US Farmers & Ranchers in Action

What US Farmers & Ranchers in Action does

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, representing more than 700,000 farmers and ranchers across the United States. Founded in 2010 (with the Decade of Ag movement formalized in 2019), the organization serves as the connective convener of the U.S. agricultural value chain, uniting individual farmers and ranchers, agricultural checkoff organizations (e.g., United Soybean Board, Dairy Management Inc., Nebraska Corn Board), major agribusiness corporations (Bayer, John Deere, Cargill, Nutrien, McDonald's, Tyson, POET), and government partners (USDA) around shared sustainability, climate, and farm-income challenges. USFRA's core offerings are programs and intellectual outputs rather than commercial products: the Decade of Ag movement (200+ endorsers), the Ambassador Network of farmer-advocates, the Farm+Food+Facts podcast (100+ episodes, 6,000+ listeners), the Honor the Harvest leadership forum, the 30 Harvests docudrama (2020 Webby Awards honoree), and peer-reviewed research reports on greenhouse gas negativity, nitrogen efficiency, and biofuels (commissioned from S&P Global Energy and CAST/National Academy of Sciences).

USFRA's business model is nonprofit membership-style partnership funding rather than commercial revenue generation. The organization is sustained by multi-tiered partner contributions (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Supporter/Alliance tiers) from agricultural checkoffs, corporate agribusiness, financial institutions (CoBank, Wells Fargo), and strategic partners (USDA, The Aspen Institute). It does not sell products or services and does not disclose financial figures. Its 'go-to-market' is a community-led and event-driven motion: convening through webinars, forums (Honor the Harvest, Climate Innovation Day), conference participation (COP30, Animal Ag Tech Innovation Summit, Future of Food and Beverage USA), podcast distribution, and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn). USFRA recruits new partners through structured 'Become a Partner' and 'Join the Decade of Ag' pathways on its website.

The organization has 11–50 employees led by CEO Kevin Burkum (a former dairy-farm background executive with food/CPG and international grocery retail experience) and CFO Alexander Smouha, supported by a large board representing the full ag value chain. USFRA's strategic positioning has expanded notably in 2026 with the release of the S&P Global Energy biofuels study, board expansion, and participation in international forums, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward influencing energy/climate policy alongside sustainability advocacy. The core technology is non-proprietary — USFRA's intellectual property is its research, its convening power, and its network of endorsers and ambassadors rather than software or AI systems.

Name

US Farmers & Ranchers in Action

Legal name

United States Farmers and Ranchers in Action

Website

https://usfarmersandranchers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

USFRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that convenes 700,000+ U.S. farmers and ranchers with agribusiness corporations, checkoffs, and USDA to advance climate-smart agriculture through research, policy advocacy, and the Decade of Ag movement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Advocacy and Sustainability

NAICS

Support Activities for Crop Production (11511), Support Activities for Animal Production (11521)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Nature & Biodiversity Reporting (TNFD, natural capital) (EUAHAJAM)

Keywords

• Sustainable agriculture advocacy
• Farmer rancher coalition
• Climate smart agriculture
• Agricultural value chain
• Food system sustainability

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesterfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Grants and Funder Support: USFRA operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Tax ID: 81-0760472) funded by agricultural checkoff organizations, corporate partners, and foundations. The organization's website explicitly states it is 'wholly or partially funded by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action including support from the Pork and Soybean Checkoffs.' Revenue is derived from multi-tiered partnership contributions (Platinum, Gold, Silver tiers) and supporter/alliance contributions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

US Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that convenes the U.S. agricultural value chain to advance climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems. Its offerings center on advocacy programs, peer-reviewed research reports, the Farm+Food+Facts podcast, the Decade of Ag movement, and the Honor the Harvest forum, which together amplify farmer voices and produce evidence-based insights for farmers, ranchers, agricultural checkoff organizations, and corporate partners.

Product overview

US Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing more than 700,000 farmers and ranchers. Rather than a commercial software product company, USFRA offers a portfolio of advocacy programs, research publications, and educational initiatives. Key offerings include the Farm Food Facts podcast (over 100 episodes on sustainable food systems), the Decade of Ag climate action movement (uniting 200+ stakeholders), the Ambassador Network of farmer advocates, the 30 Harvests docudrama (2020 Webby Awards honoree), the Fueling Agriculture research platform on biofuels, peer-reviewed sustainability reports on greenhouse gas reduction and nitrogen efficiency, the Honor the Harvest leadership forum, and various infographics on agricultural sustainability topics. These programs work together to advance USFRA's mission of uniting American agriculture to tackle climate change and build sustainable food systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Farm Food Facts: A podcast featuring discussions with leading minds in sustainable food systems, with over 100 episodes and 6,000 regular listeners.
• Decade of Ag
• Honor the Harvest

Products and services

• Farm Food Facts Podcast A podcast featuring discussions with leading minds in sustainable food systems, covering climate-smart agriculture, biofuels, soil carbon management, nitrogen efficiency, and supply chain innovation. It has over 100 episodes and 6,000+ regular listeners.
• Decade of Ag Movement A sector-wide movement launched in 2019 uniting farmers, ranchers, organizations, and individuals to build a resilient, climate-smart agricultural system by 2030. The movement has over 200 endorsers.
• Ambassador Network A nationwide network of farmers and ranchers serving as sustainability change agents, using their experiences to amplify the farmer voice and inspire adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
• 30 Harvests Docudrama A docudrama film following farmers Jay Hill and Meagan Kaiser articulating challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable food systems over the next 30 harvests. Awarded a 2020 Webby Awards honorable mention.
• Fueling Agriculture Research Initiative A research initiative and report examining how expanded biofuel production can support U.S. agriculture, rural economies, and food security. Commissioned from S&P Global Energy, projecting expanded biofuel demand could triple global production by 2050.
• Honor the Harvest Forum A forum bringing together agricultural leaders across the food value chain to drive outcomes, promote unified thought leadership, and advance climate-smart agriculture solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• The S&P Global Energy study commissioned by USFRA found that expanded biofuel demand could triple global biofuel production by 2050 and enable nearly 50% more production without expanding acreage through 1.6% annual yield increases.
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, platinum, gold, silver, strategic partner and supporters and alliances.

• S&P Global EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSFRA commissioned S&P Global Energy to conduct a comprehensive study titled 'Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst' (June 2026), which projects that expanded biofuel demand could triple global biofuel production by 2050 and reverse declining U.S. corn acreage trends. The study provides evidence-based assessment of how biofuels can unlock agriculture's potential.
• Culver'splatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerCulver's is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA and a participant in the Thank you Farmers Project. Culver's Vice President of Supply Chain Adam Shrif is featured on the Farm+Food+Facts podcast discussing supply chain management and commitment to USFRA.
• POETplatinumStrategic or Co-development PartnerPOET is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA. Doug Berven, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at POET, serves on the USFRA board. POET's expertise in ethanol production aligns with USFRA's biofuels advocacy work.
• United Soybean BoardplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerUnited Soybean Board is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA. Board members including Patrick Giberson and Carla Schultz participate in USFRA programming, and USB has co-sponsored USFRA research on nitrogen efficiency and yield stability.
• BayerplatinumStrategic or Co-development PartnerBayer is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA, supporting the organization's climate-smart agriculture initiatives and farmer advocacy programs.
• John DeereplatinumStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohn Deere is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA, supporting technology and innovation initiatives in agriculture.
• NutrienplatinumStrategic or Co-development PartnerNutrien is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA. Dr. Sally Flis, Director of Sustainable Ag Programs at Nutrien, serves on the USFRA board, contributing expertise on nitrogen efficiency and biofuel opportunities.
• McDonald'splatinumStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcDonald's is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA, supporting sustainable food systems and farmer engagement initiatives.
• Tractor Supply CompanyplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerTractor Supply Company is a Platinum funder/partner of USFRA. Randall Dodds, Director of Sustainability at Tractor Supply, serves on the USFRA board representing the ag value chain.
• Dairy Management Inc.goldStrategic or Co-development PartnerDairy Management Inc. is a Gold funder/partner of USFRA. Marilyn Hershey, associated with Dairy Management Inc., serves as Immediate Past Chair of the USFRA board.
• CargillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCargill is a USFRA board member organization represented by Gregory Shoemaker, North America Commercial Director, who also appears on the Farm+Food+Facts podcast discussing AI's impact on agriculture and dairy division strategy.
• Tyson FoodscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTyson Foods is a partner/funder of USFRA, supporting sustainable food systems initiatives and farmer engagement.
• Corteva AgrisciencesilverStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorteva Agriscience is a Silver tier partner of USFRA, contributing to sustainability and agricultural innovation initiatives.
• The Aspen Institutestrategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Aspen Institute is a strategic partner of USFRA, collaborating on food and agriculture systems transformation and climate-smart initiatives.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)strategic partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA is listed as a strategic partner and platinum-level supporter of USFRA, collaborating on agricultural policy and sustainability initiatives.
• Nebraska Corn BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNebraska Corn Board is a Gold funder/partner of USFRA. Adam Grabenstein, representing Nebraska Corn, was added to the USFRA board and Executive Committee in 2026. The board has co-sponsored USFRA research on nitrogen efficiency and yield stability.
• Edge Dairy Farmer CooperativegoldStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is a Gold funder/partner of USFRA. Michael Crinion, CEO of Edge, serves as Chair of the USFRA board.
• Cattlemen's Beef BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCattlemen's Beef Board is a USFRA partner. Terry Quam, fourth-generation beef farmer and board member of the Cattlemen's Beef Board, serves on the USFRA board.
• American Pecan Promotion BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarry Don Womack, representing the American Pecan Promotion Board, was added to the USFRA board and Executive Committee in 2026.
• Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSFRA commissioned CAST to publish the peer-reviewed 'Potential for U.S. Agriculture to be Greenhouse Gas Negative' report, authored by 26 leading research scientists and peer-reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences.
• Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council co-sponsored USFRA's 'Enhancing Farm Profitability Through Nitrogen Efficiency and Yield Stability' research study.
• Wisconsin Soybean Marketing BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWisconsin Soybean Marketing Board co-sponsored USFRA's 'Enhancing Farm Profitability Through Nitrogen Efficiency and Yield Stability' research study.
• Renewable Fuels Nebraskasupporters and alliancesStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenewable Fuels Nebraska is a supporter/alliance partner of USFRA, working on ethanol and E-15 advocacy that aligns with USFRA's biofuels initiatives.
• MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences)supporters and alliancesStrategic or Co-development PartnerMANRRS is a supporter/alliance partner of USFRA. Dr. Marcus Bernard serves on the USFRA board representing MANRRS, supporting diversity in agriculture.
• Native American Agriculture FundgoldStrategic or Co-development PartnerNative American Agriculture Fund is a Gold funder/partner of USFRA, supporting Indigenous farmers and ranchers in climate-smart agriculture.
• National Milk Producers Federationsupporters and alliancesStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Milk Producers Federation is a supporter/alliance partner of USFRA, contributing to dairy industry sustainability and farmer advocacy.
• Innovation Forumstrategic partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerUSFRA is a Community Partner for the Future of Food and Beverage USA conference hosted by Innovation Forum, bringing together farmers, brands, retailers, investors, and policymakers to drive resilience in farming.
• Animal Ag Tech Innovation SummitcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUSFRA (via CEO Kevin Burkum and board members) participated in the 2026 Animal Agtech Innovation Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, discussing biosecurity, supply chain challenges, and nitrogen efficiency in the animal protein sector.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (now merged into NSAC): National sustainable agriculture advocacy coalition focused on federal policy. Overlaps with USFRA on sustainable agriculture advocacy and policy coalition work, though more small-farm and organic oriented.
• Aspen Institute Food & Society Program: Program-level convener working on food systems transformation with a coalition-building model. Comparable to USFRA's networking-with-policymakers approach and is an actual listed USFRA strategic partner via The Aspen Institute.

Broad incumbents

• American Farm Bureau Federation: Largest general U.S. farm advocacy organization. Directly comparable to USFRA in mission area (representing farmers/ranchers on policy and sustainability) but much broader in scope, member-driven, and not specifically focused on the climate-smart agriculture convening niche.
• National Farmers Union: U.S. farm advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers on policy and rural issues. Comparable to USFRA's farmer-representation role, although it is more policy/lobbying-focused than convening-focused.
• CropLife America: Trade association for crop protection and agricultural input providers. Comparable to USFRA's ag value chain convening work with input-side partners (Bayer, Corteva), although more focused on regulatory issues than on farmer advocacy.

Direct peers

• The Sustainability Consortium: Nonprofit coalition developing science-based metrics and tools for sustainable product lifecycles. Comparable to USFRA in convening retailers, brands, and producers around sustainability data and metrics, though more retail/consumer-product focused.
• Field to Market: Multi-stakeholder alliance focused on sustainable agriculture outcomes across the U.S. value chain. Direct peer to USFRA in convening brands, growers, and researchers around sustainability metrics and climate-smart agriculture.
• Solutions from the Land: Farmer-led nonprofit promoting sustainable agriculture solutions to climate, food, and water challenges through state and national dialogues. Most directly comparable peer to USFRA on farmer-led convening and the sustainable agriculture narrative.
• Trust in Food / Farm Journal Foundation: Conservation- and climate-focused agriculture initiative reaching U.S. farmers on regenerative practices and data-driven stewardship. Highly comparable to USFRA's on-the-ground farmer engagement and corporate sustainability programming.

Regional players

• Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy: Dairy industry-wide sustainability consortium supporting on-farm environmental stewardship through the dairy value chain. Comparable as a checkoff-partnered value chain convening model, though narrower to dairy.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/USFRA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/usfraonline
• Facebookfacebook.com/USFarmersandRanchers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/usfarmersandranchers
• Instagraminstagram.com/usfarmersandranchers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about US Farmers & Ranchers in Action