The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new online portal to streamline reporting of transactions involving U.S. agricultural land by foreign persons, which can include businesses and governments, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The new online portal is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and protect American farmland as USDA continues its implementation of the National Farm Security Action Plan.
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still high historically, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” said Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate operations at Farmers National Company. “This isn’t a sign of collapse but a recalibration that reflects current commodity prices, input costs and regional production conditions.”
Donald Chase, peanut farmer from Oglethorpe, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission during the January monthly board meeting. This is Chase’s first term serving as chairman. He previously served as vice chairman and succeeds Joe Boddiford of Sylvania, Georgia.
The American Soybean Association released a statement warning of threats to the integrity of longstanding U.S. biofuel policies following the House of Representatives’ establishment of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. The Council was developed to identify solutions to policy disputes preventing the passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, legislation to provide for the sale of year-round E15 fuel blends. However, the establishment resolution directs the Council to review a broad range of policies, including critical biofuel programs that support domestic markets for U.S. soybeans.
Syngenta and Statkraft, a leading provider of innovative green energy solutions in Europe, have signed a virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) covering Syngenta’s CP & Seeds operations for a period of five years. The volume amounts to 125 GWh per year and a total of 625 GWh of green electricity by the end of the contract in 2030.
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) will be gathering April 27-29, in Washington, D.C., for this year’s Washington Watch event. Additional information on registration and hotel reservations will be sent to members via email in February.
TalkingTractors.com announced the launch of its Nationwide Heritage Tractor Tribute, a hands-on, grassroots initiative honoring American agriculture while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The nationwide effort invites individuals, families, schools, youth organizations, businesses, and communities in all 50 states to design and decorate small wooden tractors representing their state’s agricultural heritage and role in the American story.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.
The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the BASF Wheat scholarships for 2026. Two exceptional college students pursuing careers in agriculture will be awarded $2500 this semester thanks to our partner, BASF. NWF selected Jacob Bingaman, who is attending Oregon State University and pursuing a degree in Ag and Food Business Management. Paul McCalister from Abernathy, Texas was also selected to receive a scholarship. Paul is attending West Texas A&M University and studying Ag Business.
America’s Cultivation Corridor announced its new slate of board officers for the 2026-27 leadership term. Todd Frazier, Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Corteva, will serve as the chair of the board of directors. Tom Mangan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sukup Manufacturing Co., will serve as vice-chair.
