USDA Names Dr. Justin Benavidez as Chief Economist, NCBA Responds The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez as USDA’s new Chief Economist, a key leadership role responsible for guiding economic analysis and forecasting across the department. Agricultural organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), are welcoming the decision and highlighting the importance of …
Grains and Livestock Futures Reflect Market Calm Amid Venezuela Geopolitical Shift It’s been 85 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. January 7th, 2026 won’t be remembered in the same way, but military action in Venezuela years from now could be seen as a major turning point in world events. Recent geopolitical developments in Venezuela have …
Ohio’s Early Role in American Agriculture In the early 1800s, Ohio was widely considered the agricultural capital of the United States. As westward expansion pushed settlers beyond the Appalachian Mountains, the fertile plains of Ohio quickly became a destination of choice. Despite the difficulty of the journey, many settlers were drawn to the region’s productive land, which offered strong opportunities …
USDA Announces New Farm Security Actions to Protect Agricultural Research and Innovation U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a series of coordinated actions focused on agricultural research, innovation, and national security through USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. The initiatives are designed to strengthen oversight of foreign involvement in U.S. agriculture while ensuring federal programs prioritize American farmers, …
USDA Announces $12 Billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program USDA and President Trump have announced the creation of a new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, providing another round of economic support for U.S. producers as they navigate continued low commodity prices and market uncertainty. The program represents approximately $12 billion in assistance tied to 2025 crop production, offering short-term financial relief while …
Beef Checkoff Program Builds Demand and Adds Value for Cattle Producers The beef checkoff program works every day on behalf of cattle producers to strengthen beef demand, grow markets, and increase the value of every animal. Through research, promotion, and market development, the program ensures that producer dollars are invested strategically and responsibly to benefit the entire beef industry. To …
Grain and Livestock Futures Move in Opposite Directions Early in the New Year Grain and livestock futures are starting the new year on sharply different paths, highlighting contrasting supply-and-demand forces across the agricultural markets. While corn and soybean futures remain under technical pressure, cattle markets continue to surge to new highs driven by animal health concerns and border restrictions. In …
Early Life in Massachusetts John Chapman, famously known as Johnny Appleseed, holds a lasting place in American agricultural history. Born in September 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman grew up in a bustling household with 11 younger siblings. From an early age, he developed a passion for horticulture. At the age of 13, with the guidance and support of his father, Chapman …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Kicks Off 2026 Membership Mailing Membership is the lifeblood of any cattlemen’s association, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is starting the new year by highlighting its first membership mailing for 2026. The mailing is now circulating, and ACA leaders want producers across the state to know what to expect—and why renewing membership is so important. We …
USDA Sets New Research Priorities to Strengthen American Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant shift in its research and development focus following the signing of a new memorandum by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The memorandum establishes updated priorities for USDA-funded research, emphasizing national security, the protection of U.S. agriculture, and stronger support for …
