$83.5M Available in JBS Antitrust Payout—Claim Deadline Nears

May 23, 2025 - Ranchers who have claims to file in the $83.5 million settlement in a JBS anti-trust case have until Sept. 15, 2025, to get that done.

MAHA Commission Report Sparks Ag Industry Backlash

May 22, 2025 - The much-anticipated Make American Healthy Again Commission report calls out the potential hazards of glyphosate-based Roundup while saying a balanced approach is needed between improvi...

Feeder Imports from Mexico Down 60% as Border Closes Again

Continued detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico, farther north than initially, has prompted USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to again close the U.S. border...

Historic Common Ground Summit Unites Industry to Secure America’s Agricultural Future

In the face of mounting challenges, 40 leaders from across the livestock industry convened at the Common Ground Summit April 21-23 at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel. Their shared mission: to safeguard ru...

Tariffs on Lamb and Wool Take Center Stage on ASI Podcast

The economic impact of tariffs can be difficult and complex to understand, so David Anderson, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University joins the American Sheep Industry Association’s Research Update podcast thi...

USDA Announces Farmers First: Small Family Farms Policy Agenda

After nearly 100 days of traveling the nation and visiting directly with hundreds of farmers across America, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has released the first set of policy propos...

Wyoming Ag Bankers Meet in Torrington for 2025 Conference

This year Ag lenders met in Torrington for the Wyoming Ag Bankers Conference.
Ag Committee Chair Quinn Hunter from Pinnacle Bank Wyoming in Torrington says the conference is an important information...

Rewilding advocate chosen to lead Colorado State Land Board

Nicole Rosmarino is the sole finalist for the director of the State Land Board, which is the state’s second largest landowner with 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million mineral estate acres.

House Ag Committee Passes Farm Bill Reconciliation Package Along Party Lines

The House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday night advanced its piece of the budget reconciliation package on a party-line vote. The House Ag provisions improve the farmer safety net from the 2018 far...

Team USA Wins Big at World Angus Youth Competition in Australia

May 15, 2025 - For the first time ever, the United States sent a team to compete in the World Angus Youth Competition, held in Australia during the 2025 World Angus Forum—and they didn’t just show up,...

Montana Beef Council Teams Up with Wendy's to Celebrate May as National Beef Month

May is National Beef Month and the Montana Beef Council has once again partnered up with Wendy's in Montana for another fun promotion to help celebrate. Montana Beef Council Executive Director Chaley...

General and Continuous CRP Enrollment Now Open

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced several Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrollment opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA)...

Crossing Hemispheres: Lane Nordlund at the World Angus Forum

From Sydney to Brisbane, Lane Nordlund delivers exclusive coverage of the 2025 World Angus Forum and AngusTREK Tour, taking listeners and viewers deep into the heart of Australia’s beef industry. Alo...

Deere Moves to Protect Chief Financial Officer From Testifying in Right-to-Repair Case

Farmers suing John Deere alleging anti-trust violations in limiting repairs on equipment want to depose the company's Chief Financial Officer Joshua Jepsen, prompting Deere last week to request a prot...

USDA Closes Mexican Border to Protect U.S. Livestock from New World Screwworm

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Sunday announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border due to the continued a...

Colorado Brand Division faces $2.8 million deficit, proposes increases and cuts

Colorado Brand Commissioner Todd Inglee announced May 7 the intention of the Colorado State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners to make changes to the fees charged to resolve a budget shortfall, p...

Farmers Union Members Launch Week of Action

This week Farmers Unions launched a Week of Action across the country to tell Congress it must take quick and decisive legislative action to pass a comprehensive farm bill that supports family farmers...

Disaster Enrollment for $20 Billion in Aid Will Start Before End of May

USDA will open a portal before the end of the month for farmers to apply for nearly $21 billion in aid for dealing with natural disasters over the past two years, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...

Lines Drawn by Stakeholders on Next WOTUS Rule in Listening Sessions

If the Trump administration was hoping to find common ground between agriculture, industry and environmentalists on a revised waters of the U.S. definition, Thursday's listening sessions may have left...

Don't Miss Out! Register Now for the 2025 Lamb Summit

Join industry leaders and over 10 sheep extension specialists at the 2025 American Lamb Summit. This premier event is your opportunity to engage with all segments of the sheep industry as we explore t...

Agriculture Secretary Rollins Announces New USDA Lawfare Portal

Following the Maude Family case that was dropped last week, Secretary Rollins announced a new USDA portal focused on helping the victims of lawfare persecuted by the Biden administration. Through this...

Breaking the silence: First interview with Maude family since indictment over alleged theft of federal property

The morning following the announcement that criminal charges for theft of federal property were dismissed, Charles and Heather Maude said they're ready to return home to South Dakota. Kennedy Maude, t...

Nominations Open for 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest

Farmers and ranchers are invited to submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the eighth year of the contest,...

Farm Service Agency Loans Over $500,000 Will Now Require DOGE Oversight

A new Reuters report says more than one-third of USDA farm-loan dollars to farmers -- at least $1.7 billion, based on recent data -- now will need approval not only from the Farm Service Agency but al...

The Fertilizer Institute Releases Its List of 2025-2026 Public Policy Priorities

TFI’s priorities are broken down into eight key areas: Tax & Trade; Energy & Economic Growth; Environment; Transportation; Permitting, Registrations & Designations; Safety & Security; Innovation; and,...

North Dakota Farmers Union President Won’t Seek Reelection

North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne announced he will not seek reelection to a 13th term as president at the organization’s annual meeting in December. Watne was first elected in November...

Corn Growers Disappointed by Trade Commission Decision on Critical Herbicide

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association expressed disappointment today with a decision by the International Trade Commission affirming that Corteva Agriscience was harmed by imports of a crit...

Federal criminal charges dropped against S.D.'s Maudes

Ranchers and their elected representatives have won a major battle today. Federal criminal charges have been dropped against Charles and Heather Maude of Caputa, SD.

EPA Will Issue Summer Waivers for Accessing Higher Ethanol Blends

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will use its existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend ofte...

USDA Secretary Issues Mexico Ultimatum to Protect U.S. Livestock Industry from New World Screwworm

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has sent a letter to her counterpart in Mexico demanding Mexico eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment t...

State Officials Remind Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against West Nile Virus

State officials are reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals against West Nile virus. Horses become infected through mosquito bites, and while many may not show symptoms, some can experience...

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Disappointed with Climate Smart Funding Cancellation

The USDA recently announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities, and it's very disappointing news, says Rocky Mountain Farmers Union President Chad Franke for their orga...

Wild and Domestic Sheep Interaction Meetings Planned in Montana

A series of free, public meetings will be held in Montana communities in April and May to discuss the Wild and Domestic Sheep Comingling Project. The initiative studies the risks of contact between bi...

White House Easter Egg Roll Spotlights America's Egg Farmers

America's egg farmers took center stage at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll, where their nearly 50-year legacy of supporting this beloved national tradition was celebrated like never before. Repre...

The Cruzado Legacy: A Farewell Conversation

April 21, 2025 - Dr. Waded Cruzado prepares to step down after 15 years of transformational leadership at Montana State University. In a wide-ranging and personal interview with Lane Nordlund, Dr. Cru...

Servitech Celebrates a Half Century

ServiTech is celebrating 50 years of providing innovation to the agriculture industry. Founded in 1975, ServiTech has provided testing services for the agriculture industry which, in the company’s ini...

Trump Administration Releases Plan to Charge Port Fees on Chinese Ships

Despite concerns from export-dependent industries such as agriculture, the Trump administration on Thursday moved ahead with a plan to charge fees to Chinese ships. The fees will apply to Chinese ship...

Japanese Importers Get Firsthand Look at U.S. Beef Production in Idaho and Kansas

A team of buyers from major Japanese beef importers recently came to the United States to learn about U.S. beef production practices. The team visited U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) headquarters...

Rishel to Join the Prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery

April 17, 202- William H. “Bill” Rishel of North Platte, Nebraska, has been named the 2025 inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery—often referred to as the Hall of Fame of the...

Crazy Spring Weather Has Farmers Planting Crops in the Snow

It’s a busy time of year for farmers across our region as they burn the midnight oil getting their crops planted. And its always a crap shoot with mother nature and her unpredictability. For Ryegate,...

EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to Host WOTUS Listening Sessions

The EPA and the Department of the Army intend to engage with State and Tribal co-regulators; industry and agricultural stakeholders; environmental and conservation stakeholders; and the public on cert...

USDA Service Centers Face Deep Cuts Under White House Budget Plan

USDA is planning to severely slash its county Service Center offices around the country that house local staff for the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, potentially c...

LMA Names Forrest Mangan as Mark Mackey's Successor as CEO

As CEO Mark Mackey’s retirement approaches, we’re pleased to announce his successor has been chosen following an extensive and thorough selection process. Forrest Mangan, who currently serves as regio...

Trump Floats Plan to Legalize Undocumented Farm Workers

President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested a new program will be set up to help legalize farm workers and reduce the risk of farmers losing undocumented workers to mass deportations. Trump discussed...

Beef Breakdown: How Cattle Feed Impacts Nutrition

April 9, 2025 - Instead of answering, “Where’s the beef?” Michigan State University scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of what’s in the beef. A paper recently published by two MSU researche...

Montana Farmers Union Supports Congressional Oversight of Trade Tariffs

Montana Farmers Union has announced its support of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate that would limit the power of the president to implement trade tariffs without congressional approval. The...

NCGA Launches New Phase of Consider Corn Challenge

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is launching its fifth iteration of Consider Corn Challenge, a contest in which participants can submit proposals for new uses of field corn that have quan...

Federal Court in Texas Vacates Biden-Era Lesser Prairie Chicken Rule

A federal judge has struck down a Biden administration rule that would have split the lesser prairie chicken into two distinct populations for the first time. The decision is a major victory for ranch...

Farmers Promote U.S. Wheat in Kenya during U.S. Wheat Associates Trade Mission

This past week the U.S. Wheat Associates hosted a trade mission to Kenya, Africa where historically U.S. wheat farmers have played a very important role in helping to feed those who are food insecure....

First Idaho Barley Yield Contest Concludes with Exceptional Results

The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC), a U.S. Grains Council (USGC) member, recently held its inaugural Barley Yield Contest to showcase the productivity and innovation of Idaho’s barley growers, predomin...

ASI Supports Trump Administration Tariffs on Imported Lamb

The American Sheep Industry Association applauds the implementation of a 10-percent tariff on imports from Australia and New Zealand, as announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday during his Mak...

NCGA Tells ITC US Should Not Impose Duties on 2,4-D Herbicide

Corn growers and other farmers would suffer if the U.S. government granted a petition to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of an herbicide called 2,4-D, the president of the Nati...

Inside the Trade Talks: Senator Daines on U.S. Beef & Ag Exports

April 1, 2025 - In this episode, Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines joins Lane to break down his recent high-stakes visit to China and Vietnam—where U.S. beef, wheat, and potato exports were front and...

Study Finds Ranchers Earning More by Spritzing Livestock with Luxury Perfume

April 1, 2025 - A new study making waves in the livestock world has found that ranchers can earn a $20 to $40 premium per head simply by spritzing their cattle and sheep with Chanel No. 5 before sale...

Chandler Goule Leaving NAWG in July

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced today that its CEO, Chandler Goule, will be stepping down from his position in July 2025. He has led America's premiere wheat industry organi...

R-CALF USA Urges Section 232 Investigation into Beef and Cattle Imports

The letter highlights the serious decline of America's iconic cattle industry, which remains the largest segment of U.S. agriculture. It notes that the U.S. cattle industry has shrunk at an alarming r...

Montana Rancher Inducted in American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Bestowed by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is our industry’s highest honor. This year, we will induct three horses, two women and two men...

Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report

March 28, 2025 - The Cattlemen’s Beef Board & Beef Checkoff 2024 Impact Report is now available. This report combines the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Annual Report and the Beef Checkoff Evaluation Report t...

Beef-on-Dairy Cattle Gain Ground in U.S. Beef Supply Chain

March 27, 2025 - New USDA auction data show dairy-beef cattle retain more value from feeder to slaughter than traditional beef or dairy cattle. Though dairy-beef feeder prices trail native beef, they...

ASI Leads Support Letter for Wildlife Services

Approximately 260 organizations have signed on to the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual letter of support for Wildlife Services, which was shared with appropriations leaders in both the U.S...

Veterinary Workforce Act Offers $100K in Loan Relief for Rural Service

March 25, 2025 - Representative Randyn Gregg (R – White Sulphur Springs) introduced the Rural Montana Veterinary Workforce Act House Bill 860 to help address Montana’s veterinarian workforce shortage....

Life Cycle Analysis Confirms Continuous Improvement in Sustainable U.S. Wheat Production

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), and the National Wheat Foundation announced the results of a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) showing a continuous...

US Ag Exports 'Would End' if Fees Imposed on Chinese Ships

While crediting the Trump administration for effort, agricultural groups are sounding alarm over the Trump administration's proposal to charge $1 million or more in fees on Chinese ship companies or C...

ASI Requests Imported Lamb Be Included in Tariff Plan

The American Sheep Industry Association will continue its requests to the Trump Administration and lawmakers to include Australian and New Zealand lamb in the food and agriculture tariff plans during...

Gov. Gianforte Pushes Tax Relief for Farmers & Ranchers

March 19, 2025 - Governor Greg Gianforte, Senator Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, and local ag producers today urged support for reforms to the business equipment tax. Gov. Gianforte and Sen. Kassmier s...

USDA Rolls Out $10 Billion in Farm Relief Payments

March 18, 2025 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultur...

National Wheat Yield Contest Open for 2025

Following record-setting participation last year, the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is now accepting entries for its 10th annual yield contest. A total of 28 national winners will be named in 2025 a...

EPA Announces Revisions to Waters of the U.S. Rule

March 12, 2025 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced a major revision to the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS), marking a significan...

Wyoming answers PETA with a rodeo license plate

Wyoming lawmakers answered demands by animal rights group PETA to remove the iconic bucking horse from the state’s license plate. It wasn’t the answer PETA was hoping for.

Annual Sheep Industry Market Report Now Available

The American Sheep Industry Association prepares an annual market report for the American Lamb Board summarizing key statistics and trends in the sheep industry. The industry saw an increase in inven...

NAWG Celebrates 75 Years of Advocacy at 2025 Commodity Classic

3.5.25 Denver, CO – Farmers and industry leaders have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led agricultural event, showcasing the latest in ag technology, mar...

Commodity Classic 2025: Key Policy Discussions Take Center Stage for Wheat Growers

3.4.25 Denver, CO – The nation's top agricultural leaders and producers have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, where key discussions are focusing on farm policy, risk management, and...

National Potato Council Brings Industry Priorities to Capitol Hill

3.2.25 - This week, the nation's potato producers gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Potato Council's Washington Summit. The event serves as a crucial opportunity for industry leaders to a...

USDA Invests Up To $1 Billion to Combat Avian Flu and Reduce Egg Prices

This week U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion-dollar comprehensive strategy to curb highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), protect the U.S. poultry industry, and low...

ASI President Lehfeldt Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Committee on Farm Economy Challenges

2.27.25 - The United States Senate Agriculture Committee recently heard testimony from farmers and ranchers across the nation, including Montana sheep rancher Ben Lehfeldt, who serves as president of...

Tariffs, Trade & Taters: A Deep Dive from Washington, D.C.

2.25.25 - Lane Nordlund, host of The LaneCast Ag Podcast, sat down with Matt Lantz of Bryant Christie Inc. to explore the complexities of international trade, tariffs, and new market opportunities.

Four States Irrigation Council Honors Ag, Water Infrastructure Leaders

The Four States Irrigation Council this winter once again took time to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in the irrigation, agriculture and water infrastructure industries....

National Chicken Council Offers Measure to Help Alleviate Egg Shortage in Wake of Bird Flu

In light of the pressure the current highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) outbreak is putting on the nation’s egg supply, and resulting record egg prices, the National Chicken Counci...

U.S.-India Trade Talks Could Open Doors for American Pulse Exports

2.21.25 - The United States and India are in negotiations on a new trade deal that could lower tariffs and provide better market access for American agriculture, particularly pulse crops. India, the w...

Rogers New NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair

The newly elected NCBA Policy Division Vice Chair is a Yuma, Colorado, rancher with deep roots in the cattle business and a penchant for good dogs and the occasional Hawaiian shirt.

Federal Layoffs Hit U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska

Ag groups in Nebraska are urging lawmakers to fund agriculture research after federal layoffs hit close to home.

USDA Cuts Jobs: Thousands Workers Fired

February 15, 2025 - Thousands of employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture across an array of agencies and jobs have been fired since Thursday, DTN has learned. USDA on Friday afternoon released...

South Dakota Senator John Thune Leads Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today led 45 of his Senate colleagues, including Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, in reintroducing legislation that...

Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

February 13, 2025 - The U.S. Senate voted 72-28 on Thursday to confirm Brooke Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture.

U.S. Wheat Industry Supports USDA Administration of Food for Peace

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcome new legislation introduced today that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program unde...

NACD, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever signed a memorandum of understanding during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, U...

Boebert asks energy secretary to halt NIETC designation in Colorado and New Mexico

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is the first member of the Colorado Congressional delegation to send a letter to newly minted Secretary of Energy – and fellow Coloradoan – Chris Wright asking Sec. Wright...

Mexico Repeals Ban on US Biotech Corn Imports Following USMCA Dispute Loss

The Mexican government on Thursday repealed its ban on genetically modified corn imports from the U.S. after losing an arbitration ruling under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, in December...

CattleFax Forecasts Continued Strong Demand and High Price Outlook for Cattle Producers

The U.S. beef industry is poised for another year of strong market performance, driven by tight cattle supplies and robust consumer demand. As the beef cowherd enters a stabilization phase following y...

University of Nevada, Reno Researcher Develops Potential Game-Changing Sorghum Varieties for Dairy Feed and Gluten-Free Foods

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have unveiled 200 sorghum varieties that could be a game-changer in the food, brewery, dairy feed and biofuel industry. Preliminary research underscores t...

NCBA Announces 2025 Policy Priorities

This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at CattleCon 2025. This year the focus will be on engaging with the Trum...

U.S. Cattle Herd Down 1% as of January 1, 2025

All cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2025, totaled 86.7 million head, 1% below the 87.2 million head on Jan. 1, 2024, USDA NASS reported on Friday. All cows and heifers that have c...

Kansas Farmers Die in DC Plane Crash

1.31.25 Southern Kansas canola and wheat farmers Bob and Lori Schrock were among 67 people who perished when an American Eagle flight 5342 from Wichita collided with a Blackhawk helicopter Wednesday...

American Farm Bureau Establishes 2025 Policies

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2025. Key topics ranged from labor to rural broadband...

Barrasso Bill Supports Ranchers and Livestock Grazing Across the West

U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has introduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act. This legislation promotes resilient and healthy rangelands and effective gra...

NWSS Auction of Champions breaks records

Emotion ran high as the bidding for the 2025 Grand Champion Steer soared to a record-breaking $210,000, leaving the crowd visibly moved. This surpassed the previous record set in 2023, when the Grand...

Farm Bureau Members Meet in Texas for Annual Convention

Over 5,000 Farm Bureau members are in San Antonio, Texas for the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. During the opening session, AFBF President Zippy Duvall thanked farmers and ranchers...

Cargill Agrees to Pay $32.5 Million to Settle Price-Fixing Case Over Turkeys

The potential settlement comes in a case led by a collection of companies that buy large volumes of turkey products. They filed a lawsuit initially in 2019 against major turkey producers, which also i...

USCA Reiterates Dire Concerns of Forced and Child Labor in Meat Processing

In light of the Department of Labor’s agreement with JBS USA Food Co. to address child labor, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) reiterated their commitment to challenging exploitation a...

Governor Gianforte Selects Jillien Streit to Lead Montana Department of Agriculture

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the appointment of Jillien Streit as Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). Streit currently serves as the financial controller at Flat Acre F...