Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - May 2026
DEVELOPMENTS
Strong crop yields, historically high beef prices and substantial government payments pushed Kansas net farm income to unexpectedly high levels in 2025, according to the annual report released by the Kansas Farm Management Association. The report shows average net farm income across the state reached $212,494 in 2025, more than double the average reported in each of the previous two years. “2025 was an unexpected year for us,” said Mark Dikeman, KFMA’s executive director. “We ended up the year with net farm income across the state averaging $212,494. We certainly did not expect income to be nearly that high.” The report reflects the averages for 754 Kansas farms working with KFMA economists in the six regions of the state. KFMA economists work individually with farm families to provide farm-specific production and financial management information that can be used for decision-making. More detail is also available online in the 2025 KFMA Executive Summary. Source: Pat Melgares, K-State Extension News Service
But the crop farming recession and policy uncertainty has driven a decline in confidence for other producers across the nation. Farmer sentiment dropped in April as thePurdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index declined from 127 in March to 121. The Current Conditions Index fell by 11 points, while the Future Expectations Index decreased by 4 points (see Figure 2). This month’s Future ExpectationsIndex was 16 points below last year’s December index and 28 points below last year’s April index. The percentage of respondents who listed high input costs as their biggest concern remained at 46% this month, while the percentage who listed input availability as their biggest concern increased from 11% to 14%. The percentage of respondents who think the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” and who expect land prices to be higher five years from now also decreased. The April barometer survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from April 13–17, 2026.
Florida State University researchers have proposed new methods to accurately predict winter weather forecasts months in advance, affording sectors such as agriculture, water management, energy use and public health a longer lead time to prepare for inclement conditions. The research, published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, shows a method for forecasting how the stratospheric polar vortex, or SPV, will behave from winter through summer, before winter even starts. Although SPV activity is known to strongly influence winter weather, scientists have struggled to predict its behavior more than two weeks into the immediate future. “This work shows that a large portion of subseasonal-to-seasonal variability is not random but embedded in the annual evolution of the climate system,” said co-author Ming Cai, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. Current SPV forecasts rely on real-time data, and by turning to the past to accurately predict the future, the research suggests that unusual or extreme weather events are less random than scientists previously believed. Details are available from FSU’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science.
American Farm Bureau Federation reports Americans’ demand for meat continues to grow, even as the cost of beef, pork and chicken rises. Memorial Day weekend was the unofficial kickoff to grilling season, and in the latest Market Intel, AFBF economists analyzed what prices shoppers may find at the grocery store. Industry analysis shows meat sales hit $112 billion in 2025, with more than 98% of American households purchasing meat for daily meals. USDA is forecasting consumption of beef, pork and chicken to rise in 2026. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Home-grown meat continues to be a staple for America’s families. Despite higher prices at the grocery store, families trust America’s farmers and ranchers to grow the food that is put on the grill and on dinner tables across the country. We urge the administration and Congress to prioritize ranchers as they rebuild herds so they can continue to meet the needs of the nation’s families.”
Earlier this month the U.S. House passed a bill to codify year-round sales of E15 ethanol fuel, a major win for members from corn-producing states, but faces challenges on the paralyzed Senate floor. The vote exchanged partisan controversy for regional loyalties, passing 218-203, with 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and 1 independent voting in favor, and 90 Republicans and 113 Democrats opposing the bill. Sales of E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, have been typically restricted for parts of the year because of smog concerns, though President Trump has used executive action to allow E15 sales this summer. “For anybody who’s from ag state, this is a huge win for them,” said Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), one of the main advocates of the bill. “We’re helping keep domestic energy successful, and we’re helping family farms.”
As legislation to authorize year-roundE15 heads to the U.S. Senate, the National Corn GrowersAssociation has released an analysis demonstrating a net positive benefit of year-round E15 for corn and soybean farmers. For corn farmers, most of whom also grow soybeans, the overall impact is positive, says the study. “On average, a representative farm with equal corn and soybean acres realizes a net benefit exceeding $5 per acre over the projection period.” Using a model developed byWorld Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services, NCGA says expanded E15 will boost corn demand, positively support corn prices, reduce net corn and soybean outlays and increase the sum of overall net returns across the two crops. “At a time when farmers are facing tight margins, allowing year-round, nationwide E15 stands out as a market-driven solution that strengthens rural economies and delivers savings to taxpayers,” the study noted.
The cost of hiring fieldwork in Missouri has risen an average of 9% since 2023, according to an update to University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri. Notable changes include increases in fertilizer and chemical application rates. “Over the past five years, farmers have seen significant increases in insurance premiums across many types of coverage,” said survey coordinator Drew Kientzy, an MU Extension senior research analyst. “Spraying and fertilizing operators are likely to carry substantial insurance policies to cover potential crop and environmental damage. I expect that rising fixed costs, such as insurance, contribute significantly to higher rates.”Kientzy also noted that these operations often require more labor. “To maintain efficiency, a second operator is typically needed to tender water, chemicals and fertilizer. According to the USDA, farm labor costs in the Corn Belt increased by 32% from 2019 to 2025, reaching an average of $20.91 per hour. With multiple workers involved, rising labor costs are likely to contribute to higher service rates.”
Lenexa, Kansas-based EPA Region-7 office announced the availability of approximately $80 million through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address storm water and sewer infrastructure needs. These grants will strengthen systems that safely capture and manage storm water to help prevent contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting nearby waterways. The agency will provide funding from both fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to states, which will be awarded to communities across the country.
March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. While March beef exports were below last year – largely due to the ongoing lockout by China – the value of beef variety meat shipments reached a new monthly high, surpassing the previous record from January. Pork exports totaled 285,567 metric tons in March, up 6% from a year ago, the largest in five years and the third largest on record. Export value increased 4% to $803.2 million, the second highest on record, trailing only April 2021. March exports increased year-over-year to leading market Mexico, as well as to Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Taiwan. Shipments were steady to South Korea and Canada. March was an outstanding month for export value per head slaughtered, which was the third highest on record at $72.93. Through the first quarter, beef and beef variety meat exports totaled 275,355 mt, down 11% from a year ago, while value fell 7% to $2.35 million. Excluding China from these results, exports were 3% higher than a year ago in volume and increased 9% in value. “The sustained momentum for U.S. pork exports is impressive in the Western Hemisphere, but it is also encouraging to see demand climbing in key Asian markets, led by a welcome rebound in Japan,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
PEOPLE
Jeremy S. Cowan, Ph.D., has been named Lead Senior Program Manager at The Livestock Conservancy. He will oversee programmatic efforts of the national nonprofit organization to conserve, promote and protect more than 170 breeds of endangered agricultural livestock and poultry. Originally from California, Dr. Cowan resides in Manhattan, Kansas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Brigham Young University, an MBA from the University of San Diego and a doctorate in horticulture from Washington State University.
Agriculture Future ofAmerica named Lynn Parman president and a member of the executive leadership team. Under the updated structure, Mark Stewart will continue leading AFA as CEO and Nancy Barcus will serve as chief administrative officer. The organization continues to work toward its moonshot goal of providing access to AFA resources to every college student by 2040, and for AFA to stand as the nationʼs go-to source for career enhancement in agriculture. Parman was previously chief operating officer at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Earlier, she served as president & CEO of the American Royal Association, led sales and marketing operations at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, and was instrumental in launching the KC Animal Health Corridor initiative.
Missouri Soybeans has named Carley Esser McLean as its new associate director of policy and market development, bringing nearly a decade of federal policy and agricultural leadership experience to the organization. Originally from Boonville, Missouri, McLean most recently served on the professional staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry under Chairman John Boozman of Arkansas. In that role, she led farm bill negotiations related to commodity programs, standing disaster programs and crop insurance while advising the committee chairman on key policy issues impacting farmers nationwide. Prior to her Senate role, McLean served as senior legislative assistant and legislative assistant for former U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler of Missouri. During her time in the House of Representatives, she advised on a wide range of policy issues including agriculture, trade, energy, transportation and education.
The Livestock Marketing Association has announced its 2026 scholarship recipients. These outstanding students were selected for their strong academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and deep commitment to the livestock marketing industry. “The LMA scholarship program represents an investment not only in students, but in the future strength of livestock marketing and the livestock industry,” said LMA President Mike VanMaanen. “We thank our members for identifying and supporting these outstanding young individuals. Nine students will receive a one‑time $2,500 scholarship to support post‑secondary education or career‑focused training. These are 2026 career and academic education scholarship recipients:
TJ Mills, senior, Eureka Jr./Sr. High School – Endorsed by Eureka Livestock Sales, Eureka, Kan.
Trell Amoss, junior, Oklahoma State University – Endorsed by Knoxville Regional Livestock Auction, Knoxville, Iowa.
Kadley Bailey, senior, Creston High School – Endorsed by Creston Livestock Market, Creston, Iowa.
Jacob S. Hale, freshman, Oklahoma State University – Endorsed by Western Livestock Commission Co., Oklahoma City, Okla.
Quinn Hoffer, senior, Dawson County High School – Endorsed by Glendive Livestock Exchange, Glendive, Mont.
Luke Jennings, sophomore, The Ohio State University – Endorsed by United Producers Inc., Hillsboro, Ohio.
Landon McKitrick, senior, Bowman County High School – Endorsed by Bowman Livestock Marketing, Bowman, N.D.
Marett Schieber, sophomore, Northwest College – Endorsed by Sidney Livestock Market Center, Sidney, Mont.
Annie Trumm, senior, Cascade Jr./Sr. High School – Endorsed by Cascade Livestock Auction, Cascade, Ill.
As interest grows in careers supporting farming, agribusiness and environmental stewardship, agricultural education programs are experiencing a surge in student enrollment. But there is a growing shortage of qualified teachers entering and remaining in the profession, placing pressure on the future of these programs. To help address this trend, Nationwide MutualInsurance Company has established theGolden Owl Award in partnership with state FFA organizations to celebrate excellence in agricultural education and invest directly in programs that help keep learning accessible for students across the country. More than 4,900 nominations from across 15 states have vied for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award. The finalists from Kansas and Missouri are:
Kansas
Sonya Roberts, Hillsboro High School
Jim Weller, Chapman High School
Allison Dix, Phillipsburg High School
Caity Thompson, Spearville High School
Jeanie Wege, Hiawatha High School
Dr. Kelly Hoelting, Mission Valley High School
Karlea Clark, Cherryvale High School
Missouri:
Johnny Viebrock, Smithville High School
Jarred Sayre, Milan C‑2 High School
Shelby Haag, Pettis County R‑V Schools
Kristy Sivils, Aurora High School
Jon Wilson, Gainesville High School
Nick Nordwald, Sikeston Career & Technology Center
Jack Green, North Central Missouri College
EVENTS
The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host its 10th Annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, August 20, 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn. There is no cost but registration is required by August 1 to guarantee a meal; walk-ins will be accepted after that date if space allows. Keynote Speaker: Tanner Ehmke of CoBank, a Kansas native and K-State alumnus, will address economic challenges facing Kansas agriculture. The Ag Growth Summit is an annual gathering to discuss strategies, innovations, and opportunities for expanding and strengthening Kansas agriculture. It serves as a platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to share insights and build connections. Visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit for registration and more details about the agenda.
The Yield Lab Institute will host the Tip to Tail Reception, celebrating the future of ag innovation,on Monday, June 15, at 4 pm, at Farm Journal Headquarters, 125 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO. This distinctive culinary and networking experience will showcase the very best of U.S. beef and dairy paired with wines from Argentina, alongside craft beer and spirits from some of the region’s most celebrated breweries and distilleries. This gathering will bring together leaders from across agriculture, investment, technology, research and production to explore emerging opportunities surrounding innovation in the beef and dairy sectors – while also highlighting Kansas City’s growing role as a global hub for agriculture and innovation. The event is designed to spark new relationships, deepen collaboration, and continue the dialogue shaping the future of agriculture. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tom Bennett at tombennett@theyieldlab.org.
The filing deadline for the 2026 Kansas primary election is June 1. Soon after, the Kansas LivestockAssociation Political Action Council will meet to review candidates for the August 4 primary election and make contribution and endorsement recommendations to the board of directors. Members are asked to contact KLA staff with input on individual candidates and races. KLA PAC backs agriculture-friendly candidates who support association policies. It is funded solely by voluntary contributions. No dues dollars are used. Members are encouraged to donate to KLA PAC. More information is available at www.kla.org.