Industry Ag News 2/14

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement regarding the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) review of former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack’s choice to modify the longstanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) obligation practice.
  • At its monthly meeting, the Farm Credit Administration board approved a final notice on regulatory burden to be published in the Federal Register. On July 20, 2022, FCA published a notice of intent and request for comment in the Federal Register, inviting the public to comment on FCA regulations that may duplicate other requirements, are ineffective, are not based on law, or impose burdens that are greater than the benefits received. FCA took this action to continue its efforts to streamline its regulations and make the regulatory environment more efficient so that Farm Credit System institutions can more effectively serve farmers, ranchers, their cooperatives, and other eligible borrowers. The final Federal Register notice responds to all comments that FCA received in response to the 2022 notice. FCA issues a request for comment on regulatory burden approximately every five years.
  • Crop insurers gathered for the industry’s annual convention, where leaders celebrated significant growth and charted a course for the future of American agriculture’s most important risk management tool. With more than nine out of every 10 planted acres insured in the country, crop insurance has become a vital component of the rural economy, protecting farmers and ranchers against extreme weather and volatile markets. Dale Perry, Chairman of the American Association of Crop Insurers (AACI), emphasized the importance of preserving and expanding the industry’s success. Scott Arnold, Chairman of National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) and Chairman of Rain and Hail, highlighted the program’s impact: “In just five years, crop insurers have paid insurable losses of more than $65 billion to help farmers recover from disasters.” Noting the 205 million additional acres that have been enrolled in that time, Arnold said, “This growth is a testament to the thoughtfulness and drive of more than 20,000 committed people who work in this industry.”
  • Stretching from Nebraska to North Carolina and Michigan to Mississippi, 10 U.S. farmers who have started careers in production agriculture recently journeyed to Honduras and Guatemala. As part of United Soybean Board’s See for Yourself mission, the group experienced an in-depth look at the soy checkoff’s investments in international market growth.
  • The American Soybean Association applauds Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann for introducing legislation to maintain the Food for Peace Program as the Trump Administration continues its audit of federal agencies and programs. Food for Peace supplies food-insecure communities throughout the world with nutrition assistance that includes U.S. soy.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is excited to announce the addition of two key players in the renewable energy and advisory sectors, Weaver and Renewable Energy Advisors (REA), as new associate members. Weaver brings extensive experience in audit, tax, and advisory services that drive business transformation and growth, while Renewable Energy Advisors focuses on expanding renewable energy markets, governance, and providing technical and financial due diligence.
  • The members of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives elected its slate of officers for 2025 at the organization’s 96th Annual Meeting in La Quinta, Calif. Kevin Brinkley, president and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association of Lubbock, Texas, was elected chairman; Tom Astrup, president and CEO of American Crystal Sugar Company in Moorhead, Minn., was elected vice chair; Chuck Conner was named president and Marlis Carson was elected secretary/treasurer. The chair of NCFC traditionally serves two one-year terms; this would be Brinkley’s first term, as he succeeds Jay Debertin of CHS Inc. in the role.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) welcomes Danielle Cummins as the organization’s new Director, Membership Engagement. Danielle joins ASTA after a successful tenure at The Directions Group (formerly known as Aimpoint Research), where she was an Account Executive and Senior Intelligence Analyst, managing a diverse client portfolio, excelling in sales, and acting as a subject matter expert on a wide range of consumer and agriculture trends and topics at national conferences and workshops.
  • Join the Livestock Publication Council‘s next Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, February 26 at 12 p.m. CT. This month’s speaker is Rachael Davis, Director of Marketing Communications, Noble Research Institute. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration is necessary. It’s open to members and non-members. Join the Zoom Meeting here.
  • The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) congratulates Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). IFPA looks forward to working with Secretary Kennedy and HHS leadership to advance policies that expand access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables as a key strategy to improve public health.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcome new legislation introduced that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program under USDA’s administration. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Dan Newhouse of Washington, David Rouzer of North Carolina and House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania, along with Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas and John Hoeven of North Dakota.

    • 

    Zimfo Bytes

    Secretary Rollins Goes to Work at USDA

    Cindy Zimmerman

    After being confirmed by the Senate yesterday, Brooke Rollins was immediately sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony today at the Supreme Court building.

    “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture — and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump, and the opportunity to advance his agenda. I am thrilled to lead the United States Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

    During a welcome reception at USDA Friday morning, Rollins gave her first official address as Secretary. “We understand that we are not just federal employees here at. USDA. We are servants to the people and to all Americans. And we understand here at USDA that we do not just have a job, we have a mission,” said Rollins.

    Rollins made it clear that the department would “be aligned with the intent, the vision and the purpose of President Trump and the Americans who elected him” including cooperating with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “They’ve been here for a few weeks, but we are welcoming the efforts because we know that that work will make us better here at USDA. It will make us stronger, it will make us faster and it will make us more efficient,” Rollins said.

    Later in the day, Rollins took questions from reporters at the White House regarding issues including Avian Flu and egg prices, layoffs at USDA, DOGE and SNAP.

    Listen to her comments:
    USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - first address (11:37)

    Sec. Rollins’ first press availability at the White House
    USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - first press avail (8:35)

    AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, USDA

    Precision Ag News 2/13

    Carrie Muehling

  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) welcomed and administered oaths of office to its new leaders during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. President-elect Gary Blair of Starkville, Mississippi, was sworn in as President of NACD. Blair manages Blair Legacy Tree Farm, owns a private financial consulting business, and is retired from 36 years of service with Southern AgCredit.
  • With over 2,000 visitors from 56 different countries, including nearly 30 percent farmers, the 9th edition of World FIRA has firmly established itself as the must-attend event for robot and autonomous solutions enthusiasts. Aimed at reshaping the future of agriculture in the midst of transformation, the event that took place from February 4th to 6th in Auzeville-Tolosane, near Toulouse (France).
  • Nominations are now open for inducting innovators, trailblazers, mentors, and other contributors to conservation agriculture into the 2025 CTIC Hall of Fame. The ideal nominee has contributed to CTIC’s mission as a member, former board director, partner or former staff; advanced conservation agriculture regionally or nationally; or led by example as a farmer innovator.
  • Advanced Agrilytics, a leading agricultural solutions provider, announced Chris Kallal has joined the company as the Illinois Regional Agronomy Lead.
  • From the 2025 National Farm Machinery Show, Kubota Tractor Corporation unveiled the MX4900, its newest addition to the company’s popular line of utility tractors. The MX4900 was designed to be the workhorse expected of a utility tractor, but at a new price point in the MX series lineup. From transporting hay bales to grading a driveway, or performing general property maintenance, this powerhouse provides a solution that ranchers, farmers, and municipalities have been waiting for. The MX4900 will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in Spring of 2025.
  • Wingtra, the leading aerial insights solutions provider, has just launched WingtraGROUND. This revolutionary ground control kit completes a true end-to-end solution, combining drone, field setup and processing into a single, fluid toolchain—so both experts and beginners can run professional-grade aerial surveys with ease. The all-in-one setup eliminates the things that eat up the most time in the field and removes errors that cost even more time later. Now, surveyors and GIS teams can rely on a single solution for fast, reliable insights.
  • Registration is now open for the 2025 Water for Food Global Conference, held by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Themed, “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” it will center around working to solve one of the world’s most pressing issues – feeding a growing planet while preserving our precious natural resources. The five-day conference boasts its location in Lincoln, Nebraska as a living laboratory of agricultural and water research atop the vast Great Plains Aquifer. Held April 28 – May 2, 2025 at Nebraska Innovation Campus, the event convenes 400 leading experts and organizations from around the globe to explore research, expand technologies and share relevant knowledge in water and food security.
  • The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering California Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) a unique opportunity to earn $2,000 while contributing to the advancement of integrated pest management. Through an updated grant program facilitated by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), PCAs can participate in a one-season study by tracking pest management practices in a selected field of lettuce, alfalfa, grapes, almonds, pistachios, or tomatoes.
  • The Ag Innovation Forum, presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, is the premier event for agricultural leaders, innovators, and stakeholders shaping the future of food and farming.
  • Soybean growers in the Midwest face a new challenge with Red Crown Rot (RCR), a yield-threatening disease that is on the rise. With no effective in-season treatments currently available, growers are facing increasing difficulties in managing this emerging issue. To help growers address this issue, CeraMax®, a biological seed treatment developed by Ceradis Crop Protection B.V., will be available in 2025 under a Section 2(ee) label for the suppression of Red Crown Rot in soybeans.
  • GO Seed announced the release of the highly anticipated third edition of its Cover Crop Basics booklet, a trusted resource for farmers, agronomists, and educators across North America. With over 50,000 copies of previous editions distributed, this go-to guide offers strategies to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and boost farm sustainability.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Breedr Is New AgTech With Launch of Full Circle Beef ™

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Ian Wheal, BreedrThe CattleCon 2025 Industry News Center was sponsored by Breedr, the Austin-based global leader in precision livestock technology. I interviewed Founder and CEO, Ian Wheal. He talks about how and why he got the company started.

    Here’s the company’s mantra: “In God we trust; everyone else…bring data,” Full Circle Beef™ connects independent producers across the entire beef supply chain-from cow-calf producers and seedstock ranchers to feed yards and packers-giving powerful real-time feedback, verified performance, and premium Watch how Breedr works prices.”

    In addition to talking about Breedr’s Full Circle Beef™ model we also discussed the Future of Beef Show podcast. “The Future of Beef Show is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry.

    Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Brands and Barbed wire podcast, and I’m inviting you to join Ian Wheal, Jess Sperber, and I for The Future of Beef Show. Produced in partnership with American Cattlemen and Breedr.

    Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production – and show you how technology and data can make all the difference – while staying true to the values that define our industry.”

    Listen in to my interview with Ian:
    Interview with Ian Wheal (5:50)

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Agribusiness, Audio, Beef

    Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Agriculture Secretary

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Brooke Rollins of Texas was confirmed as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture Thursday by a vote of 72-28.

    Rollins served in Trump’s previous administration as acting director of the Domestic Policy Council and oversaw the White House Office of American Innovation. She since co-founded and served as president and chief executive officer of the America First Policy Institute. She has a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

    Congratulations are coming from all sectors of the agriculture industry:
    House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA)- “Brooke is a proven leader who understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
    National Cattleman’s Beef Association – “We know Secretary Rollins will prioritize passing a Farm Bill, protecting America’s cattle herd from the threat of foreign animal disease, and ensuring USDA is focused on supporting America’s cattle farmers and ranchers instead of covering them in red tape.”
    American Seed Trade Association – “Secretary Rollins’ strong agricultural upbringing and policy expertise will serve her well as she oversees the programs and agencies that farmers and growers rely on to fill grocery shelves and help Americans put food on the table.”
    National Pork Producers Council – “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California Proposition 12.”
    International Fresh Produce Association – “Under Secretary Rollins’ leadership, USDA can ensure a strong, competitive, and sustainable fresh produce supply chain for both growers and consumers.”
    National Association of Wheat Growers “..appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net.”
    International Dairy Foods Association – “looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins at USDA to strengthen Americans’ dietary health, support farmers and the entire dairy supply chain in the production of wholesome food, and build a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, growth and food safety.”
    Renewable Fuels Association – “We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to help ensure that lower-cost, cleaner-burning ethanol remains a vital part of our liquid fuel mix into the future, supporting energy independence and the rural economy.”

    Rollins was expected to be sworn in today and get to work at USDA as soon as possible. Also confirmed today was Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

    Ag Groups, politics, USDA

    Agri-Pulse Summit to Focus on Taxes, Trade and Technology

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agri-Pulse Founder Sara Wyant at 2024 Summit

    “Navigating Taxes, Trade and Technology: What’s Ahead for Food & Agriculture?” is the theme for the annual Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit coming up next month on St. Patrick’s Day in Washington, D.C.

    This must-attend annual event will feature keynote speakers and panelists focused on these topics as well as provide time for networking with industry leaders. Agri-Pulse Founder and Publisher Sara Wyant says this year the Summit is more important than ever for the agribusiness industry.

    “The theme this year is really focused on what are going to be some of the key issues that you’re going to see coming out of the Trump administration,” said Wyant. “President Trump has made no secret that he wants to have the Tax Cuts and JOBS Act not only renewed but also expanded to include provisions like no taxes on tips and Social Security, so taxes will be a big part of the discussion, not only for personal and income and business taxes, but also looking at tax incentives that a lot of farmers have been thinking about in terms of sustainable aviation fuel.”

    “Trade is another big part because as we all know, President Trump’s one of his favorite words is tariffs…So we’ll be talking about what’s the trade front look like and also taking a look at technology because there are so many technological advances in agriculture right now and in food processing that we can accomplish a lot of the things that President Trump has laid out in terms of generating more business in the United States,” Wyant added.

    The Summit will be held at the National Press Club, offering in-person and virtual attendance options. Registration is now open and you can take advantage of early bird registration rates through February 17.

    Learn more about what’s in store at the 2025 Ag & Food Policy Summit in this interview.
    Agri-Pulse Policy Summit preview - Sara Wyant (12:24)

    Ag Groups, Agri-Pulse, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Food

    ZimmCast 742 – Cattle and Crop Insurance

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    In this episode I’m going to share some interviews with last week’s CattleCon 2025 and CIRB Annual Mtg. I was in San Antonio while Cindy was in Bonita Springs, FL. This is definitely the busy time!

    So, let’s get started with CattleCon. I talked with Colin Woodall, CEO, NCBA who says they were going to break 8,500 attending. Additionally, he talks about the top issues the organization is working on.

    Next I have Kevin Good, VP Industry Relations, CattleFax. Kevin gave a full presentation on the stage during the CattleFax session. Afterward I interviewed him to hear his outlook for cattle and beef and what factors are impacting them.

    Now, I turned to CIRB. Cindy interviewed Tara Smith, Deputy Executive Vice President, CIRB. Tara talks about the need for educating new people working in the new administration and Congress about the importance of crop insurance.

    Finally, I have Cindy’s interview with Lindsey Rinkenberger, CIRB Chairwoman, COUNTRY Financial. Lindsey started CIRB participating the Emerging Leaders program. She talks about how CIRB works with the crop insurance coalition in Washington, DC.

    You can find the virtual newsrooms for both these events here: CattleCon 2025 and CIRB Annual Meeting

    So, there you have it. Skipping in to next week, Cindy will be heading to Nashville for the 30th National Ethanol Conference, where it will be our 20th year with the Renewable Fuels Association. As a bonus, she gets to see our middle daughter and youngest grand child!

    March has us at Commodity Classic in Denver and two trips to DC for the Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit and National Ag Day, and then for the American Coalition for Ethanol DC Fly-in. Hope to see you down the agriblogging and farmpodcasting highway!

    Listen to the episode here:
    ZimmCast 742 - Cattle and Crop Insurance (20:36)

    That’s the ZimmCast for now. Please let us know if you have ideas for a future podcast. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

    We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, CIRB, Crop Insurance, Markets, ZimmCast

    Meet the Tenth CIRB Emerging Leaders Program Class

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Front row:Shay Foster, Ronnetta Rountree, Crystal Mulcahy, Sandy Johnson, Candy Magee, Carissa Lozier, Kyle Jore, Craig Fenster
    Back Row: Tony Kubik, Billy Meade, Tanner Schroder, Mike Weber, Kasey Engel, Luke Aupperle, Brian Johnson, Jon Clarke

    There are 19 members in the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau’s (CIRB) 2024-2025 class of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), which is designed to build the next generation of crop insurance and reinsurance leaders.

    Now in the tenth year, the program offers extensive educational programming, valuable networking opportunities, and active engagement in Washington, D.C., to provide each class with a well-rounded experience to help them understand the entire crop insurance system. Participants are chosen each year from CIRB member companies and represent the diversity of people involved in the industry, from sales and claims, to data and IT. It also offers them an opportunity for a little media training with the ZimmComm Golden Microphone. This year, I managed to get 16 of the 19 participants and they are all excited about their experience so far.

    Meet these 16 outstanding members of the 2024-25 Emerging Leaders Program class:
    Anthony Kubik, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
    Crystal Mulcahy, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services
    Tanner Schroder, AgriSompo North America
    Shay Foster, AgriSompo North America
    Craig Fenster, Aon
    Carissa Lozier, COUNTRY Financial
    Luke Aupperle, COUNTRY Financial
    Kasey Engel, Farm Bureau Financial Services
    Candy Magee, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
    Billy Meade, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa
    Connor Scharfe, Gallagher Re
    Brian Johnson, Great American Insurance Group
    Sarah McEachern, Guy Carpenter
    Mike Weber, Hudson Crop
    Ronnetta Rountree, Hudson Crop
    Landon Svennes, Precision Risk Management
    Jon Clarke, Rural Community Insurance Services
    Sandy Johnson, Rural Community Insurance Services
    Kyle Jore, Watts and Associates

    Interviews with 16 ELP Class members (33:08)

    2025 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance, Events

    CDFA Extends Grant Program for Pest Control Advisers

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering California Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) a unique opportunity to earn $2,000 while contributing to the advancement of integrated pest management.

    Through an updated grant program facilitated by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), PCAs can participate in a one-season study by tracking pest management practices in a selected field of lettuce, alfalfa, grapes, almonds, pistachios, or tomatoes.

    This initiative aims to integrate real-time data collection into the daily operations of PCAs, providing valuable insights into pest management practices across California’s agricultural landscape. Participants will utilize Crop Steward, an intuitive mobile app designed to simplify data entry, allowing them to record field observations, decision-making processes, and treatment recommendations seamlessly within their existing work schedule.To participate in the grant program, a PCA simply needs to create a free profile in Crop Steward (https://cropsteward.com/), and then to enroll one qualified farm block in this system.

    In addition to field tracking, PCAs will collaborate with one of four CAPCA interns through at least one ride-along during the growing season. This mentorship component fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens professional development within the industry.

    To learn more, visit CAPCA’s grant page (https://capca.com/grants).

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, specialty crops, Sustainability, Technology

    Rabo AgriFinance Working to Support Cattle Producers

    Chuck Zimmerman

    John Steeves, Rabo AgriFinanceJohn Steeves, Head of Rural Business Economics, North America, Rabo AgriFinance, has moved into the U.S. from Canada to work more closely with producers for the company. He has already spent time meeting with cattle producers and feedlots in several regions of the country. So, spending time at CattleCon 2025 was a no-brainer. I met John in the media room during the conference and we sat down for an interview. He describes how the current higher prices for beef are positive but also create some challenges as well. Learn more from John below.

    Interview with John Steeves:
    Interview with John Steeves (7:15)

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Agribusiness, Audio