Key January Agriculture Events to Add to Your 2026 Calendar As farmers, processors, and agribusiness professionals plan for the new year, several important January events deserve a spot on the calendar. These meetings, trade shows, and short courses provide valuable opportunities for education, networking, and insight into crop production, processing, and market trends across the Southeast and beyond. One of …
USMEF Highlights Strong Global Protein Demand and Export Opportunities for 2026 The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is spotlighting strong global protein demand and expanding export opportunities as the industry looks ahead to the new year and into 2026. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Hallstrom, international markets continue to offer significant growth potential for U.S. beef, pork, and …
Agri-Marketing Stock Index Reviews Agricultural Stock Performance in 2025 After reviewing how 48 major agricultural commodities performed during 2025, attention now turns to the Agri-Marketing Stock Index and how leading agricultural stocks fared over the past 12 months. The results show solid gains for several key companies tied to global crop production, farm inputs, and agricultural equipment, reflecting continued investment …
Colonists and the Transformation of Early American Agriculture The arrival of European colonists in North America brought more than settlers—it introduced new agricultural practices that reshaped the land. While colonists had greater access to land in the United States than in Europe, this opportunity came with complex environmental challenges. European Practices Reshape the Landscape European settlers aimed to replicate the …
USDA Releases Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Payment Rates The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially released the long-awaited payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, providing clarity and certainty for producers planning for the 2026 growing season. Announced late last year, the FBA Program delivers $12 billion in total assistance, with $11 billion allocated to row crop …
Farmers Should Mark Their Calendars for January and February Meetings As the new year gets underway, farmers and agribusiness professionals are encouraged to mark their calendars for a full slate of agricultural meetings, conferences, and trade shows taking place throughout January and February. These events provide valuable opportunities for education, networking, and staying current on industry trends heading into the …
NCBA Prepares for Officer Transition at CattleCon 2026 The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will officially change officers during CattleCon 2026, scheduled for February in Nashville, Tennessee. As the organization prepares for the transition, NCBA President-elect Gene Copenhaver is already focused on the priorities he hopes to advance when he assumes the presidency. Copenhaver recently shared what he is most …
Kinze Manufacturing Founder Showcases Lifelong Passion for Vintage Tractors Jon Kinzenbaw, founder and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Kinze Manufacturing in Iowa, is widely recognized across agriculture for building one of the most respected equipment companies in the world. From the iconic blue grain carts to innovative planters used globally, Kinze Manufacturing has become synonymous with quality and …
New Mexico’s Agricultural Significance When most people think of top agricultural states in the U.S., New Mexico might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this southwestern state plays a vital role in the nation’s farming landscape. One of its standout contributions is pecan production, where New Mexico frequently ranks among the largest producers in the country, competing with traditional leaders …
By Clint Thompson The announcement this week made by U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins regarding the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program focused on the the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. As announced in early December, $12 billion in the program will be paid to American producers in 2026, of which $11 billion divvied out to eligible row crop producers. …
