Industry Ag News 4/4

Carrie Muehling

  • Producers surveyed across the United States intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2025, up five percent from last year, according to the Prospective Plantings report released by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Planted acreage intentions for corn are up or unchanged in 40 of the 48 estimating states. Acreage increases of 400,000 acres or more from last year are expected in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. If realized, the planted area of corn in Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota will be the largest on record. Soybean growers intend to plant 83.5 million acres in 2025, down four percent from last year. Acreage decreases from last year of 300,000 or more are expected in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Record high acreage is expected in New York and Ohio.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025 and accepting applications for four export market development programs. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has opened funding opportunities for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP) that will help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell their goods internationally. This action follows U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ Friday announcement detailing six international trade trips in the next six months to promote U.S. agricultural exports. The Secretary will visit Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation is proud to announce that CEO Thomas Vilsack will now also serve as Chair of the Council of Advisors, replacing Paul E. Schickler who has led both the Foundation’s Board of Directors and its Council of Advisors with dedication and vision. Ambassador Terry Branstad, former Foundation President and Iowa Governor, will transition to a member of the Board of Directors.
  • Every journalist has a story they’re proud of; that one article, photo, or broadcast that truly made an impact. Now, it’s time to share it with the world. The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Star Prize 2025 is your chance to have your work recognized among the best agricultural journalism worldwide. Whether you bring stories to life through words, images, or sound, this competition celebrates the passion, skill, and dedication that drive our industry. Deadline: June 15, 2025 – No late or incomplete entries will be accepted!
  • Looking for a fantastic opportunity to be right at the heart of communication? Join Cooperative Communicators Association at the 2025 CCA Institute for COMMUNICATIONS AT ITS PEAK held June 1-3, 2025, in Colorado Springs. The CCA Institute is a great platform for networking, learning and engaging with experts in the field.
  • The Livestock Publications Council has officially launched a refreshed logo and updated style guide. This update reflects LPC’s commitment to staying modern, authentic and attractive to current members and those they hope to recruit.
  • The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) announces a completely upgraded and redesigned website (nafb.com) to deliver the compelling story of ag radio and the association that serves members and the agriculture industry. Added features and a more modern navigation also provide members with an enhanced user experience and easier access to professional development tools and other resources.
  • As conversations around seed oils grow, U.S. soybean farmers can feel confident that their investment in the edible oils market is backed by strong, peer-reviewed science. Research continues to reaffirm the health benefits of seed oils, particularly soybean oil, emphasizing its value in the food industry and strengthening consumer trust in U.S. Soy. This Soy Foods Month, the United Soybean Board is highlighting the essential role of soybean oil in American diets. This product continues to benefit consumer health and drive profitability for U.S. farmers.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced that its CEO, Chandler Goule, will be stepping down from his position in July 2025.
  • Lesly Weber McNitt, a longtime leader in Washington agricultural and policy circles, started this week as vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
  • Registration is now open for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference July 23-25, 2025 at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. View the conference schedule and register here.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $764,189 in research project funding for the 2025-26 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 40 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Kennesaw State University, North Carolina State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
  • Zimfo Bytes