The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that registration is now open for the 102nd Agricultural Outlook Forum. The event will be held at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on Feb. 19-20, 2026, and all Forum sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden unveiled the Lender Lens on the Rural Data Gateway. This dashboard will make Rural Development’s entire commercial guaranteed loan portfolio available to the public, guaranteed borrowers and commercial lending stakeholders. Lender Lens will give communities a clear view into where federal investments are being made by introducing a series of intuitive data visualizations that allow users to monitor performance, spot trends and proactively manage their Rural Development loan guarantee portfolio. The dashboard showcases key metrics, including total loan volume, average loan size, loan distribution by sector, geographic spread, and delinquency rates, allowing an at-a-glance look at activity nationwide. Data is refreshed monthly and can easily be downloaded down to the individual loan, giving users timely, flexible access to the information they need.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is pleased to announce that Anthony Peña has been promoted to Vice President of Policy and Communications. Anthony joined the NAWG team in March 2025 as Policy Manager, where he has played a key role in advancing the association’s policy priorities and strengthening engagement on behalf of U.S. wheat farmers. In his new role, Anthony will lead NAWG’s policy and communications strategy as the organization continues to advocate for a brighter future for wheat farmers and rural America.
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) is pleased to announce the appointment of agriculture industry veteran Cindy Cunningham as the organization’s Industry Engagement Director. She joined NAFB on Monday, Jan. 19.
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Convention adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2026. Delegates adopted policy to improve labor programs to meet the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers, including formalizing support for the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology, and further revisions to avoid unpredictable rate swings in the future. They voted to support federal funding for research and biosecurity facilities to better identify and combat illnesses and pests that threaten the health of crops and animals. New policy also includes committing more resources specifically to eradicate the New World screwworm, and keeping the U.S.-Mexico border closed to cattle trade until the screwworm is controlled. Delegates revised national farm policy to provide more protection for dairy farmers who may suffer losses due to market challenges. Delegates also formalized support for prioritizing locally grown fruits, vegetables, bread, and proteins in institutional purchases such as schools and government facilities. Voting members also requested that the board of directors analyze several agricultural issues, including the impact of tariffs and the lack of affordable insurance options for poultry farmers.
Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress. The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.” Read the letter here.
The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) has changed the organization’s name to the United States Identity Preserved Alliance, reflecting the brand’s proactive leadership in advancing the U.S. Identity Preserved value chain and strengthening premium U.S. agriculture’s global reputation for quality, traceability and food safety.
Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Roeslein Renewables will serve as the Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 Ag & Food Policy Summit. The event will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on March 23. The theme this year is: “Profit, Policy, and Possibility: Mapping the Future of Market Expansion for U.S. Agriculture.” Keynote speakers and panel discussions will cover everything from new value-added products, renewable fuels, the power of protein, artificial intelligence, and more. Register and find more information here.
More than 1,800 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 49th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. The Georgia Peanut Commission inducted its eighth recipient into the Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame by honoring Don Koehler, senior executive director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
Jay Funke, Past Chairman of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) and co-owner of Del-Clay Farm Equipment, testified before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sharing firsthand insight into the challenges facing agricultural businesses, equipment dealers, and rural communities.
