Line on Agriculture

The importance of proper vaccine management for cattle health with Dr. Lee Jones, a veterinarian from Boehringer Ingelheim.

The SPEED Act, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform measure, has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. This legislation aims to streamline permitting processes, which could benefit livestock producers by reducing red tape and costs associated with federal permitting for range improvements and conservation work.

The USMCA agreement, involving the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is due for review by July 2026. Dave Samuelson from the American Farm Bureau Federation highlights that preparations are already underway

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended until September 2026, but its future beyond that is uncertain due to the split farm bill.

The Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, DC, organized by the US Grains and Bio Products Council, had attendees from over 40 countries.

The US House of Representatives has voted to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list, a decision supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

The December milk outlook by the World Agriculture Outlook Board revealed no change to the 2025 milk production forecast, but reduced the 2026 forecast by 100 million pounds

The USDA's latest cattle on feed report indicates a tightening of cattle supplies in the U.S., with inventory levels 2% lower than last year. This is largely due to reduced cattle imports from Mexico, which have been halted due to concerns over foot-and-mouth disease.

The Trump administration announced a $11 billion farmer aid package to be distributed by February, intended as a "bridge" to a stronger farm economy. However, one ag economist raises concerns about the long-term implications of these payments.

The US wheat market is stable with ample supply, but export demand is insufficient to drive prices up.

Waypoint Analytical, a subsidiary of Nutrien Ag Solutions, offers soil testing focused on biological analysis through DNA-based methods. Dr. Lizzie French explains that their new test examines soil microbes, providing insights into their presence, functions, and numbers.

National Farmers Union's (NFU) perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a trade aid package announced by the administration.

The USDA's December world agricultural supply and demand estimates report revealed a surprising increase in corn demand by 970 million bushels since July, totaling 16.75 billion bushels

The USDA is launching a $700 million pilot program to promote regenerative agriculture, aligning with the Trump administration's health agenda.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed the Dairy Action Plan at the National Milk Producers Federation annual meeting, focusing on improving milk variety options in dietary guidelines.

With so many factors out of a producer's hands, there are a couple of things that can be controlled.

The US Wheat Associates trade team attended the Latin American Milling Association Conference in Colombia, focusing on regional market trends, sustainability, and geopolitical issues.

Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, discusses the negative impact of misinformation on cattle futures and herd rebuilding efforts.

As 2025 concludes, the dairy sector's economic outlook has weakened due to increased supply, particularly in butterfat, leading to a dramatic decline in butter prices.

The Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose to 139 in November, the highest since June, driven by increased optimism about the future. The Future Expectations Index jumped to 144, while the Current Conditions Index dipped slightly to 128. This optimism may be linked to the recent US-China trade pact, which could expand agricultural exports.

Beef prices are at an all-time high, but Ed Elfman from the American Bankers Association argues they are in line with expectations, considering inflation.

Rural Minds, a four-year-old nonprofit founded by Jeff Winton after a family tragedy highlighted the lack of mental health support in rural America, focuses on mental health equity for the 46 million rural residents.

Short-stature corn offers several benefits to growers, including improved standability due to its shorter height and larger stalks, which allows for higher planting densities without compromising stability.

Why the cattle market's overreaction to the POTUS's indicates a broken system, suggesting it is too thin and overly sensitive to rumors and statements.

Concerns in the MAHA report from the International Fresh Produce Association.

The USDA has resumed issuing cattle on feed reports,

Amy France, chairwoman of the National Sorghum Producers, discusses the impact of rising input costs and declining sorghum prices on farmers.

The USDA has launched the second stage of its Supplemental Disaster Relief Program to provide aid to farmers for crop, tree, bush, vine, and quality losses not covered by the initial stage.

R-CALF USA is pursuing a private antitrust case against meat packers, supported by credible law firms. This action complements the U.S. government's ongoing investigation into meat packer conduct, initiated during the first Trump administration and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

R-CALF USA highlighted a longstanding issue where cattle prices have not reflected beef prices, with cattle prices falling from 2021 while beef prices hit records.

The American Farm Bureau Federation suggests that expanding biofuel production could boost farm revenue and the rural economy.

The Trump administration's comments on lowering consumer beef prices have caused significant volatility in the cattle markets, according to R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.

The National Milk Producers Federation emphasizes the importance of SNAP, particularly for purchases of fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese, and the WIC program.

The National Farmers supports the potential reintroduction of mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef in the U.S. due to increased beef imports, particularly from Argentina, following President Trump's announcement

Farmers for Free Trade has been touring the U.S. to gather feedback on the importance of trade to agriculture.

The US Wheat Associates' latest crop quality report highlights a significant increase in US wheat production, the highest since 2016, aided by favorable conditions following years of drought.

The National Bison Association (NBA) is launching an educational initiative funded by a new USDA grant to boost herd numbers and industry growth.

The emotional impact of cattle market fluctuations on producers, particularly those who sell annually.

The US-China trade framework has led to China resuming imports of various U.S. agricultural goods, although specifics are still undisclosed. The U.S. has also removed port fees for Chinese-owned ships, easing tensions. Smaller agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam are also in progress, benefiting sectors like dairy, poultry, rice, pork, and ethanol.

The US Bison industry is experiencing declining bison herd numbers due to drought, trade challenges, tariffs, natural disasters, and a shrinking workforce.

The US and Mexico have not yet resolved the issue of Mexican beef cattle exports to the US due to an outbreak of the New World Screw Worm in Mexico

The Farm Service Agency is taking into account new urban farming trends in it's acreage reporting guidelines.