A Midwest cooperative says there is a big problem on the horizon as they are finding fewer graduates have a background in agriculture.
“That talent base that we are getting out of our universities continues to shrink, that talent pool continues to shrink, and I think one of the things that we’re seeing, too, is that the number of kids are coming off the farm that go to college and they are looking for a job in the industry, is getting fewer and far between. So finding that person who has on-farm knowledge, the basic understanding of how our farm works, is getting fewer and far between,” said Jason Weirich, the executive vice president of operations at MFA Incorporated.
Weirich says this has forced them to expand their talent pool. He tells aginfo.net that despite a lack of farming background, they still have many young people showing up with a desire to help America’s farmers and ranchers.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
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Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
January 19, 2026 11:50 AM
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
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