CIRB Protecting the Crop Insurance Industry

Cindy Zimmerman

With a new Congress and a new administration, there are lots of new people who need to be educated about the importance of crop insurance and CIRB has its work cut out for it this year.

“Obviously we are hoping to get a farm bill again this year,” said Tara Smith, Deputy Executive Vice President of the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) at the organization’s annual meeting this week in Bonita Springs, Florida. “I think we’re also in a very different environment than we’ve been in and we’re seeing a lot of potential for folks to attack the program. So we’re very much prepared to play defense, to protect and preserve the program moving forward.”

Smith was pleased to see the large turnout at this year’s annual meeting and is looking forward to having the members of the 2024-25 Emerging Leaders Program on Capitol Hill in April. “We’ve got to tell our story, and the only way to do that is boots on the ground and having folks that live and breathe this stuff every day, talking about why it matters in these different districts and to these Members and their constituents.”

Learn more in this interview:
Interview with Tara Smith, CIRB (2:52)

2025 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance

Industry Ag News 2/7

Carrie Muehling

  • Be part of the experience as we celebrate the American farmers who work and preserve the land to feed millions. This year National Ag Day celebrates with live AND virtual events. Visit agday.org for more details.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement commending Mexico’s action to declare ineffective measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn that the United States successfully challenged in the USMCA dispute. Today’s action safeguards approximately $5.6 billion in U.S. corn exports to Mexico. USDA, in coordination with USTR, will continue to monitor Mexico’s compliance with its USMCA commitments.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) expressed optimism after Mexico rescinded portions of a decree that banned genetically modified corn. The development is an outgrowth of corn grower advocacy that led to a dispute panel that ruled in late December last year that Mexico had violated its commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement when it banned the imports.
  • America’s farmers and ranchers need a new, modernized farm bill, a strengthened farm safety net, and open trading markets. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall traveled to the Capitol to emphasize those priorities to the Senate Agriculture Committee as he testified in the hearing “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part I.”
  • Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) announced the acquisition of Canadian company Palliser Insurance. Palliser is a leading crop hail insurance provider headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, offering crop hail insurance across Western Canada, supported by the industry’s largest network of agents and adjusters. Farmers Mutual Hail previously had a 20 percent share in the company, with FMH leaders serving on Palliser’s Board of Directors.
  • John Hannon, Ph.D., the Chief Operating Officer of Vertimass LLC, has joined the Board of Directors for Advanced Biofuels USA, an educational nonprofit dedicated to the understanding, development and use of advanced biofuels in the US and around the world.
  • CNH Industrial N.V. reported results for the three months and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, with Q4 2024 net income of $176 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.14, compared with net income of $583 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.44 in Q4 2023(1). Consolidated revenues were $4.88 billion in the quarter (down 28 percent compared to Q4 2023) and Net sales of Industrial Activities were $4.13 billion (down 31 percent compared to Q4 2023). Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,692 million, and Industrial Free Cash Flow was $848 million in Q4 2024.
  • Farm Journal has named Angie Denton as the Drovers editorial leader to guide content development for the beef cattle audience and provide solutions to enhance animal production, management best practices and profitability.
  • Farm Progress, a leading provider of agricultural media and event solutions, announced the appointments of Matt Coniglio as vice president of sales and Beth Wagner as vice president of business development. These roles are a part of Farm Progress’s ongoing evolution, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and leadership in the changing agricultural market.
  • The American Soybean Association is pleased to share it has promoted ASA Director of Government Affairs Alexa Combelic to lead the organization’s D.C.-based policy office as its next Executive Director of Government Affairs. Combelic joined the national soy policy group in May 2020 as one of ASA’s first in-house policy staff and has managed its often-complex, ever-evolving biofuels portfolio, in addition to transportation and infrastructure.
  • National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to detail the current economic situation that family farmers and ranchers are facing. President Larew emphasized the urgent need for a strong, fully funded farm bill in 2025 with policies to strengthen the farm safety net, invest in conservation and ensure fairness in agricultural markets. He also urged Congress to protect the Packers and Stockyards Act, support country-of-origin labeling and address trade policies that impact farm incomes. Discussing the uncertainty stemming from recent federal funding freezes, he stressed the need for clear, stable policies to support rural communities.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    NCBA Announces 2025 Policy Priorities

    Cindy Zimmerman

    NCBA’s Ethan Lane moderates DC issues panel at CattleCon25

    This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at CattleCon 2025. This year the focus will be on engaging with the Trump Administration and Congress to expand opportunities for producer profitability.

    “Right now it’s all about the first 100 days of a new administration. That’s really the focus of everything in Washington right now,” said Ethan Lane, Vice President, Government Affairs, who led the well-attended DC Issues update panel at CattleCon. “I think it was really positive to see more than 1000 people in that session. You know, just to hear that update and engage in conversation about it, that was a 2 hour long session.”

    Some of NCBA’s 2025 Policy Priorities include:
    – Work to retain core wins in the 2024 House Agriculture Committee-passed Farm Bill.
    – Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
    – Fight for meaningful long-term relief from the burdensome reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.
    – Enhance wildfire prevention utilizing targeted grazing, controlled burns, and forest management practices to protect grazing lands.
    – Keep working lands working by protecting family farms from undue regulatory burdens under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and many other key regulations.

    “There is a lot to do when you think about the policy side,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “The President only has four years, so we’ve got to get back quickly with his new administration. You know, they are confirming new secretaries and under secretaries every day. So the teams are being put together, we can’t waste any time.”

    Read the full priorities list here.

    Learn more about NCBA’s policy priorities in these interviews.
    Interview with Colin Woodall, NCBA (4:59)

    Interview with Ethan Lane, NCBA (6:06)

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

    Nebraska Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein stepped into the role of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president during CattleCon 2025, held this week in San Antonio, Texas.

    As president, Wehrbein sees both challenges and opportunities ahead, but he’s confident that NCBA’s unifying presence will remain critical to addressing key issues facing farmers and ranchers. He is particularly passionate about fostering opportunity for the next generation of cattle producers, recognizing their ability to drive innovation and industry progress. “They’re ahead of where we were in my time,” he noted. “They understand the issues, and they’re ready to make a difference.”

    Wehrbein’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for profit opportunities while also strengthening the freedom to operate. Securing tax relief provisions and pushing back on regulatory overreach is also crucial during the year ahead.

    “The tax issue is critically important for agriculture,” Wehrbein said. “A few years ago, there was talk of doing away with the deduction of expenses, and that would have been devastating. We also have to keep pushing on the Death Tax. With what land values have done, if families are forced to sell or split up land to pay taxes, it would put a lot of people out of business.”

    Listen to an interview with Wehrbein here:
    Interview with Buck Wehrbein, new NCBA President (3:08)

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

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

    Critical Time for Crop Insurance at CIRB Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Members of the Crop Insurance Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) are holding their annual meeting this week in Florida at a critical time for the industry.

    “This meeting is very important just with the current political landscape, the change changing of the guards, if you will for multiple agencies across the the government with the Risk Management Agency being one of them,” said CIRB Chair Lindsey Rinkenberger with COUNTRY Financial. “Definitely important for us to continue to be sure that our voices are heard to protect and preserve the crop insurance program as it exists.”

    Critical to the future of the crop insurance industry is CIRB’s Emerging Leaders Program, now in its tenth year, which has 19 participants this year. “We’ve graduated about 80 emerging leaders so far and in times like we’re in today, we need more boots on the ground,” said Rinkenberger. “And it’s just great to see so many people that are, you know, passionate about crop insurance and the way that the majority of us are.”

    Listen to an interview with Lindsey here:
    Interview with Lindsey Rinkenberger, CIRB Chair (3:31)

    2025 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance

    Kansas Ranch Wins Environmental Stewardship Award

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) National winner is Downey Ranch in Wamego, Kansas. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to Barb Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio.

    “We are stewards of the land; we’ve been entrusted with it, and we want to make sure what you see today continues on,” said Barb Downey with Downey Ranch. “What we do every day in some way, shape or form is in service to that mission.”

    Located in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, Downey Ranch is a commercial cow-calf operation committed to stewardship. Owners Joe Carpenter and Barb Downey have incorporated numerous grazing management techniques to enhance rangeland health, minimize the need for harvested forages and meet the nutritional needs of their cattle with little supplemental feed. In addition to extensive use of rotational grazing, they utilize a novel bale grazing program to help cover winter feed needs. Downey Ranch utilizes prescribed burning to enhance the mix of grass species in their pastures as well as control woody encroachment. The family has also integrated new technology to enhance cattle well-being, improve land management and reduce labor needs. In addition to incorporating these resource management practices on their ranch, Barb and Joe are willing to share their experiences with others. Downey Ranch hosts multiple tours for industry groups, students and other stakeholders.

    Listen to an interview with Barb here:
    Interview with Barb Downey, Downey Ranch (3:32)

    2024 Regional Winners:
    Region I: Angus Glen Farms, LLC, Watkins Glen, New York
    Region II: Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida
    Region III: Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minnesota
    Region IV: Blue Ranch, Moore County, Texas
    Region V: LeValley Ranch, Hotchkiss, Colorado
    Region VI: Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada
    Region VII: Downey Ranch, Wamego, Kansas

    ESAP is sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Among those sponsors is Ranchbot, which is providing each regional winner a Ranchbot water monitor and a one-year subscription to the My Ranchbot platform. This technology provides 24/7 remote access to real-time insights, ensuring ranchers can #KnowYourWater and make informed decisions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Two of the 2024 regional winners, LeValley Ranch and Blue Ranch, are currently using Ranchbot’s water monitoring solutions to help achieve their sustainability goals.

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

    Precision Ag News 2/6

    Carrie Muehling

  • Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) has opened registration for its 18th annual Conservation in Action Tour, a two-day celebration that includes behind-the-scenes ag industry stops and farm tours showcasing exceptional conservation agriculture, May 6-7, 2025, in Sioux Falls, S.D.
  • The University of Illinois’ AgTech Summit begins on March 6, 2025. 2025 marks the 10th edition of the AgTech Summit, which has now grown into a whole week of conferences, tours, networking and more. Registration is open and is free.
  • Lafayette College, under the leadership of Dr. Robert Elliott, is embarking on a groundbreaking research initiative to measure the effects of advanced LED lighting on the growth and quality of various crops. The lab, based in Easton, Pennsylvania, uses Sollum Technologies‘ dynamic LED lighting solution to tailor optimal growing conditions for each crop.
  • GROWERS, a leader in agriculture retail solutions, announced the results of its customizable loyalty program technology, now enhanced with advanced AI. For 2024, agricultural retailers in the United States using the GROWERS Loyalty Program noted a significant increase in sales among members compared to non-members. In 2025, the company expects further market adoption of its program, which now combines the power of AI-driven insights with fully tailored loyalty initiatives. Customer loyalty programs in agriculture traditionally functioned as simple discounts or rebates, rather than true loyalty drivers, but GROWERS AI solution revolutionizes this marketing tool to the benefit of retailers, farmers and manufacturers, by promoting continuous purchasing cycles.
  • The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is celebrating a prestigious award recently bestowed on Bill Chism, Ph.D., and WSSA Endangered Species Act (ESA) Committee Chair, by the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC).
  • Loveland Products, Inc. proudly announces that Awaken FlowBoost™, its cutting-edge seed lubricity agent, has been awarded The Scoop’s 2024 New Product of the Year.
  • Kynetec, a global leader in data, analytics and insights in agriculture, animal health & nutrition, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mareike Tischhauser as Global Head of Product Management, Agriculture. This strategic new role has been created to drive Kynetec’s product leadership in agricultural data, analytics, and insights.
  • Hylio, an industry leader in developing autonomous crop-treatment UAS, has announced its most elite ag-drone to date, the HYL-150 ARES, designed for heavy use ag-drone operators. Manufactured in Texas, with US and global parts, the NDAA compliant HYL-150 ARES is designed to handle a heavy payload, features robust and serviceable components, an ergonomic form factor, and Hylio’s swarm-enabling AgroSol Ground Control Software for more efficient applications.
  • The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, now in its 11th year, provides opportunities for Farm Bureau members to showcase business innovations being developed for agriculture. Indiana-based Gripp is the winner of this year’s competition. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, announced the winner from among four finalists at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention.
  • Sakata Seed America, Inc. is pleased to announce a strategic executive leadership transition, effective April 1, 2025. After more than fifteen years of dedicated service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sakata Seed America, Inc, Dave Armstrong will step into the role of Executive Chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance for the business. Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    San Antonio Welcomes CattleCon 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The biggest cattle industry event in the country kicked off today in San Antonio with thousands of cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders attending CattleCon 2025.

    The day started with a issues update from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association team of policy experts. The opening general session featured the return of Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, as emcee and keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney.

    Wednesday starts off with celebrating the 2025 Beef Quality Assurance Award winners, announcing the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner and recognizing W.D. Farr Scholarship recipients. The Sustainability Forum will include a panel of industry experts discussing building operation resilience through adoption of written grazing management plans. Thursday will be the final day beginning with CattleFax conducting their U.S. & Global Protein and Grain Outlook Session.

    Throughout CattleCon, the 32nd annual Cattlemen’s College will include educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than nine acres of displays, exhibitors and education in the NCBA Trade Show.

    In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

    “We’re setting a blistering pace for attendance,” said NCBA president Mark Eisele of Wyoming. “People are doing good, feeling good about the market, feeling good about probably the new administration. They want to look at technology. Want to network with old friends and it’s going to be good. I have high optimistic hopes and from the smiles I’m seeing.”

    Listen to this interview with Eisele about what cattlemen have on their plate this year.
    Interview with Mark Eisele, NCBA President (4:49)

    The CattleCon25 Virtual Newsroom is open 24 hours a day with the latest news, photos and audio from the show.

    2025 CattleCon Photo Album

    Audio, Beef, Beef Checkoff, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

    RanchBot Introduces Trough Direct Monitoring System

    Cindy Zimmerman

    At CattleCon25 in San Antonio today, Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions announced the launch of Trough Direct, a stand-alone trough monitor with direct satellite connectivity enabling near real-time water level monitoring and consumption data through the MyRanchbot app.

    Trough Direct operates independently from other Ranchbot monitors and sensors and can be easily installed with a side or top mount to accommodate a wide variety of trough types making it easy to monitor trough water levels and consumption.

    Ranchbot demonstrated a live installation of Trough Direct during the Water Management Methods breakout session on Monday, February 3, 2025 as part of the immersive Grazing Management Workshop and tour at Running V Ranch in Jourdanton, TX, organized by NCBA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

    “We developed Trough Direct based on the feedback of our customers to meet the very specific need of ranchers who water cattle by troughs, or drinkers,” said Andrew Coppin, Ranchbot CEO. “By enabling direct satellite connectivity with a trough-mounted monitor, we are able to provide near real-time water level monitoring and consumption level data ensuring your cattle are meeting their optimal water requirements no matter the stage of production.”

    During the NCBA Trade Show this week, Ranchbot will be offering a 10% discount for introductory pricing of $489 plus the MyRanchbot subscription. Trough Direct will be available for sale at the Ranchbot booth (#2912) at the NCBA Trade Show or customers can take advantage of free shipping (up to $100) for orders placed at NCBA.

    AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Animal Agriculture, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Livestock, Precision Agriculture, Technology, Water

    Animal Ag News 2/3

    Carrie Muehling

  • There were 86.7 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of Jan. 1, 2025, according to the Cattle report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Imports are scheduled to resume within the next several days. To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of Mexican cattle and bison in November 2024 after a positive detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico. After extensive discussions between representatives from the countries, APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and mitigate the threat of NWS.
  • Dairy Business Association announced its priorities for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on protecting Wisconsin’s dairy industry, ensuring fair regulations, enhancing rural communities, promoting economic support, supporting clean water initiatives and building lasting agricultural transportation infrastructure.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized the extraordinary leadership of Mike Durkin, recently retired President and CEO of Leprino Foods Company, and Tim Galloway, retired CEO and current Chairman of Galloway Company, with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its sixth 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.
  • Zoetis recently announced a new initiative, Patriots’ Pledge, to increase its support for Folds of Honor. Beginning in 2025, proceeds from the sales of select Zoetis products in the cattle, pork and poultry markets will raise funds for Folds of Honor scholarships. Patriots’ Pledge will run from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association’s policy committees. The policy committees review, discuss, and vote on resolutions brought forward by NCBA members. These grassroots policies become part of NCBA’s policy book, which directs advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
  • Agriculture media partners and producers are invited to attend the 2025 National Pork Industry Forum. The event offers the opportunity to gain insight from industry leaders, witness producer-led decisions related to Checkoff funding and industry priorities and learn about timely topics impacting the industry.
  • The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Production Compliance Committee hosted its annual Feed Education Program, covering what the animal food industry can expect from U.S. federal regulators in 2025. Program speakers discussed upcoming priorities for the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Food and Drug Administration, along with AFIA’s 2024 educational program opportunities and a discussion of artificial intelligence (AI) in feed manufacturing.
  • Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute, the annual Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit offered key insights on collaboration and attaining realizable sustainability goals in addition to hearing the latest on how the meat, poultry and egg, and animal feed industries are advancing their sustainability programs. The summit was held during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), taking place this week in Atlanta, Ga.
  • The turnout for the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) has been great, with right at 31,000 poultry and egg, meat and feed industry attendees from all over the world. The show has 598,473 square feet of exhibit space and 1,386 exhibitors, and the trade show floor has been bustling with robust crowds, busy exhibitors and enthusiasm evident throughout the trade show floor. Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute, IPPE is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event of its kind.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites