In this episode, host Frances Hayes dives into the Nebraska Master Irrigator Program, a new approach to advanced water stewardship. Joining Frances is Crystal Powers, DWFI Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator and a co-collaborator on the new initiative. Through the Nebraska Master Irrigator Program, organizers invite participants to dig deeper and “talk shop” about the critical issues facing agricultural …
Ag Economic Update at CIRB Annual Meeting
At the recent 2026 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) annual meeting, Jim Wiesemeyer of Informa Economics painted a stark picture of the U.S. farm economy, highlighting a severe cash flow squeeze driven by low commodity prices and persistent high input costs. Wiesemeyer compares the current situation to the 1980s farm crisis, but noted mitigating factors like lower interest rates …
Industry Awards at 2026 CattleCon
The Prime Cut Awards ceremony was a new feature this year at the 2026 CattleCon, honoring legacy, leadership and excellence in the industry with a variety of awards. The Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award was presented this year to Burt Rutherford, a freelance writer and former senior editor of BEEF magazine who has spent his career helping producers …
CIRB Wraps 62nd Annual Meeting
The 62nd annual meeting of the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) wrapped up last week in Indian Wells, California and concluded Lindsay Rinkenberger’s term as chair of the organization. Rinkenberger, who is director of Commercial Agribusiness Underwriting at Country Financial, says they did make some changes in the program this year. “So we did change up the speakers, the …
CattleFax Outlook from CattleCon
The CattleFax Outlook Seminar is always a popular event at CattleCon and it was packed as usual last week in Nashville. CEO Randy Blach told cattle producers they should be proud of the current state of the beef industry. “This is my 45th year at CattleFax, so I’ve seen some of those ugly, ugly days back in the 80s and …
Meet CIRB’s Newest Leadership Development Class
The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) has 14 industry professionals in its 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP), formerly called the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The program is designed to build the next generation of crop insurance and reinsurance leaders and provide new leadership opportunities for seasoned crop insurance professionals. The LDP is open to employees of CIRB member companies …
2026 NCBA Officer Team Approved at CattleCon
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) board approved the 2026 NCBE officer team at CattleCon in Nashville last week, with Gene Copenhaver of Virginia taking the helm as president. Kim Brackett of Idaho is now president-elect, and Skye Krebs of Oregon is vice president. Kenny Rogers of Colorado was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Scott Anderson of …
Crop Insurance Industry Navigating Change
The 2026 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) Annual Meeting is being held this week in Indian Wells, California, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders across the crop insurance industry. CIRB Executive Director Mike Torrey says the industry is dealing with lots of changes right now. “I think coming into the conference, the one guiding principle for the board …
RFK Jr. Gets Warm Welcome at CattleCon
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received a warm welcome from some 9,000 attendees at CattleCon in Nashville on Thursday, in light of his agency’s new dietary guidelines that turned the food pyramid on its head. “We now have a food pyramid, which we flipped upside down, because it made more sense. That puts protein at the …
BQA Awards Presented at CattleCon
Winners of the 2026 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards were announced this week at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville. The BQA Awards annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators that best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities. And the winners are: 2026 BQA Cow-Calf Award – East Foundation Ranches, Hebbronville, TX 2026 BQA …