The wine industry has been struggling since the pandemic, but there are some bright spots. The premium side of the market is doing relatively better than the value end, and there are opportunities with packaging and the ready-to-drink beverage category. Danny Brager with Azur Associates spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium to discuss the silver linings in the market. Watch this quick video and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.
Category: Featured Post
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Sweet Potato Tips
The winter of 2024-2025 saw average precipitation for the Merced area, with 9.66 inches of rain based on the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) weather station in Ballico (Merced County no longer has any functioning CIMIS stations). A cool spring was followed by a mild summer, with only six days at or above 100°F. This great weather led to low plant stress and excellent yields. Overall production was even better than in 2023, which was likewise a good year due to mild summer temperatures.
The Collaborators Trial results reflected the successful production year — the standard lines exceeded 1400 boxes/acre, or about 70 bins/acre (Figure 1). Several Bellevue fields exceeded 80 bins/acre.
Rains came early during harvest, with 1.5 inches of rain falling on October 13, followed by another storm in November. The mid-October storm may cause some problems for the stored crop, especially if the Diane cultivar was still in the ground. Soil temperatures at 6 inches depth dropped 4°F after that rain. The combination of the soil being both cold and wet during harvest created the potential for accelerated decay in storage.
How Did the Different Cultivars Perform?
The Murasaki and Vermillion cultivars continue to have inconsistent set and erratic production. Zero carryover from last year resulted in high prices for Murasaki in August and September. Farm advisor Scott Stoddard guesses that many fields were harvested early to take advantage of the price at the expense of yield, which means a short crop is likely in summer of 2026.
Vermillion quality and yield vary. The plants seem to set too many roots that never fully develop. That is why Stoddard continues to screen new reds, with three potential new releases in the pipeline.
The market for purple-flesh sweet potatoes continues to grow and command good prices. In the last two years, new purple-flesh cultivars have yielded well — over 35 bins/acre — in Stoddard’s trials. They are attractive, with good shape and skin color. Cultivar L-24-71p looks especially promising in its first year, with deep purple flesh and good flavor and texture. It may soon join the six purple cultivars already commercially available: Stokes, Ben Yagi, Regal Purple (USDA ARS), Purple Majesty (NCSU), Purple Splendor (NCSU) and Purple Reyne (LSU), grown on about 1000 acres total.
Total marketable yields in boxes/acre differed widely among cultivars and among years. Covington had the highest 4-year total and Vermillion had the lowest. Diseases Remain Problematic
Despite the good growing season, certain diseases remain problematic. Fusarium root rot (putatively Fusarium oxysporum+ F. solani) mainly impacts Bellevue, though the other cultivars are not immune. Scurf — a superficial, soil-borne fungal disease — impacts Covington, but also can infect the other cultivars. Southern blight is mostly a problem in Diane in the hotbeds, but it can likewise damage any variety.
New work by UC Davis plant pathologist Cassandra Swett shows that the organism responsible for Fusarium foot rot may not be F. oxysporum at all, but rather the newly named Fusarium noneumartii, formerly lumped in with F. solani f.sp. batatas.
Fusarium foot rot first appeared as a major problem in 2022 during harvest, causing 10-20% loss on some fields harvested in October, after a September heat spell with several days above 105°F and a record high of 112°F on September 6. The roots rotted while still in the ground. No such heat conditions occurred in 2025, which makes the high incidence of this disease worrisome. No doubt it has been around for decades, but why it has suddenly become so prevalent is not known.
The reason for the increase in scurf, however, is most likely because of reduced use of clean seed these last few years. Scurf is easily transferred from cuttings to transplants, but does not live long in fields in the absence of sweet potatoes. “One year out and it’s gone,” Stoddard comments.
Suggested management practices for both Fusarium root rot and scurf include using thiabendazole (Mertect) fungicide in the hotbeds, using clean seed, cutting transplants above the soil line, managing nematodes and timely harvest — the longer the roots are in the ground the more likely they will become infected.
What is the acreage and production of sweet potatoes in California?
The USDA has revised their estimates for sweet potato production acres in California:
year
acres
2020
22,000
2021
21,000
2022
21,000
2023
19,000
2024
18,000
At 29.5 bins/acre average yield and 18,000 harvested acres, total production in 2024 was around 530 million pounds. USDA has not yet published estimates for 2025, but Stoddard estimates 18,000 acres at 35 bins/acre, for total production of 630 million pounds.
What’s Happening in Sweet Potato Research?
Variety Trials
The National Sweetpotato Collaborators Group trial is a variety trial that is conducted in multiple states. It provides regional information to plant breeders at Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University and USDA. The national results, shown in Figure 1, show that the yields vary widely among cultivars and over the years. Covington had the highest four-year total and Vermillion had the lowest.
The results of Stoddard’s 2025 Advanced Line Trials (ALT) in Merced, an expanded version of those conducted each year with Dave Souza, are presented in Figure 2. Notice how Beauregard yielded over 100 bins/acre, but was mostly jumbos (only 21% #1’s). Bellevue stands out as having both high yield and a high percentage of #1’s. Stoddard used greenhouse plant cuttings straight from Foundation Plant Services, which illustrates the tremendous yield increases possible when using new seed.
Advanced Line Trials (ALT) for 2025 showed Bellevue having both high yield and a high percentage of #1’s. Fumigation and Nematicide Trials
Stoddard continued his evaluation of various nematicides in 2025 with an emphasis on placement and timing. The Salibro label, updated in 2025, prescribes different methods than the ones he has used for several years, limiting applications to pre-plant and 30 days after transplanting.
The experiments were conducted in hotbeds in 2023 but in fields in 2024. Even in fields, root knot nematode (RKN) counts were very low and remained so throughout the entire season. The field was fumigated in April, planted May 1 with Diane (RKN susceptible) and harvested September 17-19, 2025. Nimitz and Nemaclean nematicides were pre-plant incorporated one week before transplanting, while all the others were applied post-plant in May and June.
One of the Velum treatments was applied in the row by moving the tape over to the plants and then injecting. This position was chosen because Velum has low solubility and does not move well in soil, so direct placement near the plants may improve efficacy. A Velum-then-Salibro trial was also evaluated.
The nematicide results are shown in Figure 3. Overall, this was a high-yielding field with low nematode pressure. Nonetheless, yields were significantly higher in all the nematicide treatments than in the untreated control by an average of 8 bins/acre. The specific nematicides did not differ significantly from each other.
Farm advisor Scott Stoddard’s sweet potato nematicide trial in Merced County in 2025 showed that yields were higher in the plots receiving nematicide than in the control plots with no nematicide, even in a year with low nematode pressure. The nematicides did not differ significantly from each other. The big news is that Covington comes off patent in May. The high-yielding variety was released by NC State in 2005. — By Scott Stoddard, UCCE Farm Advisor, Merced and Madera Counties and edited by Nancy Power, PHD, Assistant Editor for California Fruit & Vegetable
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Avocado Commission Seeks Nominees for Board Vacancies
The California Avocado Commission has one District 5 producer member seat, one District 4 producer alternate member seat, and one handler alternate member seat available on the CAC Board of Directors. The deadline to submit nominations is February 25. Completed forms should be emailed to cac.iaf@avocado.org.
The vacancies will be filled by a majority vote of the Board at a meeting held on March 5. The District 4 seat and handler seat will serve through October 31, 2027. The District 5 seat will serve through October 31, 2026.
Persons interested in serving on the CAC Board must complete the relevant forms listed below.
- District 5 Producer Member Affidavit of Eligibility
- District 4 Producer Alternate Member Affidavit of Eligibility
- Handler Alternate Member Affidavit of Eligibility
Qualifications for the producer positions are as follows:
- Nominee shall certify they meet the definition of a producer/grower as defined by CAC: “engaged within this state in the business of producing, or causing to be produced, avocados for market.” It should be noted the definition does not include persons whose average annual production is less than 10,000 pounds of avocados in the three preceding market years.
- Nominee shall certify they are not a handler or employee of a handler under the same entity that qualifies them as a producer.
- Nominees can be nominated in only one district — those who produce avocados in more than one district must select one district for their nomination.
- Nominees must complete and submit all required documents and maintain their qualifications throughout the term of their office.
Qualifications for the handler position are as follows:
- Nominee shall certify they meet the definition of a handler as defined by CAC: “has a financial interest in handling avocados for market either through ownership, employment or membership in a legal entity which is actively and directly engaged in the handling of avocados.”
- Nominee shall certify they are “actively and directly engaged in the handling of California avocados
- Nominees must complete and submit all required documents and maintain their qualifications throughout the term of their office.
For additional information, contact the Commission at 949.341.1955 or email cac.iaf@avocado.org. —By California Avocado Commission
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Surveying Citrus Greening Risks in Southern California
A screenshot of the risk-based survey for detecting huanglongbing (HLB) in Southern California. Colors represent the probability of HLB establishment or development, ranging from low risk (blue, near 0.0) to high risk (red, near 1.0). (Image provided by Weiqi Luo, North Carolina State University)
Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is the most devasting disease of citrus worldwide and has cost billions of dollars in economic losses. HLB has severely affected the citrus industry in Florida before any remedial action could be taken by growers. In California, HLB has been reported in urban backyard citrus trees that are a potential source of the pathogen. These infected backyard citrus trees threaten surrounding commercial citrus groves.
ARS researchers in Fort Pierce, FL, and their research partners developed a refined risk-based survey (RBS) to help stakeholders survey for HLB in complex urban and suburban landscapes in Southern California. The RBS is being used by the citrus stakeholders and plant health regulators to identify and remove infected trees, which will help preserve the health of nearby citrus groves. Use of the model optimizes survey efforts and allocation of resources to combat HLB. The RBS is also updated with new detection data and refined continuously to better guide surveillance of HLB in Southern California. An online interface makes the most recent survey available to stakeholders.
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Almond Board of California Announces 2026 Almond Leadership Program Class
The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the 2026 class of its Almond Leadership Program (ALP), welcoming 18 new professionals in the cohort. These industry professionals are committed to strengthening California almond farming and advancing the future of the industry through collaboration, leadership development and innovation.
The ALP program brings together emerging leaders from across the almond value chain. From growers and agronomists to marketers, processors, field representatives and allied partners, this immersive experience is focused on building leadership skills, industry insight and solving real-world challenges facing California agriculture. Participants will be provided with in-depth exposure to the social, economic, environmental and regulatory forces shaping the future of the California almond industry. Each class member will complete a yearlong, self-directed capstone project focused on addressing a real-world challenge or opportunity for the industry.
“This program is about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity, lead with integrity and represent the almond community with confidence,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist overseeing ALP for ABC. “The 2026 class reflects the diversity of perspectives and expertise that will be essential for the long-term success of our industry, and we’re proud to invest in their growth and leadership.”
Members of the 17th class will not only be working at their full-time jobs but will be involved in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. The program is intended to sharpen their communications skills and build relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.
“I joined the Almond Leadership Program because the future of California agriculture depends on thoughtful, engaged leaders who understand both on‑the‑ground realities and the policy landscape,” said Daniel Frea, class member and farmer/attorney at Wanger Jones Helsley PC. “ALP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge, build meaningful relationships and better serve the almond community.”
Class members also have mentors, many who are ALP graduates, helping them to strengthen their industry knowledge, perspective and skill development.
“I came into the almond industry without much of an agricultural background. In my first role, I was fortunate enough to work alongside some seasoned almond professionals. I enjoy being a resource to those that are new to or growing in the almond industry,” said Jereme Fromm, mentor and vice president of business development at California Nut Co. “The Almond Leadership Program gives participants an in-depth look into the many facets of the almond industry. Participants are exposed to everything from nutrition research, regulation and trade to market development and on-farm innovation. They also build some great relationships along the way.”
Continuing a long-standing tradition of service, class members will also raise funds to support California Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a collective goal of raising more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students pursuing agricultural studies in college. Since the program’s inception, ALP participants have raised more than $320,000 for FFA to help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
2026 Almond Leadership Program Participants
- Rebekah Burrows, Customer Care Specialist | Grower – Owner/Operator, Advancing Eco Agriculture | GGI Farms
- Grace Fales, Sales Manager, Baugher Ranch Organics
- Daniel Frea, Attorney / Farmer, Wanger Jones Helsley PC / Frea Farms
- Austin Jackson, Regional Manager – Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers
- Andrew Jensen, CEO / Agronomist, Crop Syndicate
- Julian Jimenez, Production / Ranch Manager, Pomona Farming LLC
- Natalie Kidd, Grower, Kidd Farms
- Catherine Machado, Operational Support Manager, Manulife Farmland Management Services
- Madison Martella, Grower Relations, Monte Vista
- Prabh Monder, General Manager, Monder Farms
- Connor Pate, Manager of Precision Agriculture, Belkorp Ag, LLC
- Alexus Powell-Crow, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grow West
- Noah Riley, Western Territory Sales Representative, Kula Bio
- Hyeong Shin, Broker, HS Ventures
- Orlando Tapia, Agronomy Specialist, Corteva Agriscience
- John Unzueta, Procurement Manager, Cache Creek Foods LLC
- Alyssa Valdez, Grower Relations, RPAC LLC
- James Williamson, Investment Associate, PGIM Real Estate
For more information about the Almond Leadership Program and the Almond Board of California, visit almonds.org.
About California Almonds
California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. -
Newer Equipment Helps Dairy Producers with Environmental Impact
California farmers have made major strides to help clean the air. Over the past two decades, about 15,000 pieces of agricultural equipment in the San Joaquin Valley have been replaced wither newer, cleaner versions. This has been done in partnership with the state, with public and private investments totaling about $2 billion throughout that timeframe. Replacing older farm equipment with newer models has provided major air quality benefits by drastically cutting diesel use and the resulting emissions.
Unfortunately, public funding to support tractor replacement has been largely eliminated in recent years, while the need for it continues to grow. Tractor sales across the United States have slowed significantly since 2024, largely attributed to economic conditions. However, farmers, including dairy farmers and other growers remain highly interested in newer equipment that provides benefits to both economic and environmental sustainability.
Incentive programs provided through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air districts have been playing a major role in promoting innovation and equipment replacements. This includes CARB’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program (which received funding from the FARMER program). Here’s a look at some of the latest equipment innovations taking place on California’s dairy farms, investments made possible with support from the incentive programs:
Electric Tractors and Feed Pushers
Dairy farmers have been among the early adopters of electric farm equipment. One of the daily tasks on a dairy farm is to push the feed back to being closer within the cows’ reach, encouraging them to eat more before feed is replaced with a fresh batch. Feed pushing is traditionally done about every four to six hours by an employee using a small diesel-powered tractor. As a newer, alternative option, electric-powered robotic feed pushers (which stand about three-and-a-half feet tall) can complete this task on a more frequent basis—encouraging cows get their full nutrition, while saving time and fuel.
Another option is the use of relatively small electric tractors to perform this task. Michael Oosten, a third-generation dairy farmer in Los Angeles County, purchased four Monarch electric tractors in 2023 with support from the CORE program. The electric tractors are used to push feed, move irrigation pipes, and perform other farm tasks.
While the challenges remain in electrifying larger agricultural machinery for heavy-duty, continuous tasks like planting and harvesting, the equipment industry is working to address limitations through technological advancements and operational strategies. California dairy farmers have piloted such equipment, providing helpful feedback to manufacturers.
Methane-Powered Tractors
One of the latest technologies starting to pop up on California dairy farms is methane-powered tractors. These tractors run on refined biogas or compressed natural gas (CNG), such as the kind produced by dairy digesters. California dairies are leading the way, as the first methane tractor deployed in North America is on a Stanislaus County dairy, and it was funded in part by the Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program. According to the manufacturer, New Holland America, the tractor has the same power and torque as its diesel equivalent engine, but with lower running costs, while producing 98 percent less emissions of particulate matter.
Wyeth Dairy in Stanislaus County uses a methane-powered tractor, purchased through the District’s Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program. Photo courtesy of Kelly Burgess. Electric Feed Mixing Program
Perhaps California’s dairy’s most impactful clean-air story remains the District’s Electrified Dairy Feed Mixing Program. Through this incentive program, 22 projects have now been implemented on California dairies, resulting in a total estimated annual emission reduction of 169 tons—equivalent to removing more than 1,000 heavy-duty trucks from the road. The program has also been utilized to make further advancements in automation, efficiency, and electrification.
Over Subscribed Programs
In July 2025, the District suspended new applications to the Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program, noting it had received pending requests totaling about $700 million, far more than that amount of funding available. The program’s budget was reduced to $2 million in the 2024-25 state budget, and no money was included for it in the 2025-26 budget. The program’s webpage states that, “The District remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the State Legislature, and Valley stakeholders to underscore the ongoing importance of this program in supporting clean air efforts in the San Joaquin Valley.” The Agricultural Tractor Replacement Program is credited with removing 380,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and 27,500 tons of air particulate matter and nitrogen emissions since 2017. Additionally, CARB’s CORE program is also fully subscribed but voucher requests are still being accepted for a waitlist. Given current economics, the availability of funding to help reduce costs to farms will continue to be critical to ongoing investments in cleaner equipment. —By Dairy Cares
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USDA Announces $39M Purchase for Pears, Split Peas
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.
This includes $15 million for fresh pears and $24 million for split peas.
“From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs—we are nourishing our nation and supporting the farmers who feed America. Under President Trump’s leadership, these investments strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and reinforce agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience.”
Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases
AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net. USDA AMS will purchase up to $263 million of the following commodities:
- Butter: $75 million
- Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products: $32.5 million
- Swiss Cheese: $10 million
- Fresh Fluid Milk: $20.5 million
- Ultra-High Temperature Milk: $10 million
- Chickpeas: $12 million
- Dried Beans (Black and Pinto): $25 million
- Fresh Pears: $15 million
- Lentils: $14 million
- Pecans: $10 million
- Split Peas: $24 million
- Walnuts: $15 million
— By the USDA
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U.S. Dairy Supports Launch of New Ag Coalition for USMCA
The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council co-led the launch of “The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA,” an industry-wide effort to support the strengthening and renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020, mandates a “joint review” in 2026, which allows the countries to consider potential changes to the agreement. Since the stakeholder engagement process began in October 2025, the U.S. dairy industry has spoken to the importance of the agreement, while stressing that certain critical shortcomings must be addressed.
“USMCA has helped grow vital export opportunities that support dairy farm incomes across the country,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Unfortunately, Canada has clearly not upheld their end of the deal and Mexico needs to fully implement USMCA commitments to respect our use of common cheese names. We look forward to working with the Administration during the review to ensure our trading partners honor their commitments so the agreement can best deliver for dairy farmers.”
“USMCA has been critical to maintaining strong export demand for U.S. dairy farmers, manufacturers and exporters, providing greater opportunities in the Mexican market in particular,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “At the same time, persistent market access barriers, particularly in Canada, limit the full potential of the agreement and must be addressed to ensure that U.S. dairy exporters receive the benefits they were promised.”
The U.S. dairy industry exported about $3.6 billion in dairy products to Canada and Mexico in 2024, which accounts for about 44 percent of total export value. At the same time, USMCA has fallen short in certain key areas. USDEC and NMPF will continue to fight for several priorities in the review, including through the Coalition:
- Combatting manipulation of administration of dairy tariff-rate quotas in Canada, denying U.S. exporters the meaningful market access guaranteed under USMCA.
- Tackling circumvention of USMCA dairy protein export disciplines in Canada, which has resulted in continued offloading of artificially low-priced dairy proteins, undercutting U.S. products in both domestic and global markets.
- Ensuring that Mexico upholds its USMCA commitments to protect common cheese names such as “feta.” The issue is increasingly pressing as European Union trade negotiations seek to restrict the use of generic terms worldwide.
NMPF and USDEC will continue to work with trade negotiators to address USMCA noncompliance areas ahead of the July 1 joint review deadline.
The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.
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Livestock Marketing Association Opens Scholarship Applications
The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has announced that applications are now open for its 2026 scholarship programs, offering two distinct opportunities to support students pursuing education and careers connected to the livestock marketing industry. LMA members are encouraged to endorse applicants — customers, family members, employees or students from their communities — who demonstrate interest in or understanding of the importance of livestock marketing.
LMA will offer the Career & Academic Education Scholarship for traditional post‑secondary education pathways and the Auctioneer School Scholarship for individuals pursuing training in the auction method of marketing livestock.
Applications for both scholarship tracks are online at www.LMAWeb.com.
Career & Academic Education Scholarship
The Career & Academic Education Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in accredited post‑secondary institutions, including trade schools, community colleges, junior colleges, universities, and programs in veterinary science, veterinary medicine, or law.
Applicants must include the name and contact information of an active LMA member endorsing their application. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per academic year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses are eligible.
A review panel composed of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will evaluate submissions after the deadline. Up to nine students will each receive a one‑time $2,500 scholarship, paid directly to the academic institution.
Auctioneer School Scholarship
The LMA Auctioneer School Scholarship provides a one‑time award to applicants who plan to attend auction school and use their training to support the auction method of marketing livestock.
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 25, provide an essay demonstrating their understanding of the livestock marketing industry, and be endorsed by an active LMA member. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per scholarship year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses may apply.
Following the submission deadline, a panel of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will review submissions. One applicant will receive a one‑time scholarship award of up to $2,500 toward auction school tuition.
Deadlines & Contact Information
All applications must be received — whether emailed or mailed — by March 13, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. For questions regarding the LMA Scholarship Program, please contact lmainfo@lmaweb.com.
About the Livestock Marketing Association
The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s largest, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.