Precision Ag News 2/13

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Biotalys and 21st.BIO, a leading Danish precision fermentation technology company, have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the production of Biotalys’ protein-based biocontrol solutions. This collaboration will leverage 21st.BIO’s proprietary fermentation platform to support the production of Biotalys’ AGROBODY agricultural biocontrol products at commercially competitive costs.
  • Woods Equipment is proud to announce the celebration of its 80th anniversary, a milestone that speaks to the company’s legacy, resilience and commitment to delivering quality across generations. Since its founding in 1946 by brothers Leonard, Keith and Mervel Wood, Woods has grown from a small Oregon, Illinois-based workshop into a leading manufacturer of agricultural and grounds maintenance equipment trusted worldwide. The brand’s industry-changing innovations have included the first tractor-mounted rotary cutters, finish mowers and other attachments that help farmers, contractors and landowners work smarter and more efficiently.
  • The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation hosted the 2026 NASDA Next Generation program at the 2026 NASDA Winter Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Feb. 1-4., 2026. This program brings together college and high school student leaders from across the country for an immersive agricultural policy and professional development experience.
  • Verity Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc., and Bushel announced an integration that will connect Bushel’s on-farm data with Verity’s sustainability modeling and compliance platform. This integration supports the traceability and documentation of agricultural production practices that can influence carbon intensity outcomes and increase credit value under Section 45Z. It also helps position the agricultural supply chain for evolving carbon programs and market-based opportunities for traceable grain.
  • The National Cotton Council (NCC) and the American Soybean Association are pleased with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of a dicamba label that allows continued use of this important crop protection product. The organizations called it an important step in preserving access to a critical weed management tool for farmers.
  • Mark Ripato, former President of Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness and a respected name in American agriculture, has invested in Emergent and agreed to publicly champion the company’s Rip Platform™ – farm automation infrastructure he believes is critical for agriculture’s future and that he is deploying on his own Kentucky cow-calf operation.
  • After years of plot tests and full-field, on-farm research, Planet Earth Agronomy officially launched Satchur8™. With its origin in human healthcare, the product is poised to help farmers make the most of every drop of chemistry they apply.
  • CIBO Technologies, the leading independent data and analytics platform for agriculture, announced a strategic collaboration with Nutrien, a leading global provider of crop inputs and services. Through this collaboration, CIBO will provide essential measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) services to Nutrien’s sustainable agriculture programs across the Midwest, helping expand farmer access to both private and public incentives while supporting credible, scalable outcomes.
  • John Deere announced the introduction of the G5e Universal and CommandCenter™ displays designed to offer a scalable entry point into the John Deere Precision Ag ecosystem, tailored for farmers and ranchers, those newer to precision ag technology, and operations with mixed fleets. The new G5e displays bring customers an easy-to-use and affordable solution, allowing them access to John Deere’s technology portfolio at an approachable entry point. Unlocking wireless connectivity; ISOBUS certification; and compatibility with tractors, implements and utility vehicles, the G5e provides farmers with an easier opportunity to benefit from documentation, guidance and section control.
  • DTN, a global data and technology company and the trusted source for actionable ag intelligence, announced the launch of DTN Ag Hub, the data-driven solution for agribusinesses to make smarter buying and selling decisions, while effectively engaging farmers. The platform enables agribusinesses, grain buyers, and ag retailers to reduce reliance on fragmented systems and manual workflows while connecting market intelligence across grain origination and agribusiness sales.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    CIRB Wraps 62nd Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The 62nd annual meeting of the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) wrapped up last week in Indian Wells, California and concluded Lindsay Rinkenberger’s term as chair of the organization.

    Rinkenberger, who is director of Commercial Agribusiness Underwriting at Country Financial, says they did make some changes in the program this year. “So we did change up the speakers, the AI speaker was a new addition. We did bring back Matthew Reardon, who was the meteorologist and that was by popular demand. We can’t not recognize the weather in our industry because that’s truly what drives the losses for the most part from a crop insurance perspective.”

    Lindsey Rinkenberger, Country Financial (4:35)

    Reardon told CIRB members that the big story weather-wise right now is transition from La Nina. “We’re looking at cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. The expectation right now is we’re probably going to transition at some point, at least a 60% chance from the Climate Prediction Center into an El Nino. We typically prefer El Nino in North America because we get better rains over our most productive growing regions. It tends to reduce drought pressure,” said Reardon. “I’m keeping an eye on that transition to El Nino, where we’re going in the Northeast Pacific. And those will probably end up deciding where that drought pressure ends up this year.”

    Matthew Reardon, Nutrien Ag Solutions (4:35)

    2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Agribusiness, Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance, Weather

    ZimmCast 756 – AI in Agriculture

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

    The beginning of February was a very busy time. Although Cindy and I are not traveling to conferences and shows for work we’ve had some great talent on site while we gather their photos and interviews to create virtual newsrooms. These were 2026 CattleCon (Steven Orr, Paramount Broadcasting (All Ag All Day) and the 2026 CIRB Annual Meeting (Laura McNamara). You can find these virtual ag newsrooms on AgNewsWire.com. These posts are available to all ag media who want or need an image or an interview. There is more to come.

    Willie VogtWe’re using photos and interviews and other audio as individual posts on AgWired.com. If you subscribe or just search you can find plenty of information online too.

    So, let’s turn to the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau for an interview on AI in Agriculture. Laura interviewed Willie Vogt, Ag Technology Observer (and good friend), about his topic and presentation.

    Speaking about AI, there is a lot of information showing how fast AI is developing and what it may change how communications and marketing are managed. These includes agriculture and all industries. I’ve spent most of my career learning and using the latest gadgets and internet based programs. After over 40 years I don’t know how much I will need to know for AI. How about you?

    Listen to the episode here:
    ZimmCast 756 - AI in Agriculture (19:51)

    That’s the ZimmCast for now. If you have some exciting news in the agrimarketing world, feel free to contact me for the next episode. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

    We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Ag Groups, AI, Audio, Insurance, ZimmCast

    Animal Ag News 2/10

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • At Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.
  • Ten students pursuing careers in the beef industry were awarded $1,500 scholarships by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and recognized during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. The CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship program recognizes talented and thoughtful students emerging as industry leaders.
  • The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, shared expert market and weather analysis. Despite near-term volatility, the long-term outlook remains positive. Strong domestic demand, improving beef quality, and sufficient packing capacity are expected to continue supporting profitability for the cow-calf sector as the industry moves into the next phase of the cattle cycle.
  • B&R Poultry in Barclay, Md., was one of five farms across the United States to receive the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. USPOULTRY sponsors the annual awards to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
  • USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation recognized Dr. Nikki Shariat as the recipient of the annual Dr. Charles Beard Research Excellence Award. Dr. Shariat is an associate professor in the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia (UGA). The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Beard, former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and former vice president of research at USPOULTRY.
  • Zoetis Inc. announced the launch of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) genetic predictions in INHERIT® Select for commercial cow-calf operations and as an upgrade to its INHERIT Connect test for seedstock. This marks the first time that cattle producers can select replacement females and evaluate sires based on genetic predictions for BRD health and survival.
  • Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the use of IVOMEC (ivermectin) 1% Injection for the prevention of infestations caused by New World screwworm (NWS) in cattle.
  • The checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy announced new board officers and members of the organization’s executive committee, elected at its first meeting of the new year. The executive committee helps guide the board by advising on priorities and shaping the issues brought forward for full board consideration. Dairy Farmers of America President and CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh will remain chair of the board of directors, which includes leadership from across the dairy value chain.
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) are proud to announce the Class of 2026 for the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI), a premier program designed to equip pork producers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead the industry forward. This year, 19 exceptional individuals from across the country have been selected to join the program, representing a diverse group of leaders ready to drive innovation, advocacy, and progress within the pork sector.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized the extraordinary leadership of David Ahlem, board advisor and former CEO and president of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, co-founder & CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, chairman & CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, and founder of fairlife, with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its seventh year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to leaders in the dairy industry who have made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperative monitoring of grazing allotments on National Forest System lands. The MOU will help public lands ranchers and local BLM officials cooperate to collect and analyze data on rangeland health to ensure higher quality management of federal rangeland.
  • At the 2026 Winter Policy Conference, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members encouraged USDA to develop an additional pathway for products from state-inspected meat and poultry processing facilities to be sold across state lines. The policy amendment members passed states that NASDA supports the modification of existing or addition of a new USDA Food Safety Inspection Service program allowing meat and poultry products processed at state-inspected facilities to enter interstate commerce, provided that the inspection services are ‘at least equal to’ USDA requirements.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    CattleFax Outlook from CattleCon

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The CattleFax Outlook Seminar is always a popular event at CattleCon and it was packed as usual last week in Nashville.

    CEO Randy Blach told cattle producers they should be proud of the current state of the beef industry.

    “This is my 45th year at CattleFax, so I’ve seen some of those ugly, ugly days back in the 80s and early 90s where beef demand was cut in half between 1980 and 1998, we wondered how are we ever going to get out of this mess. And to see the complete opposite of that today, with demand at a 40-year high, 17 straight years of continued growth in beef demand, prices, more importantly, profitability at record high levels, and again, my main message to producers, we shouldn’t have to apologize for this and don’t apologize for this because this has taken a ton of hard work, sweat for the industry,” said Blach.
    Randy Blach Presentation (14:20)
    Interview with Randy Blach (10:47)

    CattleFax chief operating officer Mike Murphy says they expect strong demand and tight supplies this year.

    “The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs. Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market; however, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase,” said Murphy.
    Mike Murphy Presentation (20:52)

    Matt Makens, CattleFax atmospheric scientist, sees a transition phase in the weather most likely through spring and early summer.

    A fast forming El Niño could deepen drought in corn growing regions while increasing precipitation in the West, whereas slower development may support more balanced moisture. By fall, El Niño becomes increasingly likely, though global climate factors could still alter its typical impacts. “El Niño isn’t a guarantee of rain for everyone,” Makens said. “Other global patterns can amplify or mute its influence, so close monitoring remains essential.”
    Matt Makens presentation (20:04)

    Shifting the discussion to an outlook on the economy, energy and feed grains, Troy Bockelmann, CattleFax director of protein and grain analysis, noted that inflation continued to moderate in 2025, ending the year at 2.7% CPI growth and spending most of the year below 3%, the lowest since 2020-2021. With inflation relatively low, the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in 2025, finishing the year with the Prime Rate just below 7%, which is still relatively high relative to the 3% level seen from 2009 to 2021.
    Troy Bockelmann Presentation (16:30)

    Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, reported the U.S. beef cow herd decreased 280,000, while dairy cow inventories increased by 190,000 head.
    Kevin Good Presentation (23:18)

    In summary, CattleFax forecasts a positive long-term outlook for the beef industry with strong domestic demand, improving beef quality, and sufficient packing capacity expected to continue supporting profitability for the cow-calf sector as the industry moves into the next phase of the cattle cycle.

    AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

    Industry Ag News 2/10

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg announced USDA intends to enter into an agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver up to $452 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025 Food for Peace assistance. The funding will help U.S. producers move American-grown food to people in need around the world, sending nearly 211,000 tons of U.S. agricultural goods to people in need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and Rwanda.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced the launch of its official podcast, hosted by Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack, creating a new global platform for meaningful dialogue at the intersection of food, science and human progress. Released twice monthly, The World Food Prize Podcast: Dialogue that Feeds The World will go beyond the surface and feature in-depth conversations with leaders from across the global food system, uncovering the stories, breakthroughs and lived experiences driving solutions to hunger, nutrition and sustainable agriculture—amplifying the voices working every day to ensure food security for all.
  • The U.S. Senate passed a resolution celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.
  • The shortage of a skilled and reliable workforce is the single greatest threat to agriculture. That was the message American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall delivered to leaders of Congress, describing the challenges facing more than 5 million Farm Bureau members across the country. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, President Duvall said a lack of workers will ultimately affect the availability of healthy food.
  • Forty farm and agricultural groups, and growing, launched the Agricultural Coalition for the United-States-Mexico-Canda Agreement, underscoring the accord’s vital role as an economic engine for the U.S. farm economy and calling for its renewal with targeted improvements. As part of the launch, the group unveiled a new website and kicked off an aggressive ad campaign in the nation’s capital, all of which is designed to promote the benefits afforded to the U.S. food and agriculture sector under the USMCA as the administration approaches the 2026 mandatory review.
  • National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed new guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarifying that the Clean Air Act (CAA) supports farmers’ right to repair their own equipment and cannot be used by equipment manufacturers to block their access to independent repair. The EPA’s statement is a step forward for family farmers and ranchers who have long pushed back against repair restrictions that limit competition and drive up costs.
  • The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) applauded Congress for passing the fiscal year funding package that includes an extension of the authorization for the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) through Sept. 30, 2026, providing critical continuity for the federal grain inspection and weighing system.
  • National Association of State Department of Agriculture’s members-led Board of Directors chose five issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2026. They include agricultural labor reform, animal disease preparedness and traceability, the farm bill, pesticide regulations, and regional food procurement and distribution. NASDA President, Commissioner Amanda Beal, remarked on the impact NASDA will have for farmers and communities with these priorities.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) elected Jamie Kress as President during their 2026 Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Jamie and her husband Cory own and operate an 8,500-acre dryland farm in the Rockland Valley of eastern Idaho. Their farm is comprised primarily of winter and spring wheat, along with a variety of rotational crops including: canola, safflower, mustard, dry peas, and chickpeas. Kress most recently served as president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association—the first woman to hold that role—and has held multiple leadership positions within NAWG, including service on the Board of Directors, the Budget Committee, and as chair of the Domestic & Trade Policy Committee.
  • During its first quarter meeting, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Board of Directors elected its 2026 officers who also comprise the organization’s Executive Committee. Those elected to serve as officers in new Executive Committee positions in 2026 are: Troy Knecht, President; Chris Studer, Vice President; and Dave Sovereign – Chairman of Golden Grain Energy’s Board.
  • A bipartisan group of former leaders of America’s major agricultural commodity associations and biofuels organizations, farmer leaders, and former senior USDA officials, have issued a stark warning to Congress about the deteriorating state of the farm economy, calling current conditions a potential “widespread collapse of American agriculture.” In a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership, twenty-seven former agricultural executives and officials with decades of experience detailed how current Administration policies have harmed the farm economy and the need to take substantial action. Read the letter.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Meet CIRB’s Newest Leadership Development Class

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    CIRB’s 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program Class

    The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) has 14 industry professionals in its 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP), formerly called the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The program is designed to build the next generation of crop insurance and reinsurance leaders and provide new leadership opportunities for seasoned crop insurance professionals.

    The LDP is open to employees of CIRB member companies who wish to expand their network and broaden their knowledge of the industry. Prior to the name change, the Emerging Leaders Program graduated 115 crop insurance professionals over 10 classes.

    All 14 of the class participants were at the CIRB annual meeting last week in Indian Wells, California, and all of them offered their comments about the program and what it means for them. The individual interviews by reporter Laura McNamara are edited into an hour-long podcast that reveals the future for the industry. Take a listen.

    The 2025-2026 CIRB Leadership Development Program class:
    Heather Jager, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
    Jamie Mason, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
    Aaron Larson, AgriSompo
    Audrey Carls, AgriSompo
    Dylan Houser, COUNTRY Financial
    Shelby Oetting, Farm Bureau Financial Services
    Josh Menz, Farmers Mutual Hail
    Kathleen Bjerke, Farmers Mutual Hail
    Avery Cook, Gallagher Re
    Kody Kirkendall, Guy Carpenter
    Ashley Hawley, Hudson Crop
    Isaac Straub, Hudson Crop
    Josh Goche, Rural Community Insurance Services
    Stephanie Manhart, Rural Community Insurance Services

    CIRB 2026 Leadership Development Class interview (58:30)

    2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Agribusiness, Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance

    Akralos Animal Nutrition Debuts at CattleCon

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Brian Gier, CEO, AkralosDuring the 2026 CattleCon trade show, Akralos Animal Nutrition debuted at the Alltech booth. Conducting an interview is Steven Orr, Paramount Broadcasting (All Ag All Day) with Akralos CEO, Brian Gier. Here are the details.

    Akralos Animal Nutrition, a new North American animal feed and nutrition company, officially launched Feb. 1. Formed through a joint venture between global agriculture leaders ADM and Alltech, Akralos combines Alltech’s U.S.-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses with ADM’s U.S. feed operations.

    Operating an extensive network of more than 40 feed mills across North America and supported by more than 1,400 team members, Akralos delivers reliable, high-quality feeds, minerals and supplements through its trusted brands, backed by advanced nutrition expertise, leading-edge science and personalized service.

    “Akralos brings together proven scale, innovation and infrastructure with a deep commitment to service and results,” said Akralos chief executive officer Brian Gier, a leader with more than 30 years of experience in the commercial animal feed industry. “From day one, our focus is on delivering nutrition our customers can rely on, support they can count on and partnerships that help their animals and businesses thrive.”

    Listen in for more during the interview:
    Interview with Brian Gier, CEO, Akralos (4:48)

    Find more interviews in the Official CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Official CattleCon 2026 Photography

    Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio, NCBA

    2026 NCBA Officer Team Approved at CattleCon

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    (L-R)Skye Krebs, Dan Hanrahan, Travis Maddock, Brad Hastings, Kenny Rogers, Buck Wehrbein, Kim Brackett, Gene Copenhaver, Scott Anderson (NCBA photo)

    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) board approved the 2026 NCBE officer team at CattleCon in Nashville last week, with Gene Copenhaver of Virginia taking the helm as president. Kim Brackett of Idaho is now president-elect, and Skye Krebs of Oregon is vice president.

    Kenny Rogers of Colorado was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Scott Anderson of Oklahoma was elected policy vice chair. Travis Maddock of North Dakota and Dan Hanrahan of Iowa, were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation Division, respectively. Brad Hastings of Texas will serve in the role of NCBA treasurer.

    Copenhaver’s family has been raising crops and livestock since 1850. “I’m a fifth generation cattleman from from southwest Virginia and near the Tennessee line. And I’ve previously, I was a ag banker for 38 years. So I was doing 2 full-time jobs like a lot of our industry does in the business,” said Coperhaver. “I’ve been involved with NCBA, a member of 35 years, and been in policy leadership for the last 12 years. So it’s been a good way to be a servant to the industry. It’s important. My parents taught me that. My dad was involved in the cattle industry and local, state, and national cattle organizations.”

    Copenhaver currently manages his family’s stocker operation in southwest Virginia with his son, Will. He has been married to his wife, Jodi, for more than 35 years, and they have two other grown children, Brad and Jaymee, and three granddaughters.

    Listen to interviews with Coperhaver, Brackett, and Krebs from CattleCon in Nashville last week.

    Gene Copenhaver, NCBA, President
    Interview with Gene Copenhaver (7:06)
    Kim Brackett, NCBA, President-elect
    Interview with Kim Brackett (7:51)
    Skye Krebs, NCBA, Vice President
    Interview with Skye Krebs (6:11)

    Find more interviews in the Official CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Official CattleCon 2026 Photography

    AgWired Animal, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference

    Crop Insurance Industry Navigating Change

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The 2026 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) Annual Meeting is being held this week in Indian Wells, California, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders across the crop insurance industry.

    CIRB Executive Director Mike Torrey says the industry is dealing with lots of changes right now. “I think coming into the conference, the one guiding principle for the board of directors was there is so much change happening both in Washington and in the marketplace,” said Torrey. “So we spent a little bit of time talking about the changes, not just in Washington, D.C. and what’s happening on policy, but also what’s happening from an economic standpoint around the country. And some of that flows from Washington, D.C. So that was the first focus of the meeting. Another part of the meeting where they really focused was on the rapidly changing in developing technology applications and what that means for our agricultural system, whether it’s on the production side and farmers being able to deliver more for less and efficiently, and at the same time what implications that has for what folks here do, and that is deliver crop insurance for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

    Torrey says CIRB is very focused on the next generation of leadership, which is why they have grown what is now called their Leadership Development Program. “The program, the leadership development program is about 11 years old, and I think after this class graduates, there will have been over 100….I mean, that’s a significant number. And it’s all about helping them be better at what they do within their company, but also what they do on protecting and defending the program.”

    Learn more in this interview with Torrey.
    Mike Torrey, CIRB (8:27)

    2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance