Key Takeaways

• High oleic soybeans (HOSBs) have longer lasting cooking oil and whole roasted soybeans can be used in dairy feed.

• Farmers in 16 states (mainly Midwestern) are currently growing HOSBs, with over 1 million acres planted in 2025 and an estimated 5 million-7 million acres forecasted in the next decade.

• Soybean farmers earn a 75 cent–$1.25 per bushel premium on HOSBs above traditional varieties. HOSB production costs per acre are the same as traditional varieties.

• Dairy farmers can reduce feed costs by 27–65 cents per cow per lactating day by incorporating high oleic soybeans into feed regimens because of the increase in milk fat yields.

• The United Soybean Board and Michigan State University are driving research efforts on the potential value proposition and performance metrics for high oleic soybeans (HOSBs).

A specialty soybean originally developed for food use is increasingly finding a market in dairy cattle feed, creating a potentially valuable new demand source for soybean farmers while helping dairy producers lower feed costs, improve milk components and increase income over feed costs in volatile feed markets.

High oleic soybeans were originally developed for food manufacturers looking for a versatile cooking oil with a neutral flavor, high heat stability and longer shelf life. Today, their fastest-growing market is dairy cattle feed. With roughly 1 million HOSB acres planted in 2025 and more than half of production designated for dairy rations, researchers and industry leaders believe high oleic soybeans could become the next major value-added crop opportunity.

HOSBs are a specialty soy variety with higher levels of oleic acid (75% compared to 23% in traditional soybeans) and lower levels of linoleic acid–fatty acid compounds found naturally in soybeans. Linoleic, oleic, palmitic, linolenic and stearic are the omega 3, omega 6, omega 9 and saturated fatty acids that make up a soybean fatty acid profile. Oleic acid contributes to the longevity and stability of soybean oil, extending its shelf life. This unique acid profile has proven useful in a market where there is demand for foods with lower saturated fat levels, increased heat resistance and greater versatility than traditional varieties.

HOSBs are used in a variety of ways, including as a feed ingredient in dairy cattle rations (55%), in human food (43%) and industrial purposes (2%).

Production Estimates

High oleic soybeans have been grown in the U.S. since 2012, but acreage planted has recently expanded due to an uptick in HOSB usage for dairy cattle feed. Farmers in 16 states currently grow HOSBs (mainly Midwestern), with the highest concentration of acres in Ohio and Indiana. While production data is limited, the United Soybean Board has estimated that nearly 1 million acres of HOSBs were planted in 2025, with future expansion reaching 5 million-7 million acres in the next decade, underscoring the market’s growth potential.

Soybean harvested area for 2025 was 80.4 million acres, meaning HOSBs accounted for roughly 1.24% of total production last year. Soybean planted area for 2026 is estimated at 84.7 million acres, up 4% from last year. With greater demand, the percentage of HOSB production compared to total soybean acreage harvested is forecasted to increase anywhere from 4.66% to 7.02% within the next decade.

HOSBs are gaining traction as farm costs are increasing. USDA’s most recent production costs forecast for major field crops includes a record-high $683.89 per acre for soybeans this year and $701.48 per acre in 2027, potentially making the premiums for HOSBs an appealing option. is moving in conjunction with HOSB demand. Producers are searching for avenues to capture premium pricing for their crops while maintaining or reducing production costs.

HOSBs are generally not more costly to grow than traditional varieties. They offer comparable production costs, with the main difference being additional market access.

To date, adoption of HOSBs is seed availability; in fact, Michigan seed suppliers ran out of HOSB seed last year. There are currently 21 specialty varieties of soybeans available that produce oil with higher oleic acid, including Plenish® from Corteva, Vistive Gold® from Bayer and SOYLEIC® from Beck’s.

For soybean farmers it is important to consider potential implications when switching to a new variety. Producing clean, high-quality beans is essential for staying within the premium pool. HOSBs must fit into your farm operation based on personal needs, constraints, and goals.

The High Oleic Advantage: Dairy Feed Applications

Companies including Nestlé and Frito-Lay continue to demand HOSBs for their unique fatty acid profile and oil longevity. On the industrial side, HOSBs serve as a lower-cost alternative for biobased products as the oil provides excellent stability and high-heat performance. However, the latest and most unique application of HOSBs is in dairy cattle nutrition.

Research led by land-grant universities shows HOSBs provide high-quality fat and protein sources for cattle at a reduced cost. According to the research, HOSBs did not impact milk production, but did show slight increases in milk fat concentration.

Traditional roasted soybeans have been a common source of fat (15%-22%) and protein (33%-40%) in dairy cattle’s total mixed rations. However, traditional soy is high in certain fatty acids that cause milk fat reduction, limiting its use in dairy rations.

HOSBs contain a rumen-bypass protein that allows cattle to absorb the energy and nutrients without disrupting normal fermentation and beneficial fatty acids. Rumen-bypass proteins are energy dense, so adding these sources to cattle diets can increase milk yield without increasing feed volume. Farmers can increase milk fat content and yield, while reducing feed costs and maintaining rumen health.

When substituting HOSBs for traditional roasted soybeans, high oleic soybeans resulted in 0.17 units higher milk fat concentration and 0.2 pounds higher milk fat yield, according to a Penn State University study. HOSBs contribute more fat and protein to dairy rations, directly translating to stronger milk components and increased profitability for farmers.

Replacing purchased protein and fat supplements with roasted HOSBs can significantly improve margins. Research trials have fed diets containing 5% to 24% HOSB (on a dry matter basis) to lactating cows and reported positive outcomes in feed intake and milk fat yields. For an industry paid based on the components in their milk, finding a feed source that can increase milk fat yield and improve feed efficiency without negatively affecting intake is a huge win for dairy farmers.

Research showed promise that dairy producers could decrease their feeding cost when planting soybeans themselves or purchasing from local growers. The income-over-feed-cost advantage is 65 cents per cow per lactating day for farms producing and roasting their own HOSBs and about 27 cents per cow per lactating day for farms buying roasted beans and paying transport, according to Michigan State University research. Income-over-feed is a metric used to calculate the money left over from selling an animal’s output (milk in this case) after subtracting the cost of the feed. It highlights farm efficiency as producers balance feeding high-quality rations and maximizing profitable output.

The overall profit advantage of producing and roasting the beans on-site is where the margins positively shift. On a 1,000-cow dairy, producing, roasting and feeding HOSBs could be a difference of $50,000-$60,000 a year in profit given typical butterfat prices for 2025.

Farm Margins

High oleic soybeans have returned $396 million in premium payments to farmers to date, providing an opportunity for producers in the Midwest to capture market premiums. HOSBs offer improved dairy feed performance, enhanced oil stability and greater industrial applications. Expanding into three new major markets has allowed HOSB producers to earn a 75 cents–$1.25 per bushel premium above traditional varieties. While HOSBs offer increased profit potential, it doesn’t take away demand from commodity soybean oil, which still meets the needs of many food and nonfood customers.

HOSBs unique fatty acid profile expands the market and uses for soybeans with the same agronomic performance as traditional varieties. The United Soybean Board has funded $139 million through its checkoff to advance research on HOSBs, including investments in improving seed genetics. Discoveries are leading to stronger HOSB genetics that are on par with or better in yield, have more resistance to diseases, and have better quality oil than traditional varieties.

Conclusion

HOSBs improve dairy milk fat yields, lower feed costs and improve dairy profit potential, while offering premium prices to soybean farmers. HOSBs create a unique opportunity for dairy farmers but more research is needed to determine the best-fit use in dairy feed regimes. There are several factors to consider such as optimal grind size, amount to feed, potential need for other fatty acids in feed rations, and costs. While high oleic soybeans present clear economic and nutritional benefits for both dairy producers and soybean farmers, further research is essential to fully optimize their value in dairy feeding systems.

Read Article on FB.org

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Despite barriers to using the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program, farmers are increasingly turning to the program to meet their labor needs. In fiscal year 2026, H-2A use is already up 17% in volume, as fewer than 0.07% of those jobs received a domestic applicant.

• Rep. G.T. Thompson’s Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) makes important strides in controlling unpredictable labor-related costs, modernizing an antiquated visa program, and enhancing access for agricultural sectors that previously could not participate in the program, like dairy.

Agriculture’s Labor Challenges

2026 is a year of important milestones for our country. Nearly all Americans will leave Fourth of July weekend with fresh memories of the America 250 celebrations. Many fewer will recognize that it has been 40 years since lawmakers last reformed our agricultural labor and immigration programs via the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Why does that matter? For one, it was the last time Congress passed farm labor reforms into law, despite multiple attempts. It is also a reminder that farmers have been struggling with labor shortages for decades with little relief from policymakers.

Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

Enter Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, a nine-term Pennsylvania congressman and current chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. In 2023, he appointed a bipartisan group of lawmakers to deliberate and deliver solutions for the primary guestworker program for U.S. agriculture – the H-2A program. This group met with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including farmers and ranchers who struggle to secure a reliable workforce regardless of commodity or region. The product of that work serves as the foundation for his newly introduced Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA).

The proposal centers on three key H-2A reform: controlling costs, improving access, and modernizing and streamlining the program.

The costs of using the program are significant. Employers are required by law to pay housing, transportation and mandatory wage costs for H-2A employees, as well as cover the administrative costs of the program. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), the minimum hourly wage rate H-2A employees must be paid, has been the major and unpredictable cost driver for farmers. In the past decade alone, the AEWR has easily outpaced private sector wage growth, with the AEWR rising by 60% compared to a 49% increase in private sector wage growth. However, unlike most in the private sector, farmers cannot pay for increased labor costs by raising their prices; they are price takers not price makers.

SAWA restructures a flawed methodology by adopting reforms by the U.S. Department of Labor following the welcome discontinuation of the USDA Farm Labor Survey. The new rule also recognizes the extensive nonwage costs associated with the program and factors those costs in into the final AEWR determination. Along with codifying the Trump administration’s October 2025 AEWR reforms, which will save farmers hundreds of millions of dollars in inflated costs, SAWA adds sensible reforms to by capping year-over-year growth and eliminating mid-contract changes, thereby limiting the unpredictability that has long plagued the program.

The involvement of three Cabinet-level departments (Labor, Homeland Security, State) and various state agencies that poorly communicate with each other and the employers and employees they serve has long undermined the program’s efficiency. For example, delays, backlogs and other inefficiencies have become too common in the petitioning process, which results in lost time on the farm and reduced productivity, which hurts a farm’s preparedness and economic sustainability.

SAWA directs the agencies to create an online platform as a single point of access for growers and reinstitutes the in-person interview waiver for returning H-2A workers who have a proven history of vetting and reliability. Importantly, SAWA also designates H-2A workers as essential, which will keep government funding disruptions from halting the program’s functionality.

The current H-2A program only provides farmers with a seasonal and temporary workforce. This limited eligibility prevents the many sectors in production agriculture with year-round – and sometimes even hourly – labor needs from using the program. These sectors include, but are not limited to, operations like dairies with consistent milking needs, horticultural operations with plants at various stages, and livestock operations with varying animal husbandry needs.

SAWA strikes the seasonal requirement and clarifies the temporary designation for workers just under a year’s length. And the legislation ensures that many previously precluded sectors will be eligible for H-2A workers, including dairy and livestock occupations. Coupled with additional reforms, SAWA provides a long-desired option for farmers with year-round needs to secure a labor force where domestic interest in this work is absent.

The Time to Address Agricultural Labor Shortages is Now

Our agricultural workforce challenges are complex, multi-factored, and often misunderstood. Federal policymakers should seek to understand the labor needs of family farms and the direct implications for U.S. competitiveness in the global landscape. Struggling with this persistent and defining problem for decades, so many family farms – nearly 200,000 in the past decade, in fact – have closed down.

With the farm economy currently underwater in so many areas, Congress has an obligation to get the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act on the president’s desk. For the sake of family farm sustainability and national security, Farm Bureau urges lawmakers to pass this critical legislation as soon as possible.

AFBF Policy Supports:

• A visa program that is open to all segments of agriculture and flexible enough to provide for the differing needs of farmers and ranchers, including seasonal and year-round employers;
• A wage methodology that would cap year-over-year increases and is based on sound data.
• A visa program that is simplified and cost-competitive.

Read Article on FB.org

July 1 was an important date for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Chad Smith has more on renewal negotiations underway.

Read Article on FB.org

The history of the United States is written in every row of crops, every pasture and every type of barn or shelter that protects dairy and beef cattle, poultry and other livestock from sea to sea. The American Farm Bureau Federation is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary through FARM 250, a celebration of the vital role farmers and ranchers have played in shaping the country. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on those who helped lay the foundation – individuals who could be described as founding fathers of agriculture.

George Washington Carver was a pioneering Black agricultural scientist and educator whose research began in the late 1890s and continued until his death in 1943. His efforts laid the foundation for the transformation of crop farming in the Southern U.S. This included farmers’ widespread adoption of crop rotation to improve soil health. He also promoted techniques for planting crops such as peanuts and sweet potatoes, which enrich soil. His pioneering work in principles of sustainable agriculture and conservation are still studied and implemented today.

Carver is also recognized for his decades of work at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University in Alabama) where he developed education programs for poor farmers, many of whom had formerly been enslaved.

No discussion of agriculture’s pioneers would be complete without Dr. Norman Borlaug, widely recognized as the “Father of the Green Revolution.”

Starting in the mid 1940s, Borlaug, an agronomist, led a team that developed high‑yielding, disease‑resistant wheat varieties. His promotion of these new wheat varieties and advanced farming practices are credited with dramatically increasing food production worldwide, especially in Mexico and South Asia.

Borlaug’s groundbreaking work helped prevent mass famine across the globe, saving millions of people from starvation. He was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his use of science to solve a real-world problem.

One of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, was also an early champion of American agriculture. His orchestration of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was a significant achievement, nearly doubling our young nation’s size with the acquisition of 870,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River from France. This set the stage for westward exploration and settlement by farmers, traders and their families in search of land and economic opportunity.

On a smaller scale, Jefferson’s garden at Monticello in Virginia was where he applied his analytic mindset to dozens of vegetable varieties from around the world. Successes and failures for each were meticulously recorded in his Garden Book, a journal where he noted seed planting dates, when leaves appeared and when each crop was ready to eat.

Although his legacy is complicated, Jefferson continues to influence agricultural education today. One example is the book “First Peas to the Table” (2012) by Susan Grigsby, which introduces young students to his agricultural experiments through a classroom gardening challenge.

It’s interesting to imagine what these three visionaries – Carver, Borlaug and Jefferson – would think about agriculture if they were alive today. I’m optimistic that they would join Farm Bureau in celebrating America’s farmers for their continued resilience and all that they do to feed families and advance innovation, while being mindful stewards of the land.

I also think they would recognize that agriculture’s story is still being written today, with leadership of the nation’s farmers and ranchers a key driver behind how it plays out. Three contemporary leaders in agriculture stand out to me personally: two on the national stage that I’ve been fortunate to work with during my career in agricultural communications over the past three decades — and one much closer to home.

Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle farmer from Texas, served as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation from 2000–2016, a tenure during which he elevated Farm Bureau’s role as a leading policy voice for farmers and ranchers in Washington, D.C. He was a steadfast advocate on farm policy, trade and regulatory issues affecting agriculture, earning respect across the agriculture and food industries and using that influence to foster dialogue with consumers and lawmakers alike.

Widely recognized as a “champion of agriculture” and influential farm leader, Stallman led AFBF through a significant retooling for the 21st century, including relocating the organization’s headquarters from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to strengthen its policy presence.

In 2017, AFBF honored Stallman with its Distinguished Service Award, the organization’s highest honor, established in 1928 to recognize individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture. He credits his lifelong interest in farm policy to attending a state hearing on water regulation as a young farmer.

Following Stallman’s tenure, third-generation Georgia farmer Zippy Duvall was elected president of the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2016. A beef cattle and poultry farmer, he often emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with consumers and policymakers, encouraging farmers to tell their stories and build trust in modern agriculture. His presidency has been characterized by a focus on servant leadership and relationship-building across agriculture and government. This includes strengthening connections across Farm Bureau’s federated structure, encompassing all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Over the past decade, his influence has contributed to policy wins and a stronger national voice for agriculture. With natural disasters and economic disruptions increasingly common, his focus is often on ensuring farmers and ranchers can continue producing food.

Most recently, he continues to press the point with Congress that after years of economic pressure, farm families need the stability and certainty that comes with a new, modernized farm bill. He has also made agricultural labor reform a top priority, recognizing that access to a reliable workforce remains one of the top concerns facing farmers and ranchers.

The same values that have shaped Farm Bureau leadership at the national level are forged every day on family farms.

David Shearing, my father, is a retired dairy farmer and longtime county Farm Bureau leader still going strong at nearly 86 years old. He instilled a strong work ethic and a cooperative spirit in my two brothers and me long before “teamwork” became part of the everyday business lexicon.

Case in point: the three of us, all under the age of 10, did chores on our New York dairy farm every day after school. One day, one of my brothers finished early and went inside. When my dad discovered this, he brought the two of us still on the job with him into the house and delivered a lesson that went something like this:

“When one of you finishes your chores, you go find someone who is not done. You help him or her finish. Then the two of you find the third, and you all work together until everything is done. Then you can come inside. Understand?”

It was a simple lesson, but one that has stayed with me and also reflects the enduring spirit of American agriculture: We are stronger when we work together and the work is never truly done until everyone is finished.

Read Article on FB.org

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizing the registrations of new pesticide products that provide farmers with additional tools to protect their crops.

“We appreciate EPA’s rigorous review process and ultimate approval of new products that will help farmers grow crops for food, fiber and renewable fuel while also contributing to sustainability goals. Administrator Lee Zeldin promised comprehensive vetting, which we welcome. Farmers are dedicated to caring for our land and natural resources, so new tools that help us do that are important.

“Pesticides undergo years of rigorous testing, with very few making it through the approval process. Farmers trust and rely on EPA’s science- and risk-based regulatory process. These new products, backed by the best available science, will enable farmers to do more with less and provide more tools in the toolbox to help ensure an abundant and safe food supply for America’s families.”

Read Article on FB.org

America’s farmers are facing a labor crisis. Continued agriculture workforce shortages threaten farmers’ ability to grow the food families rely on. Many labor challenges are addressed in new legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 builds on recommendations of the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group and modernizes the H-2A visa program by expanding access to a year-round workforce and eliminating unpredictable swings in wage rates, among other changes.

“The lack of available labor is among the largest limiting factors of American agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Most Americans don’t want to work on farms. In fact, only 182 domestic applications were submitted for nearly 415,000 advertised positions in 2025. If Americans won’t apply for these jobs, we have no other choice but to depend on the H-2A program. Unfortunately, the current guest worker program is inadequate to meet the demands on farms across the country.

“We are grateful to Chairman G.T. Thompson for listening to America’s farmers. Farm Bureau members participated in the bipartisan House Agriculture Labor Working Group, and they shared the obstacles to participation in guest worker programs. Their needs are largely addressed in the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. It delivers meaningful farm labor reform and will provide certainty and fairness to both farmers and their employees as they contribute to a strong and healthy food supply.”

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act would:

• Allow temporary workers to remain on the job for up to 350 days, which gives farms like dairies greater access to the H-2A program;
• Limit excessive or irrelevant federal fees to participate in the H-2A program, which will make it more affordable for farmers;
• Codify an improved wage methodology and establish safeguards to prevent unpredictable Adverse Effect Wage Rate fluctuations; and
• Affirm H-2A workers as essential.

Farm Bureau strongly supports the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act and urges Congress to pass it. We are committed to working with lawmakers to ensure farmers have access to an adequate workforce to continue producing healthy and affordable food for America’s families.

Read Article on FB.org

America’s farmers face a labor crisis. Chad Smith has more on a possible solution emerging in Washington, D.C., this week.

Read Article on FB.org

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump’s executive order to lift countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco through early next year.

“Farmers applaud President Trump’s executive order to suspend tariffs on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. Skyrocketing fertilizer costs have contributed to rising expenses for farmers who were already struggling after years of inflation, depressed commodity markets and high interest rates. In fact, 7 out of 10 farmers said, in a Farm Bureau survey this spring, that they would not be able to afford enough fertilizer for this year.

“The decision to suspend tariffs on critical supplies, along with the recent request for emergency economic aid for farmers, are common-sense steps that will bring relief to farmers at a time when they need it most. We shared the impact of high fertilizer prices and availability with the president and we appreciate him listening to those concerns. We’ll continue to work with the administration to find more ways to improve market conditions and lower expenses for the men and women who work to ensure pantries are stocked for America’s families.”

Read Article on FB.org

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the White House request to Congress for more than $11 billion in additional assistance for America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the administration's call for year-round access to E15 fuel.

“Farmers are grateful to have the president’s backing at such a critical time after enduring years of economic losses due to inflation and depressed markets. Additional aid will give farmers optimism headed into harvest later this year as they await the benefits of enhanced farm bill programs, better market access overseas and stronger domestic demand.

“Not only do we urge Congress to heed the White House call to deliver economic aid, but we also know both sides of the aisle in Congress recognize more is needed as farmers’ losses nationwide far exceed $11 billion. Over the last decade we have lost nearly 200,000 farms, so we need to stabilize the farm economy and reverse that trend. Additional aid will certainly help.

“The White House also urged Congress to authorize year-round sales of E15 fuel nationwide, which we’ve long called for. Expanding access to E15 would strengthen domestic energy production, increase demand for American-grown crops and save consumers at the gas pump. That’s a win all the way around.

“We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to quickly deliver supplemental aid and year-round E15, in addition to addressing other urgent priorities Farm Bureau has identified, from the farm bill to labor reform and protecting interstate commerce. We’re grateful for the broad recognition among elected leaders of the important role farmers play in our nation's economy, energy security and food security. Ensuring the long-term strength of American agriculture is a goal we can all rally behind.”

Read Article on FB.org

An Arizona Farm Bureau initiative launched to address ongoing concerns about cotton seed quality in the state evolved into a comprehensive seed-testing program implemented in the 2025 growing season.

Through grassroots engagement and the policy development process, Arizona Farm Bureau farmer members highlighted persistent issues with cotton seed, particularly poor germination rates and declining performance, prompting the organization to convene a coalition of stakeholders including growers, volunteer Farm Bureau leaders, seed companies, university Extension specialists, commodity groups and the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The collaborative effort is a significant step toward improving seed reliability, reducing replanting risks amid high costs and supporting the long-term viability of Arizona’s cotton industry.

With the overarching goal of ensuring only high-quality cotton seed is distributed in Arizona, the coalition was specifically looking to validate both cold and warm germination rates.

Laboratory Analysis

In collaboration with the Arizona Cotton Growers Association, the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and the Cotton Research and Protection Council, a statewide cotton seed testing program was launched. Through the program, the Arizona Department of Agriculture collected seed samples from locations across the state and submitted them to the state laboratory for evaluation of both warm and cold germination rates to assess overall seed quality.

Surprising Results

State lab testing confirmed that warm germination rates were high, but – surprising both growers and seed companies – cold germination rates were significantly low. These findings prompted seed companies to voluntarily share their cold germination rates with growers, a big step forward in building trust and accountability.

Continued Collaboration and Transparency

Stakeholders are expanding data collection beyond germination rates to include additional seed quality indicators such as oil content. In addition, they’ll also be looking into collecting contextual data from growers, like planting time, soil temperature and environmental conditions, to better understand the factors influencing seed performance.

State Awards of Excellence

Arizona Farm Bureau’s efforts to address concerns with the state’s cotton seed quality were recognized with a 2026 Award of Excellence in the Advocacy category. The award was presented at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in January in Anaheim.

Read Article on FB.org