CoBank

Episode ID S6E06 June 23, 2026 Midyear is the right time for a reality check — from strengthening the grid to managing the impacts of inflation, global uncertainty and evolving regulations, electric cooperatives are actively adapting to a host of challenges. This episode of Power Plays examines six emerging issues that will influence discussions and strategic decisions throughout 2026. Transcript Teri Viswanath: Welcome to Power Plays.

Corey Geiger and Abbi Prins June 18, 2026 Key Points The smallest beef cattle herd in 75 years combined with historically high beef prices have motivated dairy farmers to create more beef-on-dairy calves to maximize farm revenue. The strong pivot in the beef-on-dairy category has sent dairy replacement inventories to the lowest level since 1978. That, in turn, vaulted dairy heifer replacement values into record territory well over $3,000 per head.

Economic incentives prompt dairy farmers to produce more calves destined for the beef supply DENVER (June 18, 2026)—The U.S. dairy herd has reached its largest size in 30 years, but one critical subset of the herd — replacement heifers that represent the next generation of milk cows — remains historically low. The number of heifers available to enter the milking herd has fallen sharply, dropping to the lowest level since 1978.

Jeff Johnston June 11, 2026 Key Points Hyperscaler AI-related capital expenditures (capex) are accelerating rapidly, growing from an estimated $235 billion in 2024 to a projected $700+ billion in 2026. Strong returns on invested capital, explosive AI application growth, and robust supply chain guidance suggest the AI infrastructure cycle may still be in its early stages.

Despite concerns about an overheated market and dot-com era bubble, momentum supporting AI infrastructure investments remains strong DENVER (June 11, 2026)—AI-related capital expenditures continue to skyrocket as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Google race to build next-generation digital technologies. U.S. hyperscalers spent an estimated $400 billion in 2025 and expectations are that spending could approach $700 billion this year.

Emphasis on dietary protein intake is broadening the demographics of meat snack consumers, prompting investment and innovation among manufacturers DENVER (June 2, 2026)—Protein-rich meat snacks are entering a period of accelerated growth as dietary preferences and eating habits evolve.

Brian Earnest , Abbi Prins and Billy Roberts June 2, 2026 Key Points Sales of meat snacks have grown by over 45% in the past four years to $4.4 billion. Meat snacks have strong potential to expand beyond their traditional base of young, male consumers with healthy snack and high protein messaging. Roughly $1 billion of additional meat snack processing investment has been announced since 2020. Suppressed cattle supplies and exceptional demand have increased competition for processors.

Episode ID S6E05 May 29, 2026 From autonomous drones to smart grid sensors, startups are bringing new tools to rural electric co-ops to strengthen reliability, boost resilience and control costs. In this episode of Power Plays, hear the standout innovations from NRECA’s Startup Alley competition, including ideas from HomeBoost and Pitch Aeronautics. Transcript Tamra Reynolds: For this month’s Power Plays podcast, we are virtually revisiting the NRECA TechAdvantage Expo floor in Nashville.

DENVER (May 28, 2026) — CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, announced today that it has issued $500 million of preferred stock in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The Quarterly | CoBank - CoBank Site The Quarterly, from the CoBank Knowledge Exchange, provides a broad view of the rural industries financed by CoBank. All Reports The Quarterly: Rising energy costs are squeezing the rural economy April 2026 Rural Americans are absorbing some of the most acute fuel cost impacts from the conflict in the Middle East.