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.

 Grassley gets deluge of calls on Trump Government overhaul, insists Trump can’t go around judges

AARP has voiced its strong support for the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, urging Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan legislation to protect the most vulnerable during emergencies.

 Bill Sweeney, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, sent a letter to lawmakers emphasizing AM radio’s critical role in emergency communications and its significance for older Americans.

 “Older adults are over-represented in rural areas where wireless and broadband connections are limited or non-existent,” Sweeney wrote. “AM radio connects millions of older residents to their communities through targeted programming, including the latest local news and weather.”

 Citing a 2023 letter from seven former FEMA Administrators, AARP also pointed to AM radio as a big part of the National Public Warning System. Seventy-seven AM stations are Primary Entry Points, equipped with backup generators and emergency communication equipment, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasts reaching more than 90 percent of the U.S. population during disasters.

AARP has voiced its strong support for the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, urging Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan legislation to protect the most vulnerable during emergencies. Bill Sweeney, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, sent a letter to lawmakers emphasizing AM radio’s critical role in emergency communications and its significance for older Americans. “Older adults are over-represented in rural areas where wireless and broadband connections are limited or non-existent,” Sweeney wrote. “AM radio connects millions of older residents to their communities through targeted programming, including the latest local news and weather.” Citing a 2023 letter from seven former FEMA Administrators, AARP also pointed to AM radio as a big part of the National Public Warning System. Seventy-seven AM stations are Primary Entry Points, equipped with backup generators and emergency communication equipment, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasts reaching more than 90 percent of the U.S. population during disasters.-NAFB

AARP supports AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

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;

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 <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.