Trump Tariff Strategy Ranked as #1 Story of the Year – In the words of President Trump, “Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Tariffs were also a word that dominated agricultural news coverage in 2025 and the chaotic tariff strategy tops the Red River Farm Network list of the top ag stories of the year. Trump took up the issue during his State of the Union Address, saying other countries impose large tariffs on the United States. “This is happening by friend and foe; this system is not fair to the United States and never was.” Reciprocal tariffs were implemented on April 2. The aggressive trade agenda put U.S. agricultural exports in the crosshairs. Soybeans were a clear example. Before tariffs, China was the largest buyer of U.S. soybeans. The expanded tariff strategy made U.S. soybeans uncompetitive in world markets and China shifted purchases to South America. The Administration’s tariff strategy did bring many countries to the table and framework trade deals were negotiated with numerous countries.

#2-Low Prices, High Input Costs – The combination of low commodity prices and high input costs pressured the farm economy throughout the past year. That’s the #2 agricultural story for the Red River Farm Network. “There’s no room for error,” said Lynn Paulson, ag lender, Bell Bank. “Good management will find a way to power through this, but if this thing hangs in for an extended period of time and losses are $100 or $200 per acre even well-heeled guys will feel the financial stress.”  A $12 billion relief package called the Farmer Bridge Assistance program is on the way, but most ag groups are calling it a band-aid and not the permanent solution that farmers are asking for.

#3 Ag Provisions Included in One Big Beautiful Bill – The One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law by President Trump on the 4^th of July and is our #3 agriculture story of 2025. Many of the agricultural provisions that would normally be seen in a farm bill were included in this legislation. It used the budget reconciliation law and has a significant impact on U.S. farmers. It made the 2017 tax cuts permanent. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also cited changes to the estate tax. “This is a game changer on how we keep farms in the family and out of the hands of the Chinese and foreign ownership,” said Rollins. Along with the increase in reference prices, enhancements were made to crop insurance and payment limits increased. There was controversy with the One Big Beautiful Bill, particularly with significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. There was hope a so-called ‘skinny’ farm bill would be passed to cover the non-budgetary items typically seen in a five-year farm bill. Instead of that, Congress passed its third extension of the 2018 farm bill.

#4 A Volatile, But Positive Year for Cattle Prices – While nearly every commodity market was down this past year, cattle have been the one exception. The record cattle markets are the Red River Farm Network’s #4 agriculture story of the year. “In the cattle business, the supply/demand fundamentals are either all good or all bad and right now, they’re all good,” said Tim Petry, livestock economist, NDSU Extension. Petry made those comments when record prices were seen this past summer. The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level in 70 years.  Markets remained strong for much of the year, but took a hit on October 18^th after President Trump put consumer beef prices under the microscope. “We are working on beef and I think we have a deal on beef that will bring the price of beef down,” said Trump. “Beef is the one product that is a little higher than we want it, maybe, higher than we want it and that’s going to be coming down.” Trump eventually directed the Justice Department to investigate the ‘big three’ meatpackers. Volatility was the story in the fourth quarter, and feeder calf values finally returned to levels seen before Trump’s comments in mid-December.

#5 Big Bushels – Weather challenges and disease issues certainly stressed this year’s crop, but production hit all-time highs. That’s our # 5 story of 2025. USDA reports the U.S. corn yield averaged 186 bushels per acre, nearly seven bushels higher than last year’s record. Soybean yields are estimated at 53 bushels per acre, beating the previous record of just under 52 bushels per acre set in 2016.

USDA Staff Turnover, Reorganization Ranked as RRFN’s #6 Story – A massive turnover in staff is happening at USDA and that’s the #6 ag story for the Red River Farm Network in 2025. According to a report from the USDA inspector general, more than 20,000 employees left the Agriculture Department during the first five months of the Trump presidency. That’s roughly 20 percent of the USDA staff. Most of those employees left through the DOGE financial incentive program. More than 30 percent of the staff left the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Twenty-four percent of the Farm Service Agency employees and 22 percent of the NRCS staff left the Ag Department. USDA also announced plans for a major reorganization. “Republicans and Democrats for the most part would agree that Washington becoming such a massive hub for government is not healthy for America,”  said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The USDA plans to relocate over 2,000 employees from Washington, DC, to five regional hubs in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.

#7 Steps Taken to Protect U.S. Cattle Herd From New World Screwworm – New World Screwworm has never been found in the United States, but the effort to maintain that record is ranked as the #6 ag story of the year by the Red River Farm Network. The pest was found 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexican border, which ramped up the threat level in the United States. The border opened briefly in February, but remained closed for most of the year. In an effort to eradicate the NWS fly, USDA invested millions in sterile fly production facilities in Mexico and Texas. The threat to animal health was given renewed attention this past year and the markets continue to monitor the situation.

#8 MAHA Delivers Major Change in Food Policy – The Make America Healthy Again movement represents a dramatic shift in U.S. food policy. It is also ranked as our #8 ag news story of the year. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a longtime advocate for environmental and public health issues and now has the bully pulpit to carry that message forward. Seed oils, sugar, and high fructose corn sweeteners are among the common food items that have faced criticism. Ultra-processed foods are another target. New dietary standards are scheduled to be released in early 2026, which will offer more insight. RFK has also focused on the use of crop protection products under the MAHA banner. “Farmers who are dependent on chemicals and fertilizer inputs, it gives them an off-ramp where they can transition to a model that emphasizes soil health,” said Kennedy Jr. “It gives them incentives to do well by doing good for themselves, for our children and for our country.” While not part of the MAHA movement, the rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications has significantly influenced consumer buying habits this past year.

Ag Antitrust Investigations Are #9 Ag Story of ’25 – In the Red River Farm Network countdown of the top agricultural stories of 2025, the #9 ranked story is the renewed focus on competition within the agribusiness sector. The Justice Department and USDA are collaborating on an investigation into potential antitrust violations in meatpacking, seed and chemical, fertilizer and farm equipment. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden said this threat extends to the ‘right to repair’ issue. “When you’re buying a piece of equipment that costs more than a Rolls-Royce, you have more choices on where you can buy it and what you can do with it; we have a problem.”

#10 Ag Businesses Split, Others Merge – Major shifts in the agribusiness sector were seen in 2025, representing the #10 story of the year for the Red River Farm Network. Corteva is on that list as it prepares to split into two separate companies—one focused on crop protection and the other on seed genetics. Likewise, BASF is going through a major split, spinning off its different business units into separate businesses. That includes the BASF Agricultural Solutions division, which is slated for a legal separation by early 2027. Bayer is not splitting up at this time, but company officials said that options remains in place in the future. The ongoing litigation over the use of Roundup has complicated any structural changes. Another merger is coming in the rail business with Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in the midst of coming under one flag.

Other Important Ag Stories Seen This Past Year – Numerous regional stories also made headlines in 2025, including Agristo’s decision to build a major potato processing plant in Grand Forks. A derecho cut through North Dakota this summer, destroying everything in its path, including commercial and on-farm grain storage. The region’s sugarbeet industry also took a hit this past year—hurt by disease issues and an oversupply of sugar worldwide. NDFB President Daryl Lies and North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne chose the same year to step away. Val Wagner and Matt Perdue are the new presidents of NDFB and NDFU, respectively. Federal action on Waters of the United States and biofuels policy were also key discussion points in 2025.

Chinese Issues ‘Stern Warning’ Over Taiwan – China has launched military drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan. Beijing is calling it a ‘stern warning’ against outside interference in Chinese affairs. This move follows the Trump Administration’s $11 billion sale of weapons to Taiwan. If China tries to seize Taiwan by force, Japan said its military could intervene. Over the weekend, A Russian government official said Moscow would back China if that happened. The impact on the grain markets remains a wildcard. China is fulfilling its 12-million-ton soybean purchase obligation with the United States. However, there is always the threat of Chinese retaliation if the U.S. supports Taiwan. Military action or a blockade also has the potential of disrupting U.S. grain shipments to Asia.

Progress Seen on Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks – President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had face-to-face meetings this weekend in Mar-a-Lago. Trump also spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said progress has been made on a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but challenges remain. Despite the peace talks, the bombing and damage to infrastructure continue. Meanwhile, the grain trade is monitoring the situation. AgResource Company has said a cease-fire or the end of the war could cause corn and wheat futures to decline.

SD Corn Comments – Listen to Corn Comments brought to you by the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. You’ll learn about the South Dakota Corn 40th Annual Conference on January 17 in Sioux Falls. Listen here.

A More Targeted Approach Sought for FBA – A letter signed by 14 Democratic House members wants changes in the new $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance program. The lawmakers want the money to go to farmers in greatest need, citing small and medium family farms and specialty crop farms. Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro and her colleagues argue that past USDA programs disproportionately benefit large farms.

MAHA Steps Up Its Influence – EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is facing pressure from the Make America Healthy Again movement. Reuters reports there were at least six meetings between EPA and MAHA supporters this month. The face-to-face meetings follow a petition drive by MAHA to remove Zeldin from his cabinet position. MAHA activists want to see less pesticides used in farm production, including glyphosate. They also want key regulations to remain in place. Zeldin reportedly said the agency is finalizing a strategy that meets the objectives of MAHA.

Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s edition of the Dry Bean Scene presented by Northarvest Bean Growers Association, NDSU Plant Pathologist Michael Wunsch talks about new research that shows better timing and application strategies can significantly improve fungicide performance against white mold. Click here to listen.

A Large Number of USDA Employees Left the Department in ’25 – According to a report from the USDA inspector general, more than 20,000 employees left the Agriculture Department during the first five months of the Trump presidency. That’s roughly 20 percent of the USDA staff. Most of those employees left through the DOGE financial incentive program. More than 30 percent of the staff left the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Twenty-four percent of the Farm Service Agency employees and 22 percent of the NRCS staff left the Ag Department.

Crop Insurance Changes Add Confusion – Federal crop insurance policies are facing last-minute changes that were a surprise, according to Kyle Jore, head of crop insurance development at Watts and Associates. One major shift involves the elimination of the buy-up option for prevent plant coverage, which previously allowed farmers to increase their protection by five percent. “It caught us all off guard. It was actually put through just two days before the contract change date. To be clear, the prevent plant is still in place, but the buy-up option that allowed producers to increase coverage for higher-cost production environments was simply removed.” Jore noted USDA cited ad hoc payments to farmers, a justification that has left many industry observers questioning the change. Jore urged farmers to carefully review their options as the crop insurance sales closing season approaches. “Producers should take the time to meet with an agent or two and their risk management advisors to work through all the options because there really are a lot, and on such tight margins, we need those options.”

Timely Action Sought for 45Z Production Credit – Four House Republicans, including Minnesota Representative Michelle Fischbach and South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson, are asking the Treasury Department to prioritize the final rulemaking for the 45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit. The lawmakers said stakeholders are already making operational and financial decisions based on expectations of these credits being in place and any delays could damage this program for farmers and the biofuels industry.

Ethanol is Key to Moving Record Corn Supply – At Central Dakota Ag Day in Carrington, North Dakota Corn Utilization Council director Scott Spear highlighted the state’s record corn crop and the impact on the bottom line. While bridge payments provide some relief, Spear said farmers ultimately want fair market prices. “I think ethanol would be a positive place for us to be able to put our corn and get rid of some supplies,” said Spear. “E15, I think, is a great option for the nation altogether to help us reduce some of those corn overflows that we have right now that we can’t move overseas.” Spear also pointed to emerging international markets for ethanol and other corn products, noting interest from South Korea and India.

MN Corn Matters – In Minnesota Corn Matters, University of Minnesota Extension’s Paul McDivitt discusses podcast and learning opportunities. Corn Matters is a presentation of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Listen here.

GDP Beats Expectations – Despite the uncertainty of tariffs, the gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter. That’s a significant increase over the average forecast of 3.3 percent. The Commerce Department said the strong growth was due to increased consumer spending and export demand.

U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Back on Track – Talks on a tariff and trade deal between Indonesia and the U.S. appeared close to breaking down earlier this month, but officials now say an agreement is back on track. Indonesia’s chief trade negotiator says both sides have resolved all major issues, clearing the way for a signing by the end of January. Trade between the two countries totaled $36.2 billion from January through October, with Indonesia running a $14.9 billion surplus, and the U.S. ranking as Indonesia’s second-largest export market.

Chinese Chip Tariffs Delayed Until 2027 – A Section 301 investigation found China violated trade rules in the global computer chip market. However, the Trump Administration does not plan to impose new tariffs on semiconductor imports from China until June of 2027. This investigation began a year ago under President Joe Biden. The delayed tariff response from the current White House is seen as part of a trade ceasefire between the U.S. and China that began when Trump met with Chinese President Xi this past October in South Korea.

Large Crops and Slow Demand Shape 2025 – The lack of a major global weather or production problem has prolonged a lower-price environment for grains and oilseeds, defining much of 2025. “The continued production cycle globally has lacked a threat to new crop production throughout the last two or three years and that extended in 2025,” said agribusiness consultant Michael Kvistad. “South America is on track for another record or near record crop of corn and soybeans and that production consistency is the framework for the realization of a sustained lower price environment for grains and oilseeds.” Kvistad said China’s role in global demand remains a key factor moving forward, even as growth has slowed. Expectations that China will purchase 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans in the 2025 crop year helped ease market concerns late in the year.

Grain Market Recovery Depends on Exports – Ample global grain supplies continue to pressure commodity prices, with exports seen as the key path toward a recovery. NDSU Extension Crops Economist Frayne Olson says the big crop kept inventories elevated, limiting upside potential. “Number one, we had a fantastic corn crop in the U.S. We had a very solid soybean crop and a pretty good wheat crop. So we got plenty of supplies, not only domestically, but also internationally.” Large crop supplies in South America and Russia are seen as additional factors weighing on markets. Exports, particularly for corn, have provided some momentum, while soybeans remain a concern, and recent farm assistance payments are unlikely to influence planting decisions. “From my perspective, I do not think so, because a lot of the bridge payments are going to be used to try and clean up 2025 bills,” Olson said. “I do not think the bridge payments will have a direct impact on planted acreage.”

Bennett: Funds Focus on Metals, Grains on Sidelines – AgMarket.net analyst Matt Bennett says metals markets have been the main driver of trading activity recently, while grains and other agricultural markets have seen slower movement. Gold and silver, he notes, continue to draw strong fund interest. “Just an absolutely incredible run we’ve seen here,” Bennett said. “The funds really want to own these metals right now. At some point, we’ve got to give a story to buy, obviously fantastic demand for corn, export demands and great ethanol grind has been awfully strong, but the funds are focused on these physical assets.” Bennett added that corn and other grains may see renewed activity next year as funds look to inject weather-related premiums into the market.

Canola Minute – In this edition of Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman reflects on the 2025 canola crop. Click here. 

What’s Hot What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says precious metals, particularly silver and gold, remain strong, trading near all-time contract highs. Stock markets are also showing strength, with the S&P 500 and Dow posting new highs last week. Feeder cattle are holding steady as well. On the downside, soybean oil and crude oil continue to face pressure, along with hogs, which are weighed down by higher production and export concerns. Click here to listen to the report.

Weekend Blizzard Drops Up to Seven Inches Across ND, MN – A weekend blizzard swept through eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota, bringing gusty winds and several inches of snow, according to Grand Forks National Weather Service Meteorologist Dan Riddle. Snowfall totals varied across the affected area, with Grand Forks recording 4.7 inches. “It seems to be an average of probably three to upwards of probably seven inches of snow across the area that got hit, seven inches being maybe more common down in the south,” Riddle explained. Temperatures remain cold, but a clipper system and slightly warmer air are expected to bring highs near freezing in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota on Tuesday. Another light snow system is possible on New Year’s Eve, with about an inch of snow expected.

A Long List of Unfilled Grain Car Orders – North Dakota dominates the list of unfilled grain car orders for the week ending December 12. According to the USDA Grain Transportation Report, North Dakota had 893 unfilled grain car orders for the second week of December. That’s up from nearly 650 unfilled orders in the previous week. Minnesota is next on the list, with over 400 unfilled grain car orders, followed by Kansas, which has over 200 unfilled orders.

Railroad Merger Faces Criticism From Fertilizer Industry – The Fertilizer Institute is raising red flags over the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, saying fertilizer shippers already face limited rail options, higher costs, and ongoing service problems. In its response to the Surface Transportation Board, the Institute says it is difficult to see how a coast-to-coast railroad merger would fix those issues or meet federal merger standards.

Swine Inventory Signals Growth in 2026 – U.S. hog producers are signaling higher production for the first half of 2026. According to the USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, more farrowings next year, which should boost overall hog supplies compared with 2025. “So overall, what the report indicates is that heading into next year, those farrowings and the fact that we’re seeing the intentions are to farrow more hogs in 2026, at least for the first half, that should result in relatively higher hog supplies relative to 2025, which bodes well for pork production and growth in pork production into next year,” said Michael McConnell, USDA livestock analyst. The sow herd is slightly smaller than last year, meaning producers will rely more on productivity improvements. McConnell added that recent strong returns are influencing producer decisions.

More Milk in the Tank – U.S. milk production was up 4.5 percent in November. South Dakota’s dairy industry continues to grow, with November milk output up 10.8 percent. The size of the state dairy herd increased 22 percent over the past year. Minnesota milk production rose just over four percent. Minnesota’s dairy cow numbers are up 13,000 head. In the major dairy states, California milk production increased 10.4 percent, and Wisconsin was up nearly two percent.

When Border Opens, Expect Phased-in Testing Process – The reopening of the U.S.-Mexican border to Mexican cattle could be announced soon. However, Washington analyst Jim Wiesemeyer expects a phased-in, scientific approach will be taken to prevent the introduction of New World Screwworm into the United States. These cattle will be subject to four tests—including three inspections in Mexico. “If they test negative, they go on to a U.S. site and they’ll be tested again,” said Wiesemeyer. “It is that portion of cattle that are tested four times will be allowed into the United States.” There shouldn’t be a big wave of cattle crossing the border when trade resumes. In the AG Bull podcast, Weisemeyer said he expects it will be a slow, methodical process.

MN Beef Update – In the Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota Beef Council Communications Director Ashley Wolff offers holiday meal preparation ideas. Listen here.

Record Cattle Prices in ’25, Outlook Steady for 2026 – In the latest edition of Agriculture By The Numbers, NDSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Tim Petry provided an outlook on the cattle market. This past year was a record year, driven by six years of declining beef cow numbers and strong domestic and export demand. Fed steer prices averaged $224 per hundredweight, up from $187 in 2024, while North Dakota calf prices reached an average $449 per hundredweight, $114 higher than the previous year. Feeder steers and beef cull cows also set record prices. Looking ahead to 2026, USDA projects beef production to decline slightly to 25.7 billion pounds, maintaining tight supplies. Prices are expected to remain strong but may not rise as sharply as in 2025, with seasonal declines likely by fall.

USDA Tightens ‘Product of USA’ Label Rules – A new USDA labeling rule takes effect on January 1, tightening standards for when meat, poultry, and egg products can be labeled as ‘Product of the United States.’ Under the rule, claims like ‘Product of USA’ or ‘Made in USA’ are only allowed if animals were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States. Meat from animals imported live for feeding or processing no longer qualifies. The rule does not require companies to use U.S.-origin labels, but those that do must maintain records to support the claim. Products that are minimally processed may still use qualified statements, such as noting they were sliced or packaged in the United States using imported meat. The regulation applies only to domestic sales, and critics say it could strain trade relations with Canada and Mexico and reduce imports of live animals.

Setting Calves Up for Success – Herd health extends beyond a vaccination strategy. Merck Technical Services Veterinarian Deana Hardee likes to have protocols in place. “One of the general rules of thumb is we like to do a branding age or that three-to-four-month age vaccine, specifically for clostridial diseases and BRD,” said Hardee. “Simply because calves are born very naive, and they rely on mom’s colostrum or the internal antibodies. It’s a great time to intervene and vaccinate. We’re setting them up for success in the next phases of production.” Hardee believes it is also important to have a relationship with a local veterinarian who understands your operation. Listen to the full interview. 

Food Companies Adapt to GLP-1 Trend – Approximately 12 percent of American adults are taking a GLP-1. That will likely increase next month with the new federal approval for the appetite-suppressing medication in pill form. A consumer foods analyst at Rabobank said more food companies and restaurants will be making changes to cater to this audience. Chipotle, Olive Garden and Noodles & Company have added menu options with smaller portions that are higher in protein. Frozen food companies are also labeling meals with higher protein and fiber as ‘GLP-1 friendly.’

Process Begins for Public Waters Inventory – The Minnesota DNR has opened a 60-day review and comment period for its preliminary Public Waters Inventory maps. This process is meant to address errors identified since the 1990s and correct classification errors from the 2016 buffer protection map. Public meetings are scheduled for January 20 in Moorhead, January 22 in North Mankato, January 26 in Foley and January 28 in Aitkin. The Legislature has provided funding for the Public Waters Inventory update through 2032 with a goal of completing a dozen counties per year.

U.S. Bans Chinese Drones, Raising Concerns for Farmers – U.S. officials have moved to block Chinese-made drones from the American market, citing national security concerns. The Federal Communications Commission has banned new imports and sales of drones and key components from major Chinese manufacturers. The decision does not affect drones already purchased. Ag service providers warn the ban could raise costs and limit access to technology at a time when margins are already tight, especially if comparable U.S.-made alternatives are not readily available. According to the American Spray Drone Coalition, more than 10.3 million acres were treated via spray drones in 2024, generating $215 million in rural revenue, not from selling drones, but from operators providing custom applications and related services.

ASA: Drone Ban Risks Higher Costs for Farmers – The American Soybean Association is warning that potential federal restrictions on foreign-manufactured drones could create new challenges for farmers who rely on the technology every day. Drones are a critical precision ag tool, helping producers manage costs, monitor crops, and improve efficiency, with foreign-made models making up most of the current market. “Soybean farmers depend on modern technology to stay competitive, efficient, and sustainable,” said ASA President Scott Metzger. He says while national security concerns are important, removing proven tools without workable alternatives would add cost and uncertainty for farmers already facing tight margins. ASA is urging policymakers to work with agriculture stakeholders to address security issues while preserving access to essential farm technology.

GPS and Drones Boost Farming Efficiency – At the Carrington Research Center during Central Dakota Ag Day, Grand Farm Technical Advisor Noel Anderson highlighted how robotics and precision technology are transforming farming. GPS-enabled autonomous equipment is now accurate to 2.5 centimeters, allowing farmers to use “as planted” maps and drone imagery to target weeds efficiently. “The big thing that’s enabled the autonomous equipment is the GPS; you get that level of precision, but it’s repeatable,” Anderson said. “You can take an as-planted map with where your seed rows are and then come back with a weeding operation, and help make decisions.” Anderson also stressed the cost-saving potential of robotics and precision agriculture, especially amid rising input expenses. “With precision ag in general, you’re trying to take like nitrogen, and your other nutrients, and not overapply. Similarly, you don’t want to be putting herbicides, fungicides, insecticides where they’re not going to do any benefit because there’s no problem.”

Big League Speakers Scheduled for AFBF Convention – Next month’s American Farm Bureau Federation Convention will feature a powerful line of political leaders. In addition to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the four corners are on the schedule. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig will outline their vision for farm policy. The Farm Bureau convention will be on January 9-12 in Anaheim.

Keep Farmers Farming – The South Dakota Ag Foundation’s ‘Keep Farmers Farming’ initiative has received a $200,000 Future Fund grant. This program is designed to help farmers with estate planning. In a news release, Governor Larry Rhoden said the program will “keep South Dakota agriculture strong for generations to come.”

Potato Expo 2026 Set to Kick Off New Year – Potato Expo 2026 kicks off early next year in Dallas, Texas. National Potato Council Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles says the timing of the event is especially important as producers look ahead to the new growing season. “This is a time when the entire North American potato industry, but then even broader than that, we have participants from well over 30 different countries, will come to the Potato Expo. It’s right at the beginning of the year. It’s when producers can make their plans for the coming year.” Quarles says the expo highlights the full scope of the potato supply chain, bringing together growers, processors, and retailers under one roof. “You really see the entirety of this incredibly diverse, thriving industry under one roof; we think this one’s going to be the best one we’ve ever had.” The Potato Expo runs January 6-8, with exclusive coverage from the Red River Farm Network.

Fertility Needs for Soybeans – A crop nutrition strategy typically gets less attention in soybeans than in other crops. However, soybeans do pull nutrients out of the soil. According to Mosaic Senior Technical Sales Manager Sherry Koch, soil testing is an important first step. “We’re not going to need the nitrogen on soybeans because they, they’re pretty efficient on producing a lot on their own with their own nodulation,” said Koch. “We shouldn’t forget other nutrients. The potassium side of things helps with that strong root growth. Phosphorus is critical for root development, seed development, and growth and we can’t forget about sulfur. Even NDSU is stating that we need sulfur in our soybeans.” In today’s economy, every crop input is under a microscope. Koch describes it as ROFI or return on fertilizer investment.

Innovation in the Field – Farmers are using digital platforms to take field-specific actions. Bayer’s Preceon Smart Corn Digital Experience Lead Dan Ader says unique tools are now available. “You can pick a certain area that you may have been out scouting. and see an area that looks a little different,” said Ader. “What did I plant? Was it a different density? Did I do something different with fertility? And really, really drill into that specific area or the whole field or compare fields across the operation, but it really all starts with getting the data into the platform.” Ader is excited about the new ways to pull information in from the cab. “Think about it like this: Drive #1 was like walking around with a 2014 smartphone and Drive #2 is the newest smartphone with more modern technology and data streams more seamlessly.”

ND Files Motion in Hansen-Mueller Bankruptcy Case – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking to recover a $778,000 surety bond in the Hansen-Mueller Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. A motion has been filed in U.S. bankruptcy court to have these funds put into a trust fund to be administered by Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring. The bond would be used to pay farmers and grain sellers who were not paid for grain sold to Hansen-Mueller. It is estimated there are 40 unsecured Hansen-Mueller creditors in North Dakota.

New Development in Summit Carbon Solutions Project – A district court in Iowa has ruled in favor of Summit Carbon Solutions to pause a legal challenge from a group of landowners, counties and the Sierra Club. This will allow the Iowa Utilities Commission to change language in Summit’s proposed permit for a carbon capture pipeline. The original permit specified that permission had to be granted in South Dakota and North Dakota before construction could begin in Iowa. South Dakota’s decision to ban the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines means another route will be necessary. Summit plans to take CO2 from 57 Midwestern ethanol plants in a pipeline for deep underground storage in North Dakota. North Dakota approved permits for the pipeline a year ago.

Agtegra Invests in New Aberdeen Travel Center – Agtegra Cooperative will begin construction soon on a new Travel Center on the east side of Aberdeen. “It’s a space that will welcome travelers while giving back to the farmers and ranchers who built this cooperative,” said Jason Klootwyk, CEO. The facility is expected to open in late 2026.

Canadian Ambassador to the United States Named – Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Canada’s next ambassador to the United States. Mark Wiseman is currently a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. relations. Wiseman will be a point person for the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the current U.S. tariff strategy. He wrote an opinion column in the Globe & Mail last year, calling for reform of Canada’s supply/management system for dairy, eggs and poultry.

A Transition at Rob-See-Co – Nebraska-based Rob-See-Co has announced that Jim Robinson will take over as chief executive officer on January 1. Robinson succeeds company founder Rob Robinson, who will transition to the Rob-See-Co board of directors. Robinson has been the company’s chief technology officer and held multiple leadership roles within Rob-See-Co since its inception in 2013. In addition, General Manager Dr. Calvin Treat will retire at the end of 2025 after 35 years in the seed industry.

AFIA Welcomes Three New Staffers – The American Feed Industry Association has announced three staff members. Allison Foster is AFIA’s new manager of policy engagement. She previously spent time with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the Education Finance Council. Mary Gray Holdren is in a new role as manager of education programs. Holdren worked her way up from feed mill intern to agribusiness specialist at Mountaire Farms and is scheduled to finish her Master of Science degree in agricultural leadership development at North Carolina State University. AFIA’s new communications specialist is a recent Ohio State University graduate, Margo Nagle.

Six Selected for New MFBF Leadership Development Program – Minnesota Farm Bureau is launching a new leadership development program, the LeadAg Institute, aimed at preparing members to advocate for agriculture and lead at the community, county, state, and national levels. The program is designed to strengthen leadership skills, deepen understanding of Farm Bureau policy work, and advance agricultural literacy across Minnesota. The inaugural class includes six Farm Bureau members from across the state: Brianne Arneson of Madison, Jessie Bester of Hampton, Jay Sohre of Good Thunder, Ellie Trout of Cohasset, Traci Walkowski of Hutchinson, and Josh Yates of Mora. Participants will take part in five learning sessions focused on leadership development, personal growth, and effective engagement on agricultural issues.

Former Pork Board CEO Passes – A celebration of life will be held on January 23 in West Des Moines for Steve Murphy. Murphy, 75, passed away on December 15th from cancer. Murphy was the chief executive officer with the National Pork Board from 2001 to 2009 and was the AgWeb.com president/COO before that. Since 2009, Murphy has been part of a consulting firm, Venture Dynamics. Murphy also served as president of the Purdue Alumni Board of Directors.