Secretary Rollins Suspends Live Animal Imports Through Ports of Entry Along Southern Border, Effective Immediately

Ag Minute: Sen. Grassley talks Farm Bill 

Ag Minute: Farm Bill update 

Ag Minute: Japan tariffs and agriculture 

Compared to last week, this week's drought monitor shows little change, with the exception of an area of Severe Drought that has developed over portions of Marion and Chase Counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most of the northwest portion of the Hutch Post area had no precipitation for the reporting period that ended on Tuesday May 6,.&nbsp; Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp; •&nbsp; Hutchinson - .00"&nbsp; •&nbsp; McPherson - .00" •&nbsp; Lyons - .00"&nbsp; •&nbsp; Pratt - .06"&nbsp; •&nbsp; Newton - .14" •&nbsp; Kingman - .22"&nbsp;

We will see what affect the rainfall that has been received in the past two days will do to the conditions heading into next week.&nbsp;&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/2025/5/1746720064241.png" alt="Drought Monitor - Week ending May 6, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Drought Monitor - Week ending May 6, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Compared to last week, this week's drought monitor shows little change, with the exception of an area of Severe Drought that has developed over portions of Marion and Chase Counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the northwest portion of the Hutch Post area had no precipitation for the reporting period that ended on Tuesday May 6,.&nbsp; Here are the rainfall totals for selected locations in the area:&nbsp; •&nbsp; Hutchinson - .00"&nbsp; •&nbsp; McPherson - .00" •&nbsp; Lyons - .00"&nbsp; •&nbsp; Pratt - .06"&nbsp; •&nbsp; Newton - .14" •&nbsp; Kingman - .22"&nbsp;We will see what affect the rainfall that has been received in the past two days will do to the conditions heading into next week.&nbsp;&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 shows little change from last week 

According to the monthly ag economy barometer, farmers feel a little bit better about their future.... at least right now. The&nbsp;Index of Current Conditions&nbsp;went up 9 points to 141, but it is still lower than last year. 

Farmers say that one of the reasons they are more optimistic, is because they think that tariffs will eventually be a benefit the U.S. agricultural economy. 

The survey took place between April 14th and 21st.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>According to the monthly ag economy barometer, farmers feel a little bit better about their future.... at least right now. The&nbsp;Index of Current Conditions&nbsp;went up 9 points to 141, but it is still lower than last year. Farmers say that one of the reasons they are more optimistic, is because they think that tariffs will eventually be a benefit the U.S. agricultural economy. The survey took place between April 14th and 21st.Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - Farmer confidence" 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=isxxd-18a28e3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Ag Minute: Farmer Confidence

The United Soybean Board, which oversees the funds of the national checkoff, is seeking farmer-leaders to serve on the national board. Kansas has two director positions to fill following December term completions for Kurt Maurath, Oakley, and Lance Rezac, Onaga.

The mission of the soybean checkoff is to create value for U.S. soybean farmers by investing in research, education and promotion of U.S.-grown soy. Farmer-leaders are able to elevate their perspectives and direct those investments through service on the board. The checkoff’s current return-on-investment of $12.30 back to farmers for each dollar invested demonstrates the checkoff’s efficacy in driving profitability for every acre of soybeans.

Dennis Gruenbacher, Andale, sought a USB director position in 2018 because he saw an opportunity to find more end uses for soybeans and ultimately improve prices for growers. He remarks that the checkoff has done just that through developing tires from soybean oil and other value-added projects.

“I enjoyed serving on USB to work with Clean Fuels Alliance America and see trade development through the U.S. Soybean Export Council,” Gruenbacher says. “The best experience from USB was traveling to Germany with USSEC to meet with 120 soybean buyers. We were able to discuss high oleic soybeans with Egypt and much more.”

Though he stepped back from USB in 2023, Gruenbacher continues to serve as a Kansas Soybean Commissioner.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, which handles the appointment process, eligible nominees include “soybean producers within the U.S. who own or share ownership and risk of loss of soybean production.” Board members are required to attend the February, July and December meetings annually as well as various conference calls and other events. Leaders volunteer their time to serve but are reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to attending meetings and events on behalf of USB.

The position is open to all individuals without regard to their protected statuses including race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or other protected information. KSC works to ensure that its nominees to USB reflect the diversity in the size of enterprise, experience, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that represent Kansas soybean farmers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692745881332.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS SOYBEAN COMMISSIONThe United Soybean Board, which oversees the funds of the national checkoff, is seeking farmer-leaders to serve on the national board. Kansas has two director positions to fill following December term completions for Kurt Maurath, Oakley, and Lance Rezac, Onaga.The mission of the soybean checkoff is to create value for U.S. soybean farmers by investing in research, education and promotion of U.S.-grown soy. Farmer-leaders are able to elevate their perspectives and direct those investments through service on the board. The checkoff’s current return-on-investment of $12.30 back to farmers for each dollar invested demonstrates the checkoff’s efficacy in driving profitability for every acre of soybeans.Dennis Gruenbacher, Andale, sought a USB director position in 2018 because he saw an opportunity to find more end uses for soybeans and ultimately improve prices for growers. He remarks that the checkoff has done just that through developing tires from soybean oil and other value-added projects.“I enjoyed serving on USB to work with Clean Fuels Alliance America and see trade development through the U.S. Soybean Export Council,” Gruenbacher says. “The best experience from USB was traveling to Germany with USSEC to meet with 120 soybean buyers. We were able to discuss high oleic soybeans with Egypt and much more.”Though he stepped back from USB in 2023, Gruenbacher continues to serve as a Kansas Soybean Commissioner.According to the United States Department of Agriculture, which handles the appointment process, eligible nominees include “soybean producers within the U.S. who own or share ownership and risk of loss of soybean production.” Board members are required to attend the February, July and December meetings annually as well as various conference calls and other events. Leaders volunteer their time to serve but are reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to attending meetings and events on behalf of USB.The position is open to all individuals without regard to their protected statuses including race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or other protected information. KSC works to ensure that its nominees to USB reflect the diversity in the size of enterprise, experience, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that represent Kansas soybean farmers.

Soybean growers invited to apply for national checkoff board seat

Ag Minute: Corn competition 

A new certificate at Kansas State University will train students to support the economic development of rural communities by showcasing the heartbeat of the heartland — agriculture — to tourists and visitors.

K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;have teamed up to provide the new certificate for learners interested in bringing communities to farms or ranches for recreational, educational or retail purposes, otherwise known as agritourism.

Agritourism has become an increasingly popular area of expertise, especially for those in the Midwest and Kansas. The new certificate consists of 15 credit hours and prepares students with the necessary skills to lead and manage businesses in agriculturally based tourism operations.

"The agritourism certificate is a vital asset for Kansas and the greater Midwest, equipping students with the skills to strengthen rural economies through sustainable, tourism-based agricultural ventures," said Kevin R. Roberts, interim department head and professor of hospitality management. "Bridging agriculture, hospitality, economics and entrepreneurship supports regional development and diversifies income for families and rural communities. We see this certificate helping to empower community leaders to innovate and elevate the role of Kansas and the Midwest in the growing agritourism industry."

The agritourism certificate is open to all degree-seeking learners and can also be obtained as a free-standing credential. Learners interested in a career in hospitality and tourism, small business, agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural sales, global food systems leadership and outdoor enterprises management are encouraged to consider an agritourism certificate. For more information, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://catalog.k-state.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&amp;poid=24501&amp;returnto=12627">undergraduate catalog</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743088206929.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp;A new certificate at Kansas State University will train students to support the economic development of rural communities by showcasing the heartbeat of the heartland — agriculture — to tourists and visitors.K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;have teamed up to provide the new certificate for learners interested in bringing communities to farms or ranches for recreational, educational or retail purposes, otherwise known as agritourism.Agritourism has become an increasingly popular area of expertise, especially for those in the Midwest and Kansas. The new certificate consists of 15 credit hours and prepares students with the necessary skills to lead and manage businesses in agriculturally based tourism operations."The agritourism certificate is a vital asset for Kansas and the greater Midwest, equipping students with the skills to strengthen rural economies through sustainable, tourism-based agricultural ventures," said Kevin R. Roberts, interim department head and professor of hospitality management. "Bridging agriculture, hospitality, economics and entrepreneurship supports regional development and diversifies income for families and rural communities. We see this certificate helping to empower community leaders to innovate and elevate the role of Kansas and the Midwest in the growing agritourism industry."The agritourism certificate is open to all degree-seeking learners and can also be obtained as a free-standing credential. Learners interested in a career in hospitality and tourism, small business, agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural sales, global food systems leadership and outdoor enterprises management are encouraged to consider an agritourism certificate. For more information, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="http://catalog.k-state.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&amp;poid=24501&amp;returnto=12627">undergraduate catalog</a>.

New agritourism certificate to help Wildcats strengthen rural economies

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/">Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab</a>&nbsp;continues work after federal funding resumed earlier this month.

The innovation lab aims to help double the world's food supply by 2050 through crop production improvements for four of the world's most important cereals: sorghum, millet, wheat and rice. All four crops are grown in the United States, and more than 50% of sorghum is grown in Kansas.

"K-State's innovation lab is helping bolster American agriculture by creating crops that are resistant to drought and disease," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. "I appreciate Secretary Rubio for recognizing the importance of the work being done at Kansas State University and supporting the continuation of this program. Kansans, Americans and individuals around the world face a brighter future due to the work being done at K-State to help feed the world."

The innovation lab collaborates with U.S. and international partners to advance the breeding of these cereal crops to be more resistant to heat, drought, insects and disease, with the goal of making farmers more prosperous.

"This work is vital to the success of American and international agricultural production," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/about/dalton.html">Timothy Dalton</a>, professor of agricultural economics and interim director of the innovation lab. "The work we are doing ultimately results in grains that are more tolerant to real-world challenges farmers are facing now."

Researchers are using the latest technologies — including phenotyping with uncrewed aerial drones, next-generation DNA sequencing and genotyping, AI-assisted crop modeling and simulations, and speed breeding — in projects around the world.

Dalton said the international partnerships allow for testing crops in conditions similar to U.S. farmers' current and forecast challenges. In Asia, rice varieties are studied for resistance to rice blast, a fungal disease. Through this work, new rice varieties will be available for farmers in the southern U.S. Wheat and sorghum yields will be improved through testing in some of the hottest and driest regions of the world bordering the Sahara Desert.

"We're searching for scientific advances to make crops stronger and food production more reliable and safer," Dalton said. "This makes farmers here in Kansas and in partner nations more prosperous and ready to meet global food needs far into the future."

The funding is for the collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve these four crops. K-State's collaborative partners are the University of Florida, Texas A&amp;M University, Texas Tech University, Purdue University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, Clemson University, and national agricultural research systems in Senegal, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

"Thank you to Senator Moran and his team for their dedicated efforts in supporting and ensuring the continuation of this important research at Kansas State University," said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. "Advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring resilient crop production are critical priorities for global food and national security."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743088206929.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp;Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/">Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab</a>&nbsp;continues work after federal funding resumed earlier this month.The innovation lab aims to help double the world's food supply by 2050 through crop production improvements for four of the world's most important cereals: sorghum, millet, wheat and rice. All four crops are grown in the United States, and more than 50% of sorghum is grown in Kansas."K-State's innovation lab is helping bolster American agriculture by creating crops that are resistant to drought and disease," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. "I appreciate Secretary Rubio for recognizing the importance of the work being done at Kansas State University and supporting the continuation of this program. Kansans, Americans and individuals around the world face a brighter future due to the work being done at K-State to help feed the world."The innovation lab collaborates with U.S. and international partners to advance the breeding of these cereal crops to be more resistant to heat, drought, insects and disease, with the goal of making farmers more prosperous."This work is vital to the success of American and international agricultural production," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/about/dalton.html">Timothy Dalton</a>, professor of agricultural economics and interim director of the innovation lab. "The work we are doing ultimately results in grains that are more tolerant to real-world challenges farmers are facing now."Researchers are using the latest technologies — including phenotyping with uncrewed aerial drones, next-generation DNA sequencing and genotyping, AI-assisted crop modeling and simulations, and speed breeding — in projects around the world.Dalton said the international partnerships allow for testing crops in conditions similar to U.S. farmers' current and forecast challenges. In Asia, rice varieties are studied for resistance to rice blast, a fungal disease. Through this work, new rice varieties will be available for farmers in the southern U.S. Wheat and sorghum yields will be improved through testing in some of the hottest and driest regions of the world bordering the Sahara Desert."We're searching for scientific advances to make crops stronger and food production more reliable and safer," Dalton said. "This makes farmers here in Kansas and in partner nations more prosperous and ready to meet global food needs far into the future."The funding is for the collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve these four crops. K-State's collaborative partners are the University of Florida, Texas A&amp;M University, Texas Tech University, Purdue University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, Clemson University, and national agricultural research systems in Senegal, Ethiopia and Bangladesh."Thank you to Senator Moran and his team for their dedicated efforts in supporting and ensuring the continuation of this important research at Kansas State University," said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. "Advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring resilient crop production are critical priorities for global food and national security."

K-State lab resumes work on world's top crops

KANSAS FARM BUREAU Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

A few weeks ago, I hit a milestone that seems silly but gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I reached my goal of closing all three of my fitness rings on my watch for 365 days in a row.

Closing the rings on my watch requires standing at least one minute per hour for 12 hours a day, moving enough to burn 350 calories and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day. None of those activities are very difficult. Even together they are not that impressive. This accomplishment was about consistency. Doing any activity every single day for a year takes determination and persistence.

My original goal didn’t have a timeframe in mind. I wanted to change habits to be healthier, make sure I was moving and doing a little physical activity every day. I set the goal small enough it would be hard to talk myself out of it when life got busy or I was tired.

I started by incorporating walk during my workday, taking a lap around the block a few times each day helped avoid the trap of “not having time.” 

As spring grew lovelier, I walked at home. We have a view with Instagram worthy sunset almost every night. In the heat I would walk at first light and enjoy sunrises. Each day passing the same crops and cows up close gave me a view of how they grew and changed in real time.

Midsummer I almost broke my streak. I arrived home after 9 p.m. on a busy day with almost no exercise minutes logged. A thunderstorm had rolled in unexpectedly. Not wanting to lose momentum, I walked for 25 minutes around all the rooms in my house, up and down the stairs and anywhere I could get 10 to 15 strides at a time. Poor KitCat, who likes to follow me around, was very confused about my strange pattern and eventually got tired and laid down.

I realized if this goal was important to me, I needed to plan better and be prepared to walk in less than ideal conditions. I got rain boots, a headlamp and various other items to take on whatever Mother Nature threw my way.

I walked in the rain, snow, heat, cold; on nights when it was pitch black and others that felt like hitting my head on the cosmos because the sky was so bright. I walked when I was tired, sick, in pain or just didn’t feel like it. I walked on treadmills at hotels, interstate rest stops, the streets of New York, the Mall in Washington, D.C., and along the rugged coast of Ireland. It didn’t matter where or how, I kept up the streak.

The most trying times were when the goal slipped my mind. I had one or two nights where I crawled into bed only to see my watch and remember the rings. Each time I mustered the motivation to change back into workout clothes and head out to get the minutes.

At Christmas time, I was gifted a mini-treadmill that helped me make it through the worst of the winter days that would otherwise have broken my spirit. That was the point I knew I would reach my goal. I had overcome all obstacles and excuses. Nothing would stand in the way because I was committed.

Thirty minutes of exercise sounded simple, but over 12 months I walked 3.5 million steps and more than 1,600 miles. It gave me a new perspective on what it means to be committed. When you truly commit to something there will be obstacles and trials; make it your priority. Push past the hard and keep showing up — that is how you achieve your goals.

"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. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584374831676.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS FARM BUREAU Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherA few weeks ago, I hit a milestone that seems silly but gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I reached my goal of closing all three of my fitness rings on my watch for 365 days in a row.Closing the rings on my watch requires standing at least one minute per hour for 12 hours a day, moving enough to burn 350 calories and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day. None of those activities are very difficult. Even together they are not that impressive. This accomplishment was about consistency. Doing any activity every single day for a year takes determination and persistence.My original goal didn’t have a timeframe in mind. I wanted to change habits to be healthier, make sure I was moving and doing a little physical activity every day. I set the goal small enough it would be hard to talk myself out of it when life got busy or I was tired.I started by incorporating walk during my workday, taking a lap around the block a few times each day helped avoid the trap of “not having time.” As spring grew lovelier, I walked at home. We have a view with Instagram worthy sunset almost every night. In the heat I would walk at first light and enjoy sunrises. Each day passing the same crops and cows up close gave me a view of how they grew and changed in real time.Midsummer I almost broke my streak. I arrived home after 9 p.m. on a busy day with almost no exercise minutes logged. A thunderstorm had rolled in unexpectedly. Not wanting to lose momentum, I walked for 25 minutes around all the rooms in my house, up and down the stairs and anywhere I could get 10 to 15 strides at a time. Poor KitCat, who likes to follow me around, was very confused about my strange pattern and eventually got tired and laid down.I realized if this goal was important to me, I needed to plan better and be prepared to walk in less than ideal conditions. I got rain boots, a headlamp and various other items to take on whatever Mother Nature threw my way.I walked in the rain, snow, heat, cold; on nights when it was pitch black and others that felt like hitting my head on the cosmos because the sky was so bright. I walked when I was tired, sick, in pain or just didn’t feel like it. I walked on treadmills at hotels, interstate rest stops, the streets of New York, the Mall in Washington, D.C., and along the rugged coast of Ireland. It didn’t matter where or how, I kept up the streak.The most trying times were when the goal slipped my mind. I had one or two nights where I crawled into bed only to see my watch and remember the rings. Each time I mustered the motivation to change back into workout clothes and head out to get the minutes.At Christmas time, I was gifted a mini-treadmill that helped me make it through the worst of the winter days that would otherwise have broken my spirit. That was the point I knew I would reach my goal. I had overcome all obstacles and excuses. Nothing would stand in the way because I was committed.Thirty minutes of exercise sounded simple, but over 12 months I walked 3.5 million steps and more than 1,600 miles. It gave me a new perspective on what it means to be committed. When you truly commit to something there will be obstacles and trials; make it your priority. Push past the hard and keep showing up — that is how you achieve your goals."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.

Insight: The power of commitment 

Cotton prices have been under a lot of pressure lately, and this news may not help.&nbsp; 

Global cotton production could be seven percent higher.&nbsp; That would be the highest in eight years.&nbsp; The countries that are expanding cotton acres are China, Brazil, Australia, and the United States.&nbsp; The milling industry plans to raise some of their usage, but not at the same pace as the production increases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cotton prices have been under a lot of pressure lately, and this news may not help.&nbsp; Global cotton production could be seven percent higher.&nbsp; That would be the highest in eight years.&nbsp; The countries that are expanding cotton acres are China, Brazil, Australia, and the United States.&nbsp; The milling industry plans to raise some of their usage, but not at the same pace as the production increases.Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - Cotton growers and pricing" 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=envst-189abb9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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