When the Kansas legislature selected a state tree it chose the native cottonwood because its presence was synonymous with homestead success. The fast-growing trees require adequate moisture to grow, so a standing grove indicated crops were likely to succeed as well."

It might honestly be said that the successful growth of the cottonwood grove on the homestead was often the determining factor in the decision of the homesteader to stick it out until he could prove up on his claim,” legislators reasoned in 1937. “The cottonwood tree can rightfully be called the pioneer tree of Kansas."

Cottonwoods were also named the state tree in Nebraska and Wyoming, largely for the same reason.

A large specimen of the popular poplar stood just outside the Statehouse when the cottonwood became Kansas’ state tree. It had shaded citizens and politicians alike, with presidents Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and William Howard Taft having sought refuge under its canopy.

Standing in the shadow of a cottonwood’s triangular leaves offers protection from the sun and a bit of a light show. The top side of the leaves are a lustrous green while the underside reflects hints of silver causing a shimmering effect as they sway in the breeze. The fronds turn a brilliant yellow before falling to the ground in the fall.

Legend has it the Statehouse Cottonwood sprouted from a stake driven during the construction of the Capitol. A less exciting (and more believable) story is the tree was already an established sapling in 1866 when construction started and it survived the building process, in addition to other calamities before succumbing to old age in 1984. Today a cutting from the original grows in its place.

While not a redwood or sequoia, cottonwoods can be massive compared to other trees in Kansas. They top out around 100 feet, but the trunks can be several feet in diameter. The towering nature of the trees meant they also served as landmarks, like one in Osage County that designated a turn on the Santa Fe Trail.

Cottonwoods don’t get their name from the wood inside those towering trunks. Instead, it comes from the small seeds the behemoths produce. The lightweight kernels are coated in fluffy fibers resembling strands of cotton that act like sails dispersing the seeds with the wind.

It’s not uncommon to see flurries of cotton flying in June as large groves of the trees shed their seeds. The white puffs are barely heavy enough to fall toward the ground. On calm, sunny days, it’s not uncommon to watch the rise and fall with the invisible thermal currents.

Cottonwoods, like early explorers on the high seas, can reach anywhere the winds blow. Kansans chose cottonwoods as the state tree because they served as crude symbols of likely success to prairie pioneers, but cottonwoods colonized the landscape much like their human counterparts through resilience, adaptability and determination.

They thrive in a new and harsh environment, traits necessary for any settler. Cottonwoods embody the characteristics of Kansans in a state founded and shaped by persistence and possibility.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584374831676.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauWhen the Kansas legislature selected a state tree it chose the native cottonwood because its presence was synonymous with homestead success. The fast-growing trees require adequate moisture to grow, so a standing grove indicated crops were likely to succeed as well."It might honestly be said that the successful growth of the cottonwood grove on the homestead was often the determining factor in the decision of the homesteader to stick it out until he could prove up on his claim,” legislators reasoned in 1937. “The cottonwood tree can rightfully be called the pioneer tree of Kansas."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwoods were also named the state tree in Nebraska and Wyoming, largely for the same reason.A large specimen of the popular poplar stood just outside the Statehouse when the cottonwood became Kansas’ state tree. It had shaded citizens and politicians alike, with presidents Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and William Howard Taft having sought refuge under its canopy.Standing in the shadow of a cottonwood’s triangular leaves offers protection from the sun and a bit of a light show. The top side of the leaves are a lustrous green while the underside reflects hints of silver causing a shimmering effect as they sway in the breeze. The fronds turn a brilliant yellow before falling to the ground in the fall.Legend has it the Statehouse Cottonwood sprouted from a stake driven during the construction of the Capitol. A less exciting (and more believable) story is the tree was already an established sapling in 1866 when construction started and it survived the building process, in addition to other calamities before succumbing to old age in 1984. Today a cutting from the original grows in its place.While not a redwood or sequoia, cottonwoods can be massive compared to other trees in Kansas. They top out around 100 feet, but the trunks can be several feet in diameter. The towering nature of the trees meant they also served as landmarks, like one in Osage County that designated a turn on the Santa Fe Trail.Cottonwoods don’t get their name from the wood inside those towering trunks. Instead, it comes from the small seeds the behemoths produce. The lightweight kernels are coated in fluffy fibers resembling strands of cotton that act like sails dispersing the seeds with the wind.It’s not uncommon to see flurries of cotton flying in June as large groves of the trees shed their seeds. The white puffs are barely heavy enough to fall toward the ground. On calm, sunny days, it’s not uncommon to watch the rise and fall with the invisible thermal currents.Cottonwoods, like early explorers on the high seas, can reach anywhere the winds blow. Kansans chose cottonwoods as the state tree because they served as crude symbols of likely success to prairie pioneers, but cottonwoods colonized the landscape much like their human counterparts through resilience, adaptability and determination.They thrive in a new and harsh environment, traits necessary for any settler. Cottonwoods embody the characteristics of Kansans in a state founded and shaped by persistence and possibility."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Insight: Pioneers and cottonwoods

A new product that reduces animal stress could be the key to increasing artificial insemination rates in cattle. Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, collaborated with faculty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;to design, produce and test the product.

Assistant Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/dias/">Nicholas Wege Dias</a>&nbsp;and Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/johnson/">Sandy Johnson</a>, both in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/">animal science and industry department</a>, specialize in beef cattle reproduction and have been involved in several projects designed to improve the fertility of the animal. Their initial studies indicated that acclimating the animals to their surroundings during the artificial insemination, or AI, process reduced animal stress and increased reproduction by up to 10%.

"Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling," Dias said. "You often see cow brushes and how the animals enjoy rubbing against them on social media, so we thought, 'Let's come up with a way to place a cow brush in the alleyway so the animals can enjoy themselves while they wait their turn.'"

Their goal was to position a brush in the center of the alley just below bovine head height so the animals could rub their backs with the brush to reduce stress.

While Dias and Johnson had an idea of what they wanted, they needed help to design and fabricate a device that could be installed on any type or size of chute and that was able to withstand the force generated by the animals. Dias and Johnson contacted the Technology Development Institute to discuss the idea and determine if the institute could help develop a prototype product for testing.

TDI engineers and interns began working on various designs that could easily be installed on chutes made of wood, pipe or any number of materials. The device had to be adjustable in height due to differences in wall and animal heights, and it also needed to be able to adjust to sloped alley walls. TDI developed various concept designs and, with feedback from Dias and Johnson, finalized the design.

The team then fabricated two prototype devices that are currently being used by Dias and his students to determine the effectiveness of having such devices included during the AI process.

"We always enjoy working with industry experts who can clearly define their needs," said Bret Lanz, commercialization director of the Technology Development Institute. "This simplifies our job to create a product specification and design a new product that meets the needs of our customers. Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry."

K-State's Technology Development Institute in the&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>&nbsp;and received a grant from the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749470703812.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A new product that reduces animal stress could be the key to increasing artificial insemination rates in cattle. Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, collaborated with faculty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;to design, produce and test the product.Assistant Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/dias/">Nicholas Wege Dias</a>&nbsp;and Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/johnson/">Sandy Johnson</a>, both in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/">animal science and industry department</a>, specialize in beef cattle reproduction and have been involved in several projects designed to improve the fertility of the animal. Their initial studies indicated that acclimating the animals to their surroundings during the artificial insemination, or AI, process reduced animal stress and increased reproduction by up to 10%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749470516638.jpeg" alt="Nicholas Wege Dias, back, and Sandy Johnson test the new cattle stress reduction tool produced by the Technology Development Institute." />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Wege Dias, back, and Sandy Johnson test the new cattle stress reduction tool produced by the Technology Development Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling," Dias said. "You often see cow brushes and how the animals enjoy rubbing against them on social media, so we thought, 'Let's come up with a way to place a cow brush in the alleyway so the animals can enjoy themselves while they wait their turn.'"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Their goal was to position a brush in the center of the alley just below bovine head height so the animals could rub their backs with the brush to reduce stress.While Dias and Johnson had an idea of what they wanted, they needed help to design and fabricate a device that could be installed on any type or size of chute and that was able to withstand the force generated by the animals. Dias and Johnson contacted the Technology Development Institute to discuss the idea and determine if the institute could help develop a prototype product for testing.TDI engineers and interns began working on various designs that could easily be installed on chutes made of wood, pipe or any number of materials. The device had to be adjustable in height due to differences in wall and animal heights, and it also needed to be able to adjust to sloped alley walls. TDI developed various concept designs and, with feedback from Dias and Johnson, finalized the design.The team then fabricated two prototype devices that are currently being used by Dias and his students to determine the effectiveness of having such devices included during the AI process."We always enjoy working with industry experts who can clearly define their needs," said Bret Lanz, commercialization director of the Technology Development Institute. "This simplifies our job to create a product specification and design a new product that meets the needs of our customers. Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry."K-State's Technology Development Institute in the&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>&nbsp;and received a grant from the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.

Brushing away bovine stress

Outbreaks of bird flu in mammals doubled in 2024 with other diseases spreading and putting more humans at risk.&nbsp; 

A new report by the World Organization for Animal Health says animal diseases were migrating into unaffected areas, and almost half have animal-to-human transmission potential.&nbsp;

The report emphasized that the more cattle, cats and dogs become infected - there is more risk of these diseases being transmitted to humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Outbreaks of bird flu in mammals doubled in 2024 with other diseases spreading and putting more humans at risk.&nbsp; A new report by the World Organization for Animal Health says animal diseases were migrating into unaffected areas, and almost half have animal-to-human transmission potential.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website" />
 <figcaption>Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</figcaption>
 </figure>The report emphasized that the more cattle, cats and dogs become infected - there is more risk of these diseases being transmitted to humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - June 6, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=zhmtj-18cc606-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: bird flu transmission concerns 

A recent stretch of widespread rainfall and cooler-than-normal temperatures has brought significant drought relief to large portions of the Central and Northern Great Plains, according to the latest drought monitor update.

Between May 20 and June 2, much of Kansas, Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado received between 2 and 4 inches of precipitation, with some areas recording even higher totals. This influx of moisture, coupled with unseasonably cool temperatures during the latter half of May, contributed to notable improvements in drought conditions.

As of June 2 the southern half of Kansas from Pratt County east to the Missouri state line is now officially drought-free.

Elsewhere, more than half an inch of rain fell across southern Colorado earlier this week, prompting a one-category improvement on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southeastern Wyoming also saw the removal of severe to extreme drought designations, thanks to recent rainfall, long-term precipitation indices (SPI) over 6 to 12 months, and updated drought assessments from the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC).

Meteorologists say ongoing monitoring and additional rainfall over the coming weeks will determine whether these trends continue into the summer growing season.

Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; • Hutchinson - 2.56" &nbsp; • Newton - 3.27"&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; • Wichita - 3.02" &nbsp; • Kingman - 2.41" &nbsp; • Pratt - 2.24"&nbsp; &nbsp; • McPherson - 1.95"&nbsp; &nbsp; • Wichita - 3.02"

Rainfall totals are for the period ending at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map data courtesy of NDMC.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749136302876.png" alt="Drought Monitor - June 5, 2025 " />
 <figcaption>Drought Monitor - June 5, 2025 </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;MARC JACOBS Hutch PostA recent stretch of widespread rainfall and cooler-than-normal temperatures has brought significant drought relief to large portions of the Central and Northern Great Plains, according to the latest drought monitor update.Between May 20 and June 2, much of Kansas, Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado received between 2 and 4 inches of precipitation, with some areas recording even higher totals. This influx of moisture, coupled with unseasonably cool temperatures during the latter half of May, contributed to notable improvements in drought conditions.As of June 2 the southern half of Kansas from Pratt County east to the Missouri state line is now officially drought-free.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Elsewhere, more than half an inch of rain fell across southern Colorado earlier this week, prompting a one-category improvement on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Southeastern Wyoming also saw the removal of severe to extreme drought designations, thanks to recent rainfall, long-term precipitation indices (SPI) over 6 to 12 months, and updated drought assessments from the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC).Meteorologists say ongoing monitoring and additional rainfall over the coming weeks will determine whether these trends continue into the summer growing season.Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; • Hutchinson - 2.56" &nbsp; • Newton - 3.27"&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; • Wichita - 3.02" &nbsp; • Kingman - 2.41" &nbsp; • Pratt - 2.24"&nbsp; &nbsp; • McPherson - 1.95"&nbsp; &nbsp; • Wichita - 3.02"Rainfall totals are for the period ending at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.&nbsp;The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map data courtesy of NDMC.&nbsp;

Rain, cooler temps bring drought relief

 A newly formed advocacy group backed by Bayer is raising red flags over a recent federal report that it says could threaten farmers’ access to essential crop protection products.

The group, known as the Modern Ag Alliance, was created in response to concerns stemming from the Make America Healthy Again Commission report. According to the alliance, the report suggests that the federal government could move toward restricting or banning the use of certain agricultural chemicals—a move the group warns could have sweeping consequences.

In a statement, the Modern Ag Alliance said such restrictions would “undermine science-based regulatory frameworks” and potentially “jeopardize the safety and stability of the U.S. food supply.” The group emphasized that farmers are already grappling with rising costs, volatile markets, and unpredictable weather, and losing access to vital crop protection tools would add unnecessary burden.

“These tools are critical to maintaining productivity and protecting crops from pests, weeds, and disease,” the alliance said. “Farmers shouldn’t have to worry about losing access to the science-backed solutions they rely on.”

While the commission’s report has not led to any regulatory changes yet, the Modern Ag Alliance says it plans to advocate aggressively on behalf of farmers and the broader agriculture industry, urging policymakers to prioritize science and sustainability in any future decisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure> A newly formed advocacy group backed by Bayer is raising red flags over a recent federal report that it says could threaten farmers’ access to essential crop protection products.The group, known as the Modern Ag Alliance, was created in response to concerns stemming from the Make America Healthy Again Commission report. According to the alliance, the report suggests that the federal government could move toward restricting or banning the use of certain agricultural chemicals—a move the group warns could have sweeping consequences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>In a statement, the Modern Ag Alliance said such restrictions would “undermine science-based regulatory frameworks” and potentially “jeopardize the safety and stability of the U.S. food supply.” The group emphasized that farmers are already grappling with rising costs, volatile markets, and unpredictable weather, and losing access to vital crop protection tools would add unnecessary burden.“These tools are critical to maintaining productivity and protecting crops from pests, weeds, and disease,” the alliance said. “Farmers shouldn’t have to worry about losing access to the science-backed solutions they rely on.”While the commission’s report has not led to any regulatory changes yet, the Modern Ag Alliance says it plans to advocate aggressively on behalf of farmers and the broader agriculture industry, urging policymakers to prioritize science and sustainability in any future decisions.<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - June 3, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=xatx9-18c402e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: Protecting crop protection products 

For the first time in six years, cash rent rates for Iowa farmland are on the decline, dropping by 3% so far this year. The average rate has fallen to $271 per acre, down from last year’s peak of $279 per acre, marking the first annual decrease since 2019.

The dip in rates was widespread, with 68 of Iowa's 99 counties reporting reductions. The most significant drops were seen in counties with high-quality farmland. Premium acres, previously fetching as much as $328 per acre for corn and soybean production, experienced the sharpest declines. Even low-quality land, typically the most stable segment of the market, saw a 3% decrease, bringing the average rent down to $225 per acre.

Agricultural economists suggest that the decline may be due to a combination of factors, including lower commodity prices, rising input costs, and tightening profit margins for farmers.

While the dip offers some financial relief for tenants, landowners may begin to feel pressure as returns soften after years of steady growth in rental income.

Analysts will be watching closely to see whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a longer-term shift in Iowa’s agricultural land market.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For the first time in six years, cash rent rates for Iowa farmland are on the decline, dropping by 3% so far this year. The average rate has fallen to $271 per acre, down from last year’s peak of $279 per acre, marking the first annual decrease since 2019.The dip in rates was widespread, with 68 of Iowa's 99 counties reporting reductions. The most significant drops were seen in counties with high-quality farmland. Premium acres, previously fetching as much as $328 per acre for corn and soybean production, experienced the sharpest declines. Even low-quality land, typically the most stable segment of the market, saw a 3% decrease, bringing the average rent down to $225 per acre.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Agricultural economists suggest that the decline may be due to a combination of factors, including lower commodity prices, rising input costs, and tightening profit margins for farmers.While the dip offers some financial relief for tenants, landowners may begin to feel pressure as returns soften after years of steady growth in rental income.Analysts will be watching closely to see whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a longer-term shift in Iowa’s agricultural land market.<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - June 2, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=di497-18c3fe5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: Farm rents 

The beef cattle industry continues to grapple with tight supplies, even as there has been growing optimism about filling the pipeline in the coming months. While cattle producers are enjoying record-high prices for their livestock, the steep costs involved in replenishing herds are causing many to hesitate on expanding their operations.

The latest USDA monthly Cattle on Feed Report reveals declines across the board, with on-feed numbers, placements, and marketings all dropping between two and three percent. This suggests that despite the optimism, the pipeline remains constricted.

Adding to the picture, USDA’s Cold Storage Report released Friday showed that total red meat supplies held in freezers increased by five percent compared to the previous month, but remain six percent lower than the same time last year. Specifically, frozen beef supplies fell two percent from the prior month and also were two percent below last year’s levels. Conversely, frozen pork stocks surged, rising 11 percent from the previous month.

The cash cattle market was quiet yesterday, reflecting the cautious approach from buyers and sellers alike. Last week’s trade saw live cattle prices ranging between $219 and $221 per hundredweight, with dressed cattle (meat) prices between $360 and $367. The boxed beef market remains robust, with select cuts trading near $360 and choice cuts close to $361.

Industry watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming reports to see if supply constraints begin to ease, but for now, cattle producers face a delicate balance between high prices and high replacement costs in a market marked by tight supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt="Ag Minute - With John Jenkinson " />
 <figcaption>Ag Minute - With John Jenkinson </figcaption>
 </figure>The beef cattle industry continues to grapple with tight supplies, even as there has been growing optimism about filling the pipeline in the coming months. While cattle producers are enjoying record-high prices for their livestock, the steep costs involved in replenishing herds are causing many to hesitate on expanding their operations.The latest USDA monthly Cattle on Feed Report reveals declines across the board, with on-feed numbers, placements, and marketings all dropping between two and three percent. This suggests that despite the optimism, the pipeline remains constricted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Adding to the picture, USDA’s Cold Storage Report released Friday showed that total red meat supplies held in freezers increased by five percent compared to the previous month, but remain six percent lower than the same time last year. Specifically, frozen beef supplies fell two percent from the prior month and also were two percent below last year’s levels. Conversely, frozen pork stocks surged, rising 11 percent from the previous month.The cash cattle market was quiet yesterday, reflecting the cautious approach from buyers and sellers alike. Last week’s trade saw live cattle prices ranging between $219 and $221 per hundredweight, with dressed cattle (meat) prices between $360 and $367. The boxed beef market remains robust, with select cuts trading near $360 and choice cuts close to $361.Industry watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming reports to see if supply constraints begin to ease, but for now, cattle producers face a delicate balance between high prices and high replacement costs in a market marked by tight supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute: <div><iframe title="Ag Minute - May 30" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=m8pa9-18c26f4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: Beef cattle supplies remain tight despite industry optimism

 A multi-day stretch of widespread precipitation from May 24 to 26 has brought much-needed drought relief to several areas across the Central Plains, leading to notable improvements in drought conditions, according to recent climate monitoring reports.

Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 3 inches across large portions of southwestern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and northeastern Colorado, with some localized areas receiving even more. This substantial precipitation, coupled with much cooler temperatures, played a key role in recharging topsoil moisture, offering a boost to regional agriculture and ecosystems.

The latest drought analysis shows a 1-category improvement across parts of southwestern South Dakota, western and central Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado. In these areas, indicators such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at various time scales, along with soil moisture data, showed clear signs of recovery. As a result, areas classified under severe to extreme drought have seen a reduction in coverage.

Meanwhile, southeastern Colorado also experienced lighter rainfall. While totals were lower, multiple indicators including SPI, soil moisture, and the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDri) suggested enough improvement to remove the last remaining areas of moderate drought from the region.

However, not all areas benefited from the recent rainfall. Southern Nebraska and northern Kansas largely missed the precipitation, leading to small 1-category degradations in drought status. Western Colorado also saw conditions worsen, with 90- to 180-day SPI data supporting a 1-category downgrade due to increasing dryness over the past several months.

With the growing season underway, continued monitoring will be crucial to determine whether these improvements mark the beginning of a sustained trend or a temporary break in ongoing drought conditions.

Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp; &nbsp;• Hutchinson - 1.43" &nbsp;• Kingman - 3.77" &nbsp;• Newton - 2.48"&nbsp; &nbsp;• Pratt - 2.30" &nbsp;• McPherson - 1.68" &nbsp;• Stafford - 1.46" &nbsp;• Lyons - 1.29"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748527547935.png" alt="0529 Drought Monitor Local.png" />
 <figcaption>0529 Drought Monitor Local.png</figcaption>
 </figure> A multi-day stretch of widespread precipitation from May 24 to 26 has brought much-needed drought relief to several areas across the Central Plains, leading to notable improvements in drought conditions, according to recent climate monitoring reports.Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 3 inches across large portions of southwestern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and northeastern Colorado, with some localized areas receiving even more. This substantial precipitation, coupled with much cooler temperatures, played a key role in recharging topsoil moisture, offering a boost to regional agriculture and ecosystems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The latest drought analysis shows a 1-category improvement across parts of southwestern South Dakota, western and central Nebraska, and northeastern Colorado. In these areas, indicators such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at various time scales, along with soil moisture data, showed clear signs of recovery. As a result, areas classified under severe to extreme drought have seen a reduction in coverage.Meanwhile, southeastern Colorado also experienced lighter rainfall. While totals were lower, multiple indicators including SPI, soil moisture, and the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDri) suggested enough improvement to remove the last remaining areas of moderate drought from the region.However, not all areas benefited from the recent rainfall. Southern Nebraska and northern Kansas largely missed the precipitation, leading to small 1-category degradations in drought status. Western Colorado also saw conditions worsen, with 90- to 180-day SPI data supporting a 1-category downgrade due to increasing dryness over the past several months.With the growing season underway, continued monitoring will be crucial to determine whether these improvements mark the beginning of a sustained trend or a temporary break in ongoing drought conditions.Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp; &nbsp;• Hutchinson - 1.43" &nbsp;• Kingman - 3.77" &nbsp;• Newton - 2.48"&nbsp; &nbsp;• Pratt - 2.30" &nbsp;• McPherson - 1.68" &nbsp;• Stafford - 1.46" &nbsp;• Lyons - 1.29" Rainfall totals are for the period ending at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.&nbsp;The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map data courtesy of NDMC.&nbsp;

Drought Monitor: Rainfall brings some relief

The Trump Administration recently appointed David Schemm as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. Schemm joined the Kansas FSA team on May 5, 2025.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Rural communities need our support now more than ever. Our newly appointed state leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their position as SED and they will play an integral role in shaping the future of agriculture in their state.”

Schemm returns to FSA where he previously served as the FSA State Executive Director for Kansas during President Trump’s first term. Before that, he served as Ag Advisor for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall for two years. He has a long history of involvement and leadership with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Board and the National Association of Wheat Growers. Schemm also served on the board for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and served on the A-Team Innovation and Sustainability for United States Grains Council.&nbsp;

As SED, Schemm is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Kansas. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for all Americans. See&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2025%2F05%2F02%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-new-state-directors-farm-service-agency-and-rural-development%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019712f28e7b-08408d87-0f93-4f5f-9b40-75092b033a69-000000/j102gY9gHoBNkPZs9UtwtMrsE7wtryPvbMCtSrhgYDU=406">USDA news release</a>&nbsp;for full list of recent FSA and Rural Development appointees.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257CBrooke.DeCubellis%2540usda.gov%257C8e2f0ae81a564e48b05908dd8ee98f3d%257Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%257C1%257C0%257C638823855979902246%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=bACwdSCKjVG4cUBQPwQSyMpG2%252FwSZHXL%252Bhh4YIM6x%252Bc%253D%26url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.fsa.usda.gov%252F%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019712f28e7b-08408d87-0f93-4f5f-9b40-75092b033a69-000000/5BkwYgGTN6WTmpGIjj-c5hiEcj8bJCpwKz2ocXzcZIo=406">fsa.usda.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562944742118.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Trump Administration recently appointed David Schemm as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. Schemm joined the Kansas FSA team on May 5, 2025.“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Rural communities need our support now more than ever. Our newly appointed state leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their position as SED and they will play an integral role in shaping the future of agriculture in their state.”Schemm returns to FSA where he previously served as the FSA State Executive Director for Kansas during President Trump’s first term. Before that, he served as Ag Advisor for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall for two years. He has a long history of involvement and leadership with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Board and the National Association of Wheat Growers. Schemm also served on the board for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and served on the A-Team Innovation and Sustainability for United States Grains Council.&nbsp;As SED, Schemm is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Kansas. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for all Americans. See&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2025%2F05%2F02%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-new-state-directors-farm-service-agency-and-rural-development%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019712f28e7b-08408d87-0f93-4f5f-9b40-75092b033a69-000000/j102gY9gHoBNkPZs9UtwtMrsE7wtryPvbMCtSrhgYDU=406">USDA news release</a>&nbsp;for full list of recent FSA and Rural Development appointees.FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257CBrooke.DeCubellis%2540usda.gov%257C8e2f0ae81a564e48b05908dd8ee98f3d%257Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%257C1%257C0%257C638823855979902246%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=bACwdSCKjVG4cUBQPwQSyMpG2%252FwSZHXL%252Bhh4YIM6x%252Bc%253D%26url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.fsa.usda.gov%252F%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019712f28e7b-08408d87-0f93-4f5f-9b40-75092b033a69-000000/5BkwYgGTN6WTmpGIjj-c5hiEcj8bJCpwKz2ocXzcZIo=406">fsa.usda.gov</a>

David Schemm appointed as USDA FSA Director in Kansas

If you are someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or 911.

The Community Mental Health Center for Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt and Reno Counties is <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/horizons-mental-health-center/">Horizons Mental Health Center</a> (620) 663-7595

The Community Mental Health Center for Harvey, Marion and McPherson Counties is <a href="https://prairieview.org/locations/newton">Prairie View, Inc</a>. (316) 284-6310

The Community Mental Health Center for Stafford and Rice Counties is <a href="https://www.thecentergb.org/">The Center for Counseling and Consultation</a> (620) 792-2544

Sen. Roger Marshall sought to increase awareness of the farmer mental health crisis during a media call on Thursday.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Marshall said it was a good time to shed light on many of the obstacles U.S. farmers face that can take a toll on their mental health.

"We lose a farmer every day to suicide," Marshall said. "We lose more farmers to suicide than to farm accidents.

"Our whole lives, I'm a fifth-generation farm kid, we are taught farm safety. Don't stand behind a tractor. Don't stand behind a horse. But we were never taught anything about mental health."

Marshall said farmers are seeing a record drop in farm income, he asserted, because of the policies of the Biden administration. 

Input costs, such as the cost of fuel as well as the interest rates, have hurt the farmers' bottom lines, Marshall said.

"They have this huge financial stress. Throw on top of that dealing with the Kansas weather, it's a big, big burden that Kansas and all farmers feel," he said. 

Many small farms have been in the family for generations, and families are in danger of losing their farms, Marshall said.

"Because of all these things, we're seeing a big surge in farmer suicide," he said.

Marshall urged farmers or family members dealing with mental health issues to call or text the national crisis hotline at 988.

Marshall said he thought the 988 system is working. He said he has visited some 988 call centers and said he thought the system has adequate staff for those services.

Marshall, who is a medical doctor, said to look for signs and symptoms of depression in friends and family members, including trouble sleeping or eating.

Look for people who have withdrawn from social events like going to church or attending local sporting events, he said.

"Be a good neighbor," he said. "Reach out to that person. Sit down with that person. If it's an emergency, call 988. If not, maybe just invite them back to church, take them out for coffee, or say, 'Let's go talk to your family doctor or someone at one of the local mental health centers.'

"There are resources out there. You're not alone."

"It's a very stressful time," Marshall said. "Farmers are very proud, but it's very understandable. The stress is real. It's not in your head. The stress is absolutely real, and we're here to help you."

There are twenty-six Certified Community Behavioral Centers across Kansas, and Marshall said he will continue to fight for funding for those centers.

The tax bill set to be considered by the U.S. Senate, which has been dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill by President Trump, includes cuts to Medicaid. 

Medicare and Medicaid provide funding for mental health care for both low-income elderly and those on disability.

"We are not touching Medicare," Marshall said. "On the Medicaid side of things, we are fighting to strengthen it for those people who need it the most."

Marshall said most of the work on Medicaid will affect states that have expanded Medicaid, which Kansas has not.

"I can't emphasize enough that we are protecting Medicaid for seniors. Forty percent of the seniors in nursing homes are on Medicare and Medicaid. The same would be true for those people with disabilities. We will also do everything we can to protect children as well," Marshall said.

"But I don't think it's right for Kansans to be paying for Medicaid for illegal aliens, and then there's a whole slew of people who are on Medicaid fraudulently. They're enrolled in Medicaid and on food stamps in two different states at the same time and taking advantage of it," he said.

"There is no one up here working harder than me to preserve Medicaid for those people who need it the most," Marshall said.

Marshall was asked about economic development and Farm Service Agency funds that were frozen by the executive branch. 

Marshall lauded $500 million in emergency commodity assistance that was distributed this year to Kansas farmers. The funds were meant to ease the pain of high input prices and low commodity prices because of the tariffs.

He said the United States Department of Agriculture put a pause on those programs to deal with fraud, waste and abuse.

"I think it is a work in progress," Marshall said. "We want as much of the money that was allocated for this to get to the farmers, so there are not middle men or it gets stuck up here in Washington."

He said the federal processes are way too complicated and hopes to see more USDA and FSA personnel back in the states and working with farmers on the front lines.

He did not say when the USDA and FSA funds would be released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747950056770.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>How to get helpIf you are someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or 911.The Community Mental Health Center for Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt and Reno Counties is <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/horizons-mental-health-center/">Horizons Mental Health Center</a> (620) 663-7595The Community Mental Health Center for Harvey, Marion and McPherson Counties is <a href="https://prairieview.org/locations/newton">Prairie View, Inc</a>. (316) 284-6310The Community Mental Health Center for Stafford and Rice Counties is <a href="https://www.thecentergb.org/">The Center for Counseling and Consultation</a> (620) 792-2544By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSen. Roger Marshall sought to increase awareness of the farmer mental health crisis during a media call on Thursday.May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Marshall said it was a good time to shed light on many of the obstacles U.S. farmers face that can take a toll on their mental health."We lose a farmer every day to suicide," Marshall said. "We lose more farmers to suicide than to farm accidents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>"Our whole lives, I'm a fifth-generation farm kid, we are taught farm safety. Don't stand behind a tractor. Don't stand behind a horse. But we were never taught anything about mental health."Marshall said farmers are seeing a record drop in farm income, he asserted, because of the policies of the Biden administration. Input costs, such as the cost of fuel as well as the interest rates, have hurt the farmers' bottom lines, Marshall said."They have this huge financial stress. Throw on top of that dealing with the Kansas weather, it's a big, big burden that Kansas and all farmers feel," he said. Many small farms have been in the family for generations, and families are in danger of losing their farms, Marshall said."Because of all these things, we're seeing a big surge in farmer suicide," he said.Marshall urged farmers or family members dealing with mental health issues to call or text the national crisis hotline at 988.Marshall said he thought the 988 system is working. He said he has visited some 988 call centers and said he thought the system has adequate staff for those services.Marshall, who is a medical doctor, said to look for signs and symptoms of depression in friends and family members, including trouble sleeping or eating.Look for people who have withdrawn from social events like going to church or attending local sporting events, he said."Be a good neighbor," he said. "Reach out to that person. Sit down with that person. If it's an emergency, call 988. If not, maybe just invite them back to church, take them out for coffee, or say, 'Let's go talk to your family doctor or someone at one of the local mental health centers.'"There are resources out there. You're not alone.""It's a very stressful time," Marshall said. "Farmers are very proud, but it's very understandable. The stress is real. It's not in your head. The stress is absolutely real, and we're here to help you."There are twenty-six Certified Community Behavioral Centers across Kansas, and Marshall said he will continue to fight for funding for those centers.The tax bill set to be considered by the U.S. Senate, which has been dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill by President Trump, includes cuts to Medicaid. Medicare and Medicaid provide funding for mental health care for both low-income elderly and those on disability."We are not touching Medicare," Marshall said. "On the Medicaid side of things, we are fighting to strengthen it for those people who need it the most."Marshall said most of the work on Medicaid will affect states that have expanded Medicaid, which Kansas has not."I can't emphasize enough that we are protecting Medicaid for seniors. Forty percent of the seniors in nursing homes are on Medicare and Medicaid. The same would be true for those people with disabilities. We will also do everything we can to protect children as well," Marshall said."But I don't think it's right for Kansans to be paying for Medicaid for illegal aliens, and then there's a whole slew of people who are on Medicaid fraudulently. They're enrolled in Medicaid and on food stamps in two different states at the same time and taking advantage of it," he said."There is no one up here working harder than me to preserve Medicaid for those people who need it the most," Marshall said.Marshall was asked about economic development and Farm Service Agency funds that were frozen by the executive branch. Marshall lauded $500 million in emergency commodity assistance that was distributed this year to Kansas farmers. The funds were meant to ease the pain of high input prices and low commodity prices because of the tariffs.He said the United States Department of Agriculture put a pause on those programs to deal with fraud, waste and abuse."I think it is a work in progress," Marshall said. "We want as much of the money that was allocated for this to get to the farmers, so there are not middle men or it gets stuck up here in Washington."He said the federal processes are way too complicated and hopes to see more USDA and FSA personnel back in the states and working with farmers on the front lines.He did not say when the USDA and FSA funds would be released.

Sen. Marshall promotes mental health awareness for farmers

KIM BALDWIN McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher

The school year has wrapped up for my two children and summer break has officially arrived. The weeks leading up to those last days of school for my elementary-aged son and daughter were filled with tests, final projects, field trips, locker clean outs, a field day, a sixth-grade promotion and celebrations.

I imagine that after all of those busy days, as they waved to the children riding off in their school buses for the summer, my kids’ teachers collectively collapsed into their chairs exhausted. I know that’s what both of my children did when they got home following that last day of school.

But for many high school students and their teachers, that moment of rest has not happened quite yet. While the school year in the classroom has wrapped up, our rural school district, just like all of the other districts throughout the state, is still very open because of preparation for upcoming state contests in athletics and FFA.

Once our school district was dismissed for the summer, student athletes and FFA members have continued to show up daily as they’ve been preparing for their regional and state events.

I help our local FFA chapter prepare students for their state FFA events annually, and this year it is evident that a lot of students in our rural school are very engaged in many activities.

Students have come to the agriculture classroom in the mornings ready to study and prepare for their FFA contests. Following that time in the ag classroom, many will immediately go to one of their sports team practices to prep for regional and now state action.&nbsp;Some teachers carry similar schedules as well by prepping kids for state FFA and then heading out to the field to help coach an athletic event.

Yes, for many high schoolers, teachers and staff, summer break does not start for at least another week. I'm amazed at the dedication these students have by attending multiple practices daily. I’m even more impressed with the focus these kids have shown. It seems as if they are prepping for big, important high school events all at the same time right now and still showing up daily trying to give their all in every area.

As a volunteer I appreciate that these students come ready to work with me and their ag teacher daily even though their younger siblings are already in summer break mode. I also appreciate the focus these young adults bring to our prep sessions even though there are plenty of distractions around them.&nbsp;These teenagers manage their time well and maximize their output in pursuit of continued growth and success, and I wish them all the best in the coming days of multiple competitions.

And once their summer break does begin, let’s be sure to give these kids and their coaches some well-deserved and much-needed time to rest.

&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584374831676.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KIM BALDWIN McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancherThe school year has wrapped up for my two children and summer break has officially arrived. The weeks leading up to those last days of school for my elementary-aged son and daughter were filled with tests, final projects, field trips, locker clean outs, a field day, a sixth-grade promotion and celebrations.I imagine that after all of those busy days, as they waved to the children riding off in their school buses for the summer, my kids’ teachers collectively collapsed into their chairs exhausted. I know that’s what both of my children did when they got home following that last day of school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>But for many high school students and their teachers, that moment of rest has not happened quite yet. While the school year in the classroom has wrapped up, our rural school district, just like all of the other districts throughout the state, is still very open because of preparation for upcoming state contests in athletics and FFA.Once our school district was dismissed for the summer, student athletes and FFA members have continued to show up daily as they’ve been preparing for their regional and state events.I help our local FFA chapter prepare students for their state FFA events annually, and this year it is evident that a lot of students in our rural school are very engaged in many activities.Students have come to the agriculture classroom in the mornings ready to study and prepare for their FFA contests. Following that time in the ag classroom, many will immediately go to one of their sports team practices to prep for regional and now state action.&nbsp;Some teachers carry similar schedules as well by prepping kids for state FFA and then heading out to the field to help coach an athletic event.Yes, for many high schoolers, teachers and staff, summer break does not start for at least another week. I'm amazed at the dedication these students have by attending multiple practices daily. I’m even more impressed with the focus these kids have shown. It seems as if they are prepping for big, important high school events all at the same time right now and still showing up daily trying to give their all in every area.As a volunteer I appreciate that these students come ready to work with me and their ag teacher daily even though their younger siblings are already in summer break mode. I also appreciate the focus these young adults bring to our prep sessions even though there are plenty of distractions around them.&nbsp;These teenagers manage their time well and maximize their output in pursuit of continued growth and success, and I wish them all the best in the coming days of multiple competitions.And once their summer break does begin, let’s be sure to give these kids and their coaches some well-deserved and much-needed time to rest.&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Insight: Time to rest

Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm on Friday. 

This triggered protocols for a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers.&nbsp;

Here's today's Ag Minute with John Jenkinson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm on Friday. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>This triggered protocols for a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers.&nbsp;Here's today's Ag Minute with John Jenkinson.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="AG Minute - May 23, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=epbf8-18b8609-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: Avian Flu leads to trade issues for Brazil 

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress on Tuesday that a major report due out later this week from his agency will not disparage farmers or a commonly used pesticide.

Kennedy, who has long been critical of certain aspects of modern agriculture and processed food, at a U.S. Senate hearing urged lawmakers to read the widely anticipated “Make America Healthy Again” report once it’s published Thursday, but didn’t go into details about any possible recommendations.

“Everybody will see the report,” Kennedy said. “And there’s nobody that has a greater commitment to the American farmer than we do. The MAHA movement collapses if we can’t partner with the American farmer in producing a safe, robust and abundant food supply.”

His comments followed stern questioning from Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who said she had read news reports from “reliable sources” that the MAHA Commission’s initial assessment “may unfairly target American agriculture, modern farming practices and the crop protection tools that roughly 2% of our population relies on to help feed the remaining 98%.”

“If Americans lose confidence in the safety and integrity of our food supply due to the unfounded claims that mislead consumers, public health will be at risk,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve said this before, and it’s worth saying again, countries have gone to war over many things — politics, religion, race, trade, natural resources, oil, pride, you name it — but threaten a nation’s food supply and allow people to go hungry. Let’s see what happens then.”

Hyde-Smith, who was her home state’s commissioner of agriculture and commerce from 2012 to 2018, probed Kennedy about his past work in environmental law and whether he might be inserting “confirmation bias” into the forthcoming report.

She asked Kennedy if he would try to change the current approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate" target="_blank">glyphosate</a>, a commonly used herbicide, that she referred to as “one of the most thoroughly studied products of its kind.”

“We’re talking about more than 1,500 studies and 50-plus years of review by the EPA and other leading global health authorities that have affirmed its safety when used as directed,” Hyde-Smith said. “Have you been able to review thousands of studies and decades of scientific review in a matter of months?”

Kennedy responded that her “information about the report is just simply wrong.”

“The drafts that I’ve seen, there is not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer,” Kennedy said.

Hyde-Smith continued her questioning and told Kennedy that it would be “a shame if the MAHA commission issues reports suggesting, without substantial facts and evidence, that our government got things terribly wrong when it reviewed a number of crop protection tools and deemed them to be safe.”

Several other Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee raised concerns during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/hhs-secretary-kennedy-testifies-on-2026-budget-request/660137" target="_blank">two-hour hearing</a>&nbsp;about how Kennedy has run HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">since they confirmed him</a>&nbsp;in February.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the full Appropriations Committee, brought up the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which the Trump administration has called on Congress to eliminate.

“The LIHEAP program, which we’ve talked about, is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families,” Collins said. “It helps them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between keeping warm, buying essential foods and medications and other basic necessities.”

Kennedy sought to distance himself from the president’s budget request, saying that he understands “the critical, historical importance of this program.”

“President (Donald) Trump’s rationale and (the Office of Management and Budget’s) rationale is that President Trump’s energy policies are going to lower the cost of energy … so that everybody will get lower cost heating oil,” Kennedy said.

Subcommittee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., brought up several issues with Kennedy, including efforts to change how much the National Institutes of Health provides to medical schools and research universities for Facilities and Administrative fees, often called indirect costs.

NIH sought to set that amount at 15% across the board for any institution that receives a research grant from the agency, a significantly lower amount than many of the organizations had negotiated over the years, bringing about strong objections from institutions of higher education.

That NIH policy has not taken effect as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administrations-irreparable-cut-nih-research-funds-blocked-judge" target="_blank">several lawsuits work their way through the federal court system.</a>

Kennedy indicated NIH has figured out a way to help medical schools and research universities pay for items like gloves, test tubes and mass spectrometers, particularly at state schools.

“In the public universities, we are very much aware that those universities are using the money well, that it is absolutely necessary for them. And we’re looking at a series of different ways that we can fund those costs through them,” Kennedy said. “But not through the independent, indirect cost structure, which loses all control, which deprives us of all control of how that money is spent.”

Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican, brought up the measles outbreak and pressed Kennedy on whether HHS needed additional resources to help his home state and others get the virus under control.

Kennedy testified the “best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination” and that HHS has been urging “people to get their MMR vaccines.”

South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds called on Kennedy to continue fixing issues created earlier this year when HHS fired people working on mine safety issues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“My office has learned that staff at NIOSH’s Spokane mining research division have been laid off. This office focuses on the unique challenges of Western mining operations that are often more geologically complex and exposed to harsher conditions,” Rounds said. “This division provides critical technical support for institutions like the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which recently received a $1.25 million grant to improve underground mining safety. However, the grant has now been canceled due to loss of oversight from the Spokane office.

“This is not just a missed opportunity, it undermines our ability to meet national security goals tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience.”

Kennedy testified that he’s been able to bring back 238 workers at the agency and said he would work with Rounds to address ongoing issues.

Pledge to fund Head Start, but no dollar amount

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican, asked Kennedy about news reports earlier this year that HHS would ask Congress to zero out funding for Head Start, one of numerous programs left out of the administration’s skinny budget request. Head Start provides early learning, health, family and development programs for free for children from low-income families.

Kennedy testified that eliminating Head Start would likely not be in the full budget request, which is set to be released later this year, though the White House budget office has not said when. He said it would ask Congress to fully fund the program, but didn’t share a dollar amount.

“There’s 800,000 of the poorest kids in this country who are served by this program. It not only teaches the kids preschool skills — reading, writing and arithmetic — before they get to prepare them for school. But it also teaches the parents and teaches them how to be good parents.”

Kennedy said there are challenges faced by the Head Start program that he hopes to change during the next four years, including the quality of the food.

“The food they’re serving at Head Start is terrible. You need to change that,” Kennedy said. “We’re poisoning the poorest kids from their youngest years, and we’re going to change that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747857679712.png" alt="RFK, Jr. during testimony on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>RFK, Jr. during testimony on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress on Tuesday that a major report due out later this week from his agency will not disparage farmers or a commonly used pesticide.Kennedy, who has long been critical of certain aspects of modern agriculture and processed food, at a U.S. Senate hearing urged lawmakers to read the widely anticipated “Make America Healthy Again” report once it’s published Thursday, but didn’t go into details about any possible recommendations.“Everybody will see the report,” Kennedy said. “And there’s nobody that has a greater commitment to the American farmer than we do. The MAHA movement collapses if we can’t partner with the American farmer in producing a safe, robust and abundant food supply.”His comments followed stern questioning from Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who said she had read news reports from “reliable sources” that the MAHA Commission’s initial assessment “may unfairly target American agriculture, modern farming practices and the crop protection tools that roughly 2% of our population relies on to help feed the remaining 98%.”“If Americans lose confidence in the safety and integrity of our food supply due to the unfounded claims that mislead consumers, public health will be at risk,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve said this before, and it’s worth saying again, countries have gone to war over many things — politics, religion, race, trade, natural resources, oil, pride, you name it — but threaten a nation’s food supply and allow people to go hungry. Let’s see what happens then.”Hyde-Smith, who was her home state’s commissioner of agriculture and commerce from 2012 to 2018, probed Kennedy about his past work in environmental law and whether he might be inserting “confirmation bias” into the forthcoming report.She asked Kennedy if he would try to change the current approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate" target="_blank">glyphosate</a>, a commonly used herbicide, that she referred to as “one of the most thoroughly studied products of its kind.”“We’re talking about more than 1,500 studies and 50-plus years of review by the EPA and other leading global health authorities that have affirmed its safety when used as directed,” Hyde-Smith said. “Have you been able to review thousands of studies and decades of scientific review in a matter of months?”Kennedy responded that her “information about the report is just simply wrong.”“The drafts that I’ve seen, there is not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer,” Kennedy said.Hyde-Smith continued her questioning and told Kennedy that it would be “a shame if the MAHA commission issues reports suggesting, without substantial facts and evidence, that our government got things terribly wrong when it reviewed a number of crop protection tools and deemed them to be safe.”<h2>Home energy program in Maine</h2>Several other Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee raised concerns during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/hhs-secretary-kennedy-testifies-on-2026-budget-request/660137" target="_blank">two-hour hearing</a>&nbsp;about how Kennedy has run HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">since they confirmed him</a>&nbsp;in February.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the full Appropriations Committee, brought up the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which the Trump administration has called on Congress to eliminate.“The LIHEAP program, which we’ve talked about, is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families,” Collins said. “It helps them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between keeping warm, buying essential foods and medications and other basic necessities.”Kennedy sought to distance himself from the president’s budget request, saying that he understands “the critical, historical importance of this program.”“President (Donald) Trump’s rationale and (the Office of Management and Budget’s) rationale is that President Trump’s energy policies are going to lower the cost of energy … so that everybody will get lower cost heating oil,” Kennedy said.<h2>NIH indirect costs</h2>Subcommittee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., brought up several issues with Kennedy, including efforts to change how much the National Institutes of Health provides to medical schools and research universities for Facilities and Administrative fees, often called indirect costs.NIH sought to set that amount at 15% across the board for any institution that receives a research grant from the agency, a significantly lower amount than many of the organizations had negotiated over the years, bringing about strong objections from institutions of higher education.That NIH policy has not taken effect as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administrations-irreparable-cut-nih-research-funds-blocked-judge" target="_blank">several lawsuits work their way through the federal court system.</a>Kennedy indicated NIH has figured out a way to help medical schools and research universities pay for items like gloves, test tubes and mass spectrometers, particularly at state schools.“In the public universities, we are very much aware that those universities are using the money well, that it is absolutely necessary for them. And we’re looking at a series of different ways that we can fund those costs through them,” Kennedy said. “But not through the independent, indirect cost structure, which loses all control, which deprives us of all control of how that money is spent.”Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican, brought up the measles outbreak and pressed Kennedy on whether HHS needed additional resources to help his home state and others get the virus under control.Kennedy testified the “best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination” and that HHS has been urging “people to get their MMR vaccines.”<h2>South Dakota grant on mine safety</h2>South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds called on Kennedy to continue fixing issues created earlier this year when HHS fired people working on mine safety issues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.“My office has learned that staff at NIOSH’s Spokane mining research division have been laid off. This office focuses on the unique challenges of Western mining operations that are often more geologically complex and exposed to harsher conditions,” Rounds said. “This division provides critical technical support for institutions like the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which recently received a $1.25 million grant to improve underground mining safety. However, the grant has now been canceled due to loss of oversight from the Spokane office.“This is not just a missed opportunity, it undermines our ability to meet national security goals tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience.”Kennedy testified that he’s been able to bring back 238 workers at the agency and said he would work with Rounds to address ongoing issues.<h2>Pledge to fund Head Start, but no dollar amount</h2>Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican, asked Kennedy about news reports earlier this year that HHS would ask Congress to zero out funding for Head Start, one of numerous programs left out of the administration’s skinny budget request. Head Start provides early learning, health, family and development programs for free for children from low-income families.Kennedy testified that eliminating Head Start would likely not be in the full budget request, which is set to be released later this year, though the White House budget office has not said when. He said it would ask Congress to fully fund the program, but didn’t share a dollar amount.“There’s 800,000 of the poorest kids in this country who are served by this program. It not only teaches the kids preschool skills — reading, writing and arithmetic — before they get to prepare them for school. But it also teaches the parents and teaches them how to be good parents.”Kennedy said there are challenges faced by the Head Start program that he hopes to change during the next four years, including the quality of the food.“The food they’re serving at Head Start is terrible. You need to change that,” Kennedy said. “We’re poisoning the poorest kids from their youngest years, and we’re going to change that.”

RFK Jr. insists  ‘Make America Healthy Again’ report won’t target farming

Temperatures varied widely across the High Plains this week, with parts of the region experiencing conditions up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Cooler-than-normal temperatures were observed in the western and northern portions.

Heavy rainfall blanketed much of the region, particularly from North Dakota to northern Nebraska, where weekly precipitation totals ranged from 400 to 600 percent above normal. These significant rains—between 2 to 8 inches above normal—prompted widespread improvements in drought conditions, including moderate to extreme drought in the Dakotas and Nebraska.

Rainfall also brought relief to parts of northern Wyoming and eastern Kansas. In those areas, precipitation totals were up to 3 inches above normal, leading to improvements in moderate to severe drought and areas of abnormal dryness.

Despite the beneficial moisture, some areas remained dry. Southwest Nebraska and western Wyoming saw expansions of extreme drought (D3), while southern Wyoming and Colorado experienced worsening severe and moderate drought. Abnormal dryness also spread across eastern Colorado.

The shifting conditions highlight the variability of the High Plains climate and the challenges of managing drought across such a large and diverse region.

Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Hutchinson - .94" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Lyons - .06" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Stafford - .09" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Pratt - .39" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kingman - .67" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp; McPherson - .80"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp; Newton - 1.16"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747922391460.png" alt="Drought Monitor Map - May 22, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Drought Monitor Map - May 22, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>NATIONAL DROUGHT MITIGATION CENTER&nbsp;Temperatures varied widely across the High Plains this week, with parts of the region experiencing conditions up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Cooler-than-normal temperatures were observed in the western and northern portions.Heavy rainfall blanketed much of the region, particularly from North Dakota to northern Nebraska, where weekly precipitation totals ranged from 400 to 600 percent above normal. These significant rains—between 2 to 8 inches above normal—prompted widespread improvements in drought conditions, including moderate to extreme drought in the Dakotas and Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Rainfall also brought relief to parts of northern Wyoming and eastern Kansas. In those areas, precipitation totals were up to 3 inches above normal, leading to improvements in moderate to severe drought and areas of abnormal dryness.Despite the beneficial moisture, some areas remained dry. Southwest Nebraska and western Wyoming saw expansions of extreme drought (D3), while southern Wyoming and Colorado experienced worsening severe and moderate drought. Abnormal dryness also spread across eastern Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747922446796.png" alt="Drought Monitor Map - May 22, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Drought Monitor Map - May 22, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>The shifting conditions highlight the variability of the High Plains climate and the challenges of managing drought across such a large and diverse region.Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Hutchinson - .94" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Lyons - .06" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Stafford - .09" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Pratt - .39" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kingman - .67" &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp; McPherson - .80"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp; Newton - 1.16"Rainfall totals are for the period ending at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.&nbsp;The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map data courtesy of NDMC.&nbsp;

Drought Monitor:  Relief to southeast Kansas 

There may be some safety net help on the way for farmers if a bill passes both chambers and President Trump.&nbsp; 

It's named the Farmer Act, and it stands for "Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience".&nbsp; There are several Senators that have come up with this, and one of them is Kansas Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp; If signed into law, it would strengthen crop insurance and increase levels of coverage at more affordable prices.&nbsp; 

It would also drop the requirement for choosing either the PLC or ARC programs, which should allow for more flexibility.&nbsp; Almost 100% percent of the major farm organizations support the idea.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>There may be some safety net help on the way for farmers if a bill passes both chambers and President Trump.&nbsp; It's named the Farmer Act, and it stands for "Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience".&nbsp; There are several Senators that have come up with this, and one of them is Kansas Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp; If signed into law, it would strengthen crop insurance and increase levels of coverage at more affordable prices.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>It would also drop the requirement for choosing either the PLC or ARC programs, which should allow for more flexibility.&nbsp; Almost 100% percent of the major farm organizations support the idea.&nbsp;Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute.<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - May 22, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=946a8-18b1079-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: The FARMER Act 

The Department of Agriculture's monthly world supply and demand estimates came out yesterday.&nbsp; 

The only real good news was in soybeans.&nbsp; USDA is forecasting a higher crust, and slightly lower ending stocks.&nbsp; That's what caused those prices to rally twenty cents yesterday, but the bad news was in corn and wheat.&nbsp; 

Corn production is projected to be six percent higher than last year.&nbsp; 15.8 billion bushels, with a price at $4.20.&nbsp; 

Wheat could also see increased supplies and higher stocks, with an average price of $5.30.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt="Ag Minute - With John Jenkinson " />
 <figcaption>Ag Minute - With John Jenkinson </figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Agriculture's monthly world supply and demand estimates came out yesterday.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The only real good news was in soybeans.&nbsp; USDA is forecasting a higher crust, and slightly lower ending stocks.&nbsp; That's what caused those prices to rally twenty cents yesterday, but the bad news was in corn and wheat.&nbsp; Corn production is projected to be six percent higher than last year.&nbsp; 15.8 billion bushels, with a price at $4.20.&nbsp; Wheat could also see increased supplies and higher stocks, with an average price of $5.30.&nbsp;Here's today's Ag Minute:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - May 21, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sffv4-18b0f38-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: World Agriculture Supply and Demand report 

There is a new bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom, and it includes ag commodities and ethanol.&nbsp; 

Under the agreement, the tariff on U.S. ethanol will drop to zero, and the National Corn Growers says this is great news.&nbsp; 

This will create up to $5 billion dollars in new exports for U.S. farmers and will be a huge win that will allow further expansion for the American produced ethanol industry.

Here's John Jenkinson with today's Ag Minute:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>There is a new bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom, and it includes ag commodities and ethanol.&nbsp; Under the agreement, the tariff on U.S. ethanol will drop to zero, and the National Corn Growers says this is great news.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>This will create up to $5 billion dollars in new exports for U.S. farmers and will be a huge win that will allow further expansion for the American produced ethanol industry.Here's John Jenkinson with today's Ag Minute:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - May 20, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8fi5d-18b0f2f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

AG Minute: UK Trade 

&nbsp;In early May, a delegation of U.S. livestock genetics and agriculture leaders representing Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Idaho, and the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association traveled to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to advance trade partnerships and expand the global reach of U.S. beef cattle genetics. Delegates from Kansas included Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Department of Agriculture Animal Health Commissioner; Dr. John Nelson, KDA field veterinarian; and Thad Geiger, Geiger Cattle, Troy, Kansas.

Mexico remains the largest agricultural trade partner for the state of Kansas, with trade totaling $1.85 billion in 2024. As global trade relationships evolve, this mission emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, especially in livestock and genetics.

“Expanding U.S. beef cattle genetics exports and understanding Mexico’s evolving feedlot operations are essential to fostering resilient supply chains,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA Director of Ag Marketing. “While we work to promote beef cattle genetic exports, we also aim to better understand the needs and priorities of our Mexican counterparts.”

The delegation took part in&nbsp;trilateral discussions with the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas and the Canadian Cattle Association, where they addressed shared industry concerns including trade barriers, inspection protocols, and threats such as the New World screwworm, a pest that poses a risk to livestock and has disrupted cross-border trade.

The delegation also conducted site visits to cattle breeding operations and regional feedlots and engaged with industry during the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, one of Mexico’s most prominent agricultural expos.

“The trip gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience of Mexican cattle producers who operate successfully in challenging conditions,” said Geiger. “The trilateral discussions underscored how closely our industries are connected. Our strengths complement each other, and strong partnerships benefit both sides of the border.”

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577115615594.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;In early May, a delegation of U.S. livestock genetics and agriculture leaders representing Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Idaho, and the Senepol Cattle Breeders Association traveled to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to advance trade partnerships and expand the global reach of U.S. beef cattle genetics. Delegates from Kansas included Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Department of Agriculture Animal Health Commissioner; Dr. John Nelson, KDA field veterinarian; and Thad Geiger, Geiger Cattle, Troy, Kansas.Mexico remains the largest agricultural trade partner for the state of Kansas, with trade totaling $1.85 billion in 2024. As global trade relationships evolve, this mission emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, especially in livestock and genetics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>“Expanding U.S. beef cattle genetics exports and understanding Mexico’s evolving feedlot operations are essential to fostering resilient supply chains,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA Director of Ag Marketing. “While we work to promote beef cattle genetic exports, we also aim to better understand the needs and priorities of our Mexican counterparts.”The delegation took part in&nbsp;trilateral discussions with the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas and the Canadian Cattle Association, where they addressed shared industry concerns including trade barriers, inspection protocols, and threats such as the New World screwworm, a pest that poses a risk to livestock and has disrupted cross-border trade.The delegation also conducted site visits to cattle breeding operations and regional feedlots and engaged with industry during the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, one of Mexico’s most prominent agricultural expos.“The trip gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience of Mexican cattle producers who operate successfully in challenging conditions,” said Geiger. “The trilateral discussions underscored how closely our industries are connected. Our strengths complement each other, and strong partnerships benefit both sides of the border.”This trade mission is part of KDA’s mission to support Kansas producers and agribusinesses, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and sell livestock genetics both domestically and internationally. These missions are made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., with funding provided through the USDA Market Access Program.

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