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
Let’s meet an inspiring young farmer leading the Tennessee FFA this year, but now has his sights set on the National stage.
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
“The farm economy is, if it isn’t in a crisis, it’s well on its way to one right now.”
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.

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:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.
Trinity Barth and Liliann Tjaden-Duff joined us on Market Day Report to express their concerns about the future of the program that has, for 50 years, given students of all backgrounds a path to agriculture careers.
Citi Bank is sounding the alarm about a convincing new banking scam leaving customers confused and cashless.
The California Farm Bureau introduces us to Aussie, its 2024 Farm Dog of the Year! Aussie’s proved nothing—not even the loss of a limb—can stop her from protecting her farm and family.
The Mississippi Farm Bureau honors farmer and longtime state legislator Rep. Bill Pigott with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.