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"

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/2025/5/1747922391460.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.”

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.

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.

Kansas trade mission to Mexico aims to boost U.S. beef cattle genetics exports

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has stopped live cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico.&nbsp; It's a response to the rapid spread of the New World Screwworm virus.&nbsp; 

Secretary Rollins says it's in the interest of national security and if eradication works, America will reopen the border to livestock trade. &nbsp;The first case of NWS in Mexico was last November. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports USDA’s decision to close the southern U.S. border to livestock. &nbsp;NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says they've been sounding the alarm for months, and it’s unfortunate that the Mexican government stood in the way by using bureaucratic hurdles that increased its spread.&nbsp; 

The screwworm is a flesh-eating parasitic fly that can infest in livestock and humans.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has stopped live cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico.&nbsp; It's a response to the rapid spread of the New World Screwworm virus.&nbsp; Secretary Rollins says it's in the interest of national security and if eradication works, America will reopen the border to livestock trade. &nbsp;The first case of NWS in Mexico was last November. <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 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports USDA’s decision to close the southern U.S. border to livestock. &nbsp;NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says they've been sounding the alarm for months, and it’s unfortunate that the Mexican government stood in the way by using bureaucratic hurdles that increased its spread.&nbsp; The screwworm is a flesh-eating parasitic fly that can infest in livestock and humans.&nbsp; Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute:&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - May 19, 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=gufnz-18b0f1b-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: New World Screwworm virus 

Farm groups have filed a legal brief that encourages the Supreme Court to hear a case on labeling for glyphosate and other pesticides. 

They say that glyphosate is a “once-in-a-century” herbicide, but incorrect interpretations of the label has put the chemical at risk of being unavailable for use. 

 Federal regulators have tested the safety of the product many times and determined that it is completely safe.&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>Farm groups have filed a legal brief that encourages the Supreme Court to hear a case on labeling for glyphosate and other pesticides. They say that glyphosate is a “once-in-a-century” herbicide, but incorrect interpretations of the label has put the chemical at risk of being unavailable for use. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747402848712.png" 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> Federal regulators have tested the safety of the product many times and determined that it is completely safe.&nbsp;Here's John Jenkinson's Ag Minute.<div><iframe title="Ag Minute: Glyphosate and other pesticides" 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=ktsi7-18ae5a7-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:  Glyphosate and other pesticides

As if wheat farmers didn't have enough to worry about, here comes a couple of "Gotchas".&nbsp; 

The wheat curl mite has been showing up for about a month now.&nbsp; It's a tiny insect that carries wheat streak mosaic and other wheat diseases.&nbsp; 

The weather has been perfect for the spread of both the insect and disease, and experts at K-State say that this may be the worst outbreak in eight years.&nbsp;

 Volunteer plants from hailstorms, cover crops, and double cropping have all contributed to the problem.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744986252673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As if wheat farmers didn't have enough to worry about, here comes a couple of "Gotchas".&nbsp; The wheat curl mite has been showing up for about a month now.&nbsp; It's a tiny insect that carries wheat streak mosaic and other wheat diseases.&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 weather has been perfect for the spread of both the insect and disease, and experts at K-State say that this may be the worst outbreak in eight years.&nbsp; Volunteer plants from hailstorms, cover crops, and double cropping have all contributed to the problem.&nbsp;Here's John Jenkinson with today's Ag Minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Ag Minute - Wheat crop issues" 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=79gie-18aceff-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: Wheat crop issues 

Kansas Wheat Commission: Wheat Tour 2025, Day 2

Kansas Wheat Commission: Wheat Tour 2025, Day 1

Ag Minute: CDL driving restrictions 

Insight:  Out to pasture 

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.

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