Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - November 2025

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DEVELOPMENTS

At the 2025 Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, 850 student leaders “showed up ready to grow.” Drawn from 108 universities and selected from a record-setting applicant pool, these students demonstrated the rising demand for professional growth opportunities. With 421 industry leaders present, it’s clear the agriculture industry is committed to investing in the next generation of leadership. The conference’s four-track structure supported students at every stage of their collegiate journey. Students dug into leader development, career readiness, financial literacy and cultural competence. The cohort itself reflects the diversity needed to sustain the future of agriculture with 71% women, 15% underrepresented minority students and 209 first-generation college students. 

“Students don’t just learn about the industry and the myriad of meaningful careers. They develop skills and key relationships that will help them thrive in the future,” said Mark Stewart, president and CEO of AFA. “Students have the opportunity to connect with mentors, secure internships and gain confidence in who they want to become.” 

Throughout the three-day event, industry professionals joined roundtables, networking socials and keynote sessions that intentionally paired students and employers whose values and career goals align. The Opportunity Fair brought together 80 employers spanning the full breadth of agriculture – technology, animal systems, food and nutrition, crop sciences, finance, policy and beyond. Employers collected resumes and hired talent on the spot, filling internships and launching students into their first careers. 

Earlier this month Secretary Brooke L. Rollins led a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Mexico, in which 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators and agriculture advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture, and 150 participants conducted more than 500 business-to-business meetings over three days. The mission focused on trade ties with Mexico and bilateral cooperation on New World Screwworm (NWS). “The trading and diplomatic relationship between our two countries is of the utmost importance,” Sec. Rollins said.  “I thank President Claudia Sheinbaum for welcoming me to the Presidential Palace where we had a productive and positive conversation about how we will continue to work closely together to eradicate the NWS which is negatively impacting both our economies.”

USDA’s Farm Service Agency is delivering more than $16 billion in assistance via the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). This assistance follows $9.3 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program assistance to over 560,000 row crop farmers and over $705 million in Emergency Livestock Relief Program assistance to over 220,000 ranchers. Stage Two of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions.

Although the U.S. meat industry faces significant obstacles in the international marketplace, demand for quality and safety continue to drive exports of U.S. pork, beef and lamb. This was the prevailing message delivered by U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom at its recent Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis. He noted that pork exports are modestly below last year’s record pace, but the gap stems mostly from a period early this year when China’s retaliatory tariffs escalated and the U.S. industry faced uncertainty about plant eligibility. Beef exports have been hit harder by barriers in China, where U.S. beef faces retaliatory tariffs. Halstrom emphasized that fully reopening the world’s largest beef import market to U.S. beef will require several actions on China’s part, and the lockout could extend into next year. Keynote speaker Jan Lambregts, head of RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets, offered a broad overview of the global economic situation and how it has been impacted by various economic policies embraced by the United States, China, the European Union and Russia. “I’m not quite sure if you will like this news, but I don’t think there will be a comprehensive deal coming soon between China and the United States,” Lambregts said. “What the U.S. is demanding is access to Chinese markets. What China will never give is access to the Chinese market because that’s not how they’ve been winning in trade during the past 30-40 years.”

Turkey prices are low ahead of Thanksgiving, but may later be affected by a decline in supply compared to prior years, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. David Anderson, Ph.D., economist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station, said prices on whole birds typical for table centerpieces during the holidays have been below the five-year average. The wholesale price for 8-16-pound hens was 99 cents per pound the week of Oct. 19, compared to $1.12 per pound last year and the five-year average of $1.22 per pound. “Prices are good for consumers, but they’re bad for producers,” he said. “Last year started off strong for producers, but prices bottomed out after Thanksgiving and they haven’t recovered.” Anderson said dismal prices for producers who continue to deal with higher input and labor costs contributed to a drop in production. Avian influenza and an emerging issue with avian metapneumovirus also continue to impact turkey and other poultry.

National Corn Growers Association has called on the EPA to reallocate 100% of its waivers for small refineries through a supplemental rule-making process. “A strong, transparent, and balanced Renewable Fuel Standard remains a cornerstone of America’s agricultural and energy success,” said NCGA CEO Neil Caskey. Under the RFS, enacted in 2005, EPA sets the renewable volume obligations each year, specifying the amount of renewable fuel that refiners and importers of petroleum products must blend into the nation’s fuel supply. EPA has the authority to issue Small Refinery Exemptions to refiners that can demonstrate “disproportionate economic harm” from compliance. NCGA has long argued that a dependable RFS is critical to unlocking America’s domestic energy potential, promoting ethanol growth and driving corn demand. The group has also discouraged the overuse of exemptions.

Lenexa, Kansas-based Pinion, a national leader in food and ag accounting, advisory, and consulting services, announced that Gifford & Cox, a certified public accounting firm serving clients across the Great Plains, will join the firm. This step strengthens Pinion’s presence in Nebraska, the Dakotas, Colorado, and Kansas, further enhancing its ability to serve agricultural producers and businesses throughout the region. “Gifford & Cox has built trusted relationships and a strong reputation for serving ag producers and rural businesses across the Plains,” says Jeff Wald, CEO of Pinion. “By bringing our teams together, we’re able to offer a deeper bench of expertise and a greater regional reach — connecting clients to more specialized advisors and insights to help them plan strategically and grow sustainably.”

Kansas Livestock Association staff recently participated in the “Secure America’s Workforce” fly-in hosted by the American Business Immigration Coalition, a bipartisan group of more than 1,700 employers and chief executive officers seeking lasting immigration solutions. Nearly 200 participants descended on Washington, DC, to share the critical workforce issues faced by agriculture, hospitality, healthcare and construction. Visits were made to more than 200 congressional offices, including all six members of the Kansas delegation. KLA staff also met with Senator John Boozman, chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, and senior staff of the House Ag Committee. The status of the current workforce and the need to reform the guest-worker program to meet the year-round requirements of livestock producers were emphasized during discussions.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is expanding the reach of its Farm State of Mind initiative to a broader coalition of food and farming sector partners by joining forces with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance to launch the Farm State of Mind Alliance.  “This is a critical time for mental health in rural America. Farmers and ranchers are facing economic uncertainty, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a generation,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I’ve heard firsthand from Farm Bureau members how our Farm State of Mind resources are changing lives in rural communities. I’m so proud to broaden our coalition and bring even more organizations alongside us to share the message that it’s okay not to be okay.”

Farmers’ Almanac has announced its 2026 edition will be its last, citing the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the book in today’s “chaotic media environment.” Access to the online version will cease next month. The Maine-based publication, not to be confused with the even older Old Farmer’s Almanac in neighboring New Hampshire, was first printed in 1818. For centuries it used a unique methodology for charting sunspots, planetary positions and lunar cycles to generate long-range weather forecasts. The almanac also contained gardening tips, trivia, jokes and natural remedies. But its weather forecasts make the most headlines. In 2017, when Farmers’ Almanac reported a circulation of 2.1 million in North America, its publisher and editors said it was gaining new readers among people interested in where their food came from. Many of these readers lived in cities, prompting the publication to feature skyscrapers as well as an old farmhouse on its cover.

Feral hogs continue to be a scourge on U.S. agriculture, causing an estimated $1.6 billion per year in damage, which includes damage to property and crops as well as predation and diseases inflicted on domestic livestock. It has been estimated that feral hogs inflict about $85 million in losses per year in livestock through predation, disease, veterinary costs and medical treatments. These figures are courtesy of an economic assessment using data released earlier this year from the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program and the National Wildlife Research Center. Those figures could grow if the population of feral hogs, which are now found in more than 30 states, increases. Feral hogs are known to have reproductive rates that allow populations to double in just four months.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a proposed rule defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposal follows the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. Key proposed revisions include these

  • Defining key terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection,” and “tributary” to appropriately delineate the scope of WOTUS consistent with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent.

  • Establishing that jurisdictional tributaries must connect to traditional navigable waters either directly or through other features that provide predictable and consistent flow.

  • Reaffirming that wetlands must be indistinguishable from jurisdictional waters through a continuous surface connection, which means that they must touch a jurisdictional water and hold surface water for a requisite duration year after year.

  • Strengthening state and tribal decision-making authority by providing clear regulatory guidelines while recognizing their expertise in local land and water resources.

  • Preserving and clarifying exclusions for certain ditches, prior converted cropland, and waste treatment systems; Adding a new exclusion for groundwater.

  • Incorporating locally familiar terminology, such as “wet season,” to help determine whether a water body qualifies as WOTUS.

  • In addition, the limitation to wetlands that have surface water at least during the wet season and abut a jurisdictional water will further limit the scope of permafrost wetlands that are considered to have a continuous surface connection under the proposed rule.

These proposed changes are intended to provide clarity and consistency to the continuous surface connection definition. When finalized, Zeldin says the rule will cut red tape and provide predictability, consistency, and clarity for American industry, energy producers, the technology sector, farmers, ranchers, developers, businesses, and landowners for permitting under the Clean Water Act.  “We are pleased that the new rule protects critical water sources while respecting the efforts of farmers to protect the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The Supreme Court clearly ruled several years ago that the government overreached in its interpretation of what fell under federal guidelines. We are still reviewing the entire rule, but we are pleased that it finally addresses those concerns and takes steps to provide much-needed clarity.”

Dairy Farmers of America’s Cares Foundation Scholarship Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program run by a farmer-leader board of directors, is accepting applications from students interested in career opportunities in the dairy industry. The industry needs accountants, scientists, engineers, computer technicians, market analysts, writers and so many more professionals to ensure families down the road and around the world are nourished with the goodness of dairy, notes DFA. Since its inception 15 years ago, the DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship Program has grown to honor an increasing number of outstanding students who have an interest in the food and agriculture industries. In 2025, DFA Cares awarded $86,000 to 67 students, helping pre-college, undergraduate and graduate students continue their education. Applications are due Friday, January 9, 2026. More information is available on the DFA website.

PEOPLE

Missouri Soybeans has promoted Brady Lichtenberg to associate director of conservation agronomy. In this role, Lichtenberg will lead efforts at the intersection of conservation and agronomic innovation, helping Missouri farmers adopt practices that increase productivity while improving soil, water and wildlife health. As associate director, he will collaborate with Missouri Soybeans’ research and conservation teams to expand field-level impact through grower outreach, research trials and regenerative systems demonstrations at the Farm for Soy Innovation in Columbia. “Brady has shown a deep commitment to Missouri farmers and the sustainability of our working lands,” said Blake Barlow, Missouri Soybeans’ director of research and agronomy. “His expertise and passion for production agriculture make him a natural fit to lead in this role.”

Lynn Henderson, owner of Henderson Communications LLC and publisher of the AgriMarketing magazine, was awarded the Iowa State University Alumni Association Floyd Andre Award for his support of the new agricultural communication major. More than a decade ago, Henderson worked closely with Iowa State University’s Department of Agricultural Education and Studies by coordinating meetings, rallying support and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process. The major was first offered in fall 2023. Henderson is a journalism alumnus from the university and was active in the FarmHouse fraternity as a student.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy presented a President’s Environmental Youth Award to high school student Archer Grier for his 2024 sustainable fish-breeding project at Cedar Lake in Olathe. The award ceremony was held at EPA’s regional office in Lenexa. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Zach Ramsay, who sponsored the winning project, joined the presentation. “Archer’s successful project showed dedication to improving his local environment through science, innovation, and teamwork — and that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating,” said Macy. “President’s Environmental Youth Award winners are role models and problem solvers that lead the way for youth stewardship of our land. I am proud to present this national award to Archer. Congratulations on a job well-done!”

Several members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Corn Commission and Kansas Corn staff were selected to serve on the National Corn Grower Association CGA action teams. The action teams actively shape the future of the association by guiding its programs and carrying out the policies and priorities that drive the association. These Kansas leaders serving on NCGA action teams and committees are:

  • Research and New Uses Action Team
    Chad Epler, Action Team Chair, Kansas Corn Commissioner; Connie Fischer, Kansas Corn, State Staff

  • Production & Sustainability Action Team
    Tanner McNinch, Action Team Vice Chair, KCGA board member

  • Risk Management Action Team
    Brent Rogers, KCGA board member; Taylor Williamson, Kansas Corn, State Staff

  • Biofuels Action Team
    Brett Grauerholz, KCGA Secretary

  • Communication and Education Action Team
    Kylee Geffert, KCGA board member

  • CornPAC Committee
    Brett Grauerholz; Brent Rogers

  • Resolutions Committee
    Tanner McNinch

Established in 1975, the Kansas Corn Growers Association is celebrating 50 years of advocacy representing its members in legislative and regulatory issues and promoting Kansas corn and its products. The Kansas Corn Commission invests corn checkoff dollars in the areas of market development, education, research and promotion to build demand, profitability and awareness of corn. Visit kscorn.com for more information.

The Missouri 4-H team from Clinton County made its mark at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in October. The Clinton County 4-H’ers included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler. They were coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell. The team competed against individuals from 19 states, placing seventh in the overall standings. The highlight of the team’s performance came when Cass Kleeman and Reagan Rodgers were named High and Reserve High Individuals overall. “The awards were a culmination for the hard work and determination they put in through the summer and fall,” said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. The Clinton County team placed second at the State Livestock Judging Contest in June, which qualified them to compete on the national level. This team also competed at the Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest in September and placed second.

EVENTS

Kansas Farm Bureau will hold its 107th annual meeting December 6-8 in Manhattan. “I’m excited we will be gathering soon to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” says Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I always look forward to once again celebrating with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state.” The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundation for Agriculture Fundraiser. On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, energy, succession planning, mental health and more. Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president and Georgia farmer, will deliver the keynote address about federal issues and the importance of grassroots leadership. More information is available on the KFB website.

FarmCon is gearing up for its 2026 annual conference, January 7-8, 2026, at Loews Kansas City Hotel. FarmCon 2026 will include exclusive content, deeper investor connections, and a high-voltage atmosphere where ag innovation meets capital empowerment. More than 1,200 farmers, leading ag entrepreneurs, investors and legacy industry titans are expected. “FarmCon is fueled by relentless optimism that the best days of American agriculture aren’t behind us, they’re just beginning,” said Kevin Van Trump, the curator and host of FarmCon. "Ultimately, the benefactors from the activity created at FarmCon are American farmers." Van Trump, also Founder & CEO of Farm Direction, author of The Van Trump Report, angel investor, and host of the Highly Volatile podcast, said this year’s event will ignite conversations and the flow of investment capital across agriculture. For more information contact Kennedy@agswag.com.