As we move through the heart of summer, I’m continually reminded of the power and promise of American agriculture. In this month’s newsletter, we’re excited to bring you a variety of updates and stories that showcase just that.
First, I invite you to join our upcoming webinar exploring the evolving energy landscape, where we’ll dig into the real-world challenges — and emerging opportunities — in energy use and efficiency for agriculture.
We’re also featuring a video message from USFRA Board Member Randall Dodds of Tractor Supply Co., who shares how his organization lives out the spirit and innovation of American agriculture every single day.
USFRA is thrilled to co-host a high-impact event during Climate Week NYC, titled “Farmers, Our Food and Our Future.” This interactive, multi-stakeholder dialogue will spotlight the essential role of U.S. farmers and ranchers in global food security and shaping a resilient food system.
Read about this news and more in our July issue. Thank you for your continued support.
Kevin Burkum
CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action
The fourth webinar in USFRA’s series about opportunities for agriculture to increase farmer profitability and resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions will focus on the challenges and opportunities in energy and energy use efficiency. The event is set for Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. CT.
Speakers include Dr. Tom Richard of the Global Council for Science and the Environment; Dr. Marty Matlock of the University of Arkansas; Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer, chair of Dairy Management Inc. and USFRA board member; and Doug Berven, vice president of corporate affairs at POET, also a USFRA board member.
USFRA launched the five-part webinar series in April, focusing on the key findings from USFRA’s peer-reviewed report, “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative,” which was published late last year.
If you’ve missed any of the first three previous webinars, you’re able to view them online:
• The Challenges and Opportunities in Nitrogen Management: Click here.
• The Challenges and Opportunities in Soil Carbon Sequestration: Click here.
• The Challenges and Opportunities in Animal Protein Production: Click here.
USFRA’s board of directors is a group of leaders who not only guide the organization but embody the spirit and innovation of American agriculture every day. They bring expertise, passion, and a collaborative spirit that drives USFRA forward. In this video, board member Randall Dodds, senior vice president and general merchandising manager at Tractor Supply Co., explains his company’s connection to the mission of USFRA.
Click the photo below to play the video.
USFRA is co-hosting an interactive, multi-stakeholder event as part of Climate Week NYC, “Farmers, Our Food and Our Future.” The event will focus on proposing actionable inputs and priorities for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil later this year.
USFRA will join with Bayer, HowGood, Clim-Eat, 4SDFoundation, Cornell Hudson Valley ResearchLaboratory and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development for the event, which will include a field visit to Hudson Valley Sept. 21, followed by a roundtable discussion on Sept. 24. The dialogue will ensure that emerging propositions are rooted in reality and practice, with farmers at the center.
USFRA CEO Kevin Burkum moderated the opening panel at the American Pecan Promotion Board Research Symposium, held July 8-11 in Chicago.
The panel, which included Dr. Tim Kurt of Dairy Management Inc., Dr. Josette Lewis of the Almond Board of California, and Dr. Charlie Graham of the Noble Research Institute, discussed how science and research frameworks impact farmer productivity, reduce costs and improve resiliency.
From POET
With challenges like unpredictable weather patterns, over supply of grain, and falling commodity prices, to say it is hard to be an American farmer would be an understatement. It is even harder to be a profitable American farmer in today’s marketplace.
It may be difficult now to imagine, but think about what the world could look like with a successful, profitable domestic agriculture industry and the ways bioproducts can help achieve this critical goal. Biofuels and bioproducts are the catalyst for successful agriculture. Successful agriculture is key to solving some of our most pressing problems, including energy security, carbon reduction, poverty, hunger, and disease.
USFRA’s podcast, Farm+Food+Facts, draws thousands of listeners and is recognized as one of the top podcasts that explore sustainable food systems. This month’s episodes:
Dr. Ermias Kebreab, associate dean for global engagement in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Logan Thompson, assistant professor and Extension specialist at Kansas State University, discuss opportunities to reduce a farm’s greenhouse gas emissions tied to animal production and management.Listen HERE.
In a Podcast Extra, Dr. Kebreab and Dr. Thompson talk about the role technology and the microbiome play in manure management. Listen HERE.
Jennifer Gannon, director of programs and public relations for Maryland Grain Producers, shares the organization’s recent research to better understand Maryland growers’ perspectives on climate conditions, conversation practices and carbon markets, and their on-farm impact. Listen HERE.
In a Podcast Extra, Gannon discusses insights on what to consider when exploring on-farm solar projects. Listen HERE.
Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in to Farm+Food+Facts!
Sept 9: USFRA Webinar Series: Challenges and Opportunities in Energy and Energy Use Efficiency
Sept 21-28: Climate Week NYC
Oct. 14-15: Transform Food & Agriculture USA 2025
Nov. 10-21: United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30)
