Top AG Stories of 2025

December 30, 2025

As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a look back at the stories that had the most interaction from farmers and ranchers across Western Ag Network’s Radio, TV and Digital Media Platforms. 

#10 – Cattle Market Realities in 2025

Coming in at number ten, a popular video podcast conversation with Don Close of Terrain. In Cattle Market Realities in 2025, Don broke down where cattle markets were headed, what producers could expect, and how volatility, supply, and demand would shape the year ahead. That forward-looking conversation resonated with producers navigating an unprecedented market environment.

#9 – Waded Cruzado

At number nine, our sit-down interview with outgoing Montana State University President Waded Cruzado. The wide-ranging conversation reflected on her leadership, legacy, and the role of land-grant universities in agriculture’s future.

#8 – Undocumented Farm Workers: Trump’s New Plan

Landing at number eight, our coverage of President Trump’s proposed plan addressing undocumented farm workers. As the administration focused on border security, the labor conversation quickly shifted to agriculture — raising questions about workforce availability, policy direction, and long-term impacts on producers.

#7 – Product of USA Meat Labeling Rule

At number seven, one of our most recent and timely stories — the Product of USA meat labeling rule, set to take effect January 1st. The rule sparked strong reactions across the countryside, with producers watching closely as labeling transparency becomes a reality in the new year.

6 – $5,000 Bred Heifers, Cattle Reports & What’s Next

At number six, another appearance from Don Close of Terrain. As bred heifer prices pushed toward $5,000, producers looked for answers on where the market was heading next — making this story one of the most talked-about market discussions of the year.

#5 – Vermilion Ranch Spring Bull Sale

Coming in at number five, our coverage of the Vermilion Ranch Spring Bull Sale. This story became our most viewed and engaged production sale coverage of the year, as producers across the country tuned in to see where bull prices landed and what it meant for genetics and investment going forward.

#4 – Record Cattle Prices & Market Insights with Ty Thompson

At number four, a podcast conversation with aucionteer Ty Thompson during the Northern Livestock Video Auction Series. With cattle prices pushing into record territory, this discussion offered timely insights on market drivers, risk, and opportunity during one of the strongest cattle markets on record.

#3 – Tyson Foods to Close Nebraska Beef Processing Plant

Landing at number three, Tyson Foods’ announcement to close its beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska. The decision sparked widespread concern from ranchers, communities, and consumers, raising questions about capacity, competition, and the future of rural processing infrastructure.

#2 – Cattle Market News

At number two, no surprise — cattle markets and prices in 2025. This year-round topic alone generated more than 1.6 million views on social media, not counting TV and radio reach. From feeder cattle to fed markets, any story tied to cattle prices remained front and center for our audience all year long.

#1 – Trump and Argentina Beef Imports

And the top story of 2025 across Western Ag Network country — President Trump’s comments on importing more beef from Argentina.

The president’s plan to potentially quadruple beef imports, combined with pointed remarks and social media posts criticizing ranchers, sparked immediate backlash across the countryside.

Those comments didn’t just dominate headlines — they also impacted cattle futures for weeks, making this the most talked-about and closely watched story of the year.

Source: Western Ag Network