Mike Johanns: Tax Court Rules Innovations in Livestock Production Qualify for R&D Tax Credit

Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.

cow behind fence wind turbine in the background Sustainability_Adobe Stock.png

Adobe Stock

OMAHA, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — A recent U.S. Tax Court ruling confirms that innovations in livestock production do qualify for the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, opening the door for more producers to take advantage of the long-standing incentive.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush and former Nebraska lawmaker Mike Johanns, who now serves as Alliant’s Chairman of Agriculture, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what he has described as a watershed moment for agriculture.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Johanns explains how the ruling applies to livestock production, common practices that may qualify for the R&D credit, what producers should know about eligibility, and whether it extends across the industry.

Johanns also outlines the potential benefits for livestock producers, including the types of benefits they could receive by claiming the credit. He also addresses whether the incentive can be redeemed this tax season, how farmers can claim it, and offers advice for farmers and agribusinesses, livestock or otherwise, as they consider pursuing the R&D credit.

Before wrapping up, Johanns reflects on the current state of the agricultural economy and shares what he views as key issues across the agriculture industry today. in the industry today.

To learn more about the R&D Tax Credit, visit: https://www.alliantgroup.com/industries/agriculture/

Related Stories
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
She saw him play besides greats like Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, Conway Twitty, and more.
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
The campaign is about more than just a digital push; NPB leaders hope it will become a rallying point for the entire industry.
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.