Celebrate Local This Season: Holiday Gift Options from From the Land of Kansas and the Missouri Grown Program

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to share the flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of our region’s farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs. Two statewide programs—From the Land of Kansas, a program of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Missouri Grown, a program of the Missouri Department of Agriculture—offer curated gift boxes and locally made products that make holiday giving both meaningful and delicious.

Whether you call Kansas or Missouri home, these programs showcase the incredible diversity of Midwestern agriculture and make it easier than ever to support local producers.

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From the Land of Kansas: 2025 Holiday Gift Boxes Now Available

Holiday gift boxes are now available to order for the 2025 holiday season. The holiday gift boxes contain an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. Kansans can have a box shipped directly to their recipient with a handwritten note.

There are two boxes to choose from:

Konza Box: Mild and Sassy Dry Rub (from Spice It Up in Bonner Springs); Steak Cover Seasoning (from Yucca Flats Cattle Co. in Burdett); Medium Garden Salsa (from Holmes Made Salsa in Wichita); Pork Snack Stick in Maple Bacon Flavor (from The Gingham Pig in Neodesha); and Winter Jam (from King Bee in Kansas City).

Ad Astra Box: Beer Bread Mix (from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms in Leon); Travis’s Steak Rub (from Smokehouse Seven in Solomon); Freeze-Dried Basil Salt (from Mammoth Mouth in LaCygne); Honey (from AJ Honey Farms in Salina); Red Wine Chocolate Sauce (from Cocoavino in Kansas City); Caramel Popcorn (from Schlaegel’s Popcorn in Whiting); and Kenzee’s Everything Sauce (from MKC Kitchen LLC in Bazine).

“These holiday gift boxes are a great gift for anyone who loves Kansas. It’s a way to give back to Kansas ag businesses while making gift-giving simple and personalized,” said Robin Dolby, marketing coordinator for the program.

Gift boxes can be ordered online at shop.FromtheLandofKansas.com. Orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery must be placed by December 4, and large orders (10+) should be coordinated directly with the program (fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov).

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Missouri Grown: Showcasing the Best of Missouri Agriculture

On the other side of the state line, the Missouri Grown program connects consumers directly with Missouri-made products and the people behind them.

Missouri Grown members represent the full spectrum of Missouri agriculture, including produce and specialty crop farms, cattle and livestock operations, wineries, distilleries, and value-added food makers, agritourism destinations, and local artisans rooted in agricultural products.

This year’s Missouri Grown Holiday Box sold out quickly—proof of the strong demand for local, Missouri-made goods. The box featured a curated lineup of treats from Missouri producers. For more information on Missouri Grown products visit MissouriGrownUSA.com. Even though the holiday box is currently out of stock, the website makes it easy to browse member products and build your own Missouri-made holiday assortment.

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - November 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

At the 2025 Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, 850 student leaders “showed up ready to grow.” Drawn from 108 universities and selected from a record-setting applicant pool, these students demonstrated the rising demand for professional growth opportunities. With 421 industry leaders present, it’s clear the agriculture industry is committed to investing in the next generation of leadership. The conference’s four-track structure supported students at every stage of their collegiate journey. Students dug into leader development, career readiness, financial literacy and cultural competence. The cohort itself reflects the diversity needed to sustain the future of agriculture with 71% women, 15% underrepresented minority students and 209 first-generation college students. 

“Students don’t just learn about the industry and the myriad of meaningful careers. They develop skills and key relationships that will help them thrive in the future,” said Mark Stewart, president and CEO of AFA. “Students have the opportunity to connect with mentors, secure internships and gain confidence in who they want to become.” 

Throughout the three-day event, industry professionals joined roundtables, networking socials and keynote sessions that intentionally paired students and employers whose values and career goals align. The Opportunity Fair brought together 80 employers spanning the full breadth of agriculture – technology, animal systems, food and nutrition, crop sciences, finance, policy and beyond. Employers collected resumes and hired talent on the spot, filling internships and launching students into their first careers. 

Earlier this month Secretary Brooke L. Rollins led a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Mexico, in which 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators and agriculture advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture, and 150 participants conducted more than 500 business-to-business meetings over three days. The mission focused on trade ties with Mexico and bilateral cooperation on New World Screwworm (NWS). “The trading and diplomatic relationship between our two countries is of the utmost importance,” Sec. Rollins said.  “I thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for welcoming me to the Presidential Palace where we had a productive and positive conversation about how we will continue to work closely together to eradicate the NWS which is negatively impacting both our economies.”

USDA’s Farm Service Agency is delivering more than $16 billion in assistance via the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). This assistance follows $9.3 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program assistance to over 560,000 row crop farmers and over $705 million in Emergency Livestock Relief Program assistance to over 220,000 ranchers. Stage Two of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions.

Although the U.S. meat industry faces significant obstacles in the international marketplace, demand for quality and safety continue to drive exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb. This was the prevailing message delivered by U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom at its recent Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis. He noted that pork exports are modestly below last year’s record pace, but the gap stems mostly from a period early this year when China’s retaliatory tariffs escalated and the U.S. industry faced uncertainty about plant eligibility. Beef exports have been hit harder by barriers in China, where U.S. beef faces retaliatory tariffs. Halstrom emphasized that fully reopening the world’s largest beef import market to U.S. beef will require several actions on China’s part, and the lockout could extend into next year. Keynote speaker Jan Lambregts, head of RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets, offered a broad overview of the global economic situation and how it has been impacted by various economic policies embraced by the United States, China, the European Union and Russia. “I’m not quite sure if you will like this news, but I don’t think there will be a comprehensive deal coming soon between China and the United States,” Lambregts said. “What the U.S. is demanding is access to Chinese markets. What China will never give is access to the Chinese market because that’s not how they’ve been winning in trade during the past 30-40 years.”

Turkey prices are low ahead of Thanksgiving, but may later be affected by a decline in supply compared to prior years, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. David Anderson, Ph.D., economist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station, said prices on whole birds typical for table centerpieces during the holidays have been below the five-year average. The wholesale price for 8-16-pound hens was 99 cents per pound the week of Oct. 19, compared to $1.12 per pound last year and the five-year average of $1.22 per pound. “Prices are good for consumers, but they’re bad for producers,” he said. “Last year started off strong for producers, but prices bottomed out after Thanksgiving and they haven’t recovered.” Anderson said dismal prices for producers who continue to deal with higher input and labor costs contributed to a drop in production. Avian influenza and an emerging issue with avian metapneumovirus also continue to impact turkey and other poultry.

National Corn Growers Association has called on the EPA to reallocate 100% of its waivers for small refineries through a supplemental rule-making process. “A strong, transparent, and balanced Renewable Fuel Standard remains a cornerstone of America’s agricultural and energy success,” said NCGA CEO Neil Caskey. Under the RFS, enacted in 2005, EPA sets the renewable volume obligations each year, specifying the amount of renewable fuel that refiners and importers of petroleum products must blend into the nation’s fuel supply. EPA has the authority to issue Small Refinery Exemptions to refiners that can demonstrate “disproportionate economic harm” from compliance. NCGA has long argued that a dependable RFS is critical to unlocking America’s domestic energy potential, promoting ethanol growth and driving corn demand. The group has also discouraged the overuse of exemptions.

Lenexa, Kansas-based Pinion, a national leader in food and ag accounting, advisory, and consulting services, announced that Gifford & Cox, a certified public accounting firm serving clients across the Great Plains, will join the firm. This step strengthens Pinion’s presence in Nebraska, the Dakotas, Colorado, and Kansas, further enhancing its ability to serve agricultural producers and businesses throughout the region. “Gifford & Cox has built trusted relationships and a strong reputation for serving ag producers and rural businesses across the Plains,” says Jeff Wald, CEO of Pinion. “By bringing our teams together, we’re able to offer a deeper bench of expertise and a greater regional reach — connecting clients to more specialized advisors and insights to help them plan strategically and grow sustainably.”

Kansas Livestock Association staff recently participated in the “Secure America’s Workforce” fly-in hosted by the American Business Immigration Coalition, a bipartisan group of more than 1,700 employers and chief executive officers seeking lasting immigration solutions. Nearly 200 participants descended on Washington, DC, to share the critical workforce issues faced by agriculture, hospitality, healthcare and construction. Visits were made to more than 200 congressional offices, including all six members of the Kansas delegation. KLA staff also met with Senator John Boozman, chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, and senior staff of the House Ag Committee. The status of the current workforce and the need to reform the guest-worker program to meet the year-round requirements of livestock producers were emphasized during discussions.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is expanding the reach of its Farm State of Mind initiative to a broader coalition of food and farming sector partners by joining forces with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance to launch the Farm State of Mind Alliance.  “This is a critical time for mental health in rural America. Farmers and ranchers are facing economic uncertainty, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a generation,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I’ve heard firsthand from Farm Bureau members how our Farm State of Mind resources are changing lives in rural communities. I’m so proud to broaden our coalition and bring even more organizations alongside us to share the message that it’s okay not to be okay.”

Farmers’ Almanac has announced its 2026 edition will be its last, citing the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the book in today’s “chaotic media environment.” Access to the online version will cease next month. The Maine-based publication, not to be confused with the even older Old Farmer’s Almanac in neighboring New Hampshire, was first printed in 1818. For centuries it used a unique methodology for charting sunspots, planetary positions and lunar cycles to generate long-range weather forecasts. The almanac also contained gardening tips, trivia, jokes and natural remedies. But its weather forecasts make the most headlines. In 2017, when Farmers’ Almanac reported a circulation of 2.1 million in North America, its publisher and editors said it was gaining new readers among people interested in where their food came from. Many of these readers lived in cities, prompting the publication to feature skyscrapers as well as an old farmhouse on its cover.

Feral hogs continue to be a scourge on U.S. agriculture, causing an estimated $1.6 billion per year in damage, which includes damage to property and crops as well as predation and diseases inflicted on domestic livestock. It has been estimated that feral hogs inflict about $85 million in losses per year in livestock through predation, disease, veterinary costs and medical treatments. These figures are courtesy of an economic assessment using data released earlier this year from the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program and the National Wildlife Research Center. Those figures could grow if the population of feral hogs, which are now found in more than 30 states, increases. Feral hogs are known to have reproductive rates that allow populations to double in just four months.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposed rule defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposal follows the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. Key proposed revisions include these

• Defining key terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection,” and “tributary” to appropriately delineate the scope of WOTUS consistent with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent.

• Establishing that jurisdictional tributaries must connect to traditional navigable waters either directly or through other features that provide predictable and consistent flow.

• Reaffirming that wetlands must be indistinguishable from jurisdictional waters through a continuous surface connection, which means that they must touch a jurisdictional water and hold surface water for a requisite duration year after year.

• Strengthening state and tribal decision-making authority by providing clear regulatory guidelines while recognizing their expertise in local land and water resources.

• Preserving and clarifying exclusions for certain ditches, prior converted cropland, and waste treatment systems; Adding a new exclusion for groundwater.

• Incorporating locally familiar terminology, such as “wet season,” to help determine whether a water body qualifies as WOTUS.

• In addition, the limitation to wetlands that have surface water at least during the wet season and abut a jurisdictional water will further limit the scope of permafrost wetlands that are considered to have a continuous surface connection under the proposed rule.

These proposed changes are intended to provide clarity and consistency to the continuous surface connection definition. When finalized, Zeldin says the rule will cut red tape and provide predictability, consistency, and clarity for American industry, energy producers, the technology sector, farmers, ranchers, developers, businesses, and landowners for permitting under the Clean Water Act.  “We are pleased that the new rule protects critical water sources while respecting the efforts of farmers to protect the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The Supreme Court clearly ruled several years ago that the government overreached in its interpretation of what fell under federal guidelines. We are still reviewing the entire rule, but we are pleased that it finally addresses those concerns and takes steps to provide much-needed clarity.”

Dairy Farmers of America’s Cares Foundation Scholarship Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program run by a farmer-leader board of directors, is accepting applications from students interested in career opportunities in the dairy industry. The industry needs accountants, scientists, engineers, computer technicians, market analysts, writers and so many more professionals to ensure families down the road and around the world are nourished with the goodness of dairy, notes DFA. Since its inception 15 years ago, the DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship Program has grown to honor an increasing number of outstanding students who have an interest in the food and agriculture industries. In 2025, DFA Cares awarded $86,000 to 67 students, helping pre-college, undergraduate and graduate students continue their education. Applications are due Friday, January 9, 2026. More information is available on the DFA website.

PEOPLE

Missouri Soybeans has promoted Brady Lichtenberg to associate director of conservation agronomy. In this role, Lichtenberg will lead efforts at the intersection of conservation and agronomic innovation, helping Missouri farmers adopt practices that increase productivity while improving soil, water and wildlife health. As associate director, he will collaborate with Missouri Soybeans’ research and conservation teams to expand field-level impact through grower outreach, research trials and regenerative systems demonstrations at the Farm for Soy Innovation in Columbia. “Brady has shown a deep commitment to Missouri farmers and the sustainability of our working lands,” said Blake Barlow, Missouri Soybeans’ director of research and agronomy. “His expertise and passion for production agriculture make him a natural fit to lead in this role.”

Lynn Henderson, owner of Henderson Communications LLC and publisher of the AgriMarketing magazine, was awarded the Iowa State University Alumni Association Floyd Andre Award for his support of the new agricultural communication major. More than a decade ago, Henderson worked closely with Iowa State University’s Department of Agricultural Education and Studies by coordinating meetings, rallying support and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process. The major was first offered in fall 2023. Henderson is a journalism alumnus from the university and was active in the FarmHouse fraternity as a student.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy presented a President’s Environmental Youth Award to high school student Archer Grier for his 2024 sustainable fish-breeding project at Cedar Lake in Olathe. The award ceremony was held at EPA’s regional office in Lenexa. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Zach Ramsay, who sponsored the winning project, joined the presentation. “Archer’s successful project showed dedication to improving his local environment through science, innovation, and teamwork — and that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating,” said Macy. “President’s Environmental Youth Award winners are role models and problem solvers that lead the way for youth stewardship of our land. I am proud to present this national award to Archer. Congratulations on a job well-done!”

Several members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Corn Commission and Kansas Corn staff were selected to serve on the National Corn Grower Association CGA action teams. The action teams actively shape the future of the association by guiding its programs and carrying out the policies and priorities that drive the association. These Kansas leaders serving on NCGA action teams and committees are:

• Research and New Uses Action Team
  Chad Epler, Action Team Chair, Kansas Corn Commissioner; Connie Fischer, Kansas Corn, State Staff

• Production & Sustainability Action Team
  Tanner McNinch, Action Team Vice Chair, KCGA board member

• Risk Management Action Team
  Brent Rogers, KCGA board member; Taylor Williamson, Kansas Corn, State Staff

• Biofuels Action Team
  Brett Grauerholz, KCGA Secretary

• Communication and Education Action Team
  Kylee Geffert, KCGA board member

• CornPAC Committee
  Brett Grauerholz; Brent Rogers

• Resolutions Committee
  Tanner McNinch

Established in 1975, the Kansas Corn Growers Association is celebrating 50 years of advocacy representing its members in legislative and regulatory issues and promoting Kansas corn and its products. The Kansas Corn Commission invests corn checkoff dollars in the areas of market development, education, research and promotion to build demand, profitability and awareness of corn. Visit kscorn.com for more information.

The Missouri 4-H team from Clinton County made its mark at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in October. The Clinton County 4-H’ers included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler. They were coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell. The team competed against individuals from 19 states, placing seventh in the overall standings. The highlight of the team’s performance came when Cass Kleeman and Reagan Rodgers were named High and Reserve High Individuals overall. “The awards were a culmination for the hard work and determination they put in through the summer and fall,” said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. The Clinton County team placed second at the State Livestock Judging Contest in June, which qualified them to compete on the national level. This team also competed at the Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest in September and placed second.

EVENTS

Kansas Farm Bureau will hold its 107th annual meeting December 6-8 in Manhattan. “I’m excited we will be gathering soon to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” says Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I always look forward to once again celebrating with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state.” The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundation for Agriculture Fundraiser. On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, energy, succession planning, mental health and more. Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president and Georgia farmer, will deliver the keynote address about federal issues and the importance of grassroots leadership. More information is available on the KFB website.

FarmCon is gearing up for its 2026 annual conference, January 7-8, 2026, at Loews Kansas City Hotel. FarmCon 2026 will include exclusive content, deeper investor connections, and a high-voltage atmosphere where ag innovation meets capital empowerment. More than 1,200 farmers, leading ag entrepreneurs, investors and legacy industry titans are expected. “FarmCon is fueled by relentless optimism that the best days of American agriculture aren’t behind us, they’re just beginning,” said Kevin Van Trump, the curator and host of FarmCon. "Ultimately, the benefactors from the activity created at FarmCon are American farmers." Van Trump, also Founder & CEO of Farm Direction, author of The Van Trump Report, angel investor, and host of the Highly Volatile podcast, said this year’s event will ignite conversations and the flow of investment capital across agriculture. For more information contact Kennedy@agswag.com.

At AFA Breakfast, Chevron Biofuels Leader Provides Industry Outlook

At a breakfast hosted by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City during the AFA Leaders Conference, Paul Nees, Global Book Lead for Renewables and Carbon at Chevron, offered a sober but forward-looking assessment of the biofuels landscape. Speaking to an audience of producers, agribusiness executives and students, Nees framed the renewable fuels industry as one navigating “different cycles”—a sector caught between ambitious decarbonization goals and a tightening policy environment. The forces shaping the market, he said, now extend beyond federal mandates, driven increasingly by private-sector emissions commitments, volatile agricultural commodity prices, and global energy market shifts.

Yet those forces are colliding with what Nees described as unusually strong headwinds. The 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) remain under review, and though the proposed numbers are promising, they are not final. Compounding the uncertainty is the unresolved status of small refinery exemption policy—long a flash point within the industry—leaving stakeholders unsure how much obligated demand will ultimately materialize.

Nees illustrated how the industry’s own successes have contributed to the turbulence. High margins in recent years triggered a wave of production capacity expansions and plant construction, intensifying competition for feedstocks and compressing profitability. New federal tax incentives—including the blender’s tax credit (BTC) and Section 45Z for sustainable aviation fuel—were once expected to stabilize the market, but recent changes to the programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) have altered the calculus. Domestic-feedstock requirements and other technical adjustments have shifted the relative value of different fuels and, in some cases, stranded investments premised on earlier interpretations.

A critical variable for the sector’s long-term health is feedstock growth. Expanded cultivation of winter canola, camelina, and CoverCress offers meaningful promise, he said, but the industry faces practical challenges: each oilseed requires a different crush process, complicating the scaling of supply to match rising production capacity.

Still, Nees argued that the core trajectory of the industry remains intact. Global demand for low-carbon fuels continues to grow, and U.S. policy, despite its complexities, is still among the world’s most supportive. The challenge for producers and refiners, he concluded, will be managing through this transitional period—aligning investment with regulatory direction, expanding feedstock supply, and preparing for the next cycle in a market where certainty remains in short supply.

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - October 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

The Agricultural Business Council held its first Emerging Leaders Initiative happy hour event on October 22. Around 40 rising professionals in the ag industry joined AgBizKC leaders for a drink at the J. Rieger & Co. distillery. Join us for the next happy hour in early 2026; further details will be available on the website.

Kansas Livestock Association and NCBA are encouraging members to send a message directly to their legislators in Washington, DC, urging them to push back on a White House plan to import Argentine beef as a way to bring beef prices down. This would harm U.S. producers and interfere with the free market, KLA noted, which is working alongside NCBA to ensure the administration understands the industry’s opposition to government intervention in the marketplace and the lack of any consumer-facing benefit stemming from it. The administration needs to let markets work, said the two groups. Beef prices reflect strong consumer demand for the high-quality, nutritious steaks, roasts and ground beef provided by U.S. producers, and reflect the higher input costs faced by ranchers and cattle feeders. KLA and NCBA said Argentina has a deeply unbalanced trading relationship with the United States, meaning they sell far more of their beef into the U.S. market than the U.S. can sell into Argentina.

• Over the last five years, Argentina has sold $801,859,558 worth of beef to the U.S.

• In the same timeframe, Argentina purchased only $7,484,176 from the U.S.

• This represents a trade deficit of $794 million over the past five years.

• Argentina also has a history of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and USDA’s controversial approval of Argentine beef for the U.S. market is still a sore point for most U.S. cattle producers.

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall commented last week on the future of America’s beef supply. “Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. “This is a pivotal moment for America’s cattle farmers as they make decisions whether to restock their pastures. Farmers know America’s families prefer to buy U.S. beef. If expanded imports push farmers deeper into the red, we face the unintended consequence of increasing reliance on other countries for our food and weakening our ability to rebuild a strong American herd.”

Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program. Funds for the program are appropriated to the agency by the Kansas Legislature from the State Water Plan Fund. This is a competitive, reimbursement-based grant program. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review committee. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final award determination. Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2025. For more information, please download and carefully read the FY26 Request for Applications document from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/grants.

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University has released findings from a 5-year study on how online grocery shopping has affected food choices, household waste and nutritional disparities. Online grocery shopping soared during COVID-19, when social distancing recommendations enabled home delivery to become a practical alternative to going to the store. While social distancing has ended, online grocery shopping has not. In August, online grocery sales for the month surpassed $11 billion. The full report is available at https://agsci.psu.edu.

Global agriculture technology company Corteva has announced plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded entities. Current Corteva will continue to sell crop protection products: herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and biologicals. New SpinCo will focus on the seed genetics business. SpinCo will include Pioneer, the company’s legacy seed brand established in 1926, as well as Brevant regional seed brands, including Dairyland Seed. Upon separation of the companies, Greg Page, current Corteva chairman, will lead new Corteva, while Chuck Magro, current Corteva CEO, will become CEO of SpinCo. In announcing the decision by Corteva, Magro said the farmer-centric organization appreciates that its customers want and need choice across their input decisions. “The best way, maybe I can even say, the only way for this company to preserve and expand that choice and keep putting innovative, effective, sustainable solutions into the hands of farmers around the world is to give both businesses the freedom to operate without having to look out for the other,” said Magro.

Kansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program received a $381,000 grant from the Kansas City-based Patterson Family Foundation to expand the trades workforce in rural Kansas. “RKAP is committed to building a high-quality workforce in rural Kansas,” said Joel Leftwich, KFB chief strategy officer. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for this grant supporting RKAP’s work to help businesses train and retrain qualified labor.” The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. The multiyear grant will allow RKAP to educate employers about how registered apprenticeships can build talent and increase retention to meet their workforce needs. The funding will also allow RKAP to provide mini grants to help employers pay for apprentice training costs. For more information visit www.kfb.org/RKAP

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has opened the Center for Agriculture and the Economy, underscoring the Bank’s ongoing commitment to including perspectives from agriculture and rural areas in discussions on the national economy. “For many years, the Kansas City Fed has provided critical insights into one of the nation’s most vital industries—agriculture,” said Jeff Schmid, president and CEO. “The establishment of this center formally recognizes our District’s investment in this area and highlights the vital importance that we place on gathering insights from all of those who have a role in the ag economy.” Through its regular surveys, analysis and connections across the industry, the Kansas City Fed has had a longstanding focus on the U.S. and global agricultural economy. Leveraging this expertise, the Center will serve as a resource within the Federal Reserve System by providing timely analysis of industry developments and conducting ongoing research on the agricultural economy and the rural regions where production predominates. More information is available at https://www.kansascityfed.org/center-for-agriculture-and-the-economy/.

The USDA’s latest estimate is that U.S. farmers planted more than 98 million acres of corn in 2025, the largest planting in nearly nine decades. Comparing 2025 state acreage data with the most recent “big corn” year (94.6m corn acres in 2023) shows corn acreage is still moving west. The majority of the additional 4.1m corn acres were planted in the Northern and Central Great Plains. There was no meaningful increase in corn acreage across the eastern Corn Belt states, such as Illinois and Indiana. Ohio stands out as it reduced acreage by 200,000 acres.

If Congress passed legislation that allowed for year-round, nationwide access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50% at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn and energy stability for Americans, according to a new analysis released by the National Corn Growers Association. “Congress could address the economic crisis affecting corn growers by passing legislation that would make higher blends of ethanol readily accessible to all Americans,” said NCGA President Jed Bower. Corn grower advocates say it is their goal to get E15 legislation across the finish line by year’s end. President Trump has expressed support for the legislation.

Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority has announced two grant programs to assist dairy and beef producers in Missouri.  Grant amounts of up to $40,000 are available to established producers in the state for facilities, equipment and upgrades directly related to increasing production in the beef and dairy industries. Proposals will be selected on a competitive basis. Each proposal will be evaluated and rated on credibility and merit, impact potential and timeliness of the impact. Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Contact masbda@gmail.com for more information.

USDA announced on October 23 that it is re-opening about 2,100 county offices all across the country to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shut down. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. Thousands of other federal employees like air traffic controllers are working without pay during the shutdown. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects the White House’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers.

USDA rolled out a plan last week aiming to provide short- and long-term tools for producers to help fortify the beef industry. The plan includes three coordinated priorities: protecting and improving the business of ranching; expanding processing, consumer transparency and market access; and building demand and domestic supply. Specifically, USDA intends to increase grazing access by about 5 million acres, expedite endangered species reform, improve implementation of disaster aid programs and timeliness of payment through the Livestock Indemnity Program and Livestock Forage Program, and increase access to capital and affordable risk management tools. Additionally, they are looking to cut inspection costs up to 75% for small processors, increase marketing opportunities for ranchers by enhancing local processing options, enforce compliance of those using the voluntary “Product of USA” label on meat and poultry and continue providing clearer guidance on the definition of waters of the U.S. The plan also indicates USDA wants to expand access to locally raised beef for schools and ensure finalization of the dietary guidelines, which encourage protein at every meal.

Agricultural productivity growth – producing more output with the same inputs – in the U.S. has slowed significantly in the last decade, new analysis finds. Globally, growth has also dipped and now stands well below the rate required to sustainably meet evolving global demand. These findings signal “a critical need to reinvigorate progress,” according to Virginia Tech’s 2025 Global Agricultural Productivity Report. The report notes that growing global incomes, population growth and expanding non-food uses for crops – including biofuels – are set to increase global agricultural demand by around 1% annually through 2031. Productivity growth, however, now stands at 0.76 percentage points annually. Virginia Tech researchers estimate that an average annual productivity growth rate of 1.73% is necessary to meet estimated demand by 2050, while keeping global ag’s environmental and geographical footprint to 2010 levels. “We will fall far below the growth needed to sustainably supply our needs for agricultural products unless we change course,” Tom Thomas, associate dean and director at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the report’s executive editor, said during a launch event on Wednesday.

FYI: Every fall, pumpkins steal the spotlight with multiple purposes: as Halloween decorations, for soups and in pies. This seasonal favorite is actually a fruit, says Joe Masabni, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Pumpkins are scientifically classified as fruits because of how they grow. Anything that starts from a flower is classified botanically as a fruit. “A pumpkin starts as a small plant with a few leaves, and as the leaves grow and more branches develop, flowers will start to bloom on the plant,” he said. “Those flowers then need to be pollinated by bees or other pollinators. Once a flower is pollinated, it develops into a fruit that we consume. So ultimately, fruit relies on pollination of the flower to become the thing we eat.”

FYI: The Holiday Season is approaching, and for the fourth consecutive year, wholesale growers of real Christmas trees are offering a glimpse into what’s ahead for the holidays. The outlook is filled with holiday cheer: they expect steady demand, consistent supply, and largely unchanged wholesale prices. That’s according to the Real Christmas Tree Board’s annual survey¹ of 43 wholesale growers, representing about half-to-two-thirds of the United States’ real Christmas tree market. “Growers are prepared, supply is strong, and most are holding wholesale prices steady this year,” said Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. “This reflects the consistency of the real Christmas tree industry and the commitment of growers to ensuring that there’s a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one.” As an agricultural commodity under the USMCA, Canadian-produced real Christmas trees are currently exempt from tariffs.

PEOPLE

 Kansas City-based AgriThority has brought on Oluwatobi (Tobi) Oni, Ph.D., as Manager of its European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business operations. Oni will be responsible for driving business development, acquiring new business, and supervising the management of the EMEA business while building long-term mutually profitable client relationships. "Besides his commercial awareness, Tobi’s scientific background, knowledge, and experience in regulatory affairs bring great value to the regulatory team," said Tony Pardo, AgriThority Global Director, Client Services. "His expertise in innovation across the agri-food value chain will strengthen the development projects in EMEA and globally." Oni holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from the University of Bremen, Germany, and an MBA from Wrexham University, Wales, UK.

Jed Bower, a fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Washington Court House, Ohio, has begun his term as president of the National Corn Growers Association saying the challenging rural economy will be his top priority in the year ahead. “We need new markets to help alleviate the economic crisis that is threatening the survival of countless family farms across the country,” Bower said. “That’s why we will continue to encourage Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that expands consumer access to higher blends of ethanol year-round and urge the Trump administration to move quickly to develop new foreign markets.” Bower brings extensive advocacy and leadership experience to the role. He has served the last year as the vice president of the organization’s board while contributing as a member to several key NCGA committees, including the finance committee. Bower is also a board member for the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and a former president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.

The Kansas FFA Foundation proudly announces that 55 Kansas FFA members have been selected to receive official FFA jackets through the Gift of Blue program for 2025. Made possible by generous sponsors, including McDonald’s Owners and Operators of the Southern Plains in Kansas, Sturgis Enterprises, MKC Cooperative, MFA Oil, Mike and Mary Smith, Vital Farms, and the Karl Mueseler Trust, these iconic blue jackets symbolize leadership, unity, and the start of each student’s personal FFA journey. Nearly 200 Kansas FFA members applied for this year’s jackets, sharing their goals and aspirations within the FFA organization. The selected recipients represent chapters from across the state and demonstrate outstanding commitment to agricultural education and leadership. “The iconic National Blue FFA jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it represents opportunity, community, and pride,” said Beth Gaines, Executive Director of the Kansas FFA Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors whose generosity helps open doors for students to experience all that FFA has to offer.”  Individuals and businesses interested in helping additional students receive their own FFA jacket may donate online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/giftofblue.

EVENTS

The American Royal’s annual World Series of Barbecue takes place November 5-9 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. It is the world’s largest competition of its kind, and is also the American Royal’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the event go straight to the American Royal’s mission to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement.  Tickets are available at https://americanroyal.com/events/world-series-of-barbecue/

Nothing can match the fire and brilliance of the Saddlebred Horse! The American Royal is once again honored to host the UPHA (United Professional Horsemen’s Association) National Championship. The very best Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, and Road Horses throughout the country will come to Kansas City to compete for the prestige of being crowned National Champions. More details are available at https://americanroyal.com/events/upha-american-royal-national-championship-horse-show/.

Kansas Livestock Association will host its 2025 Annual Convention November 19-22 at the Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Conference Center. This year’s event will feature a full lineup of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry updates designed for Kansas cattle producers. Keynote speaker Nevil Speer will discuss beef quality improvements. Also on the agenda will be presentations from the Beef Industry University, the Consumer Trends Forum, as well as insights from industry consultants and company leaders. More information at www.kla.org.

Registration is open for the 51st Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture, scheduled for Nov. 12-13, 2025, at the Wyndham Executive Center in Columbia, Mo. “As a first-generation farmer and proud supporter of our state’s top economic driver, I look forward to joining agriculture partners from across the state in Columbia for this conference,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “A priority of our administration is to help create opportunities to add value to the agriculture products grown and raised here. The Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will bring all aspects of the industry together to talk about ways to move agriculture forward.” Missouri farmers, ranchers, agribusiness leaders and aspiring agriculturalists are invited to enjoy the program, which will include a commodity outlook, awards luncheon and nationally recognized speakers. “We are excited to host the first Governor’s Conference on Agriculture with Governor Kehoe,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.” For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at www.Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

University of Missouri Extension is expanding its Freeze It! food waste reduction program across rural Missouri. Food waste is an escalating environmental and health issue, says MU Extension nutrition and health specialist Rachel O’Halloran. The “Freeze It!” program responds to this challenge by empowering rural families to better manage their meals and reduce waste through strategies like meal planning, freezing meals, and sharing excess food, she says. Funding for the expansion is through a grant from the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. The grant will support delivery of eight “Freeze It!” program series in rural Missouri communities, professional development for MU Extension health faculty on partnering with local waste management agencies and development of a statewide infrastructure for long-term support of the program. The program addresses critical health disparities in rural Missouri, where residents face higher rates of diet-related illnesses, poverty and limited access to nutrition education, says MU Extension nutrition and health specialist Carrie Elsen. For more information contact your local MU Extension Center or visit https://muext.us/FreezeIt.

The 2025 Angus Convention is Kansas City bound. This fall, cattle producers of all types will head to the Midwest metropolis known as the Heart of America with a shared purpose – to connect with fellow cattlemen and women, expand industry knowledge and take part in conversations that drive breed progress. The Kansas City Downtown Marriott will host the main stage events, Angus University sessions, and social gatherings. More information is available at www.angusconvention.com.  

FarmCon, the ag innovation and investment sector’s most energizing event, is gearing up for its 2026 annual conference January 7-8, 2026, at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Widely hailed as agriculture’s select event for top-tier farmers, innovators and investors, FarmCon 2026 will include exclusive content, deeper investor connections, and a high-voltage atmosphere where ag innovation meets capital empowerment. More than 1,200 premier farmers, leading ag entrepreneurs, tech disruptors, investors, and legacy industry titans are expected. “FarmCon is fueled by relentless optimism that the best days of American agriculture aren’t behind us, they’re just beginning,” said Kevin Van Trump, the curator and host of FarmCon. "Ultimately, the benefactors from the activity created at FarmCon are American farmers." Van Trump, also Founder & CEO of Farm Direction, author of The Van Trump Report, angel investor, and host of the Highly Volatile podcast, said this year’s event will ignite conversations and the flow of investment capital across agriculture. For more information email Kennedy@agswag.com.

New Ag Ad Analytics Tool

Farm Journal has launched a new ad insights tool, designed specifically for agrimarketers who want to measure, optimize and prove the impact of every digital dollar. As digital budgets grow and audience attention fragments across channels, agrimarketers need more than siloed reports—they need a single view of what is working and what is not. This tool delivers that clarity, providing a unified, real-time analytics resource that connects all major platforms and ad formats in one place.

How It Works

Agrimarketers face increasing complexity in campaign management, measurement and optimization. This new system – Unified Analytics Command Center for Modern Agrimarketing – answers this challenge by delivering a single, holistic dashboard that spans programmatic and endemic advertising, including display, social, native, CTV, video, digital-out-of-home, connected audio, email and text messaging. The tool is integrated with all leading platforms including Google Ads, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, The Trade Desk, Simplifi, StackAdapt and Google DV360.

Farm Journal’s ad insights tool, with its advanced metrics and benchmarking, delivers true performance measurement by moving beyond traditional CTR-driven reporting, including reach, frequency, engagement, video completion and content consumption metrics, so that marketers can identify what truly resonates with high-value producer audiences. Benchmarking tools compare reach, frequency and performance against industry standards to help agrimarketers make informed decisions on segmentation, creative and channel mix.  

Navigate Multichannel Ag Campaigns

Whether an ad budget is in the millions or in the thousands of dollars, agrimarketers often face difficult choices about segmentation, reach and frequency. This tool empowers users to optimize budget allocation for maximum impact with performance benchmarks by audience size, geography and crop/livestock categories. Marketers can make data-driven decisions on new tactics, such as CTV and connected audio, with clear ROI comparisons.

Strategic Leap for the Ag Industry

“In today’s digital landscape, agrimarketers need more than just data; they need insight, context and confidence,” says Prescott Shibles, Farm Journal CEO. “This ad insights tool delivers measurable value, transparency and performance benchmarks in ways the industry has never had before.” Farm Journal’s ad insights tool is available at no charge to all agencies, marketers and consultants who are ready to accelerate their growth and maximize the impact of every dollar spent.

K-State President Linton Speaks on Progress at Annual Showcase

At the Agricultural Business Council’s October luncheon, held on the Kansas State University Olathe campus, President Richard Linton joined the deans of the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine to highlight the university’s achievements since launching its Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan two years ago. The discussion centered on how K-State is preparing to serve new kinds of learners, tackle global challenges, and strengthen Kansas’ economic future.

President Linton shared details of a new program offering a series of graduate certificates designed for professionals seeking specialized skills without pursuing a full degree. These certificates are more affordable than a traditional master’s program and emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to develop expertise across multiple fields.

“2025 is going to be a historic and record-breaking year,” Linton said. Among the milestones he noted:

• Total enrollment: 21,213 students this fall

• First-time freshmen: 3,788 — the fourth-highest in university history

• Research funding: National Science Foundation’s HERD Survey reported a 21.6% increase, reaching $264 million, the highest ever for K-State

• State legislative support: $150.4 million — another record

Looking ahead, K-State aims to grow research expenditures to $300 million by 2026 and secure $270 million in competitive research awards. The university also plans to reach a landmark $1 billion in fundraising by 2030.

The luncheon also marked the introduction of Dr. Ernie Minton as head of K-State’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, following the conclusion of his time as Dean of the College of Agriculture. In this new role, Minton will focus on securing funding, engaging stakeholders and donors through the KSU Foundation and overseeing the transition of new facilities from construction to operation.

To date, $186 million of the total $210 million project cost has been secured. “The Agriculture Innovation Initiative is the largest infrastructure project in K-State’s history,” Minton said. “I’m eager to continue advancing K-State as a global leader in value-added grain and livestock-based food systems.”

Dr. Dan Moser, professor and associate dean of the College of Agriculture, is serving as interim dean during the transition.

The Agriculture Innovation Initiative represents a transformative investment in interdisciplinary education, research, and industry partnerships spanning grain, food, animal, and agronomic sciences. It will create new and modernized learning spaces serving more than half of all College of Agriculture students and support the broader Kansas economy, where agriculture contributes an estimated $81 billion annually.

Ag Outlook Forum 2025 Takes Aim At Ag Challenges

Jim Barcus Photos

The 11th annual Ag Outlook Forum, presented by Agri-Pulse Communications and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, brought together a full lineup of industry leaders, policymakers, and producers to discuss the outlook for agriculture in the year ahead. While there are exceptional challenges, Agri-Pulse founder and publisher Sara Wyant noted that there are also “lots of opportunities” for the ag industry if it can keep pace with policy changes and economic uncertainties.

Among the roster of speakers were several lawmakers and federal agency heads. Keynoter USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced her department was adding another $2 billion in payments to row crop producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, on top of the $8 billion ECAP has already disbursed to farmers. But she was adamant that none of these payments would go to cattle producers. And no USDA funds would be going to green energy.

Secretary Rollins lamented the demographic shift over the last 250 years. In 1776 farmers represented 90% of the American population. Now crop farmers and food animal producers account for just 1%. “When agriculture is under threat [from regulation, trade disparities and disputes, etc.],” she said, “America is, too.” She added, “A republic without agriculture is no republic at all.”

Alex Sayago, Vice President of Marketing & Shared Services at John Deere, was optimistic about the ag future over the long run. “I’m bullish,” he said. “We always find a way out of downturns.” Sayago explained that John Deere is working to make its tools accessible for farmers who are always looking to reduce labor costs. Part of the company’s growth strategy is to develop technology that can be retrofitted onto existing equipment. The savings to farmers could be as much as 56%.

Learning The Ropes

In her words to Forum attendees, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Kansas 3rd District, quipped that when she was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 2018, she didn’t know what a row crop was. Since then she has been immersed in developing her ag IQ. Rep. Davids said she strives to go about her job in a “bipartisan manner.” And, she noted, that Kansas Senator Pat Roberts served as a mentor. “He showed me how things got done in Congress.” Rep. Davids said that working with congressional colleagues from across the aisle seems to be easier when issues and policy involve agriculture. Talking about Kansas’s farming and ranching roots, she remarked that “our ag background is not just about business and the economy – agriculture is our community.”

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall described a futuristic ag economy based on regenerative agriculture. He believes farmers in the not-too-distant future could “make as much, maybe more, from carbon credits than they would selling corn.” Senator Marshall also suggested farmers endeavor to keep their soil healthy, using precision agriculture and reducing their use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Like several of the presenters, Senator Marshall is a champion of year-round E15. “I think E15 should be the number-one priority of the administration right now.” He added that anyone and all advocate groups who care about agriculture, should be making ag issues their number-one ask of the White House. “If you think that trade is going to solve all woes, I think you’re wrong.” The focus, he stressed, needs to be turning commodities into protein or biofuels.

Taxes Still Befuddling

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025 made some previous tax provisions permanent and added some new tax rules. Participants on the panel discussing Everything You Need to Know About New Tax Law Changes said experts are still digesting the contents and changes. It’s always important to remember that permanent in the tax code just means until Congress changes it.  Also, some of these provisions can be implemented in 2025; others will take effect in 2026.  One impactful change for farmers is the return of bonus depreciation and the increase to Section 179 expense claims. Although bonus depreciation is back, it's a bit tricky. To qualify, the asset must be acquired and placed into service after January 19, 2025. So, if you signed a contract to buy a tractor on January 10, 2025, and it's delivered April 25, it would not qualify for 100% bonus depreciation. Panelists included Harrison Pittman, Director of the National Agricultural Law Center, Roger McEowen, Washburn University School of Law and Paul Neiffer, Farm CPA Report. At this point in time, these experts offered this advice: Don’t be aggressive; be patient.

Ag and Livestock Markets

USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer reported that total ag industry cash receipts for 2025 are forecast to increase to $535.2 billion. But declining cash crop (corn, soybeans, wheat) receipts will lower total crop revenue to $236.6 billion. Receipts for most animals and animal products will be higher this year. Exacerbating the situation is that while receipts are dwindling, costs are rising. In particular, high prices for key production inputs are squeezing margins. “Many farmers have been losing money on every acre,” said Meyer.  As livestock inventory has been constrained, dollars-per-hundredweight have increased, giving ranchers something of a windfall.  Dairy producers are enjoying lower feed costs, but market prices are trending lower and that will pinch margins.

Meyer noted that the Kansas City Fed reports there is widespread concern from banks about falling farmer income. “With mounting losses, farmers seek greater credit to operate,” he said. But if they are short on cash, farmers could see that their performance on existing credit is likely to be compromised.  Weakening loan payment performance and diminishing prospects for income, Meyer explained, would probably disqualify farmers from obtaining additional credit.

On The Bright Side

No doubt much of the conversation that took place at the Ag Outlook Forum offered a heavy helping of pessimism.  "We know that agriculture in our country is under threat," Secretary  Rollins said. "But we also know that the Administration is looking at the long-term fix – the complete realignment of the world economy around American agriculture and American goods.” Time is of the essence, though. “There are bills that are due this month as we move into harvest.” There are loans, too, that have to be secured in the next eight to 12 weeks so farmers  can plant next year’s crops. “There are mouths to feed,” she explained. “We have to make some difficult decisions right now, and I do not have a silver bullet." While recognizing that U.S. agriculture is "under threat,” Secretary Brooke Rollins told agricultural leaders that farming's future "could not be brighter."

However, obstacles keep emerging to test the mettle of the USDA secretary and the ag industry. U.S. farmers and ranchers are on high alert as New World Screwworm cases in Mexico continue to rise. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has warned it’s not a matter of if — but when — the pest makes its way back into the U.S. According to an NCBA spokesperson: “The increase of cases reported in Mexico shows that New World screwworm is still a very present threat. We need to continue full steam ahead with all possible prevention and mitigation tools. This includes securing the funding that Secretary Rollins has announced for a domestic sterile fly facility coupled with increased surveillance and screening measures.”

At about the same time the Agri-Pulse Communications/Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City Ag Outlook Forum was getting underway September 25, the Wall Street Journal reported that the White House Oval Office said more aid would be coming soon to farmers. “We're going to take some of that tariff money that we made, we're going to give it to our farmers who are—for a little while—going to be hurt," said President Trump. "So we're going to make sure that our farmers are in great shape."

Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - September 2025

DEVELOPMENTS

From its Olathe, Kansas operations, John Deere recently announced the introduction of the V452M round baler that provides enhanced productivity and precision to larger-scale hay and forage operations. The V452M headlines the newly updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features purpose-built for heavy crop and silage conditions, while the current 1 Series round balers remain and continue to serve customers with their baling needs. “The V452M and the broader VR and CR model updates are designed for more density, more productivity and more actionable data,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere marketing manager. “This update enhances our variable chamber and combination balers with features that support high-volume silage and heavy crop conditions, while complementing the proven performance of our 1 Series models. It’s about giving our farmers and ranchers the right tool for their operation, whether they’re baling 500 or 5,000 bales a year.”

The Kansas Beef Council, in partnership with NCBA, has launched a nationwide campaign to deliver toolkits to more than 5,000 family physicians and general practitioners, including more than 100 in Kansas. These toolkits will reach up to 500,000 consumers with trusted, health-related information about beef. Each toolkit provides evidence-based research showing beef is a high-quality, nutrient-dense protein; clinical takeaways that make it easy for doctors to translate the science into practice; and clear patient handouts that empower families to choose protein-rich, balanced and satisfying foods that support strength and satiety. Healthcare professionals remain one of the most trusted sources of nutrition information. By equipping them with science-backed materials, beef is positioned as a foundational food for health. This type of outreach has garnered positive results. Surveys repeatedly show an 80% average increase in the likelihood that healthcare professionals will recommend beef after receiving these toolkits. 

A follow-up to the initial Make America Healthy Again report was released this month. The second installment of the report expanded on the benefits of high-quality protein, such as beef, and highlighted the critical role cattle producers play in helping make America healthy again. The original report was released in May. “Millions of American families build a healthy plate around our product every week,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane. “We will continue working with President Trump’s Administration to keep the supply chain moving and keep the safest, highest quality beef in the world on grocery store shelves.”

This month, President Trump announced a disaster declaration granting $5.7 million in federal emergency aid to the state of Kansas. The Kansas delegation urged President Trump to make a disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe wind storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from June 3-7, 2025. Governor Laura Kelly formally submitted the request for federal support on August 6, 2025. “I appreciate the president and FEMA for approving Kansas’ request for federal support and a major disaster declaration following these devastating storms. This declaration will provide our state and local governments with resources to help Kansans recover and rebuild even stronger.”

McDonald’s plans to invest $200 million over the next seven years to promote regenerative agricultural practices on cattle ranches. In a statement to the press September 15, Cesar Piña, McDonald’s chief supply chain officer for North America, said, “As a brand that serves more than 90% of Americans every year, we recognize the responsibility we have to help safeguard our food systems for long-term vitality.”  Regenerative techniques aim to conserve water, enhance soil health and reduce the need for synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Cattle ranchers practicing regenerative agriculture move cattle frequently and let the land recover for weeks or months. That helps produce more grass with deeper roots, which take more carbon from the air to help improve soil. McDonald’s said its investment will help accelerate regenerative grazing and water and wildlife conservation on ranches spanning 4 million acres in up to 38 states. Jeff Trandahl, the executive director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, said regenerative practices can ultimately improve the productivity of grasslands and increase ranches’ profitability. The foundation expects the first round of awards will be announced in January 2026. Source: Associated Press, September 16, 2025.

A report released this month from Rabobank and the World Egg Organization indicates the global egg market will expand by 22% by 2035, with emerging markets accounting for over 90% of that growth. Rising incomes, urbanization and changing consumer preferences in Asia, Africa and Latin America are driving expansion, while mature markets are increasingly demanding value-added egg products, wrote Meredith Dawson, managing editor, WATT PoultryUSA and Egg Industry, September 12, 2025. Per capita egg consumption varies across regions from under 50 eggs annually in parts of Africa to over 300 eggs in Mexico and Japan. Emerging markets are experiencing the fastest consumption increases as incomes rise. "Eggs will maintain their strong market position compared to other proteins, although growth is expected to slow slightly to approximately 2.0% year-on-year over the next decade," said Nan-Dirk Mulder, RaboResearch Senior Global Specialist in Animal Protein. Going forward, the growth of egg consumption in developing regions will require changes to egg distribution systems, marketing approaches and product development strategies.

Last week, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed a new case of New World Screwworm in Sabinas Hidalgo, located in the state of Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. This is the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry. Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo León, to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world.” Protecting the United States from NWS is non-negotiable and a top priority of the Trump Administration,” said USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “This is a national security priority. We have given Mexico every opportunity and every resource necessary to counter NWS since announcing the NWS Bold Plan in June 2025. Nevertheless, American ranchers and families should know that we will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life. We are firmly executing our five-pronged plan and will take decisive action to protect our borders.” Additionally, USDA will soon release a significant plan to help rebuild the American cattle supply, incentivizing U.S. ranchers, and driving a full-scale revitalization of the American beef industry.

A new economic study from the National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association shows that expanding year-round, nationwide consumer access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend would provide a boon to the American economy, benefiting farmers, communities and consumers alike. “The study findings support what corn growers have been saying all along, and that is that higher sales of corn ethanol are good for the economy, and that is particularly true for rural America,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA president Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Given the state of the farm economy and the focus on increasing jobs available to Americans, we would encourage Congress to act quickly and pass legislation that allows consumers to access E15 year-round.” The study shows that providing consistent access to E15 year-round would provide an additional $25.8 billion to U.S. gross domestic product, boost incomes by $10.3 billion and support 128,000 additional full-time jobs. The Economic Impact of Permanently Allowing Year-Round Sales of E15 – A Joint Study by National Corn Growers Association & Renewable Fuels Association is available here.

Net farm income in the U.S. is projected to reach $177 billion in 2025, a sharp increase from $128 billion in 2024, according to the latest report on annual U.S. farm income and consumer food prices from the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Record cattle prices and large one-time government payments have boosted 2025 income, but declines in crop prices and projected reductions in future government support raise concerns about the outlook for 2026. “Despite strong income this year, much of the gain is temporary,” Pat Westhoff, director of FAPRI, said. “As emergency payments dry up and crop prices remain weak, we project a $31 billion decline in farm income next year.” The report incorporates data available in August 2025, including USDA crop production estimates and economic forecasts from S&P Global. It also accounts for modifications in key farm programs and tax credits related to biofuel production that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in July. “These forecasts are conditional on current policies and market expectations,” Westhoff said, adding that they “provide a useful benchmark for evaluating potential impacts of economic shifts, weather events and future policy changes.”

Following a near-record peak this summer for import cargo, volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to decline for the remainder of the year amid rising tariffs, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. “We have seen the implementation of reciprocal tariffs across the globe, with a number of key trading partners being subjected to tariffs higher than the earlier 10% tariffs,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy.  “We also continue to see more and more sectoral tariffs impacting a wider scope of products. Retailers have stocked up as much as they can ahead of tariff increases, but the uncertainty of U.S. trade policy is making it impossible to make the long-term plans that are critical to future business success.” 

Drovers State of the Beef Industry Report, released September 15, breaks down the July USDA cattle inventory and cattle on feed reports. While the USDA reports the smallest U.S. herd in history and continuing tightening numbers on feed, analysts predict producers have not yet experienced the highest cattle prices. As a result, notes the report, 2025 and 2026 beef production forecasts are reduced from last month. Cattle prices are raised significantly in both the second half of 2025 and in 2026 on recent cattle price reports, strong beef prices, and tighter cattle supplies. Beef imports for 2025 and 2026 are revised considerably downward as limited imports from Brazil are expected. Exports were revised moderately downward in 2025 and 2026 on lower projected production. More information is available here.   

Make America Healthy Again Commission’s policy recommendations for addressing chronic childhood disease takes a proactive, science-based approach toward agriculture’s role in reaching the commission’s objectives, according to the Kansas Corn Growers Association. KCGA leaders were encouraged that the report did not call for additional and unnecessary actions against atrazine and glyphosate, two pesticides that help growers control weeds and are vital tools for sustainability practices. In its initial report in May, the MAHA Commission called out atrazine and glyphosate, causing concern among corn farmers. KCGA, along with the National Corn Growers Association, launched an aggressive effort to ensure that the use of these key crop protection tools continues to be governed by our government’s rigorous, science-based regulatory system. In July, KCGA Secretary Brett Grauerholz attended a roundtable discussion with officials from Health and Human Services and USDA, hosted by Kansas Senator Roger Marshall. “Sometimes it just takes corn farmers going to Washington DC to explain to the policymakers what is actually happening on our farms when it comes to soil health, sustainability and responsible pesticide use,” explained Grauerholz. “Our proactive efforts truly made a difference.”

More than 100 pork producers from 20 states traveled to Washington, D.C., this month to call on Congress to deliver an urgent legislative fix to California’s Proposition 12, which is driving up costs for consumers, threatening small family farms, and disrupting interstate commerce. During their time on Capitol Hill, producers met with Members of Congress and staff to share firsthand accounts of how Prop. 12’s costly requirements are forcing sweeping changes across the pork supply chain. Producers emphasized that without federal action, family farms will be left behind, and pork prices could continue to rise. As part of the fly-in, NPPC rolled out a food truck on Capitol Hill, serving breakfast to lawmakers, staff and media. Branded with the message “Breakfast is Essential. So is Fixing Prop 12,” the truck spotlighted how a patchwork of state laws, spurred by Prop. 12, threatens affordable access to everyday staples like bacon, ham and sausage.

Following recent incidents across the country of individuals getting sick from raw milk, Kansas State University dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages consumers to remember the risks associated with drinking raw milk. “It’s not unusual each year to see reports from different places around the country where people become sick after consuming raw milk,” he said. It can   be serious, particularly when it involves young children. Dairy products purchased in grocery stores are all manufactured from pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a process that applies heat to destroy pathogens in food. For the dairy industry, this involves heating every particle of milk or milk product to a specific temperature for a designated time. “The bacteria we are mostly concerned about are things like E. coli, listeria, salmonella and campylobacter, which all have negative effects to human health,” Brouk said. Source:  K-State Extension News Service.

New checkoff-funded research shows eating animal-sourced protein is not linked to a higher risk of death and may even offer protective benefits against cancer-related mortality. The study, published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, analyzed data from nearly 16,000 adults ages 19 and older using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. During the study, researchers examined how much animal and plant protein people typically consumed and whether those patterns were associated with their risk of dying from heart disease, cancer or another cause. The researchers found no association between total protein, animal or plant, and risk of death. When both forms of protein were included in the analysis, the results remained consistent, suggesting that plant protein has a minimal impact on cancer mortality, while animal protein may offer a small protective effect. “There’s a lot of confusion around protein—how much to eat, what kind and what it means for long-term health. This study adds clarity, which is important for anyone trying to make informed, evidence-based decisions about what they eat,” explained Stuart Phillips, professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, who supervised the research. While observational studies like this cannot prove cause and effect, they are valuable for identifying patterns and associations in large populations. Combined with decades of clinical trial evidence, the findings support the inclusion of animal proteins as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

The Livestock Marketing Information Center, Lakewood, Colorado, reports that pasture and rangeland in the U.S. are in good shape for much of the country this year. Some areas in the West are struggling, but the Plains, Corn Belt, and Southeast appear to be doing well. A little over 30% of range and pastureland conditions were rated as poor to very poor. This is the lowest for this time of year since 2019. Regionally, the western states (including the West Coast, Great Basin states, Arizona, and New Mexico) continue to struggle with poor conditions. In August, over 50% of pasture and range conditions were rated as poor to very poor. This is the worst for this time of year since 2021. This is also well above the five-year average of around 40%. So far, these conditions generally support cow-calf producers’ ability to grow herds. Good forage availability is necessary for expansion, but it is not sufficient. The right market incentives and time are also needed to see expansion. Additionally, there are still a couple of months left before winter sets in which will also impact producer decisions.

Farm Journal’s Machinery Pete, LLC, a leading online marketplace for used farm and construction equipment, announced its partnership with AgDirect, one of the nation’s leading ag equipment financing providers, to deliver financing solutions directly within eligible equipment listings. This partnership makes it easier for farmers shopping on MachineryPete.com to not only find the right equipment but also to explore flexible financing options from AgDirect all in one trusted environment.  “Farmers want simple, straightforward tools that help them make faster, smarter equipment decisions,” said Casey Seymour, general manager of Machinery Pete. “By partnering with AgDirect, we’re integrating financing into the buyer journey, so farmers can evaluate equipment and payment options side by side, streamlining the path from search to purchase.”

PEOPLE

Richard Fordyce has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, overseeing the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency. A fourth-generation Missouri farmer, Fordyce previously served as Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Chair of the Missouri State Soil and Water Districts Commission. He was sworn in by Secretary Brooke Rollins in Kansas City on Thursday, September 25, in conjunction with the Ag Outlook Forum. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his work to ensure farm programs are practical for producers while safeguarding soil, water, and working lands.

Kim Chipman, an award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience covering markets, companies, policy and politics with Bloomberg News, is joining Agri-Pulse Communications as congressional editor. Chipman spent 28 years with Bloomberg News, where she most recently wrote on biofuels and crop inputs including fertilizer. She spent nine years at Bloomberg’s Washington bureau before moving to Chicago to cover breaking news from the Midwest. “Kim brings to the Agri-Pulse team a wealth of experience covering agriculture, and environmental and energy issues. She will be an invaluable asset as Agri-Pulse deepens its industry-leading coverage of federal food and ag policy,” said Agri-Pulse editor-in-chief Philip Brasher.

Natalie Hoagland of J&N Ranch recently was featured in the “Voices of the Outdoors” video series created by Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.  Each episode is a collaboration between an outdoor enthusiast and a beef producer, facilitated by BIWFD and state beef council teams to showcase the shared values of caring for the land and experiencing the outdoors. The Kansas Beef Council connected BIWFD with Hoagland for the seventh installment of the series, which is being promoted to consumer audiences across YouTube, social media and streaming platforms. Hoagland hosted professional gravel cyclist Alexey Vermeulen at her family’s ranch. During the visit, she shared her family’s story, educated Vermeulen about the unique Flint Hills ecosystem and promoted beef production in Kansas. Vermeulen has ridden his bicycle by J&N Ranch multiple times during the annual UNBOUND Gravel bike race, based out of Emporia. Source: Kansas Livestock Association, September 25.

EVENTS

Kansas youngsters have entered 2,104 animals in the 93rd Kansas Junior Livestock Show, which will take place October 3-5 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A total of 845 exhibitors from across the state have entered 183 market steers, 359 breeding heifers, 257 market hogs, 343 breeding gilts, 258 market lambs, 290 breeding ewes, 211 market goats and 203 commercial does. KJLS will award cash to exhibitors of the top five animals in both market and breeding shows in all four species. Direct cash payouts will range from $2,500 to $250 for steers and heifers; $1,500 to $250 for market hogs and breeding gilts; $1,250 to $300 for market lambs and breeding ewes; and $1,250 to $300 for market goats and commercial does. New this year, KJLS will have a supreme female drive to select the top five breeding females of each species. Additionally, in the registered divisions of the heifer, gilt and ewe shows, bred-and-owned breed champions and reserves, as well as top five overall, will be chosen. For more information, including a full schedule of events, go to www.kjls.net.

 KC Animal Health Corridor will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in 2026.  AHC represents a hotbed of innovation and business development all focused on veterinary medicine. The Corridor, centered in Kansas City, reaches from Columbia and St. Joseph in Missouri to Manhattan in Kansas – an area that features over 300 companies and 20,000 people working in animal health. “These companies represent 56% of animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales worldwide,” wrote Joseph Harvey, Head of Animal Health at UK-based Agribusiness Intelligence/IHS Markit, September 8, 2025. Since 2006, some 85 companies have joined existing businesses in the region, adding 4,500 new jobs, more than $405 million in new payroll and around $4 billion in new capital investment. Harvey’s article in full – including interviews with local animal health industry notables such as Kimberly Young, Scott Bormann, Laura Olsen, Yvonne Hsu, Linda Rhodes Fabian Kausche and Craig Wallace – is available at www.ihsmarkit.com.

 The American Royal’s annual World Series of Barbecue® takes place November 5-9 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. It is the world’s largest competition of its kind, and is also the American Royal’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the event go straight to the American Royal’s mission to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events and engagement. Tickets are on sale now.

Other upcoming American Royal events include:

• Sporting Clays Challenge – September 26

• Junior Premium Livestock Auction – October 18

• UPHA National Championship Horse Show – November 10-15

The 2025 Angus Convention is Kansas City bound. This fall, cattle producers of all types will head to the Midwest metropolis known as the Heart of America with a shared purpose – to connect with fellow cattlemen and women, expand industry knowledge and take part in conversations that drive breed progress. The Kansas City Downtown Marriott will host the main stage events, Angus University sessions, social gatherings. More information is available at www.angusconvention.com.  

FarmCon, the ag innovation and investment sector’s most energizing event, is gearing up for its 2026 annual conference, January 7-8, 2026, at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Widely hailed as agriculture’s select event for top-tier farmers, innovators and investors, FarmCon 2026 will include exclusive content, deeper investor connections, and a high-voltage atmosphere where ag innovation meets capital empowerment. More than 1,200 premier farmers, leading ag entrepreneurs, tech disruptors, investors and legacy industry titans are expected. “FarmCon is fueled by relentless optimism that the best days of American agriculture aren’t behind us, they’re just beginning,” said Kevin Van Trump, the curator and host of FarmCon. "Ultimately, the benefactors from the activity created at FarmCon are American farmers."Van Trump, also Founder & CEO of Farm Direction, author of The Van Trump Report, angel investor, and host of the Highly Volatile podcast, said this year’s event will ignite conversations and the flow of investment capital across agriculture. For more information visit www.farmcon.com.

Kansas State University Olathe is offering free webinars to learn more about its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in several animal health and horticulture sciences:

• Master's Degree in Veterinary Biomedical Science — Noon on Oct. 1

• Graduate Certificate in Animal Health Regulatory Affairs  — 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 1

• Graduate Certificate in Animal Health Data Analytics and Insights — Noon on Oct. 15.

• Master's Degree in Horticulture and Urban Food Systems — Noon on Nov. 5

More information available here.

Kansas Dairy Farm To Be Honored At Industry Conference

Three leaders in U.S. dairy production will be recognized for excellence in their operations and their commitment to the dairy industry at the 2025 MILK Business Conference, December 2-3 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. This year’s honorees include standout individuals and organizations in the categories of Leader in Technology, Young Producer and Employee Excellence.  Nearly 500 conference attendees will honor the 2025 Milk Business Award winners for their contributions to the advancement of the dairy industry and their own operations.

Recognized as a Leader in Technology is McCarty Family Farms, based in Colby, Kansas. It is home to more than 15,000 milking cows and employs more than 200 people on its four farms and its milk processing plant. The newest operation is McCarty Family Farms North, which opened in 2023 and is McCarty’s most innovative dairy yet. Eight inverted six-row, tunnel-ventilated freestall barns house 10,000 Holsteins that are milked on two technologically advanced, 120-stall DeLaval E500 rotary milking systems, some of the largest in the world. This carousel-style milking machine benefits the animals’ health and well-being by providing a predictable, efficient milking routine.

To accommodate its growth, McCarty’s processing plant has expanded its capacity and was updated in 2023 with the latest technologies including ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. Milk and dairy ingredients from McCarty Family Farms is Non-GMO Project Verified for Danone North America, the leading maker of yogurt in the U.S. McCarty Family Farms operates as part of Danone North America’s ‘cost-plus’ model, which helps the dairy avoid market swings.

As part of their commitment to sustainability, McCarty Family Farms also uses on-site anaerobic digesters that generate 450 million BTUs of renewable energy daily, which is enough to power approximately 2,500 homes annually.

The MILK Business Conference’s Young Producer honor will go to Wybrand Vander Dussen, La Salle, Colorado. Vander Dussen grew up in southern California, but his family moved to northern Colorado in 2013. He attended Kansas State University and earned a degree in animal science.  After graduating from college, Vander Dussen returned to the family dairy, and a couple of years later expanded operations into South Dakota, growing it into a 4,000-cow dairy farm. The 2025 Young Producer Award is presented by Farm Credit Services of America.

The Employee Excellence award will be given to Travis Ties, Holdgrafer Dairy, in Bellevue, Iowa. Ties serves many roles at Holdgrafer Dairy, home to 400 cows in northwest Iowa. He has been employed at this farm for more than 25 years. The dairy owners note that Ties has mentored their five sons both professionally and personally and has become a virtual member of the Holdgrafer family. Personally, Ties has overcome a lot. He battled leukemia as a child and was not expected to live to see his high school graduation. The treatment ruined his kidneys and later he received a life-saving transplant from his mother. This all speaks to his character. The dairy owners say Ties is humble, kind, driven and hard-working and has never used his health issues as an excuse. The 2025 Employee Excellence Award is presented by Alltech.

“MILK Business Conference not only empowers dairy producers with the critical knowledge and skills they need to thrive and grow their businesses, but also recognizes the people who inspire others and make this industry great every day,” said Karen Bohnert, Farm Journal’s dairy editorial director. “We are looking forward to connecting with producers from across the country at the event and honoring this year’s award winners for their contributions to the industry.”

More To Seaboard Than The Pork

Speaking at the Ag Business Council’s August luncheon, Chad Groves offered a deep dive into the operations of the Seaboard Corporation—an iconic agribusiness which is also the Kansas City area’s largest publicly traded company by revenue. Seaboard’s pork division, Seaboard Foods, is on its own the largest American-owned pork company. It was founded by Otto Bresky in 1918 as a milling operation and is headquartered in Merriam, Kansas. The Bresky family still retains 73% of the business.

As it has grown, Seaboard has prided itself on retaining the feel of a family business that plays the long-game—and indeed the Bresky family still retains 73% of the business. But the scope of the enterprise has widened. In 1982 Seaboard sold its domestic flour milling division to Cargill and changed its name to Seaboard Corporation, while maintaining its milling operations outside the U.S. Harry Bresky and Seaboard took noticeable steps to diversify the company, initially by entering the poultry industry and by further international investments. Though Seaboard eventually sold these original poultry interests to ConAgra in 2000, the model of vertical integration has remained.

Groves told Council members that strategy remains embedded in Seaboard’s leaders as they plan for the future. He noted he is committed “to bringing excellence to the table and finding innovative ways to add value to Seaboard’s connected food system.”

That system is complex, but innovative.. Here’s a snapshot picture of Seaboard’s operations. It involves the following segments:

• Pork – Produces and sells fresh and frozen pork products to further processors, food service operators, grocery stores, distributors, and retail outlets throughout the United States, Japan, Mexico, and other foreign markets. Seaboard controls its supply chain from genetics to retail in a partnership with Triumph Foods.

• Commodity Trading and Milling –  Focuses on integrated agricultural commodity trading and processing, and logistics operation that internationally markets wheat, corn, soybean meal, and other agricultural commodities in bulk to third-party customers and to non-consolidated affiliates.

• Marine –  Provides cargo shipping services between the United States, the Caribbean Basin and Central, and South America.

• Sugar & Alcohol – Involves the production and processing of sugar and alcohol in Argentina, to be sold locally.

• Power – Operates a floating power generating facility that produces independent power in the Dominican Republic.

• Turkey – involves the production and sale of branded and non-branded turkeys and other products, through its ownership stake in Butterball.

Throughout his talk, Groves emphasized Seaboard  will be unwavering in its commitment to meeting customer expectations, delivering quality products and providing exceptional customer service, making Seaboard’s Prairie Fresh brand and Daily’s brand the top choice for customers and consumers around the world.”