Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - April 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

According to the 2025 Power of Meat Report, a new record for meat sales was achieved last year, reaching an all-time high of $104.6 billion. Not only did value rise nearly 5% year-over-year, but volume saw a 2.3% increase to 22.8 billion pounds from 2023, with beef in the lead. Ground beef was number one in absolute dollar growth out of 85,000 center-store and perishable subcategories. The report showed consumers purchased meat more than once a week, spending $16.12 per trip. This buying frequency kept meat as the largest fresh department in grocery stores. The top three purchases for refrigerated meat included beef, chicken and pork, while the top three purchases for prepared meat were lunchmeat, bacon and sausage. Priorities among meat shoppers included preparing comfort meals, having quick prep options and getting creative with ingredients. Americans prepared 4.8 dinners per week at home and 90% included meat, according to the report. They accomplished this through more meal planning, increased trips to the store and buying in bulk.

USDA Cattle on Feed (COF) report shows feedlot inventories as of April 1 were 11.64 million head, down 1.6% year over year. The 12-month moving average of feedlot inventories is 11.59 million head, which is the lowest since November 2023, according to Oklahoma State University Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel. In the current cattle cycle, Peel said feedlot inventories peaked in 2022. The April 1 feedlot inventory was down 4.6% compared to April 1, 2022, when the top six cattle feeding states at the time—Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa and California—accounted for 85.6% of the total feedlot inventory. He said those six states currently account for 84.1% of the total inventory. Since April 2022, feedlot inventory has decreased by 9.5% in Texas, 2.3% in Nebraska, 6.8% in Kansas, 9.1% in Colorado and 11.5% in California. Peel said Iowa currently is the only state among the top six with a larger feedlot inventory, up 4.6% since April 2022. Source: Kansas Livestock Association, April 28, 2025. 

In late April Kansas’ U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran introduced the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill would provide farmers and ranchers with the flexibility needed to conserve water on working lands, while fairly compensating them for retiring their water rights or limiting water use. CREP, part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), leverages federal and non-federal funds to target significant state, regional or national conservation concerns. Traditionally, it has provided farmers and ranchers with payments to remove land from production to help address these concerns. Each CREP is unique, and in drought-prone regions in Kansas and other states throughout the West and Great Plains, CREP primarily is used to voluntarily reduce water consumption on farmland.

Kansas Farm Bureau earlier this month reported that drought conditions are forecast to either persist or develop for much of the state through June. But wheat conditions currently remain good. The likelihood of at least a decent wheat harvest is high, which makes now a great time to begin developing a postharvest wheat marketing plan. As of April 6, 51% of Kansas wheat was either in good or excellent condition – better than last year at this time, much better than the five-year average of 40% and the best overall condition since 2021 for this time of the year. 

A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill is being introduced to extend the length of the 45Z tax credit for clean fuel producers and restrict eligibility to fuels made from domestically sourced feedstocks. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and Agriculture Committee Ranking Member, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, are cosponsoring the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act. Kansas Representative Tracey Mann and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, are leading an identical measure in the House.  In the Inflation Reduction Act, 45Z was passed as a three-year credit. The bill would extend the incentive through 2034. “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is commonsense legislation that stops sending American taxpayer dollars to China, expands robust domestic markets for agriculture producers, and increases certainty for the biofuels industry,” Sen. Marshall said. 

As the deadline approaches for growers to select between USDA safety net programs, University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) has developed a tool to help growers decide which plans to choose for their major crops. The Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs, along with federally sponsored crop insurance programs, constitute the backbone of the farm safety net for U.S. crop producers, said Alejandro Plastina, director of RaFF. While PLC offers price protection, ARC offers shallow loss revenue protection. ARC is available at the county level (ARC-CO) and at the individual farm level (ARC-IC).

U.S. sales of certified organic products accelerated in 2024 with an annual growth rate of 5.2%, more than double that of the overall marketplace which grew at 2.5% in the same period. Dollar sales for organic also reached a new high of $71.6 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 Organic Market Report released by the Organic Trade Association. In 2024, shoppers found that the gap between conventional and organic prices across categories including grocery and dairy had shrunk, making them more open to considering and purchasing organic. This includes an increase in organic purchases at mainstream grocery retailers where shoppers tend to be more price sensitive.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). Select projects may continue if it is demonstrated that a significant amount of the federal funds awarded will go to farmers.

Kansas State University agronomy professor Romulo Lollato is part of an international team that is calling for a new approach to estimate crop yield potential and gaps – information that is critical in planning how to meet the world’s growing demand for food. Lollato said the research will challenge conventional ways of predicting yields for many farm crops, which could have implications regarding future policies related to agricultural commodities. The study was published online April 8 in the journal Nature Food. Statistical approaches are inadequate for accurate estimation of yield potential and gaps at regional level. Lollato said that wheat grown after wheat in Kansas has a higher yield potential compared to wheat that is double cropped after soybeans. While this is one example that is clear to growers in the region, past projections of yield potential have surprisingly not accounted directly for differences such as this, or other differences that are accounted for in an approach that considers the local context. “At a local level,” he said, “this is important because we demonstrated that there is a large yield gap for wheat in Kansas. In other words, our current weather and soils, combined with current varieties’ yield potential, are substantially greater than what our farmers are currently harvesting. We showed that current wheat yields (averaging 40-45 bushels per acre) could be sustained at 60-65 bushels per acre while still being profitable.” University of Nebraska professor of agronomy Patricio Grassini said the research is important because “we are in a race to feed the world and to try to feed the population with the available agricultural land that we have.” 

Kansas Beef Council has extended its Sports Nutrition Game Plan, originally developed by the Texas Beef Council. This premier program equips high school coaches, trainers and athletes with practical nutrition tools and information on beef’s role as an essential protein source in a well-rounded, performance-driven diet.  Since launching in Kansas less than two years ago, the program has gained traction, with more than 100 coaches, athletic directors and trainers embracing its benefits and receiving weekly sports nutrition topics to share with both athletes and parents. Beyond supporting student-athletes, it also empowers coaches and trainers with valuable nutrition education to integrate into their team culture. Through the Sports Nutrition Game Plan, Kansas beef producers are helping athletes perform at their peak while reinforcing beef’s essential role in sports nutrition. Beef producers can get more information at www.sportsnutritiongameplan.com.

Kansas corn farmers have new tools to guard against corn leafhoppers and corn stunt disease. The Kansas Corn Commission is supporting the work of K-State plant pathologist Rodrigo Onofre, PhD, to track leafhoppers and corn stunt disease in Kansas to help growers manage this risk. Corn leafhoppers and corn stunt were found in Kansas for the first time in 2024. Because early detection of corn leafhoppers is vital to avoiding corn stunt, a monitoring system and webpage have been created to help growers to track corn diseases. Dr. Onofre is leading a collaborative effort between K-State Plant Pathology, the Kansas Corn Commission, Kansas Independent Crop Consultants, K-State Research & Extension Ag Agents, and Corteva to monitor at least three counties in each crop reporting district for corn leafhoppers. A webpage at kscorn.com has been created to track the corn leafhoppers, corn stunt and other diseases. Additionally, Dr. Onofre will be offering free corn stunt disease testing for Kansas corn growers during the 2025 season in both types of samples—corn tissues and corn leafhoppers. More information at www.kscorn.com/corndisease.

Swine producers commonly use soybean meal as one of the largest protein sources in diets. But Kansas State University assistant research professor in swine nutrition Katelyn Gaffield said her research team took a new approach to investigating soybean meal quality by evaluating novel factors like the impact of adding back soybean byproducts into meal when feeding pigs. “I studied this during my doctoral research, and these are – specifically – the byproducts from oil refineries; we can get soybean gums or soybean soapstocks,” she said. Her team conducted a large industry survey, and with the help of the United Soybean Board sampled 15 different processing plants to look at the variation. “Ultimately, we found little differences in growth performance when we fed the soybean gums or soapstocks to pigs,” she said. “So, this is a good finding for producers because it indicates that you don’t have to worry about sourcing different soybean meals and whether byproducts must be included back.” 

The Land Institute, a national sustainable agriculture nonprofit based in Salina, Kansas, is working on turning native wheatgrass into a viable alternative to traditional grains.   The Land Institute is dedicated to perennial agriculture – meaning that once it’s planted, it doesn’t need to be replanted every year. It grows, sprouts, gets harvested, then sprouts again the next year. Wheatgrass has very deep roots, holds water better during droughts, and keeps topsoil in place. “That’s the idea behind  experimental crops called Kernza,” said Tessa Peters, Director of Strategy for The Land Institute. Kernza originated as a native wheatgrass with deep roots, making it an appealing candidate for crossbreeding with other grains. “Grains make up something like 70% of calories that humans ingest,” she added. More information is available at the www.landinstitute.org .

PEOPLE

Matthew Haase, of Kansas City, has been appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. Haase is currently the director of strategic relations for Kansas City University, having previously served as the senior director of external relations at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Haase dedicated 18 years to public service under the leadership of former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt as a senior legislative assistant in his congressional office and later as a state director in his Senate office. He was appointed to the 16th Circuit Judicial Commission by Governor Parson and currently serves on the Local Investment Commission. Mr. Haase earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Missouri State University in Springfield.

Kansas Grain and Feed Association’s (KGFA) board of directors, and membership at large, selected Andrew Fullerton of Bartlett Grain, A Savage Company to serve as the trade association’s 90th chairman during its 129th annual meeting held April 14-15, 2025 in Wichita. “The Kansas Grain and Feed Association has a long history of being a tremendous advocate for agriculture,” Fullerton said. “I am honored to be the incoming chairman, and I would like to thank the KGFA Membership and its board of directors for this opportunity.” Founded in 1896, the Topeka-based Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA) is a voluntary nonprofit trade organization providing governmental representation, educational opportunities and a wide variety of other services to the vast and indispensable grain and feed marketing system. KGFA’s 900 members include country elevators, subterminal and terminal elevators, feed manufacturers, flour mills, grain merchandisers and allied industries such as grain exchanges, equipment manufacturers, insurance firms and railroads. KGFA is proud to represent 99% of the federally or state-licensed grain storage in the state of Kansas. In addition, KGFA also manages the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Renew Kansas, and provides association management and lobbying services to a number of other clients. 

Three National Chung Hsing University students traveled to Kansas State University this month to represent their university as part of the Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program, a bilateral student exchange program to learn about Kansas’s agricultural industry and how Kansas agriculture exports benefit both Kansas and Taiwan. The students were selected by their university based on their exceptional leadership and communication skills and interest in agriculture. “This exchange program strengthens the bonds between Kansas and Taiwan and fosters a greater global understanding of agriculture,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, Director of the Ag Marketing Division and International Trade at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “For many of these students, it was their first time to visit the U.S., and we are incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality shown by our hosts throughout the week. Their generosity in opening their businesses and homes made the students feel truly welcome in Kansas. The relationships built through this program are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Missouri Farm Bureau joined Convoy of Hope in co-hosting the Southwest Missouri Day of Service on Tuesday, April 22. Over 100 FFA, Collegiate Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau leaders packed more than 3,000 food bags, providing 20,000 meals for the region. The packages will be delivered to churches and other partners through the Convoy of Hope Summer Feeding program, helping ensure that children who are food insecure will have access to nutritious meals during the upcoming summer break. Senator Josh Hawley and his wife, Erin, served as special guest speakers during the lunch portion of the event, taking questions and discussing the importance of agriculture to citizens of Missouri, the United States and the world. “We were honored to partner with Convoy of Hope for this event,” MOFB President Garrett Hawkins said. “It was inspiring to see young leaders donate their time to help children in our own Missouri communities. A day of service, coupled with the opportunity to interact with Senator Hawley and his wife, Erin, made for a wonderful day. We look forward to this becoming a tradition that serves all of Missouri.” Convoy of Hope is a nonprofit humanitarian and disaster relief organization that provides food, supplies and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise needy populations throughout the world.

EVENTS

Several upcoming activities will inaugurate the American Royal’s 2025 Season. The American Royal ProRodeo leads things off May 1-3, 2025 at the American Royal Complex. Top cowgirls and cowboys from across the nation will compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and fan favorite—mutton bustin’. This year the Royal is offering a number of VIP packages to make the rodeo competition experience more enjoyable. The American Royal is thrilled to bring back the Golf Tournament in 2025, July 28. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this is an opportunity to enjoy a day on the course while supporting the American Royal scholarships and its mission to be the Nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events and engagement. More information and ticket purchasing are available at https://americanroyal.com/events/rodeo/ and https://americanroyal.com/events/golf-tournament/.  

Kansas State University Olathe will hold its annual Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference emphasizing areas in biologics, pharmaceuticals and nutrition. The three-day, in-person event takes place September 16-18. More information here.

Kansas State University alumni are invited to its Olathe, Kansas Campus for the annual Leadership Luncheon, June 5, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Kevin Honomichl, president of BHC, a national civil engineering and surveying firm headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is the keynote speaker. Attendees will learn how his value of leadership is built into the culture of BHC and the impact it has made on the firm’s growth and success. More information here. 

The American Angus Association® is preparing for the 2025 Annual Convention of Delegates, hosted in conjunction with the Angus Convention, Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact the Member Services Department at (816) 383-5100 or click here for more information.

The Noble Research Institute will offer its  Noble Profitability Essentials course June 11-12 at the Hilton Kansas City Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. The two-day, hands-on course is designed to help ranchers and farmers maximize profitability by applying practical business and financial strategies. Full details and registration can be found here.

CAFNR Puts Its Pride Points On Display

In 2019 the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) set out on its “Drive to Distinction,” a six-year strategic plan. At this month’s Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City meeting and luncheon – which coincided with the CAFNR plan’s sixth year – Council members received a progress report from Christopher Daubert, Ph.D., CAFNR’s Vice Chancellor and Dean.  He emphasized that just because the plan’s formal timeline had been reached, it didn’t mean the work was done. “No one on the team will be stepping on the brake pedal. We will continue to accelerate in 2026,” he said.

Dr. Daubert commented that the state of Missouri is fortunate to have strong agricultural and natural resources supported by strong financial and healthcare industries.  “These allied partners provide CAFNR an opportunity to affect the lives of every Missourian by providing unbiased, relevant and accessible education, information and resources.”  This fall (2025) CAFNR intends to launch a capital fundraising campaign to finance new research facilities and support grand ideas that go beyond the successes of its current Drive to Distinction.

The goal of MU’s Drive to Distinction is to double the value of agriculture in Missouri by 2030 while sustaining the states natural resources. Key objectives include these:

• Growing the economy by collaborating with stakeholders to create new science-business pipelines.

• Providing life-long learning opportunities that build the state’s agricultural economy and sustain its natural resources.

Recent Milestones

While Dr. Daubert has his eye on the future, he was mindful of the accomplishments of the last six years. This past fall, CAFNR enrolled its largest new undergraduate class in the school’s history. Its current postgraduate agricultural student body is the largest in ten years, and the number of research FTEs has surpassed 2017’s high mark. CAFNR Vice Chancellor Shibu Jose, Ph.D., has noted, “We had more than $115 million in research grant awards. This is an incredible record-breaking accomplishment which has placed CAFNR among the elite agricultural colleges in the nation in terms of external grant funding.”

But the key focus at CAFNR, Dr. Daubert repeated several times, is ensuring student success. The goal is to educate students to be decision-makers who cultivate a healthy world. MU recruits, retains and graduates students from diverse backgrounds. The faculty and staff provide a supportive environment that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and personal growth, Dr. Daubert explained. “They have created an inspirational, collaborative and productive teaching, mentoring and advising environment that instills the spirit of discovery, knowledge-sharing and application for all students,” he said. CAFNR graduation statistics are impressive. In recent years, 90% or more of graduates report landing a job in the agricultural space within six months. Over half of them are employed in Missouri.

One of those grads is Meagan Kaiser. The recent past-Chair of the United Soybean Board, she also spoke to Agricultural Business Council members. Kaiser earned a degree in Soil Science from the University of Missouri and currently serves as a soil scientist and Chief Operating Officer for Perry Agricultural Laboratory. 

Kaiser commented that she was not a self-made person. “I am a product of people who believed in me.” Kaiser added she couldn’t have achieved what she has in the ag industry “without CAFNR.”

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - March 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

National Agri-Marketing Association named Bob Petersen its Ag Association Leader of the Year. Bob, a founding member of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, retired as its Executive Director in September 2024. In recognizing Petersen, NAMA noted: “Bob Petersen has spent his career fostering collaboration, advocacy and education within the agriculture sector. As a founding leader and longtime Executive Director of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, he expanded the organization’s influence, growing its membership to over 700 stakeholders. His leadership in launching the Ag Outlook Forum and securing the relocation of key USDA agencies to Kansas City highlights his lasting impact on national agribusiness policy and workforce development. Petersen’s legacy of service continues to inspire industry professionals and future agricultural leaders.” Petersen will receive the award at the Agri-Marketing Conference in April.

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will recognize Greg Krissek, CEO Emeritus of Kansas Corn, and Don Nikodim, the retired Executive Vice President of the Missouri Pork Association with the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence. Zach Helder, the Council’s Director of Member Services, said, “Greg and Don are richly deserving of the Council’s recognition. In addition to their decades of advocacy on behalf of Kansas and Missouri agricultural producers, their leadership helped shape the economic and policy landscape for corn and meat production and fuel Kansas City’s growing status as the agricultural capital of the U.S.” Krissek and Nikodim will be recognized at the Council’s annual awards luncheon on May 15, 2025 in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Board Room at Union Station. 

Livestock Marketing Association applauds the reintroduction of the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or A-PLUS, Act in the 119th Congress. Brody Peak, chairman of the association’s government and industry affairs committee, said the bill (SB 782, HR 1648) would remove an outdated restriction prohibiting livestock auction market owners from owning or investing in a small or regional packer or meat marketing business. “Livestock auction market owners deserve the freedom to operate,” he said. “If they choose to supplement their marketing business by owning a local meat locker or investing in a regional packer, this should be encouraged, not banned.”

U.S. CattleTrace, Manhattan, Kansas has announced a strategic alliance with Where Food Comes From Inc., the nation’s leading third-party verification company. Where Food Comes From brings decades of expertise in value-added traceability, aligning with the mission of U.S. CattleTrace, which is to develop a robust, rapid-contact voluntary traceback system. This partnership will allow cattle producers to capitalize on the economic advantages of value-added verification programs through Where Food Comes From, while also reinforcing their operations with enhanced disease traceability measures­—if they choose—without the duplication of working with multiple systems. The collaboration positions the industry to maintain high biosecurity standards, which will be crucial to safeguarding long-term sustainability. 

National Farmers Union announced the launch of the Farmers Capital Fund, a $25 million investment initiative dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage companies that accelerate agricultural productivity while advancing the economic success of family farmers and ranchers. “Family farmers and ranchers are the backbone of rural America, and their ability to thrive depends on access to innovation and opportunity,” said Rob Larew, president of National Farmers Union. “The Farmers Capital Fund is a crucial step toward ensuring that emerging technologies and new business models work for independent producers—not against them. By prioritizing economic sustainability, productivity and profitability, this fund will help shape a stronger, more equitable future for agriculture.”

U.S. farmer sentiment continued its upward trend in February. Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy reported sentiment rose 11 points from the previous month to a reading of 152. The boost was primarily driven by the stronger sentiment among producers, with the Current Conditions Index climbing 28 points to 137 – marking a significant rebound from its low of 76 in late summer and early fall 2024. In contrast, the Future Expectations Index saw only a modest increase, rising 3 points to 159. The recent upswing in sentiment reflects a combination of factors, including a sharp recovery in crop prices, expectations for disaster payments authorized by Congress and continued strength in the U.S. livestock sector.

This year Missouri Soybeans is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Center for Soy Innovation, marking a milestone in advancing agricultural education, industry partnerships, and advocacy for the state’s soybean farmers. Since its opening, the center has welcomed more than 13,500 visitors and hosted over 500 events, reinforcing its role as a hub for soybean innovation and engagement. Over the past five years, the center has hosted hundreds of groups and events, including more than 40 field trips, 110 state department visits, and gatherings for nearly 80 agricultural organizations and 40 industry partners. Engagement has also extended beyond agriculture, with 180 community partners utilizing the space and nearly 30 political groups engaging with Missouri Soybeans to discuss agricultural policy and industry priorities. “The Center for Soy Innovation continues to be a place where agriculture and education intersect, giving visitors a hands-on experience to see the versatility of soy,” said Baylee Asbury, director of outreach and education. “Whether it’s students on a field trip, policymakers learning about biodiesel, or industry leaders exploring soy-based building materials, we’re helping people understand how much soy impacts their daily lives.” To schedule a visit, contact Baylee Asbury at basbury@mosoy.org.

USDA has lowered its forecast for food inflation this year as price declines for dairy products and pork are expected to help offset sharply higher prices for beef and eggs. The department’s Economic Research Service Tuesday estimated that the cost of food eaten at home will rise 2.7% this year, just above the historical average rate of inflation over the past 20 years of 2.6%. In February, ERS had forecast grocery prices would rise by 3.3% this year. ERS raised forecast increases for egg prices to 57.6%, up from the February estimate of 41.1%. Beef prices are expected to increase 5.2% this year, compared to the previous estimate of 3.2%. But the cost of dairy products is expected to decline by 0.8% in 2025. The February forecast was for an increase of 2.2% this year. Pork prices, meanwhile, are expected to drop 1.5% this year; the February forecast projected they would increase 1.2%. Prices for fruits and vegetables are expected to be flat this year. Last month ERS projected they would increase 1.7%. Source: Agri-Pulse Communications, March 26, 2025 

Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion. Leasor refers to it as “persistent drought,” the kind that doesn’t go away with a couple of good gully washers. It’s the kind of drought that digs down deep in the soil. That is part of why he and other members of the Missouri Climate Center team are installing in-ground moisture sensors at some stations in the Missouri Mesonet, a statewide network of 45 weather stations. The sensors will record soil moisture at different depths to understand how soil responds to drought or excess moisture. The additions are part of a partnership with Missouri Hydrology Information Center and Missouri Department of Natural Resources to develop a statewide soil and atmospheric monitoring plan and produce daily soil moisture maps. Looking to 2025, Leasor says La Nina may or may not bring relief. While January and February were colder and snowier for many, most of the state is slightly below average for wintertime precipitation, and springtime moisture will be critical. Typically, La Nina can bring wetter conditions mainly to eastern Missouri, but most of Missouri’s current drought areas are to the west. This is also a weak La Nina that is not expected to last long, so there is uncertainty over how much impact La Nina will have on spring weather. Leasor notes that the U.S. Drought Monitor has improved communications about drought. The network includes more than 400 scientists from across the U.S. who provide input on local conditions. Through their observations, the network works to understand the science of drought and improve awareness and decision-making about drought, he says. Learn more about the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Missouri Climate Center at www.climate.missouri.edu.

Farm Journal has expanded its reach to serve audiences with the launch of Farm Journal TV, a video streaming service dedicated to agriculture. Farm Journal TV debuted at Commodity Classic in Denver, giving attendees a firsthand look at what the service offers. Farm Journal TV is a subscription video service that lets farmers, ranchers and growers access Farm Journal news on their terms. It will be the only place to watch Farm Journal programming, such as “Machinery Pete” TV, on-demand.  Subscribers can find hundreds of hours of content including Farm Journal’s podcast network, event footage and educational programming. The App is organized by show and subject and can be personalized to direct users to the content of most interest to them. “Like many Americans, more and more ag producers are moving from traditional cable TV to video streaming services,” said Prescott Shibles, CEO of Farm Journal. “Studies show more than 60% of producers now subscribe to these services, and that number is quickly growing.  “Farm Journal TV offers the convenience of on-demand access to ag-related content producers need to run their operations,” Shibles added. “They can now watch their favorite shows and podcasts anywhere at any time. Rather than taking time to search online for the ag-related news and information they want, they can find it quickly on the app, organized in one easy-to-access place.”

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced last week that the Department will release previously obligated funding under the Rural Energy For America Program, Empowering Rural America and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. This process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the opportunity to refocus their projects on expanding American energy production. Recipients will have 30 days to review and voluntarily revise their project plans to align with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order issued on January 20, 2025. 

Some parts of the Midwest and Great Plains are currently experiencing a combination of warm temperatures and low precipitation, which has worsened drought conditions, according to the latest reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor. If that doesn’t change in the coming weeks, weather experts say it could further increase the severity of drought – which could have a significant impact for ranchers and farmers raising livestock and growing crops. The recent drought conditions are “not particularly good news,” said Matthew Sittel, the assistant state climatologist at Kansas State University. The persisting drought is likely due to a colder-than-normal winter with less rain and snow, as well as recent warm, dry and windy weather in the region, weather researchers said. Among the states that saw below-normal snowfall were Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and some parts of Iowa. Although there is a potential for conditions to improve, Sittel and his colleagues expect drought to stick around along the Missouri River Basin, particularly in Nebraska and the Dakotas.

PEOPLE

Regenerative agriculture consulting firm Understanding Ag, based in Republic, Missouri, named Burke Teichert managing partner and Jim West director of operations. Teichert brings extensive cattle management experience to the team. 

EVENTS

Join AdFarm for Farm Voice Live on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City’s historic Union Station, for an insightful afternoon of industry leaders and producers discussing ideas and innovations driving growth for their businesses and strengthening rural communities. The event will run from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by a happy hour at Harvey’s in Union Station from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Free registration at https://adfarm.com/farmvoice/farmvoice-kansas-city/

The Annual Conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, an interdisciplinary convening of animal agriculture leaders to network while exploring, discussing, learning, and developing knowledge that leads to greater collaboration and cooperation, takes place April 7-9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center. NIAA’s annual conference is highly engaging with keynote speakers who inspire and spark ideas, thoughts, and questions that can be further explored during Council and Working Group meetings. Additionally, the NIAA annual conference provides a space for deeper dives into specific topics that affect multiple species and/or multiple sectors of the animal agriculture value chain. The 2025 focus is enhancing animal agriculture’s freedom to operate. More information is available at 844-589-3944. 

Kansas State University Olathe will hold its annual Animal Health Regulatory Affairs Conference emphasizing areas in biologics, pharmaceuticals and nutrition. The three-day, in-person event takes place September 16-18. More information is available here.

Kansas State University alumni are invited to its Olathe, Kansas campus, June 5, for its annual Leadership Luncheon, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Kevin Honomichl, president of BHC, a national civil engineering and surveying firm headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is the keynote speaker. Attendees will learn how his value of leadership is built into the culture of BHC and the impact it has made on the firm’s growth and success. More information is available here.

American Royal Gears Up for Spring with Field Trips, Rodeo, and Volunteer Opportunities

The American Royal is calling on community members to help make its annual spring events a success, from engaging youth field trips to high-energy rodeo nights and food competitions. Here's how you can get involved and experience the Royal spirit firsthand.

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Spring Youth Rodeo Field Trip Set for April 22–24

This year’s Youth Rodeo Field Trip is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with over 4,000 students registered to attend from April 22 to 24. The American Royal is seeking volunteers to help deliver an unforgettable experience for these young learners.

Support is needed in a variety of roles, including:

• Guiding students through educational activities

• Assisting with registration

• Supporting transportation logistics

With more students participating than ever before, volunteer involvement is critical to the success of this event and helps create a meaningful and memorable experience for all attendees.

Volunteers can sign up here: Register to Volunteer for the Field Trip

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Get the Royal Treatment at the ProRodeo – May 1–3

Fans are invited to experience the American Royal ProRodeo like never before with exclusive VIP ticket packages available May 1–3. With only 26 tickets available per level per night, this is a truly limited opportunity to go behind the scenes and enjoy premium perks.

VIP Packages Include:

• Ultimate VIP Package: Front-row seating, Cowboy Hospitality access, Behind-the-Chutes Tour, American Royal SWAG, and more.

• VIP Tour & Reserved Seat: Second-row seating, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, and Cowboy Hospitality access.

Tickets are limited—secure your spot today: Reserve VIP Tickets

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Volunteer Opportunities for Spring Events

The American Royal is also seeking volunteers for a variety of upcoming spring events, including:

• Spring Livestock Show – March 28–30

• Sauce & Rub Contests – Various dates

• Youth Rodeo Field Trip – April 22–24

Volunteer tasks range from assisting with registration and event logistics to guiding students through learning stations and supporting transportation.

Get involved and make a difference: Sign Up to Volunteer

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Whether you're looking to volunteer, support youth education, or enjoy an unforgettable rodeo night, the American Royal has a way for everyone to get involved this spring.

Digging Deeper...

Farmers markets are pure Americana -- a reenactment of years past when agriculture provided a livelihood for 90% of an emerging American population. Now they’re a social bridge between urban and rural communities, encouraging interactions between producers and consumers. For farmers, these markets also offer an opportunity to supplement their incomes. Besides fresh produce, meats and eggs, farmers market patrons come away with a deeper appreciation for local food commodities and the effort it takes to produce them. But they also get something else. By Dennis McLaughlin, McLaughlin Writers LLC. Sources: Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development, January 21, 2025; Farmers Market Coalition; Farmers Market Coalition/Bret Shaw, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension; USDA, 2022 Census of Agriculture, October 16, 2024; InFlow Inventory.

Farmers Markets Are Healthy in Surprising Ways

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Farmers Market Coalition concluded that farmers market shoppers enjoy health benefits beyond consumption of fresh fruits, produce and meats. The study found widespread benefits accruing to folks who regularly visit farmers markets. The findings were published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development, January 21, 2025. Critically, the study supports the notion that farmers markets provide a less obvious benefit as a community space-- a vital community hub that boosts health, fosters social connections and supports local economies

The survey also found that an astonishing 80% of Americans visit a farmers market at least once per year, and 41% were frequent attendees – attending six or more times per year. “Farmers markets are cherished spaces where people connect with their food, their farmers and their neighbors,” said Darlene Wolnik, senior project manager at the Farmers Market Coalition and co-author of the report. “They offer a unique shopping experience that strengthens community bonds and promotes healthy living.”

This high participation in the survey underscores the significant role farmers markets play in the lives of many, noted Bret Shaw, co-author and University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Environmental Communication Specialist and Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences Communication for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. 

“Our research highlights the positive impacts farmers markets have on the health and well-being of individuals and communities,” Shaw said.  “People are drawn to markets not only for the fresh, high-quality food but also for the sense of community and connection they provide.”

Key findings of the University of Wisconsin/Farmers Market Coalition:

• Improved Health: Over 75% of attendees reported eating healthier due to their farmers market purchases.

• Community Connection: Nearly half (48%) reported connecting with others in their community at the market.

• Local Economic Boost: 49% shopped at nearby local businesses and 42% ate at local restaurants when visiting the market, demonstrating a significant positive impact on the local economy.

 “Farmers markets provide health, economic, and social benefits to communities. With those benefits in mind, we see potential for new or expanded partnerships between farmers markets and local governments, businesses, and community organizations to promote and sustain farmers markets,” said Laura Witzling, lead author of the study and a consultant for the Farmers Market Coalition.

Lively interactions with neighbors and farmers can create a sense of local connection, concluded market researchers at InFlow Inventory, a software company for small and mid-sized companies. When InFlow asked farmers market shoppers in 2024 about the benefits of visiting a farmers market, it learned that the social atmosphere and community engagement are top selling points and these “markets are a vibrant social hub” Similarly, USDA surveys  frequently note that product freshness, community engagement and support of local businesses are key motivators for consumers.

Spreading the Health

Consumers’ pursuit of personal health and wellness generally begins with food.  Before they get a gym membership or join a running group, people are likely to jump-start their health kick with a healthier diet. And it appears a significant group of Americans are finding that a good place to purchase nutritious food is at a farmers market. This consumer preference has spurred sales in the farm-to-market space over several years of late. Data from USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, released by the department in 2024, show that producers and managers of farmers markets have enjoyed a meaningful bump in income.

USDA said producers sold $17.5 billion in food in 2022 through direct marketing channels, which include farmers markets. That was a 25 % increase (after adjusting for inflation) since the 2017 Census of Agriculture and an annual real growth rate of 4.6 %. To be sure, this increase over 2017 was driven by a surge in food sold not only at farmers markets but also at farm-to-market retail outlets, institutions and intermediate markets and does not include sales through traditional channels such as co-ops.

The actual share of U.S. farmers markets’ income is closer to $2 billion, according to the USDA. By the agency’s count in 2024, there are about 8,000 farmers markets doing business in American communities – on average pulling in $233,000 a season.  While farmers markets come in all sizes, some back of the envelope math suggests the average vendor could raise $5,000 in extra revenue per season. While the sum doesn’t represent a windfall, it’s meaningful extra cash flow for some small family farmers. 

Customer Satisfaction

The popularity of farmers markets in the U.S. can be attributed to several interrelated factors that resonate with consumers’ evolving preferences and values regarding fresh, healthy food and over-the-counter interactions, said USDA in its 2024 presentation of its 2022 Census of Agriculture.  “Data and statistics from other surveys help illustrate some of these reasons by providing evidence of consumer preferences and experiences,” USDA authors said. Researchers found that 97% of respondents to the 2022 survey rated product freshness and flavor as “very significant” or “very essential” reasons for shopping at local farmers markets.

Transparency and trust in food sources and stewardship of the environment are also concerns for farmers market patrons. “Over 51% of respondents said they trust the quality of ingredients at farmers markets more than they do supermarket food,” said the Farmers Market Coalition in a recent statement. The Coalition also noted that farmers markets address the multifaceted needs and values of today’s consumers, “making them an integral part of the local food landscape.”

There’s More to Farmers Markets

So says the Farmers Market Coalition. Here’s what it’s saying. Farmers Markets:

Preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland – Farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for beginning farmers, allowing them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses.

Stimulate local economies – Growers selling locally create 13 full-time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Those that do not sell locally create three jobs.

Increase access to fresh, nutritious food – Several studies have found lower prices for conventional and organic produce at farmers markets than at supermarkets. Due to this and other factors, 52% more SNAP households shop at farmers markets and from direct marketing farmers today than in 2011.

Support healthy communities – Farmers market vendors educate their shoppers. Four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers, and three in five discuss nutrition and how to prepare food.

Global Population Decline Bringing Changes to Ag Industry

Photo by Jim Barcus Photos

A global decline in population will have significant impacts for agriculture, which is currently able to overproduce food for the entire world. That was a key insight delivered at the 9th Ag Innovation Forum, presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture.  Contrary to the widespread conventional fears of demographers only a decade or so ago – that global population growth would outstrip agriculture’s ability to feed it – keynote speaker Todd Thurman, founder and CEO of Swine Insights International, LLC, said, “If we continued to produce food at our current level going into 2062, we would still be providing 127% of the minimum calories per person.” He also commented that the ag industry is extremely proud of its accomplishment of being able to feed so many people. “It’s nothing short of remarkable, but changes are coming.”

Event opening keynoter Matt Olson, manager of Precision Ag Go-to-Market at John Deere, focused on the changing landscape in agriculture. He explained how historically farming relied on mechanical efficiency and individual expertise. Modern agriculture now integrates digital technology, automation and data, and data-driven decision making.  Farmers require seamless connections with agronomists, equipment and digital platforms, he said. But, he added, “An important component of innovation and development is that technology must have a value for the customer or user of technical advances.”

Value was the focus of the event, particularly for producers and farmers trying to get a handle on AI data and precision agriculture systems. In her keynote remarks closing the Ag Innovation Forum, Polly Ruhland, FTI Consulting’s senior managing director for Business Strategy & Transformation, Food & Agribusiness, stressed the importance of enabling, implementing, and managing innovation in all day-to-day operations of any business.

It’s one thing to have new technology at hand, Ruhland said, but companies and operations need to continue to develop strategies to improve supply chain resilience, durability, and innovation that optimize efficiency and enhance sustainability. She noted only 27% of U.S. farms or ranches used precision agriculture practices for managing crops or livestock, according to a 2023 USDA report.

Challenges For Ag Innovators

This year’s Ag Innovation program included three panel discussion exchanges, drilling down on the obstacles and opportunities of introducing high tech to traditional farming. Panel moderators – Kim Young, president, Animal Health Corridor; J.J. Jones, executive director, National Institute for Animal Agriculture; Paul Koffman, executive director Livestock Technology Solutions, Merck Animal Health – questioned the approach of some ag tech developers, financial specialists, and venture capitalists, noting that entrepreneurs and investors benefit when they appreciate the nuances of agricultural production economics.

Polly Ruhland identified a number of barriers dimming producers’ enthusiasm for ag innovation, which included high upfront adoption costs, unclear ROI and long production cycles. She also said farmers prefer time-proven methods. She implied there can be a lack of trust among farmers and producers regarding the effectiveness of high tech. Jarrod Westfall, executive chairman, ILS Beef, said, “Beef is unlike any other protein; investors and innovators don’t know about producer operations and systems.”  

Alexa McCuistion, innovation project manager for Dairy Farmers of America, said tech engineers and specialists must listen more closely to what producers actually want from a tech platform. Stop trying to make them adapt to your technology, she suggested, and see how your technology can be adapted to their needs, understanding and aptitude.

Westfahl added another insight about challenges tech developers face when working in the beef space. Entrepreneurs, AI pioneers and platform designers come from all backgrounds and work experience. They are confident their innovations and data accumulation breakthroughs are applicable to a variety of industries. Beef producers work in an environment of tight margins, Westfahl said, and their main concern is whether advanced agri-tech innovation will increase margins.

Experts participating in the AI and Agriculture discussion agreed AI can be a positive for farmers and livestock producers. “But research and development must be ongoing to ensure we are distributing good information,” said Ash Sweeting, vice president, Agscent. Toward that goal, he said AI engineers and innovators need to increase collaboration with universities and veterinarians. Daniel Foy, co-founder and CEO, AgriGates, posed the question AI developers need to ask themselves: “Are we solving problems or searching for them?”

Mayor Quinton Lucas provided an upbeat report on his administration’s awareness that agriculture has been the backbone of Kansas City’s history and development. He said the city enjoys active, productive relations with state and federal agriculture agencies and officials. “Everyone is on the same page.”

Kansas Lawmakers Optimistic About Farm Bill

Speaking during Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s March meeting at K-State Olathe, both U.S. Congressional Representative Sharice Davids and Senator Jerry Moran were upbeat about passing a Farm Bill by this year’s August recess. Sen. Moran said lawmakers appear to have the wind behind their backs to push the legislation forward. “Whether it’s the House bill that came out of the House Agriculture Committee or it’s the draft that Sen. John Boozman, Arkansas, produced earlier as the Senate Agriculture Committee’s ranking member,” Sen. Moran noted, “something will be passed.” Sen. Boozman was recently appointed chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The bill’s nutrition program funding could be an obstacle, said the Senator, implying that addressing portions of a new Farm Bill in the reconciliation process is possible. “If the alternative is doing nothing, then doing something in agriculture, particularly putting the commodity title in reconciliation, would have some merit.” He added, “It is important for us to do the whole thing. If we only do part of it, it may be that we never get back to the other parts.” 

Rep. Davids said that USDA’s nutrition programs need to be effective and efficient “and do what they’re intended to do.” She also commented, “I’m not going to pretend we’re all in agreement.”

But she noted her top priority is to ensure the Farm Bill serves the farmers in Kansas and its 3rd district as best as it can. “We really need to be thoughtful and intentional,” she noted. The Farm Bill has to help farmers be successful, she noted. “But not dependent.” Rep. Davids is adamant that the Farm Bill protects crop insurance. “So that farmers can make a living while feeding the world.”

NAMA Awards Petersen “Ag Association Leader of the Year”

Bob Petersen [photo by jim barcus photos]

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) has named Bob Petersen the Ag Association Leader of the Year for his work leading the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, from which he retired in September 2024.

In recognizing Petersen, NAMA provided the following citation:

Bob Petersen has spent his career fostering collaboration, advocacy, and education within the agricultural sector. As a founding leader and longtime Executive Director of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, he expanded the organization’s influence, growing its membership to over 700 stakeholders. His leadership in launching the Ag Outlook Forum and securing the relocation of key USDA agencies to Kansas City highlights his lasting impact on national agribusiness policy and workforce development. Petersen’s legacy of service continues to inspire industry professionals and future agricultural leaders.

The Ag Association Leader of the Year award, first awarded in 2018, is among the highest honors in the industry. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in association or commodity organization. Petersen will receive the award at the Agri-Marketing Conference in April 2025.

Background on Bob Petersen

Robert Petersen retired September 1, 2024 following a 50-year career in agriculture, 20 of those serving as principal of Petersen Consulting Services, now Petersen & Company. Petersen spent 20 years in Washington, DC at the helm of a national grain trade organization.  In 2000, he and his family re-located to Kansas City where he held several prominent roles, including president of the Kansas City Board of Trade (2000-2004) and president of the American Royal (2010-2015). He is a native of the Burwell, Nebraska where he was raised on a family ranch.  He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Background on NAMA

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is the premier organization for professionals in agribusiness marketing and communications. Founded over 60 years ago, NAMA boasts more than 3,500 professional and student members in the agricultural industry across 23 chapters.

Veteran Kansas Corn, Missouri Pork, Leaders to Receive Dillingham Awards for Agricultural Service

Greg Krissek

Don Nikodim

Kansas City, MO— The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will recognize Greg Krissek, CEO Emeritus of Kansas Corn, and Don Nikodim, the retired Executive Vice President of the Missouri Pork Association (MPA) with the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence.

Said Council spokesman Zach Helder, “Greg and Don are richly deserving of the Council’s recognition. In addition to their decades of advocacy on behalf of Kansas and Missouri agricultural producers, their leadership helped shape the economic and policy landscape for corn and meat production and fuel Kansas City’s growing status as the agricultural capital of the U.S.”

The Council will formally recognize Krissek and Nikodim at the Council’s annual awards luncheon on May 15, 2025.

About the Honorees

Greg Krissek, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, served as CEO of Kansas Corn (Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Corn Commission) from 2014 to 2023, transitioning to CEO Emeritus and now serving as Senior Advisor. With over 35 years of experience in agriculture, ethanol, renewable energy, and public policy, he has held leadership roles at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Corn, ICM Inc., and Kennedy and Coe, LLC.

Krissek has served on numerous ethanol and agricultural boards, including seven ethanol plant boards, as well as Growth Energy, National Sorghum Producers and AFA. He co-chairs the Triazine Network and is a member of the US Grains Council’s Middle East North Africa Asia Advisory Team. He previously chaired the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the Kansas FFA Foundation Board of Trustees and was with a member of the Farm Foundation Roundtable and National Corn Growers Association. He and his wife, Beth, live in Manhattan, KS.

Don Nikodim served as Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Association from December 1983 until 2024.  In that position, he led fundraising for and construction of the new office facilities in 1985 and the Pork Place restaurant at the Missouri State Fair in 2009.  In addition to traditional programs of promotion, research and consumer information, Nikodim led a focus on leadership, youth activities and producer education. Additionally, he served as a lobbyist at the state level to represent the Missouri Pork industry, and on numerous committees and task forces for the National Pork Producers Council, National Pork Board, US Meat Export Federation, University of Missouri, Missouri Department of Agriculture, and related agencies. Nikodim currently serves on the Missouri Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Board as well as the State FFA and 4H Foundation Boards.

Previously, Nikodim had worked as University of Missouri Extension Farm Management Specialist, Executive Secretary for the Poland China Swine Record Association, Inc. and as a Vocational Agriculture Instructor at both Liberty and Odessa, Missouri. He and his wife Betty live near Hallsville, MO and his primary hobby is collecting and restoring old farm tractors.

About The Jay B. Dillingham Awards

Each year, the Council recognizes two leaders—one in Kansas, and one in Missouri— with the Dillingham Award. The award recognizes individuals who “embody the entrepreneurial spirit and drive the economic growth of the Heartland’s agribusiness industry.”

The Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence is named in honor of the late Jay B. Dillingham, who epitomized the qualities recognized by the award. Dillingham was president of the Kansas City Stockyards as well as the Chamber of Commerce for both Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. The agribusiness institutions which Dillingham first established and led would evolve into the modern Agricultural Business Council.

The Agricultural Business Council first presented the Dillingham Awards in 2009. The 2024 recipients were Dr. Scott Brown, and the late Cliff Becker.

For more information and to RSVP click here.

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - February 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

The University of Missouri-Kansas City was named a Research 1 (R1) institution by the Carnegie Foundation on February 1. That status is given to universities with the highest level of research activity. UMKC joins the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri-Columbia as regional R1 universities. With this new designation, UMKC becomes the metro area's first top-ranked research university, which in turn could bring more funding possibilities and talent to the area. “It means we can attract and retain national and world-class researchers, more funding, better graduate students, and partner up with other peer institutions to get and receive grants and contracts,” UMKC trustee Dick Flanigan said. To achieve R1 status, schools must spend $50 million on research and award 70 research doctorates annually. Source: Kansas City Business Journal, February 13, 2025.

Green Bay, Wisconsin-based American Foods Group announced that its greenfield beef harvest facility, America’s Heartland Packing, is in the final stages of construction. The $800 million state-of-the-art mixed cattle facility based in Wright City, Missouri, will begin operations in April 2025. The project broke ground in 2022, laying the foundation for the 775,000-square-foot plant that will include a harvest floor, carcass chillers, fabrication area, rendering, further processing area, storage coolers, freezers, and loading docks. The company will have the capacity to process 2,400 head of cattle per day once fully operational. “America’s Heartland Packing is a game changer for Missouri agriculture,” said Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “The impact of this plant not only reaches producers but also feed stores, farm supply stores, and veterinary clinics in towns across the area as producers retain cattle for processing. We welcome American Foods Group and thank them for bringing this family-owned business to Missouri.” The new facility is projected to create 1,300 jobs when at full capacity. By building within Missouri’s robust agricultural community, AFG looks to bring beef processing closer to cattle production, reducing costs and energy usage.

Farm Journal, based in Lenexa, Kansas, has acquired the Moving Iron Summit and Moving Iron podcast. Casey Seymour, Moving Iron’s co-founder, will take on the role of general manager of machinery, which includes the Machinery Pete and Moving Iron brands. The acquisition and combination of Machinery Pete and Moving Iron create the most powerful source for actionable insight about agricultural equipment in the country. Farm Journal completed the Moving Iron acquisition in January. The company also completed its acquisition of Machinery Pete at that time. Previously, Farm Journal had been a majority investor in Machinery Pete. “Farm Journal has served both agriculture producers and agriculture equipment dealers for years as a partner in Machinery Pete,” said Prescott Shibles, CEO of Farm Journal.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) reintroduced the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, which would facilitate further adoption of precision agriculture technologies for farmers and ranchers. The bill would encourage the government to work with the private sector to develop voluntary interconnectivity standards and prioritize the cybersecurity needed to support innovation in the agriculture industry. “Farmers and ranchers are always looking for ways to improve their operations, especially in states like South Dakota, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” said Thune, who has helped write four farm bills throughout his time in Congress. He will continue introducing farm bill proposals ahead of the current bill’s expiration in September 2025.

Ames, Iowa-based Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) and the Supporters of Agricultural Research Foundation announced on February 10 that they will combine their operations to advance agricultural science and innovation. Through their agreement, CAST will acquire SoAR’s assets, and all SoAR materials will be integrated into CAST’s website. The effort will combine SoAR’s impactful policy and research initiatives with CAST’s extensive network of experts and communication capabilities. As a leader in communicating science-based information to policymakers, industry leaders, the media, and the public, CAST will expand on SoAR’s legacy of advancing agricultural scientific breakthroughs. CAST is a nonprofit organization established in 1972 to provide a scientific voice for agriculture. It provides credible, unbiased, science-based information about food and agriculture to policymakers, the media, the private sector, and the public. CAST convenes and coordinates networks of experts to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, unbiased, science-based information. “This agreement represents a shared vision to elevate the importance of agricultural research,” said Chris Boomsma, CEO at CAST.

U.S. farmers retained their post-election optimism at the start of the new year. The January Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose 5 points above December to a reading of 141. The barometer’s rise was primarily attributable to a 9-point rise in the Current Conditions Index, while the Future Expectations Index rose just 3 points. Compared to recent surveys, fewer producers this month 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 from the December to the January survey. Although producers’ appraisal of the current situation improved in January, U.S. farmers remain markedly more optimistic about the future than the current situation, as the Future Expectations Index this month was still 47 points above the Current Conditions Index. The January barometer survey took place from January 13–17, 2025.

Following her Senate confirmation, Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on Thursday, February 13, 2025. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture—and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump and the opportunity to advance his agenda. I am thrilled to lead the United States Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have a historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

The Kansas Corn Growers Association thanked the full Kansas congressional delegation for cosigning bills introduced in the U.S. Senate and House to allow year-round sales of E15 (15 percent ethanol) fuel nationwide. “Our full congressional delegation understands the importance of leveling the playing field for ethanol by removing unnecessary limits for the sale of E15 fuel to benefit consumers, farmers, and the Kansas economy,” Kansas Corn Growers Association CEO Josh Roe said. “This bill has broad industry support from corn, ethanol, and oil organizations.” The bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act was introduced in the Senate by Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and in the House by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN). Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall cosponsored the bill. On the House side, District 1 Rep. Tracey Mann; District 2 Rep. Derek Schmidt; District 3 Rep. Sharice Davids; and District 4 Rep. Ron Estes cosponsored the bill. An outdated federal rule restricts the sale of E15 in the summer, the peak driving season. This legislation would allow summer E15 sales, providing consumers with year-round access to a lower-cost, higher-quality fuel. “Kansas Corn has been successful in helping fuel retailers increase the availability of E15, with over 150 stations across Kansas offering E15 and higher blends. Unfortunately, every year we have been forced to rely on emergency waivers to allow the use of E15 in the summer. This legislation would ensure consumers across Kansas and the United States will have year-round access to this cleaner, higher-octane, lower-priced fuel,” Roe said.

A new analysis from CoBank finds that growing domestic consumption will have only modest effects on overall U.S. ethanol demand, and exports will drive industry growth. U.S. ethanol has been a rare bright spot in agricultural trade in recent years. In 2024, exports reached a new peak of 1.9 billion gallons, up around 510 million gallons from 2023. The CoBank report argues this export growth “had a greater impact than the incremental increases in domestic use of higher-level ethanol blends.” More than a half dozen U.S. trading partners have blend rate targets above their current levels—including the European Union, Canada, and Colombia. Further, the U.S.’s largest competitor in international markets, Brazil, is increasingly diverting ethanol for use in the domestic market. Accordingly, the report anticipates annual U.S. exports could grow further in 2025 and 2026 to more than 2 billion gallons. However, the report says much could depend on continued renewable fuel incentives in foreign markets, electric vehicle adoption, and tariff retaliation. “Political sentiment abroad may dampen some ethanol inclusion rates if nations roll back low-carbon policies or miss biofuel targets,” the report says. However, with global demand set to continue its upward trajectory, the U.S. industry “is positioned for continued growth.”

EVENTS

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) will host its 2025 Annual Conference – Securing Our Future: Don’t Just Talk…Act! – at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from April 7–9, 2025. The agenda focuses on maintaining trust across animal agriculture’s value chain. For more than 100 years, NIAA has convened animal agriculture leaders to address the most pressing questions and issues in animal agriculture. Work from NIAA’s councils and working groups allows stakeholders to work on topic-specific issues that affect social license and trust in animal agriculture. The 2025 conference theme and agenda will provide a space for deeper dives into topics like agriculture legislation, license to operate, the latest consumer insights, and having a united voice to secure animal agriculture’s future. For more information: Visit www.AnimalAgriculture.org or contact Morgan Young, Director of Communications and Outreach for NIAA, at morgan.young@animalagriculture.org.

AdFarm will host Farm Voice Live on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kansas City’s historic Union Station for an insightful afternoon of industry leaders and producers discussing ideas and innovations driving growth for their businesses and strengthening rural communities. The event will run from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a happy hour at Harvey’s in Union Station from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Register at https://adfarm.com/farmvoice/farmvoice-kansas-city/

The 112th Annual K-State Cattlemen’s Day takes place Friday, March 7, at the National Guard Armory, 721 Levee Dr. in Manhattan, KS. The program includes a trade show and educational exhibits, genetic modifications in livestock, a beef industry economic outlook, unwrapping meat labels, FSIS updates, and consumer trends. For more information, contact Katie Smith at 785-532-1267 or katiesmith@ksu.edu.

The University of Missouri Extension’s Annual Agricultural Lenders School will take place June 2–5, 2025, on campus in Columbia. This multi-day training is specifically designed for early-career lenders or those new to agricultural loans. Attendees will learn about essential topics in agricultural finance and obtain resources to improve their lending decisions and serve farm clients effectively. Since 2000, the Agricultural Lenders School has trained more than 750 lenders from across the nation. Attendees will learn from industry experts and MU faculty and be introduced to concepts through case studies, interactive exercises, and presentations. Topics will cover financial statements, credit analysis, managing risk, emerging issues in agricultural finance, and more. More information at www.muuext.us/aglendersschool2025 or contact Ryan Milhorn at 573-882-0688; ryan.milhorn@missouri.edu. Space is limited; registration before the May 12 deadline is encouraged.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Dam Safety Conference hosted by the Dam Safety Program in the Division of Water Resources at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The biennial conference will be held in Manhattan, Kansas, on March 20 at the K-State Alumni Center. The conference is open to the public and welcomes dam owners, design engineers, technicians, and maintenance and operations employees involved with the design, construction, modification, or operation of dams. Attendees will benefit from the opportunity to gather with technical professionals in the dam safety field to discuss and learn about current projects, concerns, and other relevant topics. For more information, email kda.waterstructures@ks.gov (reference “Dam Safety Conference” in the subject line) or call the Water Structures Program at 785-564-6650.

Registration details:

• Registration and the conference agenda can be found at: bit.ly/DamSafetyConference.

• Cost: $75 per person.

• Registration deadline: March 7.

• Professional development hours and/or continuing education units will be available for Licensed Professional Engineers and Certified Floodplain Managers.

People across the country celebrated National FFA Week from Saturday, February 15, through Saturday, February 22. This event gives the organization’s more than one million members, as well as alumni and supporters, the opportunity to come together with the common goal of sharing FFA’s value and impact from their own hometowns. “National FFA Week serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that agricultural education and leadership development play in shaping our future,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. “It’s a time of celebration and reflection as FFA members, advisors, and supporters come together to honor the impact of this extraordinary organization. National FFA Week strengthens the bond between members and their communities, ensuring the legacy of agriculture and education thrives for generations to come.”

PEOPLE

The Missouri Soybean Association promoted Casey Wasser to deputy executive director. He will retain his position as chief operating officer of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. He will work closely with Ben Travlos, Missouri Soybeans’ director of policy in Washington and Jefferson City, Missouri.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy elected Dennis Rodenbaugh as board chair. He has been president and chief executive officer at Dairy Farmers of America since June 2022. Rodenbaugh succeeds Leprino’s Mike Durkin, who had served as chair since 2023. Other officers are Brad Anderson of California Dairies as vice chair, Sheryl Meshke of Associated Milk Producers as treasurer, Ron Dunford of Schreiber Foods as secretary, and Heather Anfang of Land O’Lakes and Joe Diglio of Michigan Milk Producers.

James Marren has joined the office of House Agriculture Committee member Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) as a press assistant. He recently graduated from Duke University.
Source: Agri-Pulse Communications.

The National Corn Growers Association hired Lane Howard as director of biofuels. He previously managed market development at the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. He is an alumnus of the University of Missouri.
Source: Agri-Pulse Communications.

Will Bensur left the office of Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, where he served as press secretary. Bensur joined Firehouse Strategies as a vice president.
Source: Agri-Pulse Communications.

Regenerative agriculture consulting firm Understanding Ag, LLC, based in Republic, Missouri, has named Burke Teichert as managing partner and Jim West as director of operations. A world-renowned expert on adaptive grazing and ranching economics, Teichert will join UA founders Gabe Brown and Allen Williams, Ph.D. In his decades-long career, Teichert has managed cattle ranches in a variety of locations and has had managerial oversight of two large farms and a dairy. He has also traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, England, Australia, and New Zealand, either on company business or as a consultant or speaker. “Dr. Teichert is highly respected throughout the agricultural industry, and his extensive practical know-how and insightful vision will be invaluable in guiding UA into the future,” Dr. Williams said. West previously served as the senior vice president for operations, providing engineering services and information systems integration and resilience support at one of the largest federal government services companies. Additionally, he actively served for 24 years in the Marine Corps as an intelligence, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare officer.

Tom Brandt left the office of Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, where he had been communications director and deputy chief of staff. Brandt joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a communications professional.
Source: Agri-Pulse Communications.

Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall hired Mary Kirchner as scheduling director. Kirchner previously worked at TAG Strategies LLC and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Source: Agri-Pulse Communications.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has appointed Suzanne Ryan-Numrich to serve as director of the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy, and Outreach. The Division of Ag Marketing serves Kansans through efforts to retain and grow farms, ranches, and agribusinesses; expand the Kansas agriculture industry; assist rural Kansas communities; and raise awareness of and appreciation for agriculture.Ryan-Numrich has spent the last 10 years as the agency’s international trade director. In this role, she has worked directly with several state, national, and international trade groups and organizations, including serving on the USDA Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products, advising the U.S. Secretary of Agricultureand United States Trade Representative on agricultural trade issues. She has organized over 150 trade missions promoting Kansas agriculture in more than 30 countries.

“Suzanne has been a dedicated member of our ag marketing team for a decade,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “She not only has a vast knowledge of the agriculture industry in Kansas, but she has developed strong relationships with agriculture organizations across the U.S. and beyond. She will be a tremendous asset to KDA in her new role as Division Director of Ag Marketing.”