Animal Ag News 2/20

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

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 These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.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

    U.S. Beef Export Picture Changing

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

    Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Exports, Meat

    DWFI Podcast 50 – Nebraska Master Irrigator

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In this episode, host Frances Hayes dives into the Nebraska Master Irrigator Program, a new approach to advanced water stewardship. Joining Frances is Crystal Powers, DWFI Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator and a co-collaborator on the new initiative.

    Through the Nebraska Master Irrigator Program, organizers invite participants to dig deeper and “talk shop” about the critical issues facing agricultural producers in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. The podcast discussion focuses on how this program helps farmers grow more with less, maximize existing farm investments, improve margins, and ultimately strengthen the long-term future of Nebraska’s soil and water resources.

    DWFI podcast episode 50 18:48

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Irrigation, Water for Food

    Ag Economic Update at CIRB Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    At the recent 2026 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) annual meeting, Jim Wiesemeyer of Informa Economics painted a stark picture of the U.S. farm economy, highlighting a severe cash flow squeeze driven by low commodity prices and persistent high input costs.

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

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

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

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

    Jim Wiesemeyer, Informa Economics (18:29)

    2026 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album

    Audio, CIRB, Crop Insurance

    Industry Ag News 2/18

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers have until March 13, 2026, to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
  • House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released a statement supporting the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The full text of the bill can be found here.
  • Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Sarah Gonzalez will join the digital media company on March 9 and become the company’s third editor in chief, after current Editor in Chief Philip Brasher retires on March 27. She will be based in Washington, D.C.
  • Last fall, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced its role as the leading voice for crop biotechnology advocacy and regulation. Association leadership and staff are now implementing plans to support this expanded portfolio, including the integration of additional resources and expertise. ASTA welcomes Collin Cisco and Benjamin Rietmann to the organization. Cisco will serve as Director, State Government Affairs and Rietmann will serve as Director, International Programs and Policy.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) awarded U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) with its 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Award for championing the effort to get the Food for Peace program transferred to USDA control.
  • The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced that Samantha Ayoub will join the association as Director, Workforce & Business Policy on the U.S. Government Relations team effective Feb. 23.
  • Undergraduate college students pursuing agricultural communications careers should apply now for up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Agricultural Communicators Network. Three scholarships will be awarded in 2026 to members of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) who have demonstrated commitment to their education and career goals. The 2026 ACN Scholarship Application Form and 2026 ACN Scholarship Reference Form are available online at agcommnetwork.com/scholarships.
  • Vermeer Corporation and alliance partner G.T. Bunning & Sons Ltd are marking a significant milestone in their ongoing collaboration: the first MS400 manure spreaders produced at Vermeer’s Griswold, Iowa facility are now shipping to dealers and customers across North America. The MS400 has already established a growing presence in the field, with several units currently operating on farms today. While Bunning remains the design and engineering lead behind the spreaders, Vermeer is leveraging their manufacturing capabilities to better meet the demand seen in North America and expand future product availability.
  • The National Cotton Council directors for 2026 were announced at the NCC’s recent 2026 annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Nathan Reed, a Marianna, Ark., producer, who previously served as National Cotton Council vice chairman, was elected NCC chairman for 2026 during the organization’s annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. John C. King, III, a merchant official from Richardson, TX, will serve as Cotton Council International’s president for 2026.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Industry Awards at 2026 CattleCon

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Burt Rutherford (R) receives Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award (NCBA photo)

    The Prime Cut Awards ceremony was a new feature this year at the 2026 CattleCon, honoring legacy, leadership and excellence in the industry with a variety of awards.

    The Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award was presented this year to Burt Rutherford, a freelance writer and former senior editor of BEEF magazine who has spent his career helping producers become better and more efficient at what they do through his effective writing. This new award recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Greg Henderson championed throughout his career as Editorial Director for Drovers at Farm Journal Media. Henderson passed away in 2024 at the age of 67.

    Jon Mollhagen received inaugural Legacy Award (NCBA photo)

    Jon Mollhagen, founder of Moly Manufacturing, LLC., received the inaugural Legacy Award for his innovation and dedication to the beef cattle industry. A fifth-generation Kansas cow-calf producer, Mollhagen founded Moly Manufacturing in 1987 and its SILENCER® chute has become the industry standard in livestock handling equipment.​

    Another award presented was the Beef Checkoff Visionary Award which recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision. The 2025 honoree is Anne Ilse Anderson of Austin, Texas. Anderson and her husband Jim own a cow-calf operation in the Texas Hill Country, combining a deep passion for agriculture with a global business perspective.

    2026 American National CattleWomen Awards were also presented, including:
    Outstanding Cattlewoman of the Year Leanna Spratling, Spring Creek, Nevada
    Outstanding Educator Laurie Munns, Hansel Valley, Utah
    Outstanding Promoter Connie Tabor, Agra, Oklahoma

    See more awards presented at CattleCon.

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

    ZimmComm Gear for Sale

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    ZimmComm GearHello you photographers, social media content producers, influencers, broadcasters, publishers.

    Here at ZimmComm Headquarters we have accumulated a variety of equipment that we have used. I’m just that kind of agnerd. For example. I’ve got several tripods along with several different tripod heads. And of course, some audio devices for a variety of purposes.

    Here is the current list I have created (.pdf). As it says, I have photos of each of them, like the ones here in this post. I’m open to an offer and would need to include shipping cost. I’ve been having the best luck with UPS these days and better pricing.

    So, let me know if you find something you could really need or want. I will probably be adding to the list but you’ve got to start somewhere.

    Audio, Equipment, Media, Photography, Podcasts, Social Media, ZimmNews

    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.

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    Ag Groups, AI, Audio, Insurance, ZimmCast