December 2025 Newsletter
Message from Kevin
This month’s update reflects the momentum we’re building together, along with the power and potential of U.S. agriculture.
Our Voices of Leadership video highlights leaders at CoBank, a USFRA board member company, and how they support farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
You’ll also learn more about USFRA welcoming four new organizations to our network this month, including farmer-led, ag-tech and non-profit groups.
Farmer profitability is critical, especially now, which is why a new USFRA report is so important. It demonstrates how farmers can reduce input costs while improving soil health through nutrient management and yield stability analysis. Read more about this analysis below.
As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank each of you for all you do to advance U.S. agriculture. We appreciate your continued support.
Kevin Burkum
CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action
Voices of Leadership: Steve Wittbecker and Corey Geiger of CoBank
USFRA’s board of directors is a group of leaders who not only guide the organization but also embody the spirit and innovation of American agriculture. They bring expertise, passion, and a collaborative spirit that drives USFRA forward.
In this video, Steve Wittbecker, chief sustainability officer, and Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist at CoBank, a USFRA board member company, explain how their organization aligns with USFRA’s priorities.
Four New Organizations Join USFRA
USFRA is pleased to welcome four new organizations to our growing network this month—a testament to the continued momentum behind our shared mission.
Two farmer-led organizations have joined our community: the Nebraska Corn Board, which works to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development, and research; and Illinois Corn, which supports corn farmers in creating and capturing profit opportunities, preserving independence, and prospering for generations to come.
In addition, USFRA welcomes MagrowTec, which offers innovative sprayer technology designed to improve coverage, increase efficiency and yield, and reduce water and chemical use, and Ceres, a non-profit that works with investors, companies, and policymakers to advance solutions that reduce emissions and build a cleaner, more resilient economy.
Together, these new members further strengthen USFRA’s efforts to champion U.S. agriculture and demonstrate how the sector is helping address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
USFRA Unveils New Study That Shows Farmers Losing Up to $200/Acre on Low-Yield Zones
A new report by USFRA finds farmers can increase profitability, improve soil health and eliminate millions of tons of GHGs by using Yield Stability Analysis (YSA) to improve nutrient management.
The report, “Enhancing Farm Profitability Through Nitrogen Efficiency and Yield Stability,” authored by Dr. Bruno Basso and Dr. Jerry Hatfield, explores how farmers can use YSA to make more informed nitrogen management decisions that improve profitability and environmental outcomes. First released in Crops & Soils Magazine, the study builds on USFRA’s landmark research published last year, “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative,” which identified nitrogen management as a key opportunity to improve farmer profitability and resilience.
One of the study’s key findings is that nearly 1/3 of U.S. corn and soybean acres, approximately 24 million in total, qualify as persistently low-yielding zones. These low and stable areas generate lower returns and also waste half of the nitrogen applied, costing farmers up to $200 per acre. By adjusting fertilizer application based on stability zones, farmers can improve nitrogen efficiency, enhance profitability and lower the carbon intensity of production.
On Dec. 10, USFRA held a webinar featuring the study co-authors to explore key findings and discuss implications.
USFRA Featured on Agri-Pulse Open Mic
CEO Kevin Burkum was a guest on the popular Agri-Pulse Communications Open Mic podcast, which features in-depth interviews with leaders in the ag and food industry. Kevin discussed key takeaways from COP30 in Brazil, previews an upcoming USFRA biofuels report, and highlights opportunities for agriculture’s voice to be heard in forums where it is typically under-represented.
Farm + Food + Facts Podcast
USFRA’s podcast, Farm+Food+Facts, draws thousands of listeners and is recognized as one of the top podcasts exploring sustainable food systems. The past month’s episodes:
Host Joanna Guza talks with Serena Schaffner, Chief Marketing Officer at the American Pecan Council and the American Pecan Promotion Board, about the state of the U.S. pecan industry, including domestic and international marketing strategies, grower challenges and research that is identifying new opportunities. Listen HERE.
In a Podcast Extra, Schaffner shares how artificial intelligence could impact the pecan industry. Listen HERE.
Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in to Farm+Food+Facts!