January 16, 2026

Brazil Passes U.S. as Top Beef Producer

Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reuters said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat prices. Reuters said Brazil was already the biggest beef exporter, with shipments totaling almost $17 billion in 2025. “Beef production numbers are not due till February, but analysts have recently raised their estimates,” Reuters reported. “Farmers are sending more animals to slaughter and cashing in on high export demand from countries like China and the U.S., where low beef supplies have pushed prices to record levels.” Bloomberg also that said beef demand has stayed resilient, despite high prices, and the Trump administration’s overhaul of dietary guidelines putting protein at the top of the food pyramid will likely encourage Americans to buy more meat.

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Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Wednesday. He was joined by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. The legislation aligns with the recently-released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern. “This bipartisan solution for school meals alongside the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans reinforces what families already know,” said Rollins. “Nutrient-dense foods like whole milk are an important part of a healthy diet.” USDA implementation begins immediately. Following the announcement, USDA issued program implementation guidance to school officials to implement the bill, and a proposed rulemaking will soon commence to ensure schools and nutrition programs can begin offering whole milk as quickly as possible. USDA will also undergo a rewrite of Child Nutrition Programs to ensure school meals are aligned with the new dietary guidelines.

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Positive Reaction to Whole Milk Returning to Schools

President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law this week. Agriculture groups like the National Milk Producers Federation were pleased with the move, noting that dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk will return to school meals. “Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “That means making sure it’s available in the same varieties that families consume at home.” He also said the Federation is ready to help schools and USDA in any way it can as this important legislation gets implemented in schools across the U.S. “We thank President Trump and his administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who’s worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy,” Doud added.

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U.S. Sales of Ag Tractors, Combines Decline in December 2025

New data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said sales of ag tractors and combines in the U.S. fell in December 2025 compared to the same time last year. U.S. sales of total ag tractors dropped by 15 percent, while sales of combines declined 4.3 percent in December 2025 compared to the year before. Also, Canadian sales of ag tractors were down almost 14 percent, while combine sales jumped by 26 percent in December compared to the prior year. ”December’s data is the result of economic instability and pressures farmers have been facing for the past several months,” said Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “Throughout this short-term decline in sales, equipment manufacturers remain committed to supporting farmers with the equipment they need.” Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, AEM remains confident in the industry’s resilience and unique ability to adapt. 

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NCBA Announces Scholarship Winners

Shelley Currey of Kenard, Texas, and Sydney Bowman-Schnug of Fort Lupton, Colorado, were each awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The annual scholarship program recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry. Curry is a fourth-generation rancher and a PhD candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “This scholarship will provide critical support to further my education and research and will allow me to share my findings at national scientific conferences,” Currey said. Bowman-Schnug is a PhD candidate at Colorado State University. “It will make a monumental difference in my pursuit to further the future of the cattle industry,” said Bowman-Schnug. The scholarship honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr, a third-generation Colorado native, rancher, statesman, and banker known for his extraordinary vision. 

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Radicle Growth Launches the Radicle Corn Challenge

Radicle Growth announced the launch of the Radicle Corn Challenge, sponsored by U.S. Corn Farmers. The contest is a global call for startups developing technologies that create new, durable demand for corn through innovative products, materials, and value chains. The Challenge will invest a total of $1.75 million in selected companies and is supported by 12 leading U.S. corn grower organizations. “Corn has long been a foundational feedstock for food, feed, and fuel,” said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radicle Growth. “The next opportunity is expanding how corn is used across new products and markets, and we’re looking to support companies that can translate innovation into real-world demand.” The Challenge seeks applications from startups and growth companies working on technologies that convert corn and corn-derived streams into higher-value products. For more information or to apply for the Radicle Corn Challenge, go to radicle.vc.

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