RFA Ethanol Podcast

MAHA Creates Concerns for Farmers

Cindy Zimmerman 1 Comment

Ag Secretary Rollins, President Trump and HHS Sec. Kennedy

President Donald Trump’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission issued its first report on childhood health Thursday, creating concerns in the agriculture community about what it could mean for the future of crop protection tools.

Making the announcement at the White House with President Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy said the report is a call to action for common sense. “It’s common sense that we can celebrate the innovations of modern life while also demanding fearless inquiry into ameliorating the negative effects of medication, agriculture and farming practices,” said Kennedy.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stressed the role of farmers and ranchers in the MAHA movement. “We all know that at the center of making America healthy again is making American agriculture great again,” said Rollins.

“I have to say we have the greatest farmers in the world and we love our farmers and we want to pay respect to our farmers and we always will,” said President Trump as he introduced Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), who also stressed the farmers’ role.

“It does start with the farmer, it starts with soil health and I just want you to know that our farmers are so committed to this as well and and so many of them are already doing great things,” said Marshall. “They’re making the soil healthier, they’re using less pesticides, they’re doing all the right things. It’s going to take a little bit more effort and time to get everybody with those practices. But the American farmer and rancher were the original environmentalists, the original conservationists.”

Listen to the announcement here:
MAHA Report Announcement 19:54

The report itself talks about the potential health issues in children exposed to chemicals such as pesticides, but makes it clear that food production needs must be weighed. “American farmers rely on these products, and actions that further regulate or restrict crop protection tools beyond risk-based and scientific processes set forth by Congress must involve thoughtful consideration of what is necessary for adequate protection, alternatives, and cost of production. Precipitous changes in agricultural practices could have an adverse impact on American agriculture and the domestic and global food supply. The federal government will continue to regularly review the safety of these important crop protection tools.”

Despite such assurances, agricultural groups have been unanimous in raising concerns about the report. Read More

Audio, Farming, Food, USDA

Farm Groups Praise House Passage of Big Beautiful Bill

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President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday morning on a vote of 215-214, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against. Agricultural organizations are pleased with several of the bill’s provisions.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the bill “modernizes farm bill programs and extends and improves critical tax provisions that benefit America’s small farmers and ranchers. Updated reference prices will provide more certainty for farmers struggling through tough economic times. Making business tax deductions permanent and continuing current estate tax exemptions will ensure thousands of families will be able to pass their farms to the next generation.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein says they are pleased that the bill includes key cattle health, disaster recovery, and tax priorities crucial to the success of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers need Congress to invest in cattle health, strengthen our resources against foreign animal disease, support producers recovering from disasters or depredation, and pass tax relief that protects family farms and ranches for future generations,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Thankfully, this reconciliation bill includes all these key priorities. NCBA was proud to help pass this bill in the House and we will continue pushing for these key policies until the bill is signed into law.”

The bill includes an increase to the estate and gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually and makes this exemption permanent.

Other provisions include a permanent increase to the Section 199A Small Business deduction from 20% to 23%, expanding the limitation on Section 179 from $1 million to $2.5 million, reinstating the 100% bonus depreciation for five years and extending the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023.

The bill now goes to the Senate where changes are anticipated.

AFBF, NCBA

Syngenta Opens South Carolina Biologicals Plant

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South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joined Syngenta CEO Jeff Rowe this week for the grand opening of Syngenta’s new biologicals production facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

“Farming is vital to this nation and we are strongly committed to American farmers,” said Rowe. “The new biologicals facility not only underscores a commitment to our footprint and economic development in South Carolina, but also supports farmers all across this great nation.”

The Syngenta facility is located in Orangeburg County and highlights the significance of science, research and technology to the area. “The opening of this Orangeburg facility is a win for both South Carolina and Syngenta. It reflects the strength of our workforce and the value of our partnerships. We are proud to support a company that is not only innovating in agriculture but investing in our people and our future,” said Governor McMaster.

In addition to Rowe and McMaster, speakers at the opening event included Quinn Showalter, head of North America Seedcare and Biologicals for Syngenta and Roberto D’Addario, Syngenta Biologicals plant manager.

“We are proud of our long-standing commitment to farmers, empowering their choices and supporting their freedom to operate,” remarked Showalter. “The Orangeburg facility will continue to connect the supply chain to customers more directly – enhancing our distribution capabilities in the region and meeting growing market demand.”

The facility will introduce cutting-edge technologies to produce plant biostimulants, meeting current and future demand for innovative sustainable agriculture solutions in the United States. “Collaboration across Syngenta teams, local contractors and suppliers, and South Carolina authorities was essential in every stage of the site’s development,” said D’Addario. “By accelerating progress towards a shared goal, we were able to engineer the plant to meet high levels of automation, process control and safety standards that effectively handle production volume, which is expected to nearly double from 2025 to 2028.”

Biologicals, Seed, Syngenta

Several Applications Available at the ACN – Agricultural Communicators Network

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Multiple ACN Award Applications Open!

Here’s a list.

  • 2025 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program
  • ACN is offering eight, PIF-funded stipends to help members attend the 2025 IFAJ Congress in Kenya October 15–18
  • IFAJ Star Prize 2025
  • Design ideas for an ACN sticker
  • Andy Markwart Horizon Award

Find more information on all of them here.

ACN, IFAJ, Journalism, Media

ACES, IFAJ commit to launching a Certificate in Global Ag Comm

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

ASES and IFAJGreat news for international ag journalists. Find all the details here.

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced a new international education partnership between the college’s Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications (ALEC) program and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ). The agreement formalizes plans to launch a Certificate in Global Agricultural Communications, a milestone initiative of the proposed James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications.

The partnership was unveiled recently at a ceremonial signing between ACES Dean Germán Bollero and IFAJ Vice President Adalberto Rossi. Signing together in the photo.

The certificate — which will be delivered online and available broadly — is being developed by ALEC faculty and is informed by research conducted with IFAJ members. It is designed to be globally accessible, career-relevant, and aligned with the needs of agricultural communicators working across languages, geographies, and media platforms.
Read More

IFAJ, Media

Precision Ag News 5/21

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 12th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
  • An estimated 14 percent of produce is lost between harvest and retail, in part due to spoilage from mold and rot. To help address this global challenge, Biotalys, an agricultural technology company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for sustainable crop protection, and AgroFresh Solutions, Inc., a global leader in post-harvest solutions for fresh produce, announced a new collaboration to develop and commercialize sustainable biological fungicides for post-harvest use. Fungicides are already essential to protect fresh produce after harvest, and this collaboration will expand the industry’s toolbox with environmentally friendly biological solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of markets around the world.
  • The 2025 Horizon Ag Field Day, scheduled for June 23 at Richard Farms in Kaplan, is the place to be for updates on the top rice varieties planted in Louisiana this season as well as new Provisia lines expected to be available in 2026. Farmers can hear from industry and university specialists how high-yielding Clearfield and Provisia varieties, like CLL19, PVL03 and CLL16, are faring this year and best practices for maximizing yield potential the last weeks of the season.
  • As part of U.S. Sugar’s commitment to sustainably producing sugar for American consumers over the next 100 years, the Company announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Everglades Equipment Group, one of the nation’s leading provider of John Deere equipment and precision agriculture technology solutions. The partnership includes the use of the latest John Deere solutions on sugarcane harvesters and tractors used by U.S. Sugar farmers and technicians across the company’s South Florida farms.
  • CNH announces that it has signed an agreement with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to bring industry-leading satellite connectivity to farmers. This collaboration will provide customers of CNH brands, Case IH, New Holland and STEYR, with robust and affordable high-speed connectivity – further unlocking the benefits of a fully connected fleet – even in the most remote rural locations around the world.
  • The National Corn Growers Association proudly kicked off the 61st annual Yield Contest. For six decades, this landmark event has celebrated the ingenuity, resilience, and drive of America’s corn growers— those who continuously push the limits of what’s possible in modern agriculture.
  • As part of its ongoing commitment to support dealerships and grow its retail footprint, Stine Seed Company is proud to announce the structure of its retail development leadership team. This strategic alignment is designed to deliver enhanced support and resources to Stine’s expanding network of retail partners across the United States.
  • Ethanol Producer Magazine announced the six companies selected to pitch to a group of angel investors and venture capital firms at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, taking place June 9-11, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Land O’Lakes CEO on Fortune’s 2025 Top Powerful Women List

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Fortune released its Most Powerful Women of 2025 list Tuesday and named Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Beth Ford as number 12 on the annual compilation of the 100 most influential women in global business who are recognized for their leadership, impact and the strength of the organizations they oversee.

    This year’s recognition highlights Ford’s steadfast commitment to strengthening America’s food system by tackling the complex challenges facing the agriculture industry. From advocating for legal immigration reform and advancing trade efforts, to improving access to healthcare and supporting the vitality of rural communities, Ford’s leadership reflects a deep dedication to working Americans. For example, in her role as chair of the Business Roundtable’s immigration committee, she is a leading voice in discussing policies critical to the future of our workforce in the agriculture industry and beyond.

    “This recognition is an honor and showcases the strength of Land O’Lakes’ entire cooperative network,” Ford commented. “My Land O’Lakes team and I are honored to represent our cooperative members and their communities who inspire our mission to strengthen America’s food system together.”

    Ford has served as president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. since 2018, leading the cooperative that operates in all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

    Agribusiness, Cooperatives

    Animal Ag News 5/19

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Livestock markets and dealers strongly support recent efforts to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) into the U.S. The introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, which would authorize funds for and direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin construction on a new sterile fly production facility to combat the growing NWS outbreak, was welcomed by livestock marketers and dealers.
  • As the threat posed by the New World screwworm rises, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined affiliate state associations in urging Congress to pass the STOP Screwworms Act to fund the opening of a new sterile fly facility in the United States. Introduced by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), this bill would help protect both livestock and human health from the New World screwworm.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urged Congress to swiftly pass the House reconciliation package, which contains crucial tax relief and agricultural policy priorities that support America’s hardworking family farmers and ranchers.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation lauded the inclusion of critical resources in the House Agriculture Committee’s reconciliation proposal that would boost the agricultural economy and provide farmers certainty.
  • In the face of mounting challenges, 40 leaders from across the livestock industry convened at the Common Ground Summit April 21-23 at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel. Their shared mission: to safeguard rural communities, ensure America’s food independence and preserve a way of life central to the nation’s agricultural heritage.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is accepting applications for the 2025 Clean Water Awards. The awards honor the outstanding performance of wastewater treatment plants serving poultry and egg processing facilities. Winners will be announced at USPOULTRY’s Environmental Management Seminar to be held Sept. 18 – 19, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • World Pork Expo 2025 is just around the corner, taking place June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. With a lineup of must-see seminars and hands-on learning, this is where the pork industry gathers to grow.
  • National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released a statement on the recently released reconciliation package from the House Agriculture Committee.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Alltech ONE Heading Home to Kentucky in 2026

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The Alltech ONE Conference is heading back to its old Kentucky home next year, welcoming global thought leaders and innovators to the Central Bank Center in Lexington, May 18–20, 2026, for an immersive exploration of the bold ideas shaping the future of agri-food.

    “Over the last 40 years, Alltech has created a truly unique event, the only one of its kind, which many hail as the premier international agri-food event,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. “ONE 2026 will again congregate thought and action leaders, scientists, food producers, entrepreneurs and storytellers in a spirit of open collaboration to explore what’s next for our industry — and our planet.”

    In 1985, Alltech held its first iteration of the conference in Lexington, welcoming guests from around the world to engage with experts on trending topics in the agriculture industry. Since then, ONE has become a catalyst for inspiration, innovation and collaboration across the agriculture industry and beyond. The conference was held in Lexington until 2023, when Alltech took the ideas and inspiration of ONE on the road to six countries and four continents as the Alltech ONE World Tour.

    “After years of connecting virtually and exploring the world together through regional experiences, we’re bringing the Alltech ONE Conference home to Lexington,” said Lyons. “This event has brought tens of thousands of business leaders to the Bluegrass from almost 100 different countries over the years. The connections and conversations they have had here have led to new innovations, business ventures and the creation of a community that spans the globe. So many are making their plans to join us in 2026, and the buzz is already building.”

    With the theme “Together, bright becomes brilliant,” ONE 2026 will spotlight the power of connection, collaboration and bold thinking to address agriculture’s most significant challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. Find out more at one.alltech.com.

    AgWired Animal, Alltech, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health

    Industry Ag News 5/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of Erin Morris as the next Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which operates under the Department’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Communications Award winners named at this year’s Communications Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, include 16 standout states. The competition recognizes state Farm Bureau professionals from across the country for their exceptional work in communications.
  • The president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said his organization fully supports the Trump administration’s effort to forge a new trade relationship with India, and corn growers urge the administration to include corn and corn co-products, such as ethanol and its byproducts, in any final agreement with the South Asian country.
  • The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced a new international education partnership between the college’s Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications (ALEC) program and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ). The agreement formalizes plans to launch a Certificate in Global Agricultural Communications, a milestone initiative of the proposed James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications.
  • National Farmers Union Foundation (NFUF) announced this year’s recipients of its prestigious annual scholarship awards. Applications for the 2026 scholarship awards will open in December 2025. For more information about the scholarships, visit the NFU website at nfu.org/scholarships.
  • The Ag Media Council earlier this year created a “state of the industry,” report to measure producer sentiment as we move into the second half of 2025. The survey asked a series of essential questions, including expected levels of growth, areas of investment, technology adoption, risk management, debt, and much more. The survey results will be presented on May 22 at 1 p.m. central. This webinar is free to NAMA members and non-members. ​Register here.
  • The Auburn University College of Agriculture and Campus Dining recently added four new container farms to its vertical farming operation. The four new farms, outfitted in shipping containers, are from AmplifiedAg, a leader in indoor agriculture. Auburn now has six container farms in operation year-round, each designated either for growing, propagation or short-term cold storage. Together, the facilities can yield 25 times more than field production.
  • The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) applauds the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture for passing Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s budget legislation that focuses on Investment in Rural America. Chairman Thompson’s proposed bill contained several important provisions for the U.S. peanut industry, including an increase in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price, an update for base acres, marketing loan increase, and payment limitations that reflect increased costs of production. This legislation was passed by the House Agriculture Committee last night and will soon be considered on the House floor.
  • The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) is pleased to announce the addition of Sydney Van de Meulebroecke as its new Manager of Bioproducts Policy. In this role, Van de Meulebroecke will support the advancement of PBPC’s federal policy agenda, bringing valuable expertise in sustainability, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement to PBPC’s growing advocacy efforts. She will work closely with PBPC members to address policy challenges and promote the growth of the plant-based products industry.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced the addition of two innovative companies, Nelson Baker Biotech and Verdova, as new associate members. Their expertise in biotech engineering solutions and field-level agricultural data will further strengthen RFA’s efforts to advance renewable fuels through technology, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
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