Animal Ag News 9/29

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  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the awarding of over $26 million to farmers and agricultural producers across the country through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. Entities can use these grant funds to develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies.
  • Following a comprehensive national search, the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Corey Scott as president and chief executive officer. Scott will become the third president and CEO in DMI’s history, succeeding Barbara O’Brien, who will retire following the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association, Oct. 19-21. The appointment follows a months-long succession process conducted by the DMI Board of Directors to identify the leader best positioned to lead strategies designed to grow dairy sales, strengthen consumer trust and deliver value to the dairy farmers and importers who fund the checkoff.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) closed out their 58th Annual Meeting by announcing Nevada rancher Ron Cerri as the new PLC President. Cerri owns and operates a cow-calf operation in Orovada, Nevada. He has previously served as a member of the PLC Board of Directors, President of Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), Nevada State Grazing Board Central Committee and as a Humboldt County Commissioner.
  • The National Pork Producers Council presented U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) with the inaugural “Bringing Home the Bacon” awards on behalf of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers. The awards were created to recognize members of Congress who have championed the needs of the pork industry and contributed to enhancing or protecting the livelihoods of U.S. pork producers.
  • Zoetis invites attendees to its new location and experience at the 2026 World Dairy Expo. This year, Zoetis is moving from the Exhibition Hall to the Coliseum Lower Level. Designed as a welcoming place for dairy producers, veterinarians, industry partners and experts from across the dairy industry, the new Zoetis space will give attendees multiple ways to connect, engage and experience what’s moving dairy forward. Throughout the week, attendees will be able to hear from visionary dairy leaders and industry experts during the Dairy On stage talks, gather over Wisconsin-inspired favorites at the Milky Whey Lounge, add their farm to the Born of the Bond Wall and explore milestones that have shaped dairy innovation on their way to a railside view of the Coliseum showring.
  • For 20 years, the W.D. Farr Scholarship has created a legacy of helping graduate students pursue careers in meat science, animal science and related fields. Applications are now being accepted for the final year of the program. Eligible students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by Oct. 9, 2026.
  • When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strikes a poultry operation, responding quickly and having the right resources available are critical to controlling the spread of disease. New research funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation has produced a practical tool designed to help poultry producers and animal health officials better prepare for these emergency situations by quickly estimating the resources needed for flock depopulation. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. The research is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.
  • Focusing on producer priorities is a cornerstone of the National Pork Board (NPB). Six producer-led advisory committees were recently established to align with the NPB strategic plan. Through a rigorous selection process, more than 120 leaders from 33 states will lend their voice, offer their experience and perspective, and provide direction as part of their committee member role. These insights will help board members and staff deliver meaningful progress on behalf of America’s 60,000 pig farmers.
  • The 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference brought together women from across the poultry, egg and agriculture industries for conversations centered on leadership, professional growth, resilience and the importance of supporting one another. From navigating burnout and building a professional reputation to finding mentorship and creating space for the next generation of women leaders, the conference reinforced the value of confidence, connection and community at every stage of a career. The conference was held Aug. 20-21, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • Novus announced a new source of organic trace mineral nutrition available for the animal agriculture industry. RELYZANT™ Bis-Chelated Trace Mineral is the next-generation bis-chelate from NOVUS. Available in zinc, copper, and manganese, the mineral is bound by two lactic acid ligands, forming a stable, neutral molecule that maintains integrity across changes in pH in the gut and interactions with other parts of the diet, ultimately resulting in more mineral being accessible to the animal.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at USDA headquarters to celebrate America’s ice cream makers’ swift action to meet their commitment to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk and sold at food retail by the end of 2027. The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment is the third in a series of industry-wide, voluntary commitments that bring companies across the U.S. dairy sector together around common, measurable goals to respond to consumers and advance shared health and nutrition priorities. The effort follows two successful commitments to reduce added sugar and eliminate certified artificial colors in milk, cheese and yogurt served in schools, creating a record of coordinated action across the industry rather than individual company pledges alone.
  • As of Sept.1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down two percent from September 2025 but up two percent from June 1, 2026, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • At the recent Public Lands Council (PLC) Annual Meeting, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced winners of the 2026 Rangeland Stewardship and Rangeland Innovation awards to recognize exemplary management and outstanding accomplishments in restoring and maintaining the health of public rangelands. The Rangeland Stewardship Permittee winner is Jamie Johnson, and Collaborative Team winner is the Deep Springs Resource Management Team, based in Big Pine, California. The Rangeland Innovations Permittee winner is the Hunewill Ranch Land and Livestock, Co., a seventh-generation ranching operation in Bridgeport, California, and the Collaborative Team winner is the Carbon County Weed & Pest District.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Enlist E3 Soybeans Give Growers More Options

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Golden Harvest showcased 22 new soybean varieties at the recent Farm Progress Show, with 15 of those being Enlist E3s, according to Clay Cole, soybean product manager for Golden Harvest.

    “So from our Enlist E3s, 20% of those are actually going to be Peking varieties,” said Cole during an interview at the show. “So we’re happy to bring the grower more options to manage SCN. But we’re also increasing yield in a lot of these products, and we also focus on agronomics as well.”

    Enlist E3 soybeans contain the most advanced trait technology, with tolerance to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate, offering maximized application flexibility and tank mix options to manage resistant weeds.

    Learn more in this interview.
    FPS26 Clay Cole, Syngenta Soy NA Product Manager 3:14

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Golden Harvest, Soybean, Syngenta

    Industry Ag News 9/24

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • A new report digs into the biggest drivers of on-farm adoption for agricultural innovation. North American agri-marketing leader AdFarm has released the 2027 AgIntel Index Report, offering agri-marketers and agribusiness leaders an unfiltered look at farmer perspectives on innovation, adoption barriers and what it takes to move products and practices from promise to real-world results.
  • American Seed Trade Association‘s Forage, Turf, & Conservation Seed Conference (FTC) returns to Kansas City on November 17, 2026 for another year of programming in partnership with the Western Seed Association Convention. The meeting gathers attendees in the conservation and grass seed sector to learn about the latest industry news, share the obstacles and the strategies to mitigate them, and explore business opportunities for the seed industry.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced that Sukup Manufacturing Co. and Blackburn Construction, Inc. (BCI) have joined the organization as associate members. The two companies bring decades of experience serving agriculture and industrial markets, with Sukup specializing in advanced grain storage, drying and handling equipment and BCI providing construction, fabrication and installation services for ethanol plants and other industrial facilities.
  • During the 2026 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, members elected their 2027 officers. Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison will be NASDA’s 2026–2027 President.
  • The Corn Refiners Association Board of Directors has chosen Paul Noe, an experienced Washington advocate with strong regulatory and legislative expertise, as the organization’s next President and CEO. Noe succeeds John Bode, who earlier this year announced his retirement after 13 years at the helm of the organization.
  • The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) named Dr. Karimbhai M. Maredia, professor, associate dean and director of the World Agriculture Center at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), as the 2026 recipient of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA).
  • From pig cuddling in rural Texas, to a vegetable farm stay in Missouri, and an Alpine goat hike in Maine, the demand for agricultural travel is rapidly growing, and so is the need. Agritourism turns working farms and ranches into places people can visit, learn from, and stay, strengthening farm income while connecting communities to agriculture—enabling exactly the kind of belonging Airbnb was built for. As economic pressure squeezes American farms and ranches, a new Airbnb report finds hosting on the platform earned the typical farm stay host close to $8,000 last year, with U.S. farms on Airbnb earning nearly $120 million in 2025. To help make this opportunity even more accessible, Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are announcing the ‘Farm to Stay’ Grant Program, which will offer farmers and ranchers up to $10,000 per grant to start or expand an agritourism stay or experience.
  • As American farmers face mounting economic pressures, a new Farm Journal Foundation report finds that emerging markets could create new demand for U.S. agricultural trade while supporting long-term global development. Emerging markets, largely in Africa and South Asia, represent the biggest growth opportunities for American agricultural trade, according to a new report commissioned by the Foundation, “Building the Next Generation of U.S. Agricultural Export Markets.”
  • More than 400 researchers, producers and industry leaders from 20 countries gathered Sept. 14-18 for the 2026 Global Sorghum Conference, sharing research and market opportunities that could help U.S. farmers grow a more competitive crop and reach more customers. Hosted by Texas Tech University in partnership with the Global Sorghum Association, the conference brought the global gathering to the United States for the first time. The United Sorghum Checkoff Program supported the event as a platinum sponsor and highlighted producer-funded work to improve sorghum and expand its use.
  • AgCareers is pleased to announce the return of its annual Feed Your Future Scholarship program, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of agriculture professionals. For 2026, the program has been expanded to provide scholarship opportunities to both a U.S. college student pursuing an agriculture-related degree and a high school senior planning to do so.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Recipients of the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leader Award at the IFAJ Congress in Croatia with representatives from IFAJ and Alltech.

    The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech honored young leaders in the field at the IFAJ International Congress this past week in Croatia

    Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has partnered with IFAJ since 2005 to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards, which recognize the leadership potential of young members (under 35 years of age). The Young Leaders participate in a unique professional development workshop immediately prior to the IFAJ Congress, led by IFAJ’s Presidium, featuring seminars, career guidance and agricultural tours. They then had the opportunity to meet and network with more than 200 agricultural journalists from around the world during the IFAJ Congress.

    The 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders include:
    Juan Ignacio Alaise, Argentina
    Kaitlin Berger, Canada
    Katrin Bremer-John, Germany
    Andrew Castillo, United States of America
    Job Hiddink, The Netherlands
    Breifne O’Brien, Ireland
    Emelie Werme, Sweden
    Josiah Pailay, Liberia
    Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe, Ghana
    Milliam Murigi, Kenya

    “The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program is not just about recognizing and nurturing individual talent, important though that is, but also to bring together those with the ability to apply that talent to lead and develop the wider profession,” said Adrian Bell, IFAJ secretary general. “Since its inception, the dozens of Young Leader alumni have consistently shown what can only be described as a robust return on investment. Through leadership, influence, insight, inspiration and innovation, they are the ones who will carry forward the flame for IFAJ and agricultural journalism.”

    “Alltech is proud to have partnered with IFAJ for more than 20 years to support the Young Leaders program for promising agricultural journalists and communicators, it’s an excellent opportunity to connect with these young leaders early in their careers and to learn more about engagement and media in their countries and how they are using different tools and technologies to share stories of agriculture and food,” said Jenn Norrie, Alltech Communications Manager, North America and Europe

    Agribusiness, Alltech, IFAJ, Journalism

    Precision Ag News 9/22

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has launched AgInsights, a new data dissemination tool that will serve as a key component of NASS’s ongoing modernization strategy.
  • BW Fusion has named Dean Williams chief executive officer. Williams brings nearly four decades of agricultural industry experience to the company as it enters its next phase of growth in biological crop solutions and data-driven, precision agronomy.
  • Agriculture is about more than what happens in the field, it’s about the people, challenges and innovations shaping the future of farming. Those are the conversations behind the new podcast “Beyond Irrigation.” Sponsored by Reinke, the world’s largest privately held irrigation company, the podcast takes the conversation beyond irrigation—and brings it full circle for listeners.
  • A groundbreaking research project conducted by an Agtools internship team, culminating in the “Follow the Land and You Can Follow the Source of Food” investment guide, reveals a highly detailed and nuanced approach to evaluating investment opportunities in Latin American agriculture. This comprehensive analysis identifies the most promising regions within key countries – besides the United States – particularly Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico – offering specific data on land costs, establishment costs, and projected revenue streams, all centered around the critical intersection of specialty crops and land trends.
  • CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNH), a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and technology, today announced the release of the inaugural CNH Farmer Pulse: The AgTech Adoption Edition. The new proprietary Farmer Pulse report captures how farmers across North America are responding to the forces shaping modern agriculture through research and firsthand insights from the field. The inaugural edition explores AgTech adoption, examining how farmers are using precision technology today, where they see measurable value, and what will influence future investment.
  • For more than a decade, John Deere Operations Center has helped farmers connect their field, machine, and operational data in a centralized platform. And now it’s being taken to the next level with JD, the artificial intelligence (AI) assistant built into Operations Center that gives farmers an entirely new way to put their data to work: by simply asking it a question. As AI makes farm data more useful and valuable, John Deere is also highlighting its Farmer Data Commitment reinforcing that farmers’ data belongs to them, it remains under their control, and it should create value for their operation.
  • Corteva recently unveiled the corn pipeline for its advanced seed and advanced genetics spin-off, Vylor. The multi-year innovation roadmap will strengthen Vylor’s corn market leadership across core geographies, expand farmer choice and flexibility, and deliver long-term, royalty-advantaged growth.
  • At the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Iowa, the company announced the launch of Farm Progress AGTech, a comprehensive year-round ecosystem connecting farmers, technology innovators, and industry stakeholders to accelerate agricultural transformation. Farm Progress AGTech will facilitate collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain through live events, media products, and community building. As the global leader in agricultural media and events, Farm Progress creates a definitive platform where agricultural innovation meets practical applications.
  • Results of the 2026 National Cover Crop Survey released Sept. 1 at the Farm Progress Show indicate strong interest in cover crops among many farmers who produce a wide range of crops and livestock. Among respondents to the survey, the average acreage planted with cover crops was 397.9, and their projections anticipate crossing the 400-acre mark by next year. Almost half of the cover crop users in the survey had 10+ years of experience with cover crops.
  • Bayer is implementing its previously announced ambition to bring 10 blockbusters to market over 10 years, beginning to launch major Crop Science innovations in key agricultural regions around the world. A blockbuster is a product that is expected to deliver a peak sales potential of at least 500 million euros. Plenexos™ insecticide and the Preceon™ Smart Corn System have already started to be commercialized. In soy, Vyconic™ 1 is expected for introduction next year in the United States and Canada, and Intacta 5+™1 introduction is expected for the 2027/2028 growing season in Brazil.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    DWFI Podcast 56 – Water, Climate and Health

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, Taylor Dahl talks with Dr. Jesse Bell about his recent trips to Mongolia for COP17 and Sweden for World Water Week. They explore how drought, water resilience and human health are connected, and why communities need to move from reacting to drought to planning and preparing for its impacts. Jesse also shares insights on global collaboration, capacity building and knowledge sharing, while reflecting on how lessons from around the world can strengthen drought resilience here in Nebraska.

    Dr. Bell is director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Taylor Dahl is Communications and Community Outreach Specialist at the Water, Climate & Health Program.

    Learn more about the Water, Climate and Health program at https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinary-programs/wch/index.html

    DWFI podcast episode 56 33:33

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, climate, Water, Water for Food

    Preview of the 2026 AgGateway Annual Mtg. & Conference

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference 2026The 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference is coming up November 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.

    The theme of the meeting this year is Driving The Future of Connected Agriculture and the key words are Implement, Impact and Advocate, according to AgGateway President and CEO Brent Kemp. “Our members and Ag Gateway don’t just develop standards. We implement standards and resources, Member companies implement them within their businesses and among their trading partners. And when they do, they produce real measurable efficiencies and savings,” said Kemp.

    Kemp says the annual meeting is the one place where digital connectivity stakeholders from across the agriculture value chain come together to share ideas, work on key projects, assess the state of connected agriculture, and set a course for the future of the organization.

    Learn more about what’s in store at the meeting in this interview.

    Interview with Brent Kemp, AgGateway 10:46

    As AgGateway’s many digital connectivity and interoperability projects continue to move forward, the constantly evolving impact of artificial intelligence technology presents myriad challenges to the work of our member volunteers and staff. How can the organization harness this powerful tool to improve how standards are developed and implemented, and what role will the organization play to help members successfully navigate their own internal AI development?

    This and many other critical industry topics around digital connectivity and interoperability will be in focus at the 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference this November in Nashville, TN.

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, AI, Audio, Technology

    Syngenta Seeds Showcases Durastak at FPS 26

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    At the recent 2026 Farm Progress Show in Iowa, Syngenta highlighted its new Durastak corn rootworm trait technology available for the 2027 growing season.

    Stefan Swenson, Syngenta Corn Product Manager, says Durastak is the industry’s first three-Bt-protein stack specifically designed for corn rootworm control. “As compared to the other corn rootworm offerings, the unique part about Durastak is that it brings two unique mode of actions from their protein perspective,” said Swenson. “So if you’re thinking about rotating modes of action, rotating proteins on your farm, Durastak brings something different to help you combat that pest.”

    Stefan Swenson, Syngenta Corn Product Manager

    Swenson says corn rootworm damage can cost farmers up to $1 billion annually, with yield losses associated with rootworm injury. “Well, we call it a billion dollar pest commonly in the industry and I think probably the thing that’s most interesting about it and unfortunate is that corn rootworm is expanding its range so it’s becoming a problem to folks who maybe haven’t had to deal with it before.”

    Syngenta featured five Durastak hybrids available for 2027 at the Farm Progress Show and Swenson says some of the hybrids also combine Durastak with Viptera trait technology for broader lepidopteran control. “The best way to find out more is to reach out to your local Golden Harvest sales representative or dealer in the area and they can help you out in placement because traits are one thing, but putting the right genetics on your farm is almost as important.”

    Learn more in this interview.
    FPS26 Stefan Swenson, Syngenta 2:16

    2026 Farm Progress Show photo album

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Seed, Syngenta, Technology

    Farm Bill Reported Out of Senate Ag Committee

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The Senate Agriculture Committee met again Wednesday for the first time in over a month to re-vote on the Agriculture Act of 2026 – the farm bill, including E15 – and pass it along party lines by a vote of 12 to 11. Republicans prevailed on the vote this time with the presence of both Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Tom Tuberville (R-AL) who were absent during the last meeting. In response, all farm and biofuel groups sent out press releases applauding the action.

    As he opened the meeting, Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) called for a vote immediately without any discussion and was surprised by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) bringing up an amendment she wanted to make to Title 12 of the bill that would protect livestock producers from state legislation like California’s Proposition 12. “I didn’t expect this,” said Boozman, as Sen. Ernst repeatedly called for a ruling from the chair. “It was a timely amendment. It is not out of order,” said Ernst. Ultimately, both Ernst and fellow Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley voted in favor of reporting the bill out of committee, despite their differences with the chairman.

    Boozman argued that since the committee recessed instead of adjourned in August, it was understood they would come back to where they were at recess. “Then we could vote again without reopening the entirety of the bill. And if we did… the reality is we would have to start the whole committee to be fair. And we’re not prepared to do that,” said Boozman.

    It was clear that the path forward with the farm bill on the Senate floor will hinge on SNAP and the Democrats demand for a a two-year delay of the SNAP cost share, but Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) stressed the need for getting the bill passed. “This bill has many other bipartisan provisions, including the year-round E15 that we’re really we’ve been working on – and I’m looking at Senator Ernst, Senator Fisher, Senator Grassley, Senator Thune, Senator Moran – for so long, and a stronger farm and ranch stress assistant network. All of this shows that there’s a lot we agree on this bill and that we really can’t afford to not get this done by the end of the year,” said Klobuchar.

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) agreed. “Our farmers need certainty. And one of the things that’s included in here is E15, which is something I think a lot of us have fought long and hard for, and which is really important to a lot of producers across this country, and I would argue to help lower gas prices.”

    Among the provisions included in the Senate bill is mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef added in August as a bipartisan amendment from Sen. Thune. The language directs USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a WTO-compliant path to restore labeling, rather than immediately reinstating the pre-2015 system. However, the House version does not include MCOOL, so the provision would still have to survive conference if both chambers pass their bills.

    Listen to the committee meeting proceedings here:
    Senate ag committee farm bill vote 40:14

    Audio, Ethanol, Farm Bill

    Animal Ag News 9/16

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • It’s not too early to start getting involved in CattleCon 2027, which is returning to downtown Nashville, Tennessee, for an encore performance, Feb. 2-4, 2027, with business meetings beginning Feb. 1. Applications are being accepted for the NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®, Beef’s Got Talent, internships and scholarships. The 14th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®, is accepting entries through Oct. 15.
  • The Voice of Milk announced its 2027 Dairy Strong conference is set to take place at a new location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay. It will kick off at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame on Jan. 13, followed by a full day of programming on Jan. 14.
  • Poultry industry safety professionals gathered at the 2026 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry to explore strategies for to continue to promote safe workplaces through prevention, early intervention and greater employee engagement. Across the various discussions, one message remained consistent: effective safety programs depend on recognizing potential risks early and turning that information into meaningful action. The conference also celebrated industry achievements in workplace safety, recognizing a record 272 poultry facilities for outstanding safety performance.
  • After nearly two decades building one of the most extensive scientific foundations in animal nutrition, the United Soybean Board (USB) is launching a new advisory structure designed to accelerate the adoption of soy-based solutions across animal agriculture. The new framework transitions USB’s longstanding Animal Nutrition Working Group (ANWG) into four advisory teams representing swine, poultry, dairy and beef production.
  • The producer-led boards of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and National Pork Board (NPB) have approved an agreement to integrate SHIC into NPB by the end of 2026. For pork producers, the integration is designed to preserve SHIC’s emerging-disease capabilities while connecting them more directly to the industry’s broader swine health priorities.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has released “Our Industry, Our Promise,” its 2025–26 State of the U.S. Animal Food Industry Report, highlighting how the animal food industry continued feeding animals, supporting communities and driving innovation amid political, regulatory and global market changes.
  • Nofence, the company that pioneered virtual fencing for livestock, launches the N3 cattle collar, which is lighter, stronger and has additional features compared to its predecessors. The N3 is the foundation of a precision livestock management platform that brings containment, herd health monitoring and land management together in a single system. Producers using the N3 stay connected to their herds through cellular, satellite and HerdNet™ collar-to-collar communication networks.
  • Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is accepting entries for its 2027 New Product Competition, challenging undergraduate and graduate students across the United States to develop innovative dairy-based products for consumers seeking sustained energy.
  • The leader in intelligent nutrition announced the launch of the NOVUS® Ingredient Assessment Service (NIAS), giving poultry and swine customers a new resource to evaluate the quality of a key feed ingredient.
  • Students pursuing careers in the beef industry are encouraged to apply for the 2027 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded. The application deadline is Oct. 9, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.
  • The National Pork Producers Council is looking for the next generation of pork industry leaders. Applications are now open for the 2027 Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, which will award ten $2,500 scholarships to college students pursuing careers in the pork industry. The program is supported by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation. Applications are due Friday, December 11.
  • A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange shows U.S. milk protein production began outpacing butterfat last August, when protein values surpassed butterfat for the first time in recent years. The report notes that a more balanced composition of butterfat and protein will help keep the U.S. competitive with the world’s other leading dairy exporters in addition to supporting domestic cheesemakers.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites