In the news related to dairy farming the third week of January 2026:
- U.S. farmland values shaped by local, regional factors
- Central Plains Dairy Expo celebrates 25 years of industry leadership
- Dairy’s Foundation awards grants to three organizations
- Submit DCHA scholarship applications by Feb. 15
- USDA accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program
- Twelve students earn National DHIA undergrad scholarships
U.S. farmland values shaped by local, regional factors
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still high historically, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends.
“After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” said Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate operations at Farmers National Company. “This isn’t a sign of collapse but a recalibration that reflects current commodity prices, input costs and regional production conditions.’
Farmland demand now varies widely by location. Areas with high crop yields, diversified farms and dependable groundwater continue to attract buyers and maintain steady values. Regions facing commodity price pressure, lower yields or limited alternative income sources are seeing lower demand.
“Farmland values are increasingly determined locally, sometimes down to the township,” Lacina said. “Buyers are carefully assessing soil quality, the percentage of tillable acres, water access and how a parcel fits into their current operations. Those details matter more than ever."
Despite mixed signals, market conditions remain favorable for many sellers. Farmland remains a resilient, long-term asset, and well-priced properties are attracting strong interest.
The makeup of buyers remains steady, but their strategies are changing. Active farmers remain the largest group of buyers, yet many are more cautious, weighing profitability concerns against long-term ownership goals. They focus on high-quality land within their established areas.
Investor interest from both local and institutional buyers remains steady. Many view the moderation in land values as an opportunity to enter the market at more disciplined prices.
Farmers National Company anticipates stable U.S. farmland values overall, with ongoing divergence driven by local conditions. Opportunities may emerge in regions with weaker demand, and sellers’ success will depend on accurate market insights and timing.
“The farmland market isn’t weakening; it’s becoming more selective,” Lacina added. “Whether buying or selling, the advantage will go to those who understand their local market and work with professionals who live and breathe those nuances daily.”
Central Plains Dairy Expo celebrates 25 years of industry leadership
The Central Plains Dairy Association announced that the 2026 Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE) marks a significant milestone – as the expo celebrates its 25th anniversary. Taking place in March 2026 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, CPDE 2026 will bring together dairy producers, industry professionals and partners from across the region for education, networking and celebration.
Since its inception, CPDE has served as a premier gathering for the dairy industry, offering timely education, access to innovative products and services, and opportunities to strengthen connections across the dairy community. The 2026 expo builds on this legacy with expanded programming, new experiences and a lineup designed to serve dairy operations of all sizes and stages.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, CPDE 2026 will feature a welcome reception with live entertainment by country music legends Blackhawk. The performance will headline the opening night festivities, setting the tone for a celebratory expo that honors the past while looking ahead to the future of dairy.
Education remains at the core of the CPDE, and the 2026 event will offer a robust speaker series and educational program, addressing both emerging and longstanding challenges facing dairy producers. Attendees can expect sessions featuring:
- Rising dairy leaders sharing insights on leadership development, succession planning and the future workforce
- Expert panels exploring the advantages of alfalfa and forage management strategies to support herd health and profitability
- A special presentation from a Washington, D.C.-based team focused on farm biosecurity, offering practical guidance and national perspective on protecting herd health and reducing risk on dairy operations
In addition to educational programming, CPDE 2026 continues to emphasize community and family engagement. New this year is Little Farmers Lane, a family-friendly space designed for children and parents to step away from the busy show floor. The area will provide hands-on activities, such as coloring and crafts, reinforcing the importance of family and the next generation in agriculture.
CPDE will also feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, equipment and services designed to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability for dairy operations. Networking events, social gatherings and longstanding traditions – including opportunities for fellowship and reflection – will further enhance the expo experience.
Registration details, schedules and additional program information are available on the CPDE website.
Dairy’s Foundation awards grants to three organizations
Organizations in New York, Ohio and Wisconsin will receive grant funding from Dairy’s Foundation to support programs focused on building healthy and vibrant dairy communities across the U.S.
As the only public-held national foundation supporting dairy education and initiatives across the entire dairy industry food chain, Dairy’s Foundation provides financial support for programs that nurture the next generation of dairy leaders, develop the skills of current dairy farmers and strengthen the bond of trust between consumers and producers.
This round of grants, awarded in January 2026, will support:
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, in Canton, New York, to purchase a life-size bovine injection simulator to train dairy and livestock producers and youth in proper techniques and eartagging. Training will be delivered at a number of programs, including on-farm sessions, 4-H programs, youth workshops and more.
- Global Humanitarian Aid and Social Development (GHASD), in Cincinnati, Ohio, to develop the Next-Gen Dairy Leadership and Public Trust Education Initiative to support a dairy-focused workforce training program for low-income and New American youth ages 16-24. The program will include dairy producer-led sessions and a Community Dairy Career and Public Trust Day to foster transparency and trust.
- GrassWorks Inc. of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, to develop a dedicated dairy education track at the 2026 GrassWorks Grazing Conference featuring farmer panels, expert sessions and networking opportunities. The program will equip the next generation of farmers with knowledge on land stewardship, business management and technologies to strengthen the future of dairy.
The next deadline for grant applications is June 1. More information is available for grant-seekers on the Dairy's Foundation website.
Submit DCHA scholarship applications by Feb. 15
To apply for a $2,000 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) scholarship, applicants must be a college student and DCHA member, or the parent/legal guardian must belong to DCHA. Applications are due Feb. 15. An individual may only receive a DCHA scholarship once.
To apply for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Complete at least one year of post-high school education
- Be an enrolled student in good standing at an accredited college or university
- Be enrolled in a field of agriculture (e.g., dairy science, animal science, veterinary science, agricultural technical program, ag communications) or in a course of study with relevance to agriculture (preference is given to dairy calf/heifer-related fields of study)
Go the DCHA scholarship website for more information and to apply.
In addition to the $2,000 scholarship, each scholarship recipient will receive up to $500 for travel expenses to attend the DCHA annual conference and trade show, April 7-9, in Tucson, Arizona. Plus, each recipient receives free conference registration.
USDA accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program
The USDA is now accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at the congressionally created 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture and natural resource sciences. The application deadline is March 8.
Students around the country are invited to complete and submit their applications online through an online application. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college that will attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences or related academic disciplines. The program is also open to rising college sophomores and juniors that meet the same criteria.
This program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 land-grant universities that were established under the Morrill Land Grand Act of 1890. Scholars accepted into the program will get work experience at the USDA through summer internships and will also receive financial support from the USDA for their education.
The 19 members of the 1890 universities system are: Alabama A&M, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.
Twelve students earn National DHIA undergrad scholarships
The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) scholarship committee selected 12 high school seniors and college students to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Committee members ranked applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.
This year’s National DHIA scholarship recipients are Ashley Brandel, Lake Mills, Wisconsin, (parents: Matt and Tracy Brandel); Natalie Clemenson, Zumbrota, Minnesota, (parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson); Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pennsylvania, (parents: Joe and Kristin Diehl); Alaina Dinderman, Orangeville, Illinois, (parents: Brian and Kristi Dinderman); Alaina Fisher, Waconia, Minnesota, (parents: Amanda and Brian Fisher); Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wisconsin, (parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh); Nicole Hauschildt, Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, (parents: Stephanie and Chad Domke); Chloe Lawrason, Beaverton, Michigan, (parents: Jared and Lisa Lawrason); Lily Marshman, Oxford, New York, (parents: John and Sheila Marshman); Keegan Medeiros, Laton, California, (parents: Melvin and Christina Medeiros); Ella Raatz, Colby, Wisconsin, (parents: Al and Teri Raatz); and Lindsey Rotz, Pelican, Rapids, Minnesota, (parents: Paul and Carolin Rotz).
Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To donate to the National DHIA Scholarship Fund, contact Leslie Thoman.
On July 1, the 2027 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA website. Applications are due Oct. 31.
