to help support their business. So, we are prohibiting commerce from being able to take place. So, he’s putting that money in the budget to allow us to help support this growing sector of our economy.”Missouri is home to over 50 meat and poultry inspection locations.-Missourinet

Missouri’s Ag director praises Kehoe’s proposed agriculture investment in budget requests

In 2018, farmers in Nova Scotia, Canada, noticed a pest they hadn’t seen in a long time — the European corn borer. 

The pest was introduced to the United States in 1917 and spread to most major corn-growing regions by the 1940s. Coined “the billion-dollar pest,” the European corn borer caused yield loss by burrowing into cornstalks and feeding on them until the introduction of Bt corn in 1996.

 The main indicator of the borer is a horizontal line of shot holes in the corn leaves. The discovery in Nova Scotia led researchers to investigate throughout Canada, where they continued to find the same Cry1F resistance in the borer as they found in Nova Scotia. Cry1F is the crystalline protein used in Bt corn that keeps larvae at bay. 

In the years from 2018–2023, researchers started to make collections all across Canada and they were finding European corn borer resistance to Cry1F toxins all across the board.

In 2018, farmers in Nova Scotia, Canada, noticed a pest they hadn’t seen in a long time — the European corn borer. The pest was introduced to the United States in 1917 and spread to most major corn-growing regions by the 1940s. Coined “the billion-dollar pest,” the European corn borer caused yield loss by burrowing into cornstalks and feeding on them until the introduction of Bt corn in 1996. The main indicator of the borer is a horizontal line of shot holes in the corn leaves. The discovery in Nova Scotia led researchers to investigate throughout Canada, where they continued to find the same Cry1F resistance in the borer as they found in Nova Scotia. Cry1F is the crystalline protein used in Bt corn that keeps larvae at bay. In the years from 2018–2023, researchers started to make collections all across Canada and they were finding European corn borer resistance to Cry1F toxins all across the board.-NAFB

The ‘Billion-Dollar Pest’ reappears in Canada, Connecticut

Brazil’s Energy and Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira said on Thursday that a potential U.S. tariff on Brazilian ethanol would be unreasonable, emphasizing that the two countries have historically negotiated ethanol and sugar trade together. 

His remarks came after President Donald Trump moved to scrap decades-old low tariff rates, raising them to match those of other countries. A White House fact sheet on the plan pointed to Brazil’s ethanol tariffs as an example of unfair trade practices. 

The U.S. tariff on ethanol is a mere 2.5%, yet Brazil charges U.S. ethanol exports an 18% tariff. As a result, in 2024, the U.S. imported over $200 million in ethanol from Brazil while exporting only $52 million in ethanol to Brazil, the document said on Thursday.

Brazil’s Energy and Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira said on Thursday that a potential U.S. tariff on Brazilian ethanol would be unreasonable, emphasizing that the two countries have historically negotiated ethanol and sugar trade together. His remarks came after President Donald Trump moved to scrap decades-old low tariff rates, raising them to match those of other countries. A White House fact sheet on the plan pointed to Brazil’s ethanol tariffs as an example of unfair trade practices. The U.S. tariff on ethanol is a mere 2.5%, yet Brazil charges U.S. ethanol exports an 18% tariff. As a result, in 2024, the U.S. imported over $200 million in ethanol from Brazil while exporting only $52 million in ethanol to Brazil, the document said on Thursday.-NAFB

Brazil Says U.S. Ethanol Tariff Would Be Unreasonable

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

The Soybean Innovation Lab, based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was 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.

A major soybean research project, which collaborates with the University of Missouri (MU), will shut down April 15 due to President Donald Trump's dismantling of funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Soybean Innovation Lab, based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was 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.-NAFB

Soybean research projects shutting down as USAID funding cut off

Snowfall has been sparse across Nebraska this winter, but a cattleman said the lack of snow has made for “beautiful cattle feeding” conditions.

 Craig Uden, a fourth-generation cattleman and part-owner of Darr Feedlot in central Nebraska, said there have only been about six inches of snow all winter long. Despite the lack of snow, Uden said the weather has been “wonderful for cattle feeding conditions.” A lot of Uden’s cattle have been able to stay in the corn fields as a result of “so many 50–60 degree days. It’s actually been a tremendously easy year to winter cows,” according to Uden. 

The concern of being able to find grass increases the stress of keeping additional heifers. According to the latest drought monitor map, less than 1% of Nebraska is free from drought stress. Eight percent of the state is abnormally dry, 44% is in D1 moderate drought, 40% is in D2 severe drought, and the remaining 8% is in D3 extreme drought.

Snowfall has been sparse across Nebraska this winter, but a cattleman said the lack of snow has made for “beautiful cattle feeding” conditions. Craig Uden, a fourth-generation cattleman and part-owner of Darr Feedlot in central Nebraska, said there have only been about six inches of snow all winter long. Despite the lack of snow, Uden said the weather has been “wonderful for cattle feeding conditions.” A lot of Uden’s cattle have been able to stay in the corn fields as a result of “so many 50–60 degree days. It’s actually been a tremendously easy year to winter cows,” according to Uden. The concern of being able to find grass increases the stress of keeping additional heifers. According to the latest drought monitor map, less than 1% of Nebraska is free from drought stress. Eight percent of the state is abnormally dry, 44% is in D1 moderate drought, 40% is in D2 severe drought, and the remaining 8% is in D3 extreme drought.-NAFB

Little snow leaves nearly all of Nebraska facing drought conditions

The White House called out Brazil for its almost ten-year old tariff on US ethanol as an example of duties the US needs to fight back against with reciprocal tariffs.

“This is something that should have been done many years ago. But jobs are going to go up and prices could go up somewhat, short-term, but I think prices will also go down. And I think the farmers are going to be helped by this very much.”

President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs to match others’ duties on US goods, as the White House pointed out Brazil’s 18-percent tariff on US ethanol versus almost no duty on Brazil’s ethanol.

Trump’s pick for US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was asked about the Brazil tariff at his senate confirmation hearing.

“This is a specific kind of unfairness that drives me crazy. And it’s not just me, but the president, himself. He sees these kinds of unfairnesses and the unlevel playing field…and it’s so obvious, it’s so blatant—and it’s gone on for so long.”

But now, Greer says President Trump is ready to act.

“We need to have leverage. And, if we need to gain leverage by taking investigatory actions or other actions, we’ll do that. It’d be much better to do that on a negotiating basis, but we’ll do whatever we need to do to try to fix it.”

The US ethanol industry says its exports to Brazil have basically dried up. The Renewable Fuels Association said it hopes the president’s reciprocal tariff will finally get Brazil to return to “free and fair ethanol trade.”

The White House called out Brazil for its almost ten-year old tariff on US ethanol as an example of duties the US needs to fight back against with reciprocal tariffs.“This is something that should have been done many years ago. But jobs are going to go up and prices could go up somewhat, short-term, but I think prices will also go down. And I think the farmers are going to be helped by this very much.”President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs to match others’ duties on US goods, as the White House pointed out Brazil’s 18-percent tariff on US ethanol versus almost no duty on Brazil’s ethanol.Trump’s pick for US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was asked about the Brazil tariff at his senate confirmation hearing.“This is a specific kind of unfairness that drives me crazy. And it’s not just me, but the president, himself. He sees these kinds of unfairnesses and the unlevel playing field…and it’s so obvious, it’s so blatant—and it’s gone on for so long.”But now, Greer says President Trump is ready to act.“We need to have leverage. And, if we need to gain leverage by taking investigatory actions or other actions, we’ll do that. It’d be much better to do that on a negotiating basis, but we’ll do whatever we need to do to try to fix it.”The US ethanol industry says its exports to Brazil have basically dried up. The Renewable Fuels Association said it hopes the president’s reciprocal tariff will finally get Brazil to return to “free and fair ethanol trade.”-NAFB

White House calls Out Brazil on ethanol duty in defending Reciprocal Tariffs

USDA is withholding funds from farmers for conservation programs, despite the White House stating last week that funds to individuals would not be frozen. 

Contractors for conservation programs also have been affected by a funding freeze. The Iowa Soybean Association, for instance, cited in a letter to lawmakers that $11 million owed to farmers is at risk. Farmers are learning their conservation payments are frozen because those contracts were funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Two federal judges over the past week have ruled that the Trump administration did not have authority to block funding that was appropriated by Congress.  Repeated efforts to question USDA over which programs are frozen and questioned why payments to individual farmers were frozen. 

USDA's press office did not respond. Officials with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also did not respond. At least one Missouri producer posted videos on TikTok worried he could lose his farm because USDA "reneged" on his cost-share contract with NRCS under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

USDA is withholding funds from farmers for conservation programs, despite the White House stating last week that funds to individuals would not be frozen. Contractors for conservation programs also have been affected by a funding freeze. The Iowa Soybean Association, for instance, cited in a letter to lawmakers that $11 million owed to farmers is at risk. Farmers are learning their conservation payments are frozen because those contracts were funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. Two federal judges over the past week have ruled that the Trump administration did not have authority to block funding that was appropriated by Congress. Repeated efforts to question USDA over which programs are frozen and questioned why payments to individual farmers were frozen. USDA's press office did not respond. Officials with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also did not respond. At least one Missouri producer posted videos on TikTok worried he could lose his farm because USDA "reneged" on his cost-share contract with NRCS under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).-NAFB

Farmers still caught in USDA funding freeze

The Trump administration has disrupted the U.S. response to bird flu as the outbreak worsens, leading to confusion and concern among federal staff, state officials, veterinarians, and health experts.

 Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, two federal agencies responsible for monitoring and responding to the epidemic have withheld bird flu reports and canceled congressional briefings and meetings with state health officials. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) withheld two weekly reports, one on bird flu transmission and another on surveillance, and canceled several meetings on bird flu with state officials. 

The CDC and U.S. Department of Agriculture held no congressional briefings for three weeks, and the USDA did not respond to a state official’s request for information on a new program to protect the nation’s food supply. 

 The result has been anxiety among federal health staff that critical information about bird flu will not be disseminated in a timely manner or at all, even as more people and livestock test positive for the virus.

The Trump administration has disrupted the U.S. response to bird flu as the outbreak worsens, leading to confusion and concern among federal staff, state officials, veterinarians, and health experts. Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, two federal agencies responsible for monitoring and responding to the epidemic have withheld bird flu reports and canceled congressional briefings and meetings with state health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) withheld two weekly reports, one on bird flu transmission and another on surveillance, and canceled several meetings on bird flu with state officials. The CDC and U.S. Department of Agriculture held no congressional briefings for three weeks, and the USDA did not respond to a state official’s request for information on a new program to protect the nation’s food supply. The result has been anxiety among federal health staff that critical information about bird flu will not be disseminated in a timely manner or at all, even as more people and livestock test positive for the virus.-NAFB

U.S. bird flu response disrupted in early weeks of Trump Administration

Brooke Rollins won confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture by a 72-28 Senate vote. Several U.S. ag groups congratulated the Texan on her confirmation. “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California’s Prop 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” says NPPC President Lori Stevermer. 

Brooke Rollins won confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture by a 72-28 Senate vote. Several U.S. ag groups congratulated the Texan on her confirmation. “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California’s Prop 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” says NPPC President Lori Stevermer.

Rollins confirmed as Ag Secretary

The Food Price Index increased nearly a half percent in January. The food at home index rose more tha a half percent over the month, as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased. The indexes for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9 percent for the month, as the index for eggs led the way by rising 15.2 percent. This was the largest increase in the eggs index since June 2015 and accounted for about two-thirds of the total monthly food-at-home increase. 

The Food Price Index increased nearly a half percent in January. The food at home index rose more tha a half percent over the month, as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased. The indexes for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9 percent for the month, as the index for eggs led the way by rising 15.2 percent. This was the largest increase in the eggs index since June 2015 and accounted for about two-thirds of the total monthly food-at-home increase.

Food Price Index moves higher in January

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Amy France from Scott City Kansas. She is chairman of the National Sorghum Producers Association and testified before a U.S. Senate committee last week.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yjo5T4F0Z5Y?si=zvLRdXCigR7GItCb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Amy France from Scott City Kansas. She is chairman of the National Sorghum Producers Association and testified before a U.S. Senate committee last week.

Forward Ever: Amy France, chairman of National Sorghum Producers Association

The University of Illinois’ Farmdoc Daily says some farmers should possibly consider the Enhanced Coverage Option in 2025 as premium costs will be lower this year. 

The ECO is a crop-insurance product where farmers have the option to insure at either a 90 percent or 95 percent coverage level. One important fact about the ECO is that, unlike SCO, ECO does not restrict the choice of commodity title program. 

Farmers can’t purchase SCO coverage on acres enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage commodity program, but in contrast, ECO can be used even if ARC is selected as the commodity title choice. 

The Risk Management Agency has increased the premium subsidy rate for ECO to 65 percent for 2025 and future years. Farmers may wish to consider ECO because its premium will be lower than last year, and revenue protection will likely cover less of the 2025 cost of production.

The University of Illinois’ Farmdoc Daily says some farmers should possibly consider the Enhanced Coverage Option in 2025 as premium costs will be lower this year. The ECO is a crop-insurance product where farmers have the option to insure at either a 90 percent or 95 percent coverage level. One important fact about the ECO is that, unlike SCO, ECO does not restrict the choice of commodity title program. Farmers can’t purchase SCO coverage on acres enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage commodity program, but in contrast, ECO can be used even if ARC is selected as the commodity title choice. The Risk Management Agency has increased the premium subsidy rate for ECO to 65 percent for 2025 and future years. Farmers may wish to consider ECO because its premium will be lower than last year, and revenue protection will likely cover less of the 2025 cost of production.-NAFB

Enhanced Coverage Option for 2025 a better choice

Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation’s leading coalition of American ag and food producers that depend on trade and exports, reacted to the imposition of Section 232 tariffs.

 “Recent history shows that indiscriminate 232 tariffs trigger harsh retaliation against U.S. farmers and food producers,” Kuehl says. “In 2018, targeted countries responded with tariffs on uniquely American agricultural products, everything from soybeans and pork to bourbon.”

 Farmers for Free Trade says when these American products get saddled with onerous tariffs, it directly hurts American farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers – American businesses that depend on exports to survive. 

“Rather than strengthening American industry, these tariffs make it harder to sell the very products the world wants from us,” Kuehl adds. “If we truly want to grow our economy and support Americans that are producing right here at home, we need to expand exports, not make them a target.”

Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation’s leading coalition of American ag and food producers that depend on trade and exports, reacted to the imposition of Section 232 tariffs. “Recent history shows that indiscriminate 232 tariffs trigger harsh retaliation against U.S. farmers and food producers,” Kuehl says. “In 2018, targeted countries responded with tariffs on uniquely American agricultural products, everything from soybeans and pork to bourbon.” Farmers for Free Trade says when these American products get saddled with onerous tariffs, it directly hurts American farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers – American businesses that depend on exports to survive. “Rather than strengthening American industry, these tariffs make it harder to sell the very products the world wants from us,” Kuehl adds. “If we truly want to grow our economy and support Americans that are producing right here at home, we need to expand exports, not make them a target.”-NAFB

Farmers for Free Trade comment on Section 232 tariffs

The farm bill, the president’s tariffs, and government restructuring dominated a House Ag hearing on the “Economic Crisis in Farm Country.”

 The hearing fell on the same day President Trump signed a new executive order directing agencies to work with Elon Musk’s efficiency teams to cut their workforce and sharply limit new hiring.

USDA has nearly 100-thousand staff in 29 agencies at 4,500 locations here and abroad. The order followed others impacting farmers. Top House Ag Democrat Angie Craig.

“Consider grant dollars to farmers appropriated by Congress and already under contract with USDA have been frozen. Trade deals with our largest trading partners and largest export markets have been threatened. Food grown in America is rotting in a warehouse in Texas.”

Further complicating producers’ bottom lines as USAID is shuttered and half a billion dollars in food aid stalled. John Newton is head of the Ag research firm Terrain.

“Since 2022 and excluding government payments, U.S. inflation-adjusted net farm income has fallen by $43 billion, or 26 percent, to $138 billion in 2025. We are witnesses to historic volatility in the farm economy.”

That’s forcing tough talks with bankers and ever-tougher loan terms. Farmer and director of the Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Corn Marketing Board Rodney Weinzierl urged a new farm bill, not more ad hoc payments to farmers.

“An Illinois farmer’s first priority is to derive profit from the market, not from the government. To that end, we consistently invest in and advocate for the U.S. government to invest in the development of three major markets—livestock, ethanol, and exports.  Last year’s House committee farm bill included an increase in funding for foreign market development and the Market Access Program.”

But the fate of a new farm bill could be up to the budget committees, now tasked with finding billions in savings to fund the president’s priorities of border security, energy dominance, and extending his 2017 tax cuts.

The farm bill, the president’s tariffs, and government restructuring dominated a House Ag hearing on the “Economic Crisis in Farm Country.” The hearing fell on the same day President Trump signed a new executive order directing agencies to work with Elon Musk’s efficiency teams to cut their workforce and sharply limit new hiring.USDA has nearly 100-thousand staff in 29 agencies at 4,500 locations here and abroad. The order followed others impacting farmers. Top House Ag Democrat Angie Craig.“Consider grant dollars to farmers appropriated by Congress and already under contract with USDA have been frozen. Trade deals with our largest trading partners and largest export markets have been threatened. Food grown in America is rotting in a warehouse in Texas.”Further complicating producers’ bottom lines as USAID is shuttered and half a billion dollars in food aid stalled. John Newton is head of the Ag research firm Terrain.“Since 2022 and excluding government payments, U.S. inflation-adjusted net farm income has fallen by $43 billion, or 26 percent, to $138 billion in 2025. We are witnesses to historic volatility in the farm economy.”That’s forcing tough talks with bankers and ever-tougher loan terms. Farmer and director of the Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Corn Marketing Board Rodney Weinzierl urged a new farm bill, not more ad hoc payments to farmers.“An Illinois farmer’s first priority is to derive profit from the market, not from the government. To that end, we consistently invest in and advocate for the U.S. government to invest in the development of three major markets—livestock, ethanol, and exports. Last year’s House committee farm bill included an increase in funding for foreign market development and the Market Access Program.”But the fate of a new farm bill could be up to the budget committees, now tasked with finding billions in savings to fund the president’s priorities of border security, energy dominance, and extending his 2017 tax cuts.-NAFB

Farm Bill, Tariffs, Trump Freezes Dominate House Ag Hearing

The 2024-2025 National FFA Officer Team returned from the National FFA Officers International Experience Program in Japan.

 The Officers had a chance to experience Japanese culture and agriculture in partnership with the sister organization Future Farmers of Japan. This annual trip provides these young people the chance to experience firsthand how agriculture transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens a partnership that dates back to 1950. 

The International Experience Program develops the national officers’ language skills, business practices, and communication techniques to build cross-cultural cooperation while providing an opportunity for them to practice peer leadership on an international scale. 

“As I travel the country and world as a part of National FFA, I’m consistently reminded that agriculture is a common thread that brings us all together,” says Caroline Groth, Eastern Region Vice President. “We have more in common than we have differences, and we’re working to make our communities and world better.”

The 2024-2025 National FFA Officer Team returned from the National FFA Officers International Experience Program in Japan. The Officers had a chance to experience Japanese culture and agriculture in partnership with the sister organization Future Farmers of Japan. This annual trip provides these young people the chance to experience firsthand how agriculture transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens a partnership that dates back to 1950. The International Experience Program develops the national officers’ language skills, business practices, and communication techniques to build cross-cultural cooperation while providing an opportunity for them to practice peer leadership on an international scale. “As I travel the country and world as a part of National FFA, I’m consistently reminded that agriculture is a common thread that brings us all together,” says Caroline Groth, Eastern Region Vice President. “We have more in common than we have differences, and we’re working to make our communities and world better.”-NAFB

National FFA officers visit Japan

The National Chicken Council urged the Department of Health and Human Services to reject recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee emphasizing plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken. 

Among the recommendations that the NCC took issue with was the emphasis on eating beans, peas, and lentils as optimal protein sources above chicken. There was no specific mention that lean meat, like chicken, can be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

 “We believe these recommendations and omissions are harmful to the human health of all Americans, especially those relying on federal feeding programs,” says Dr. Ashley Peterson, NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “The committee also provided no scientific fact or justification to support why protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats, like chicken.”

 NCC also says plant proteins are not nutritionally equivalent at all to animal proteins from a protein quality and quantity standpoint.

The National Chicken Council urged the Department of Health and Human Services to reject recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee emphasizing plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken. Among the recommendations that the NCC took issue with was the emphasis on eating beans, peas, and lentils as optimal protein sources above chicken. There was no specific mention that lean meat, like chicken, can be part of a healthy dietary pattern. “We believe these recommendations and omissions are harmful to the human health of all Americans, especially those relying on federal feeding programs,” says Dr. Ashley Peterson, NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “The committee also provided no scientific fact or justification to support why protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats, like chicken.” NCC also says plant proteins are not nutritionally equivalent at all to animal proteins from a protein quality and quantity standpoint.-NAFB

Another agriculture group takes issue with dietary guidelines report

The World Ag Expo is underway today and runs through Thursday in Tulare, California. 

The World Ag Expo, established in 1968, had more than 100,000 visitors come from 49 states and 81 countries to attend last year’s show. The show is produced by the International Agri-Center, an education-based non-profit organization. New for 2025, there will be a lot of movement on the grounds this year with expanded live demonstrations.

 That movement includes the Western State Beefmasters Breeders Association Live Cattle Auction. World Ag Expo has over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, which is the equivalent of 45 football fields. The International Agri-Center owns nearly 700 acres.

 Outside of the show grounds and parking lots, the remaining 400-plus acres get farmed, with crops including cotton and almonds. The World Ag Expo also gives back by providing the opportunity to fundraise by managing more than 30 food booths at the show.

The World Ag Expo is underway today and runs through Thursday in Tulare, California. The World Ag Expo, established in 1968, had more than 100,000 visitors come from 49 states and 81 countries to attend last year’s show. The show is produced by the International Agri-Center, an education-based non-profit organization. New for 2025, there will be a lot of movement on the grounds this year with expanded live demonstrations. That movement includes the Western State Beefmasters Breeders Association Live Cattle Auction. World Ag Expo has over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, which is the equivalent of 45 football fields. The International Agri-Center owns nearly 700 acres. Outside of the show grounds and parking lots, the remaining 400-plus acres get farmed, with crops including cotton and almonds. The World Ag Expo also gives back by providing the opportunity to fundraise by managing more than 30 food booths at the show.-NAFB

World Ag Expo underway in California

The USDA’s February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report says the 2024-2025 U.S. corn supply and use outlook is unchanged from last month.

 The biggest change took place in global corn production, which is forecast to drop 1.8 million tons to 1.492 billion. Foreign corn production is forecast down due to production declines in Brazil and Argentina. The projected season-average farm price is up 10 cents to $4.35 a bushel. 

U.S. soybean supply and use forecasts are also unchanged. Global numbers also took center stage in soybeans, with the global supply forecast to drop because of reduced production in Argentina and Paraguay because of persistent heat and dryness in January. 

The season-average soybean price is projected at $10.10 a bushel, down ten cents. The U.S. wheat supply and demand outlook is for slightly higher domestic use and lower ending stocks. The season-average wheat price is unchanged at $5.55 a bushel.

The USDA’s February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report says the 2024-2025 U.S. corn supply and use outlook is unchanged from last month. The biggest change took place in global corn production, which is forecast to drop 1.8 million tons to 1.492 billion. Foreign corn production is forecast down due to production declines in Brazil and Argentina. The projected season-average farm price is up 10 cents to $4.35 a bushel. U.S. soybean supply and use forecasts are also unchanged. Global numbers also took center stage in soybeans, with the global supply forecast to drop because of reduced production in Argentina and Paraguay because of persistent heat and dryness in January. The season-average soybean price is projected at $10.10 a bushel, down ten cents. The U.S. wheat supply and demand outlook is for slightly higher domestic use and lower ending stocks. The season-average wheat price is unchanged at $5.55 a bushel.-NAFB

February WASDE neutral for U.S. corn, beans, and wheat

GOP Senator and Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley of Iowa has gotten a deluge of calls on President Trump’s government overhaul effort and insists Trump can’t go around the courts.

“A lot of calls, maybe four or five hundred on this whole process.” 

That’s Senator Grassley on farmers’ concerns over spending freezes and ‘deferred resignation’ buyouts paused by federal judges, but that could still hit farm payments, contracts, and services.

Is President Trump mounting a ‘wholesale’ remaking of the federal government?

“You can’t use that word now. Maybe when this is all done, you can use that word. But remember, for instance, if you want to do away with the Department of Education, you can’t do that without Congress doing it. You can restructure, maybe, within the Department of Education, but you aren’t going to do away with this.”

The Judiciary Chairman says the president can’t ignore the courts, either, despite hints by Vice President Vance that Trump could do so in some instances.  Grassley on one president’s tangle with a Supreme Court Chief Justice.

“Only one other president has said one time. Andrew Jackson said Marshall made a decision, so let Marshall enforce it. I don’t think this president would go that far, and if he did, I would disagree with his going that far.”

But President Trump has in the past and could be expected again to appeal lower court decisions to the Supreme Court.

GOP Senator and Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley of Iowa has gotten a deluge of calls on President Trump’s government overhaul effort and insists Trump can’t go around the courts.“A lot of calls, maybe four or five hundred on this whole process.” That’s Senator Grassley on farmers’ concerns over spending freezes and ‘deferred resignation’ buyouts paused by federal judges, but that could still hit farm payments, contracts, and services.Is President Trump mounting a ‘wholesale’ remaking of the federal government?“You can’t use that word now. Maybe when this is all done, you can use that word. But remember, for instance, if you want to do away with the Department of Education, you can’t do that without Congress doing it. You can restructure, maybe, within the Department of Education, but you aren’t going to do away with this.”The Judiciary Chairman says the president can’t ignore the courts, either, despite hints by Vice President Vance that Trump could do so in some instances. Grassley on one president’s tangle with a Supreme Court Chief Justice.“Only one other president has said one time. Andrew Jackson said Marshall made a decision, so let Marshall enforce it. I don’t think this president would go that far, and if he did, I would disagree with his going that far.”But President Trump has in the past and could be expected again to appeal lower court decisions to the Supreme Court.