Secretary Naig Thanks Iowa Senate for Unanimous Passage of Iowa Farm Act

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today thanked the Iowa Senate for its unanimous passage of the Iowa Farm Act, Senate File 2465, by a vote of 47-0.

“I appreciate members of the Iowa Senate for their support in advancing the Iowa Farm Act with a strong bi-partisan vote. Thank you to Sen. Annette Sweeney and Sen. Tom Shipley for managing the bill through the process, Sen. Dawn Driscoll for her leadership of the Agriculture Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh for his work to...

USDA and Palantir Launch Partnership to Deliver Faster, Modernized Support for Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) announced the signing of a $300 million Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to support the National Farm Security Action Plan (NFSAP) and modernize how USDA delivers services to America’s farmers. The agreement advances two priorities: strengthening farm security as a national security imperative and accelerating producer-first program delivery across USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission areas. Building on capabilities already in use at USDA, Palantir will provide operational software to enable USDA to...

Day 40 of Iran War: US, Iran Agree to Two-Week Truce as Hormuz Reopening Tied to Talks

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week truce late Tuesday, with Tehran committing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under temporary arrangements. The White House said Israel was also party to the truce. 

Under the ceasefire terms, Iran and Oman would coordinate shipping access and could levy transit fees on vessels passing through Hormuz, a critical artery for roughly one-fifth of global oil flows.

The reopening of the strait would free approximately 130 million barrels of crude oil...

Creation of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network to Strengthen US Farm and Ranch Profitability

USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins today announced the launch of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech (NPG-Ag), a nationwide initiative designed to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies under real-world U.S. farming and ranching conditions.

“Agricultural research in the United States has long supported the development of practical solutions that improve farm and ranch productivity while strengthening rural economies; indeed, innovation has been our competitive edge and ensured food security since the nation’s founding 250 years ago,” said...

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Permanent Protection of Farmland in Putnam and Madison Counties

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of nearly 1,450 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

“Florida’s future depends on our ability to protect the land that...

Day 21 of Iran War: Iran Intensifies Campaign Against Gulf Arab States

The Iranian campaign against Gulf Arab states is expanding, carried out in response to an Israeli strike earlier this week on the South Pars gas field.

On Friday, Tehran launched an attack on an oil refinery in Kuwait, while Israel continued its bombing of the capital. Kuwait’s national oil company reported that multiple units were taken offline. 

Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility cut about 17% of output, potentially for up to five years, according to QatarEnergy...

Utah Student Captures YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet Title

Sara Bair, a junior majoring in agriculture education at Utah State University, has been named the winner of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Collegiate Discussion Meet. Bair earned the national title following a dynamic discussion on how communities can grow responsibly while protecting farms, ranches and the agricultural way of life.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to replicate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each collegiate participant. Participants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on an agricultural topic and...

Farm Bureau President Offers Solutions to Increase Demand of Homegrown Food, Fiber & Renewable Fuel

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall yesterday offered a variety of solutions for increasing demand of U.S.-grown agricultural goods during testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry. He joined several other agriculture leaders to share priorities to address a structural imbalance that threatens both farmers’ livelihoods and food security in the U.S.

“We must strengthen domestic demand for American agricultural products. We must reinforce our production capacity of critical ag supplies and restore domestic processing capacity. We must ensure our safety nets are strong and expand fair and enforceable market access abroad,” Duvall noted in his opening comments...

USDA Announces New Funding to Connect Farmers to Local Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it has awarded over $26.8 million to grant projects through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The program helps local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)...

OKFB Congratulates Sen. Mullin, Thanks Him for Service in US Senate

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Stacy Simunek issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the selection of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as Homeland Security Secretary.

“Oklahoma Farm Bureau members extend a warm and well-deserved congratulations to Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin on his selection as the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary.

“Throughout his time in Congress, Sen. Mullin has been a steadfast advocate for rural Oklahoma and our family farmers and ranchers. As both a senator and house member, he has served...

Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on President Trump Announcing a Trade Deal with Indonesia

Today [February 19, 2026], Ambassador Greer issued a statement following President Trump’s announcement of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Indonesia, expanding Americans’ market access to the world’s fourth most populous country while eliminating tariff barriers on over 99% of U.S. products exported to Indonesia across all sectors.

“President Trump is unlocking Indonesia’s market of over 280 million people to create commercially meaningful opportunities for American farmers and manufacturers,” said Ambassador Greer. “This landmark Agreement breaks down trade barriers while advancing the economic and national security interests of...

OKFB Members Discuss MAHA, Legislative Outlook at Annual Leadership Conference

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members made the trek to Oklahoma City for the organization’s annual leadership conference on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

More than 150 members had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and fellowship with other Farm Bureau members and state legislators during the one-day event as they honed their leadership skills and received updates on several top issues facing agriculture.

The conference kicked off with an update on the Make America Healthy Again initiative with Corteva’s Warren Mayberry and John Campbell of the Southern Crop Production...

USDA and DoW Advance Key Parts of the National Farm Security Action Plan

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (PDF, 92.7 KB) (MOU) that memorializes the relationship between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of War (DoW) for the purpose of implementing the National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB)—an initiative that has delivered measurable results in just seven months.

In July 2025, Secretary Rollins—alongside Secretary Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi...

USDA Announces Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework to End Agricultural Lawfare

Today, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework (PDF, 11.4 MB), a bold initiative to protect America’s agricultural heritage and defend farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers from politically motivated lawfare. Secretary Rollins was joined by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, country music artist and songwriter John Rich, Representative James Comer, and several farming families who have been targets of agricultural lawfare.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is high time to recall a simple but profound truth about our nation: the United...

PODCAST: Ep. 38 - Infant Formula Recalls, MAHA, and Reformulation: Food Ingredients in Spotlight

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

In this episode of Agri-food for Thought, host Simon Duke welcomes Expana Editorial team member Fei Thompson to discuss the dynamic and challenging landscape of the food additives sector in early 2026.

They begin with the global infant formula recalls triggered by cereulide toxin found in arachidonic acid (ARA) oil supplied to major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis. The contamination highlights vulnerabilities in global ingredient supply chains

USDA: Joint Op-ed in Newsweek "President Trump Is Strengthening Farmers’ Rights"

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Small Business Administrator (SBA) Kelly Loeffler, and U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published a joint opinion piece in Newsweek highlighting how President Trump is strengthening farmers' rights, cutting regulations, and lowering costs.

“Earlier this week, the Trump administration set the record straight on the right to repair, paving the way for annual operating costs on the farm to drop by 10 percent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to manufacturers reaffirming the agency’s position that...

Statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

On January 31^st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State welcomed a new commitment between the United States and Mexico that strengthens implementation of the 1944 Water Treaty, providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and producers in South Texas who rely on consistent water deliveries from the Rio Grande.

This announcement follows a call last week between President Trump and President Sheinbaum, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving longstanding water management challenges and supporting communities and producers on both sides of the border...

From the Countryside to Your Couch: America’s Farmers Fuel Your Big Game Party

Sunday’s big game will be the main focus for millions of America’s families, but what they eat during the game will be a close second. The NFL championship represents the second-highest day of food consumption, behind only Thanksgiving.

The event offers a snapshot of the strength and reach of U.S. agriculture, along with the historic challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. In the latest Market Intel, American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the most popular snacks and the economic pressures on farmers who grow the food fans count on...

New Analysis Reinforces Urgent Need for Additional Farm Support

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.

“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm...

Agricultural Groups Sound Alarm about Farmers’ Future

Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent today to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress.

The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.”

Farm losses are the result of a multitude of challenges...

Secretary Rollins Announces Major Investment for Rural Communities Across Georgia

Today in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $501 million in investments for 59 rural development projects and an additional $405 million in affordable housing in communities across the state of Georgia. These unprecedented investments, coordinated by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), will help boost Georgia’s economy, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in America’s heartland.

“President Trump understands how important it is to have a safe, secure, and resilient farm economy. These USDA investments are a direct result of the promise President Trump made to make rural....

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 36 - Essential Procurement Skills & Advice, Feat. Malcolm Harrison

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

On today's episode, we welcome Malcolm Harrison, an international board-level executive with expertise in general management, operations, procurement, and sales. He has worked in diverse business environments across Brazil, China, France, Gulf states, the UK, the US, and West Africa. A veteran and engaging leader, Malcolm has always sought to improve business performance through growth and efficiency. He has a track record of quickly identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 35 - Discussing Evolution of Procurement, Feat. Janet Standing

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Today we discuss the role of procurement, and how procurement decisions turn market insight into business advantage.

This is a complex issue, a lot more than one may think. Procurement professionals operate in a high-pressure environment characterized by aggressive goals, tight deadlines, and complex supply chains. But there are ways to stay ahead of the game. 

On today's episode, we welcome Janet Lung Standing.

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 33 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, August 2025

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals. Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in August 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

M&A activity has somewhat slowed down this summer. Beyond the obvious seasonal  business activity slowdown due to summer holidays, let’s not forget impacts of the ongoing tariffs situation, global trade deals and disputes, and overall market uncertainty.

Farmer Sentiment Weakens, But Farmers Believe US Policy Headed in Right Direction

Farmer sentiment continues to weaken, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July. The barometer fell 11 points to 135 from June, a reading that resulted from U.S. farmers' weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points to 127 from last month, while the Future Expectations Index posted a smaller decline of 7 points to 139. Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers' assessment of current conditions...

The Andersons Advances Houston Port Expansion Amid Shifting Grain Market Conditions

The Andersons, Inc., a North American agriculture company operating in the agribusiness and renewables sectors, is continuing construction on its Houston port project, which is intended to increase the efficiency and capacity of its grain operations and expand export potential for U.S. soybean meal.

The company stated that this expansion could be supported by potential changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs). Completion of the project is expected by mid-2026.

As part of its broader business strategy, The Andersons is continuing to integrate...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 32 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, July 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in July 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

July 2025 M&A activity somewhat slowed down compared to previous months. The ongoing tariffs situation, the global focus on trade deals, other trade disputes, and market uncertainty, have a role to play here

Former USDA Economist Looks at How Trade Disputes and Geopolitics Are Reshaping Agri-Food

As global supply chains face intensifying pressure from geopolitical tensions, climate variability and shifting consumer demands, agri-food leaders are constantly rethinking their procurement strategies.

At Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event on September 23-24 in Chicago, these themes take center stage in the panel discussion “How Geopolitical Uncertainty, Tariffs, and Trade are Impacting Food & Ag”.

Conflict and policy shifts can destabilize your supply chain and disrupt sourcing. This panel will offer expert insights into international affairs so you can adapt quickly...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 30 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, June 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in June 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

June 2025 M&A activity picked up marginally compared to previous months. The ongoing tariffs situation, looming deadlines, other trade disputes, and market uncertainty, have a role to play here. 

China’s New Hope Outlines Focus on Feed and Hog Farming    

New Hope Liuhe reported profitability in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a renewed focus on its two core businesses: feed and hog farming. This marks the company’s first profitable quarter in three years. The company has undergone significant structural adjustments, with the pig farming division concentrating on improving breeding stock and reducing production costs. The feed division is targeting a return to competitiveness through stable and sustainable growth, the company said. 

“We’ve largely emerged from the downturn, and the company is seeing an overall positive trajectory,”..

Austria And Hungary Join France in Concerns over Mercosur Deal

Representatives from Austria and Hungary met with the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard. During the meeting, they “reiterated their strong concerns regarding the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries,” the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty said.

"Significant quantities of imported products produced under lower standards could lead to the exclusion of European agricultural products,” István Nagy, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture said. This could, the minister added, weigh on prices and on the profitability of EU...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 29 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, May 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in May 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

May 2025 was generally quieter in terms of M&A compared to previous months. There are many factors influencing this but the ongoing tariffs situation, trade disputes, and market uncertainty, likely playe a role here.

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 28 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, April 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

M&A in the global agri-food industry is an ongoing and very regular trend. Although many companies are hitting the brakes on M&A as they face tariffs and market uncertainty, hundreds of deals continue to take place each month.

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we showcase selected mergers and acquisitions in the agri-food sector that took place in April 2025.