USDA Launches New Online Portal for Reporting Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Transactions

 

(Washington, D.C., January 22, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a new online portal to streamline reporting of transactions involving U.S. agricultural land by foreign persons, which can include businesses and governments, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The new online portal is part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and protect American farmland as USDA continues its implementation of the National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB). “President Trump is putting America First, and this includes increasing transparency and scrutiny of one of our most valuable national assets, American farmland. We are working to improve reporting of foreign owned land in the United States. This move to streamline the reporting portal will increase compliance and assist our efforts to effectively enforce accurate reporting of interests held by foreign adversaries in U.S. farmland,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The online portal will allow us to obtain verifiable information about foreign interests in American agricultural land and protect the security of our farmers.” The new online portal is available at afida.landmark.usda.gov. Users can access the portal with Login.gov, a sign in service that provides secure online access to participate in certain government programs and reporting requirements. The new digital portal will gather the same information found on the current form FSA-153 and those subject to filing may still file using the current FSA-153 hard copy form if desired. However, filers should not duplicate filings by using both submission options. About the National Farm Security Action Plan One of the key tenets of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB) is strengthening processes around disclosure of foreign persons who have an interest in U.S. farmland. This historic plan, announced in July 2025, calls for aggressive implementation of reforms to the AFIDA process including improved verification and monitoring of collected AFIDA data. In addition to the new portal, USDA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for AFIDA in December 2025. About AFIDA The new portal is part of USDA’s efforts to streamline its process for electronic submission and retention of AFIDA disclosures, as initially required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Today USDA also shared its annual AFIDA report for 2024 with Congress, which is available online. The report lists foreign holdings of U.S. agricultural land as 46 million acres, as of December 31, 2024 and includes a section on land held and acquired by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea in recent years. AFIDA became law in 1978, and its regulations were created to establish a nationwide system for the collection of information pertaining to foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land. The regulations require foreign investors who acquire, transfer or hold an interest in U.S. agricultural land to report such holdings and transactions to the Secretary of Agriculture. The data obtained from AFIDA disclosures are used in the preparation of an annual report to Congress, which is published online. The AFIDA regulations define the term “foreign person” and specifies the information that must be included in the report. AFIDA focuses on foreign persons who hold direct or indirect interest in the agricultural land, provided those foreign persons with an indirect interest have “significant interest or substantial control” in the direct interest holder.

USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

 

Driving Innovation to Combat NWS and Prevent its Northward Spread

(Washington, D.C., January 21, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. “This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.” As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade. Priority Areas for Funding APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives: Enhance sterile NWS fly production Develop novel NWS traps and lures Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Entities interested in submitting a proposal should ensure they are registered with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). Learn more about the basics of the funding process and how to get ready to apply. For more information about NWS, visit screwworm.gov. Sign up here to have the latest NWS updates delivered to your inbox.

American Boer Goat Foundation Announces 2026 Educational Summit in Kansas City

 

KANSAS CITY, KS — The American Boer Goat Foundation (ABGF), in partnership with the 

American Boer Goat Association (ABGA), is proud to announce the 2026 ABGF Educational Summit, scheduled for July 24–25, 2026, in Kansas City. This premier industry event is meticulously designed to empower Boer goat producers through cutting-edge education, strategic networking, and a shared vision for the future of the American meat goat industry.

The 2026 Summit serves as a critical platform for producers to gain insights from industry experts on factors driving market change. Attendees will explore innovative production techniques aimed at increasing profitability and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their operations for future generations.

“The Boer Goat Summit is a purpose-driven event fueled by progress,” said Paige Gunderson, ABGF Vice President. “By gathering producers and industry leaders in one facility, we foster a unique environment for direct feedback and community building that strengthens the entire Boer goat sector”.

Summit Highlights Include:

•       Engaging Sessions: Eight expert-led discussions on industry trends and the evolving needs of the meat goat market. Topics include basic and applied parasite management, navigating the global market, optimal nutrition for healthy production, GENEMAX with “Dan the Goat Man”, financial planning for farms, a small ruminant market outlook, and a look at the new and upcoming programs at ABGA.

•       Innovative Practices: In-depth workshops on production techniques designed to boost efficiency and "pasture to profit" margins.

•       Networking & Collaboration: A centralized venue format allows breeders to connect directly with influential industry contacts and corporate partners without the need to travel between locations.

•       Annual Meetings: The event will host the ABGA Annual Membership Meeting and the Summer Face-to-Face Board of Directors Meeting, providing members a voice in the strategic direction of the association.

•       Celebration of Traditions: A formal banquet will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the success and legacy of the Boer breed.

The ABGF is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the breed through scientific research, youth scholarships, and professional development. This Summit is part of a broader mission to reduce reliance on imported meat and expand domestic production by addressing unique challenges faced by American producers.

Industry partners and media outlets are invited to join this landmark event to witness the innovation driving one of the fastest-growing sectors in U.S. agriculture.

To learn more about the event, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the ABGF Summit 2026 Official Page.

About the American Boer Goat Foundation 

The American Boer Goat Foundation (ABGF) is dedicated to empowering the Boer goat community through impactful grants, resources, and strategic research. The Foundation supports the next generation of agricultural leaders through the Junior American Boer Goat Association (JABGA) and works to ensure the commercial viability and sustainability of the Boer goat breed in the United States.

 

Forecast rain provides incentive for cool-season plantings

 

Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist, and Saline County Extension Agent Nicole Nichols, calibrate a spreader to be used in planting cool-season forages. (UADA image courtesy Jonathan Kubesch)

By Mary Hightower

U of A System Division of Agriculture

Oct. 22, 2025

 Fast facts:

• UADA has a variety of publications to guide cool-season forage decisions
• Planting choices driven by climate, grazing needs

LITTLE ROCK — Another forecast for a rainy weekend means another opportunity for ranchers to speed-plant some cool-season forages, said Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The National Weather Service was forecasting at least an inch of rain across all of Arkansas this weekend, with the potential for some areas of between 2-4 inches.

When it comes to what to plant, the “No. 1 choice is always going to be annual ryegrass,” he said. “It’s the gateway annual to consider because it is one of the easiest winter annuals to plant. It’s what I went with — based on my needs and what I’m looking for in repeated grazing come spring.”

Kubesch said there are plenty of options for Arkansas forage beyond ryegrass, including winter wheat, winter oats, spring oats and cereal rye.

“Cereal rye is really good if you're expecting it to be nice, cold, and wet,” he said. “A lot of folks are looking at winter wheat as a grazing option. A rye or a wheat paired with ryegrass is a really good mixture for a lot of the state.”

“In South Arkansas, we do have the option of doing winter oats,” Kubesch said. “Coker is a variety that’s mentioned a lot and it’s what’s available.”

However, when it comes to spring oats, Kubesch said growers should proceed with caution.

As for spring oats, “we do not want to plant this fall. It's not going pull through winter,” he said. “And I would really hesitate to put oat into the mix, if you’re trying to grow it anywhere north of central Arkansas.”

However, “in South Arkansas, winter oats are good,” he said. “We had them pull through great at Hope, even with some exciting cold turns last winter.”

Cool-season forages are versatile too, Kubesch said.

“All the cool-seasons are easier to put up as baleage and silage, but can be put up as dry hay too,” he said. “Better yet, graze 'em!”

When it comes to developing a warm-season grazing system, the Cooperative Extension Service recommends:

• Leave 50 percent of the farm in regular grazing or hay feeding areas from August to October
• Stockpile 25 percent of warm-season perennials for fall grazing in October and November.
• Plant 25 percent in winter annuals for winter and spring grazing from February to April

For ranchers trying to sort out the best cool-season grasses or grains to grow, Kubesch said the Cooperative Extension Service has several publications to guide decision-making:

• FSA3063 — Using Cool-Season Annual Grasses for Hay and Silage
• FSA3064 — Using Cool-Season Annual Grasses for Grazing Livestock
• FSA3151 — Planting Oats for Forage
• FSA2139 — General Traits of Forage Grasses Grown in Arkansas

Find a full listing of forage management guides online. 

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

 

 

Arkansas sheep and goat workshops aim to strengthen supply chain, expand markets

 

Lamb dish from Anderson Roccha's new cookbook.

By Sarah Cato

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

 

Fast facts

·       Arkansas sheep and goat producers face limited markets, supply chain issues

Upcoming extension workshops to address meat processing and cooking techniques

·       Speaker Anderson Rocha to release new cookbook at workshops

 

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Extension Small Ruminant team, led by extension specialist Dan Quadros, is filling gaps in the sheep and goat supply chain in Arkansas with two October workshops covering cooking techniques and proper meat processing methods. 

The speaker for both events will be Anderson Rocha, an internationally renowned animal scientist and chef with 25 years of experience.

“Arkansas sheep and goat producers face many challenges, and we are hoping these workshops will tackle two of the biggest: lack of markets and supply chain issues,” Quadros said. “We are very fortunate to have Anderson Rocha lead these workshops and unveil his new cookbook, featuring lamb and goat recipes.” 

Expanding markets

One major hurdle Arkansas sheep and goat producers face is that the meats are just not very popular in the state. However, by encouraging Arkansas chefs to include lamb and goat meat in their dishes, Quadros hopes to expand the market for and consumption of lamb and goat in Arkansas.

“It has been proven that trying a dish in a restaurant is a gateway to increasing consumption. However, lamb and goat meat are not commonly featured on menus in the state except in some ethnic and upscale restaurants,” Quadros said. “Our goal is to promote the use of lamb and goat in the culinary arts and strengthen our local food systems.”

A Sheep and Goat Culinary Course, aimed at chefs, culinary students and educators, will be held Oct. 28-29 at the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks in Springdale. Topics covered will include:

·       Butchery

·       Cooking techniques catered to specific cuts

·       Flavor profiles

·       Presentation

The workshop has a registration fee of $150 with a 50 percent discount available to culinary students and educators. Lunch will be provided, and the registration deadline is Oct. 28. Find registration forms and more information on the Arkansas Extension Small Ruminants blog.

Strengthening the supply chain

“When we surveyed Arkansas sheep and goat producers, one major off-farm challenge that was consistently brought up was the lack of meat processors properly trained in small ruminants,” Quadros said. “Our first workshop this month is for our meat processing workforce to help fill this gap.

A Sheep and Goat Carcass Fabrication Workshop will be held Oct. 22-23 at the Arkansas State University Meat Lab in Jonesboro. Topics covered will include: 

·       State and federal inspection 

·       Carcass classification

·       Charcuterie

·       Packing

·       Primal and subprimal cuts.

This workshop has a registration fee of $150 with a 50 percent discount available to sheep and goat producers. Lunch will be included, and the registration deadline is Oct. 22. Find registration forms and more information on the Arkansas Extension Small Ruminants blog.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.