Syngenta and M.S. Technologies Announce New Soybean Trait Stack

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Breaking news at Commodity Classic this week came as M.S. Technologies and Syngenta announced plans to launch a groundbreaking herbicide-tolerant soybean trait stack, with broad commercial availability expected in 2029 pending regulatory approvals. This new trait stack will be marketed by Syngenta seed brands and Stine Seed Company, as well as others.

Built on the proven foundation of the Enlist E3® soybean event, this innovative trait technology will deliver unmatched herbicide flexibility, providing farmers tolerance to more active ingredients than any soybean trait in the industry, including:
Glyphosate
Glufosinate
2,4-D choline
Multiple HPPD inhibitors

“This new technology represents the future of weed control flexibility in soybeans,” said Jared Benson, Head of Soybean Portfolio Strategy, Syngenta. “This is a platform that’s going to bring the most active ingredients, the most modes of action to the market. And it’s really about offering growers more versatility, more options, more simplicity in how they can manage weeds.”

Featuring industry-leading HPPD inhibitor tolerance, the trait technology will provide tolerance to a wide range of HPPD inhibitor chemistries such as mesotrione, isoxaflutole and bicyclopyrone.

Classic26 - Jared Benson, Syngenta (3:00)

Also at Classic, Stine Seed Company announced details regarding its plans to market Enlist E3® Expance™ soybeans.

Stine Seed Company plans to integrate Enlist E3 Expance soybean trait technology into its high-performing soybean product portfolio to deliver yield stability and herbicide flexibility for farmers across diverse growing environments.

“Farmers need more flexibility in increasingly unpredictable planting seasons,” said Myron Stine, President, Stine Seed Company. “With the added herbicide tolerance in Enlist E3 Expance soybeans, farmers can adapt more quickly to weed control challenges by expanding their herbicide strategies to include proven chemistries already widely used in corn, without sacrificing control or performance.”

Enlist E3 Expance soybeans were first announced in August 2025, with today’s introduction reinforcing the role this next-generation trait technology is expected to play in providing expanded weed management flexibility paired with strong agronomic performance.

Classic26 - Myron Stine, Stine Seed Company (2:14)

2026 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, Commodity Classic, Seed, Syngenta

Secretary Rollins Launches ‘One Farmer, One File’ at Classic

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative Thursday at the 2026 Commodity Classic, promising a single streamlined digital record that follows producers across all agency systems and slashes paperwork burdens.

Rollins described the multi-year modernization as a direct response to decades of fractured IT infrastructure — 500 custom systems managed by 1,000+ contractors at a cost exceeding $1 billion annually. Previous upgrade attempts delivered only 15% of promised improvements while blowing past $500 million budgets, she noted.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter,” Rollins told the record crowd. “One Farmer, One File eliminates redundant information gathering, reduces friction in every producer interaction, and gives farmers a single, seamless, secure experience at USDA.”

The initiative’s first live test — the $11 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program for crop growers — opened applications ahead of schedule Monday and is already running fully on the new platform. Results have been dramatic: 50 times more producers signed up online in days than the prior ECAP program saw over its entire five-month window. Online adoption jumped more than 5,000%, several billion dollars have been obligated, and many farmers reported receiving payments faster than any USDA program in history.

Rollins stressed the effort is optional. “County FSA offices remain open, paper forms and in-person acreage reporting continue unchanged, and no one is forced online,” she said.

Rollins then turned the big topic for corn farmers – E15. She credited President Trump’s day-one national energy emergency declaration and regulatory E15 waivers, while urging Congress to pass nationwide, year-round E15 legislation “with no excuse.”

She talked about EPA’s proposed record-high renewable volume obligation (RVO) rule and the 45Z tax credit extension through 2029 — plus a forthcoming regenerative feedstock rule — will reward corn, soy and sorghum growers using sustainable practices with premium pricing.

“Biofuels are a win-win for farmers and consumers,” Rollins said, noting they help moderate pump prices while building long-term certainty for American crops.The secretary said both initiatives underscore the administration’s commitment to putting farmers first. Full “One Farmer, One File” rollout across USDA is targeted for completion within two years.

Listen to Sec. Rollins’ remarks here:
Classic26 - Sec. Rollins (40:30)

2026 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, Biofuels, Commodity Classic, Ethanol, USDA

Industry Ag News 2/27

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Robert W. (Bobby) Greene, a former president and chairman of the board of the National Cotton Council, received the Oscar Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025. Louie Perry, Jr., a producer from Moultrie, Georgia, posthumously received the 2025 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award. Perry was recognized during the National Cotton Council’s 2026 annual meeting held February 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Brad Williams, a veteran Tennessee ginner and cotton industry leader, was named as the 2026 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year. The National Cotton Ginner’s Association also recognized William Lindamood as the recipient of the 2025-26 Charles C. Owen Distinguished Service Award.
  • The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) recognized three exceptional leaders during its 2026 Annual Meeting, honoring individuals whose dedication and leadership have strengthened farmer-owned cooperatives and rural communities across the country.
  • Join the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City for the March Luncheon Meeting at Grand Street Café. The group is pleased to welcome Jim Macy, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 7, which serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations. Register here.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) awarded Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Boozman (R-AR), and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA 15) with its 2025 Wheat Advocate award. The Wheat Advocate Award honors members of Congress who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to policies that strengthen the U.S. wheat industry and support America’s wheat farmers.
  • Harry H. Stine, founder of Stine Seed Company and one of agriculture’s most influential genetic innovators, has been named to the Forbes 250 Greatest Innovators list, ranking No. 34 among the nation’s most transformative business leaders.
  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized the late Richard Wilkins, of Greenwood, Delaware, with its top honor during the 2026 ASA Awards Celebration at the Commodity Classic trade show in San Antonio. The ASA Pinnacle Award is an industrywide recognition of a lifetime of work that demonstrates the highest level of contribution and leadership within the soybean family and industry.
  • Applications are now open for FarmPath, a national, multi-year program designed to make farming more accessible and achievable for aspiring and beginning farmers across the United States. The program is supported by The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and The PepsiCo Foundation whose investments reflect a shared focus on helping to strengthen the next generation of farmers and build a more resilient food system.
  • The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) announced that Gunnar Griggs-Bell has joined the organization as Manager of Government Relations. In this role, he will support the development and execution of strategic advocacy initiatives on behalf of CRA.
  • The 2026 World Ag Expo gathered attendees and exhibitors from around the world in Tulare, California, for the world’s largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition. Over 100,000 attendees joined the 2026 World Ag Expo, with a slight increase in attendance from last year. Visitors represented all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 53 countries.
  • The Charleston Orwig Collective, comprised of Milwaukee-based full-service agencies C.O.nxt and Jigsaw, has expanded its public relations and social media capabilities with the addition of Lauren Neuman and Andy Parmann. The new hires strengthen The Collective’s ability to serve clients across digital and traditional communications. Andy Parmann joins The Collective as Senior Social Media Manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in social strategy, content development and brand storytelling. Lauren Neuman brings 15 years of experience in media relations, strategic planning, issues management and community relations to her role as Associate Director of Public Relations.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Wyant Honored with Fellowship

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Agri-Pulse Founder and CEO Sara Wyant has been named The McAllister Top Management Fellow by the Software Information Industry Association (SIIA) and will spend three days talking to students and faculty at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism this fall.

    “For more than 40 years, The McAllister Top Management Fellow has imparted B2B journalism and information services wisdom to students at Medill/Northwestern,” said Abe Peck, director of business-to-business communications and professor emeritus in service in the Medill School.

    He noted that Wyant is an award-winning agricultural journalist, entrepreneur and founder of Agri-Pulse Communications Inc., a unique digital media firm she launched in 2004 to focus on farm, food and rural policy issues.

    The honor was announced during the recent Business Information and Media Summit in New Orleans.

    The fellowship is endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Donald McAllister, Jr., and Ms. Liane McAllister Romaine, in honor of the late Donald McAllister, Sr., who was active in specialized business media for more 70 years.

    Agri-Pulse

    RFA CEO Calls for Unleashing U.S. Ethanol

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In a rousing address at the 2026 National Ethanol Conference this morning, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper drew parallels between the ethanol industry’s untapped potential and the inspiring underdog story of college football quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Cooper likened the sector to the overlooked athlete who, given the chance, achieved extraordinary success – a metaphor for ethanol’s readiness to “be let off the leash” amid regulatory hurdles.

    Reflecting on 2025 achievements, Cooper highlighted record-breaking production of 16.4 billion gallons of ethanol, up 200 million from the prior year. The industry also produced 35 million metric tons of high-protein animal feed and 4.7 billion pounds of distillers corn oil, supporting 13 billion pounds of red meat and 575 million gallons of bio-based diesel. Carbon capture reached a new high of 3.3 million tons, with growing sequestration efforts. Demand surged, with domestic consumption at 14.3 billion gallons – the highest in six years – and an average gasoline inclusion rate of 10.5%. Exports hit a record 2.2 billion gallons, shipped to over 80 countries, representing one in eight gallons produced.

    “We saw glimpses of our industry’s potential last year, and 2025 was another good year for the U.S. ethanol industry,” Cooper said. “But we could have done so much more, if simply given the opportunity. More to lower fuel prices for consumers. More to reduce reliance on imported petroleum. More to clean up the air and reduce emissions. And more to create jobs and boost the farm economy.”

    That opportunity, RFA emphasized, begins with eliminating outdated federal regulations that restrict E15 sales during the summer driving season. Despite bipartisan support and a broad coalition agreement that included the American Petroleum Institute, legislative efforts to secure permanent, nationwide year-round E15 sales narrowly failed in late 2024 and again in early 2026. And instead of adopting year-round E15, the House formed the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council” to continue working on the issue.

    House lawmakers serving on the council had pledged legislative action on year-round E15 by today, but as of this morning, no bill had been introduced. Cooper called on members of Congress to act swiftly, stressing that year-round E15 would lower fuel costs, strengthen U.S. energy security, and provide critical economic relief to farmers and working families. Cooper noted that a small handful of mid-sized refining companies is holding up progress on E15 and reform of the RFS program’s small refinery exemption (SRE) program. He said lawmakers are finding out “that there is simply no way to appease mid-sized refiners who continue to game the RFS system with SREs. Those refiners either want to maintain the status quo, or they want to blow up the RFS entirely—neither of those options is acceptable to the majority of liquid fuel and agriculture stakeholders.”

    “Our message to the Council—and to every member of Congress—is clear: Year-round, nationwide E15 is an urgent priority for America’s farmers, energy sector, and working families—and it can’t wait any longer. Unleash E15! Let’s get it done,” Cooper said.

    He encouraged all members of the RFA and the ethanol industry in general to contact their members of Congress and urge them to pass E15 legislation.

    Read Cooper’s remarks here and listen to the entire address below:
    NEC26 State of the Industry (37:37)

    2026 National Ethanol Conference photo album

    Audio, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

    Precision Ag News 2/23

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • New professional training through Kansas State University Salina — the premier drone educator in the region — will help agricultural producers learn how to use drone protect plants, manage weeds and pests and boost yields. The campus is providing two options — March 9-10 or May 28-29 — for the two-day training.
  • Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc. is excited to introduce a brand-new lineup of its Seed Runner bulk tank seed tender for 2027. The new 4960, 3960, 3760 and 2760 models boast hopper capacities of 500, 400, 375 and 275 seed units and bring operational efficiency to the next level with the innovative CAN bus communication system, electronically carbureted Honda engine and redesigned hydraulic system.
  • From the trade show floor at the National Farm Machinery Show, Kubota Tractor Corporation introduced two all-new, high-capacity small square balers with the SSB Series, composed of the new SSB2014 and SSB2012 models. These innovative balers represent a significant advancement in commercial hay production, engineered to help producers maximize efficiency and quality while reducing labor requirements and field time.
  • American Seed Trade Association announces the hire of Collin Cisco and Benjamin Rietmann, as well as the promotion of Drs. Sam Crowell and Martha Malapi. Cisco will serve as Director, State Government Affairs and Rietmann will serve as Director, International Programs and Policy. Crowell has been promoted to Vice President for Science, Trade, and Global Affairs. Malapi has been promoted to Senior Director, Seed Health and Trade.
  • Syngenta announced that its X-Terra® hybrid wheat has received registration approval for use in France. This marks the launch of efforts to introduce the innovation across markets in Europe, including U.K, France and Germany. SY Sphynx and SY Xanthis will be the first X-Terra® hybrid wheat products to be available for the 2026 sowing season in France.
  • Syngenta and Botanical Solution Inc. have expanded their exclusive agreement to bring Quillibrium®, a botanical‑based biofungicide derived from Quillaja saponaria using BSI’s proprietary plant tissue culture platform, to more growers across the Americas, starting with Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
    Since 2021, Syngenta and BSI have worked together with growers in Peru and Chile to protect grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, and other crops from diseases such as Botrytis, Sour Rot, Powdery Mildew, and Alternaria alternata with remarkable results in terms of higher yields and better quality. The sustainable technology behind Quillibrium® delivers consistent, high‑quality extracts without the need to harvest protected trees, thus preserving biodiversity while ensuring a reliable supply.
  • AgVenture brand seed is proud to announce the winners of the company’s inaugural Gold Club Yield Contest. With the 2025 growing season bringing both high production and, at times, challenging growing conditions, AgVenture growers delivered exceptional yields.
  • As vegetable growers face increasing uncertainty from shifting market conditions, economic pressures and variable growing conditions, Seminis® today announced the launch of its new Seasoned Vegetables Campaign, a celebration of the field-proven varieties that have delivered consistent, reliable performance for growers over time. At the heart of the campaign is recognition of the growers who have built businesses and market reputations on these dependable varieties that have continued to experience exceptional yield potential, quality and harvestability for more than 8 to 10+ years in commercial production.
  • BW Fusion released BW Defend™, a new lineup of biocontrol products that expands the company’s portfolio into EPA-registered bioinsecticide and biofungicide solutions. The new product supports integrated pest management and delivers season-long plant defense through early plant colonization.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 2/20

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 (the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026). The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.
  • The Meat Institute said the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed rules changes concerning pork and poultry processing rates will increase production and innovation, helping to ease prices for consumers and benefitting livestock and poultry producers.
  • The Meat Institute published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to humane animal handling, employee safety, and continuous improvement. For the new Animal Handling Guidelines, Audit forms and additional resources, go here.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has opened applications for summer 2026 semester internships in the association’s Colorado headquarters and Washington, D.C. office. Internships are available for public policy and meetings and events.
  • The 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo will take place March 27-29 in downtown Fort Worth and is open to all ranchers, landowners, farmers and wildlife managers. ESPN reporter Marty Smith will headline the event, joined by industry leaders discussing market trends, policy updates and innovations in agriculture. For more information and to register, visit cattleraisersconvention.com.
  • Certified Angus Beef (CAB) will award over $100,000 to college students pursuing careers in food and agriculture from the Colvin Scholarship Fund. Applications span three degree tracks and are open through April 1.
  • The Poultry Industry Food Safety Council (PIFSCo), a new collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing food safety practices across the poultry industry, has officially launched. Representing the breeder, broiler, duck, layer and turkey sectors, PIFSCo works to identify research priorities, share practical solutions and promote continuous improvement in food safety practices. The organization’s launch coincides with the debut of its new website, PIFSCo.org, which will serve as the central hub for resources and program updates.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) had a successful 2026 expo with the largest trade show floor in its history covering 662,214 square feet of exhibit space with 1,375 exhibitors. Recognized as the world’s largest annual event for the animal food, meat, poultry and egg industries, IPPE also ranks among the 25 largest trade shows in the United States.
  • Five poultry farms were honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association during the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award held at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. Presented each year, the award recognizes family farmers in poultry and egg production who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Mike Levengood, vice president, chief animal care officer and farmer relationship advocate for Perdue Farms, was named USPOULTRY’s Workhorse of the Year during the USPOULTRYs Chair’s Reception at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. The poultry industry’s most prestigious honor is awarded annually in recognition of dedicated service and valuable leadership given to the Association and the poultry industry.
  • Kailey Kulhanek, Texas A&M University, was awarded the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. This scholarship pays tribute to Frank Perdue’s commitment to guiding young individuals pursuing careers in the poultry industry. Perdue was a dedicated supporter of the College Student Career Program, enthusiastically participating in student interviews for many years. Maggie Love, North Carolina State University (NC State), was recognized in second place and Melissa Babinecz, University of Florida, was recognized in third place.
  • Karen McCarty of Agropur was recognized with the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 2026 Food Safety Leadership Award during International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum. The award, now in its tenth year, honors an individual, group or organization for demonstrating outstanding leadership directed at enhancing food safety within the dairy products industry. Also at the forum, Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms, LLC of Townville, Pa. was recognized as the 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, an award presented each year by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Andrew Jerome has been named senior vice president of strategic communications. He will also assume the role of executive director of the IDFA Foundation, effective March 16, succeeding Matt Herrick. Jerome will report to Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, and serve on the association’s executive leadership team.
  • A joint research project by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) presented new findings on the genetic basis of lameness in dairy cows at the 2025 World Dairy Expo. The results confirm that lameness is not just a management challenge – it is also heritable to a meaningful degree, indicating that targeted breeding strategies could reduce it over time.
  • Dairy farmers represented by the National Milk Producers Federation thanked USDA and Sec. Brooke Rollins for taking steps to boost low milk prices and expand dairy consumption through significant Section 32 purchases of a balanced, effectively targeted mix of dairy products, including the first major butter purchases in five years.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) celebrated the signing of a new U.S.–Indonesia trade agreement that would provide key market access expansions and protections for American dairy products.
  • The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.51 billion in dairy products in 2025, nearing the record high of $9.54 billion set in 2022 and marking a significant 15 percent increase over 2024, according to calendar year 2025 data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The milestone underscores strong global demand for high-quality U.S. dairy products and reflects the industry’s success in expanding and diversifying export markets worldwide.
  • The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, announced that Elise Fennig has been named president and chief executive officer, effective March 16, 2026. Fennig succeeds Dana Brooks, who has served as PFI’s president and CEO since 2018.
  • In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will gain duty-free access to Taiwan under a new trade agreement. The agreement removes both tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.
  • The national shortage of rural, food systems veterinarians continues to threaten U.S. food security, public health, and economic growth, but Farm Journal Foundation’s work over the past four years shows that progress can be made through coordinated efforts across government, industry, and academic sectors.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    U.S. Beef Export Picture Changing

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In an interview from the recent 2026 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), provided an optimistic outlook on U.S. beef exports despite recent hurdles.

    Halstrom reports that exports declined by 18-19% in volume last year, largely due to ongoing issues with China. Excluding China, the drop was minimal at 2-3%, underscoring robust performance in other regions. Halstrom highlighted record-breaking demand worldwide, emphasizing a shift toward premium U.S. beef. For instance, Central American markets like Guatemala and Panama have evolved from opportunistic buyers of lower-grade cuts to consistent purchasers of choice and higher-quality products, even amid record-high prices exceeding $370 per choice cutout.

    Looking ahead, Halstrom sees significant growth through new trade frameworks such as Indonesia. “Our estimate is if you got rid of all the non-tariff trade barriers, you’d be looking at $200 million a year just for Indonesia. It’s a huge market with a lot of spending power,” said Halstrom. In addition, the UK’s 13,000-ton duty-free quota now being allocated could add $100-150 million. “So there’s a lot of these smaller regions of the world where framework agreements have been talked about with the Trump administration…And that could be really powerful.

    Halstrom stressed that future exports will tie closely to U.S. production levels, but demand remains unwavering amid a global beef shortage. He noted the economic edge: U.S. exports high-value cuts while importing lean grinding beef, yielding over $1.15 per pound in value differential. With a growing global middle class craving quality protein, Halstrom views 2026 as a pivotal year for expansion, calling it “new land we’re plowing.”

    Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Exports, Meat

    DWFI Podcast 50 – Nebraska Master Irrigator

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    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 producers in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. The podcast discussion focuses on how this program helps farmers grow more with less, maximize existing farm investments, improve margins, and ultimately strengthen the long-term future of Nebraska’s soil and water resources.

    DWFI podcast episode 50 18:48

    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:

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Irrigation, Water for Food

    Ag Economic Update at CIRB Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    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 and improved crop insurance programs. “Ag is in a cash flow bind right now,” Wiesemeyer said. “That means a load of relatively low prices versus still high input prices… I haven’t seen it this bad, if you will, since the 1980s. It’s not as bad as the 1980s. We have much lower interest rates now. And we have a far better crop insurance, revenue assurance program.”

    To bridge the gap, Wiesemeyer pointed to recent government aid efforts. The Trump administration’s initial $12 billion farmer assistance program for row crops is set for payout by February 28, with potential for an additional $15 billion package from Congress in the coming months. However, he stressed the urgency for farmers to reduce debt amid consecutive years of depressed prices.The lack of a comprehensive farm bill exacerbates these challenges.

    Wiesemeyer discussed House Ag Committee Chairman GT Thompson’s push for “Farm Bill 2.0” – dubbed the “Skinny Farm Bill” by some – targeting Title I provisions left out of prior legislation. Markup is eyed for the week of February 23, but passage hinges on bipartisan support, particularly from Democrats like Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), who is eyeing a Senate run. “It depends on one person, Representative Angie Craig,” Wiesemeyer explained. “Does she want a bill… or does she want an issue to campaign on?”

    Despite the gloom, Wiesemeyer remains optimistic, citing boosts from domestic utilization like year-round E15 ethanol, the 45Z sustainable aviation fuel program, and potential economic growth. He urged farmers to embrace volatility as a trading opportunity and learn from Brazil’s ag prowess by focusing on value-added products. With elections looming, he warned that political shifts could influence stability, but aid and policy tweaks could temper negatives by harvest time.

    Jim Wiesemeyer, Informa Economics (18:29)

    2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance