Friday May 01 Ag News - Farm Bill Passes US House - E15 will have Separate Vote - Ricketts, Flood on FAIR Labels Act - Pseudorabies Confirmed in Iowa Hogs - CVA, Randall Farmers Coop Merge - and more!

Farm Bill Passes House for First Time in 8 Years

The House passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 on Thursday morning by a vote of 224-200. Three Republicans were opposed and five did not vote. Fourteen Democrats crossed party lines to vote yes and one did not vote. All three of Nebraska’s Representatives – Mike Flood (CD1), Don Bacon (CD2), and Adrian Smith (CD3) – voted yea.

The House’s successful vote marks the farthest a farm bill has made it in Congress since the most recent reauthorization was signed into law in 2018. The bill updates farm loan and income support programs, and reauthorizes programs that support voluntary conservation and rural development.

“Nebraska family farmers and ranchers are currently facing one more year of the toughest financial challenges since the 1980s farm crisis,” NeFU President John Hansen said. “The 2018 Farm Bill is using 2014 data, so updating the reference and target numbers is helpful, but we need a Farm Bill that deals with the 2026 economic realities we are facing today. We were hoping for more substantial improvements.”

“From a process standpoint, the passage of the House Farm Bill represents an important first step after three years of delays,” continued Hansen. “It is not a perfect bill, but there are provisions that will benefit family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. We are deeply disappointed that the House again missed an opportunity to pass permanent year-round E15. Family farmers need strong, stable domestic demand-based domestic markets that utilize our own domestically produced agricultural products. We are facing strong export competition, and 9 billion bushels of corn stocks that needs a home.” 

House Leaders agreed to decouple the Farm Bill and year-round E15 and hold a standalone vote on E15 on May 13 but that means the House’s farm bill can’t be sent to the Senate until that time. Senate counterparts have yet to introduce text or provide a timeline for moving their Farm Bill legislation.

The House also voted 280-142 to remove controversial pesticide labeling language, which was championed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and the Make America Healthy Again movement. That language had threatened to derail the Farm Bill on the House Floor if it remained included.

“Farm bill policy must evolve to meet the realities of today’s economy, and while this bill provides some needed certainty, it does not fully address what is at stake. We look forward to working with the Senate to strengthen this bill and deliver more effective safety nets for farmers and families,” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew added.

“Family farmers and ranchers are facing a mounting crisis. We must do more to address skyrocketing fertilizer and fuel costs and record setting ag input costs, depressed market prices, and lost export markets.   We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the Farm Bill in the Senate, address corporate consolidation, and provide a meaningful income safety net to producers,” Hansen concluded.



Flood Celebrates Farm Bill’s House Passage 

Thursday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01) issued a statement following House passage of H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” also known as the “Farm Bill.”

“It has been nearly eight years since the last time a new Farm Bill framework was passed. This new Farm Bill framework not only modernizes key ag programs to better serve our farmers and ranchers today, but it also invests in the future of our agricultural economy. Importantly, the 2026 Farm Bill supports ag research while protecting and expanding key programs such as crop insurance, market access and USDA Rural Development.

The legislation includes investments in rural broadband; expanded rural healthcare and rural childcare access; support for new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers transition to farming; incentives for innovation and technology, including investments in precision agriculture; and more. I look forward to this much-needed framework moving to the Senate and ultimately reaching President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Flood.

Ten of Congressman Flood’s–supported bills, including ones he signed on as a cosponsor or co-lead, were included in the 2026 Farm Bill:
    H.R. 575 (Baird, R-IN) – Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 – original cosponsor
    H.R. 1207 (Mann, R-KS) – To Transfer the Authorities of the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the Department of Agriculture – cosponsor
    H.R. 5459 (Flood, R-NE) – Precision Agriculture Workforce Training and Development Act  – sponsor
    H.R. 5468 (T. Kelly, R-MS) – Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2025 – cosponsor
    H.R. 5854 (Neguse, D-CO) – Sustainable Agriculture Research Act – co-lead
    H.R. 4764 (Miller-Meeks, R-IA) – Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 – sponsor
    H.R. 1719 (Miller, R-OH) – Farm to Fly Act of 2025 – co-lead
    H.R. 4832 (Alford, R-MO) – Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2025 – cosponsor
    H.R 4673 (Hinson, R-IA) – Save Our Bacon Act – original cosponsor
    H.R. 1995 (Hinson, R-IA) – Securing American Agriculture Act – cosponsor

Many of Congressman Flood’s legislative items included in the Farm Bill were informed by countless visits, discussions and roundtables he held with farmers and ranchers across Nebraska. 



Statement by Mark McHargue, NE Farm Bureau President, Regarding House Passage of Farm Bill

"Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and all Americans scored a major win today with the U.S. House of Representatives finally passing a full five-year Farm Bill out of the chamber. We often say that food security is national security, and the passage of this long-term food, farm, conservation, research, and trade promoting legislation helps provide long-term certainty for our nation's food, fiber, and fuel producers. We are also encouraged that a vote on year-round E15 legislation has been scheduled as soon as Congress comes back from their recess on May 13. It is well past time for this necessary, long-fought-for bill to move through Congress and be signed into law by President Trump. Passage of a full five-year Farm Bill, as well as securing year-round E15 access, remain top priorities for our organization. While we certainly have more work to do before either of these bills are signed into law, we stand ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill to get them to President Trump's desk." 



NCBA Encouraged by House Passage of Farm Bill
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane 
 
“Thank you to Chairman GT Thompson, House leadership, and members from both parties for listening to real farmers and ranchers and passing the Farm Bill through the House. Instead of caving to attacks on the livestock industry from shell activist groups that impersonate real producers, a bipartisan group of lawmakers advanced a bill that will provide certainty and important policy fixes for cattle country. We look forward to engaging with the Senate to advance this Farm Bill to the president’s desk.” 



America’s Pork Producers Celebrate Victory & Express Thanks After Bipartisan House Farm Bill Passage
 
America’s 60,000-plus pork producers of all sizes, from all states celebrated House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill. 
 
On an impressive, bipartisan 224-200 vote, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 included 100% of the National Pork Producers Council’s policy requests—including a very significant section that provides much-needed relief from the misguided California Proposition 12. 
 
“Today’s House farm bill passage is a testament to the power of rural America when we stand up for our farms and future generations with a unified voice,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president and pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “We wholeheartedly thank our champions—House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and others—for not backing down from the fight for what is right for rural America. He and congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle heard our plea to help America’s pork producers. Now, we look to the Senate to follow suit and pass this farm bill for us and others in agriculture without delay.”
 
Without Prop. 12 relief in the final farm bill, pork producers face a patchwork of state animal housing laws that hurts small farmers the hardest, takes away veterinarians’ choices, increases the cost of food, and undermines states’ rights. 
 
In addition to a Prop. 12 fix, the 2026 Farm Bill also accomplished all additional pork producer priorities, including: 
    Funding and converting the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program into a full program. 
    Increasing funding for critical agricultural trade promotion programs, including the Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development Program, E. Kika de la Garza Emerging Markets Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, and Priority Trade Fund.
    Requiring USDA to report how changes to or expiration of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect agriculture.
    Establishing the Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to better identify and overcome trade barriers.
    Expanding the Animal Health Protection Act to include improving animal disease traceability. 
    Allowing the establishment of additional training centers and programs under the Beagle Brigade Act.
    Requiring thorough documentation on USDA’s ability to protect producers from significant economic losses due to a foreign animal disease outbreak.
    Capping administrative expenses for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, allowing a higher percentage of funds to be used for research.
    Requiring USDA to conduct research and development on a policy to insure pork producers against financial losses from a catastrophic disease.
 
NPPC and the thousands of pork producers it represents again express their thanks to the House Agriculture Committee and the full House of Representatives for passing this critical piece of legislation.



ASA Applauds House of Representatives for Advancing 2026 Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association applauds House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and the House of Representatives for passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The five-year farm bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 224-200.

“At a time when U.S. soybean farmers need certainty more than ever, the 2026 Farm Bill offers a myriad of tools and programs to help the agricultural industry navigate changing market dynamics and ongoing farm production and economic challenges,” said Scott Metzger, ASA president and soybean farmer from Ohio. “ASA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Thompson as he championed this legislation and built a bipartisan coalition of farm state advocated to advance this critical farm bill.”

The bill contains provisions supported by ASA, including a transfer of Food for Peace authority to USDA; conservation program funding; the Plant Biostimulant Act; increased access to credit programs, funding for precision agriculture; and reauthorization of the Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program and Biorefinery Assistance Program. The bill also addresses federal issues caused by state-level animal welfare initiatives, which ASA and others underscored in a letter sent earlier this week to House leaders.

ASA looks forward to working with leaders in the Senate to keep this momentum going to pass a farm bill.



Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers and ranchers applaud the House of Representatives for passing a new, modernized farm bill. We appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson’s leadership to get this done. After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we’re grateful the House found a bipartisan path forward. Important updates to research and conservation, as well as increased loan limits and clarity on interstate commerce, will help farmers survive today’s challenges and give them the tools to thrive in the future.

“We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and move this important bipartisan legislation forward. Food security is national security, and investing in America’s farmers and ranchers is an investment in America’s families. We all benefit from a reliable and affordable food supply.” 



Corn Growers Praise Farm Bill Movement, Demand Action on E15

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act (H.R. 7567). Ag leaders in the House indicated that a vote on a bill to expand year-round consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends, or E15, would be voted on in a couple of weeks.
 
In response to these developments, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 

“We are pleased to see that the House passed the Farm Bill. The legislation includes important provisions in the conservation, trade, credit, rural development, research and energy titles. USDA programs are important to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. We applaud Chairman GT Thompson for shepherding this legislation toward passage.
 
“We look forward to working with our allies in Congress over the next two weeks to secure passage of the E15 legislation. Thanks to continued efforts on this issue from our biofuel champions, Speaker Johnson promised a vote on E15, and we refuse to allow a handful of multi-million and multi-billion-dollar energy companies to derail our efforts. Allowing the year-round sale of E15 would help our growers by expanding ethanol sales while also saving consumers money at the pump at a time when fuel prices are on the rise.  
 
“We are deeply appreciative of Rep. Michelle Fischbach and the 40 bipartisan co-sponsors, including House Rural Domestic Energy Council Co-Chairs Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), who proposed this legislation and continue to fight for a floor vote. We also want to thank specifically Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) and Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) for their support. We are confident that when the vote is held, the E15 bill will have strong support from members on both sides of the aisle.” 



IRFA Confident Year-Round E15 Will Receive Strong, Bipartisan Support During May 13 House Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a “skinny” Farm Bill. Originally, a separate vote on the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council’s year-round, nationwide E15 proposal was supposed to occur at the same time. After ongoing negotiations, the vote on E15 will now occur on May 13, after the Congressional recess.

“IRFA thanks the Iowa delegation and their Midwest colleagues for standing strong last night when ethanol haters tried to sabotage year-round E15 at the last moment,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “While a vote on E15 today would have been nice, I am confident there will be even greater support for E15 by the vote on May 13. Every day more members of Congress from outside the Midwest learn how E15 can reduce their gas prices and clean their air. E15 is gaining votes every day.”

Under the rule adopted to govern floor debate, both the Farm Bill and the E15 proposal will receive a floor vote. Under the rule, the Farm Bill, although passed by the House, cannot be transmitted to the Senate until there is an E15 vote.

“If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that the path toward nationwide E15 is never straight or easy,” added Shaw. “But with the rule on our side, we are confident that an E15 vote will occur on May 13, and we are confident of growing, bipartisan support on the House floor for E15. Now is the time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security.”



FAIR Labels Act to Protect Beef, Require Transparent Labeling for Plant-Based Protein Products

Thursday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act.  The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA).  The bill requires cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products to bear an accurate label, clearly differentiating these products from meat and poultry products.  The bill also prohibits the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products.  Companion legislation in the House is led by Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01).

“Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers.  It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts.  “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef.  The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.”

"The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats," said Senator Fetterman.  "Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I'm proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products."

“Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace.  For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like ‘meat’ and ‘beef’ to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing,” said Gene Copenhaver, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Virginia cattle producer.  “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen.  We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace.”

The FAIR Labels Act would:
    Amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to ensure customers can discern between meat and poultry products and imitation meat and imitation poultry products;
    Prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products. 

BACKGROUND
Currently, cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alterative protein products are not required to be explicitly labeled.  The FAIR Labels Act would prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products and require alternative protein products to bear an accurate label.  Permitted label examples include “cell-cultivated protein burger,” “ground plant-based alternative protein,” and “alternative protein” while prohibited labels include “cruelty-free steak,” “cultivated beef burgers,” and “plant-based ground beef.” 



NCBA Backs FAIR Labels Act to Ensure Transparency in Protein Labeling

Thursday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act. This legislation would ensure consumer transparency by addressing the labeling of cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., sponsored the bipartisan Senate version of the FAIR Labels Act. Reps. Mark Alford, R-Mo., August Pfluger, R-Texas, Mike Flood, R-Neb., Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, Buddy Carter, R-Ga., and Tony Weid, R-Wis., sponsored the House version.

“Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace. For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like “meat” and “beef” to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing,” said Gene Copenhaver, NCBA president and Virginia cattle producer. “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen. We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace.” 

The FAIR Labels Act would:
    Require lab-grown protein products to bear the label, “cell-cultivated protein.” 
    Require plant-based “meat” products to bear the label, “plant-based alternative protein.” 
    Mandate cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products include a disclaimer, noting the product in its final form was not derived from a live animal.
    Direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to revise their departments’ current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
    Direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to coordinate in developing necessary common standards of identity for cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products.

“For years, lab-grown and plant-based protein products have used traditional beef labeling terms, creating confusion for consumers,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The FAIR Labels Act is a critical step toward protecting the integrity of real food animal products and ensuring consumers have clear, accurate information at the meat case. We welcome the growing bipartisan effort to address mislabeling on these manufactured products and encourage Congress to swiftly pass the FAIR Labels Act.” 



Pillen Says Farmers Will See Benefits from Proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger

Governor Jim Pillen says the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads will ultimately benefit American farmers, proving a more reliable and efficient way to move their products. Today, the railroads announced the refiling of their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board.

“Farmers operate on tight timelines,” said Gov. Pillen. “When crops are ready, they need to move. Today’s rail system forces too many shipments through time-consuming, costly handoffs between carriers. That’s not competition. That’s a structural constraint.”

By providing single-line service across the country and access to nearly 100 ports on the East, West and Gulf coasts, the merger will give agricultural shippers a faster, more reliable option, with just one carrier responsible from origin to port and a clearer accountability for performance.

“This is about giving farmers more control and greater flexibility,” added Gov. Pillen.  “Whether it’s responding to weather, adapting to shifting export demand or managing tight harvest windows, better rail service leads to better outcomes.”



CAP Webinar: Nebraska and U.S. Farm Income Update and Outlook - Spring 2026

Brad Lubben, Extension Associate Professor and Policy Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Alejandro Plastina, Associate Professor of Agricultural Finance and Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, University of Missouri.

Nebraska net farm income is projected to reach a record high in 2026, supported by higher government payments, continued strength in cattle receipts and the first projected increase in crop receipts since 2022. At the same time, production expenses are also expected to reach record levels, adding pressure to producer margins.

This webinar will review the latest Nebraska farm income projections and the factors shaping the outlook for 2026 and 2027. Discussion will include crop and livestock receipts, government payments, production expenses, projected changes in net farm income and key sources of uncertainty in the year ahead. Presenters will also provide an update on U.S. farm income projections and compare national trends with Nebraska’s outlook. 

Details and registration at cap.unl.edu/webinars.



USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Iowa and Texas Swine Herds  

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued a statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced confirmed cases of the pseudorabies virus in swine herds in Iowa and Texas. The small commercial swine facility in Iowa received swine from the Texas herd in recent months. The Texas herd was housed outdoors with potential contact to feral swine. Though pseudorabies was eliminated from United States commercial swine herds in 2004, pseudorabies is still found in wild or feral swine populations, which remain a potential threat of exposure for domestic pigs.

“Based on the confirmation of the pseudorabies virus in a small commercial swine herd in Iowa, we are moving decisively to eliminate the disease. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has spent years preparing for these types of animal health events, and we have a strong, capable team in place to respond. We appreciate USDA APHIS, the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory, pork producers and our industry partners for working together on this coordinated response.

Iowa’s hardworking farmers lead the nation in pork production. It’s important for people to know that pseudorabies is not a food safety concern, and this virus does not pose a risk to consumers. The United States’ pork supply remains safe and secure, and we are committed to protecting animal health.”



Central Valley Ag and Randall Farmers Co-op Union Announce Merger

Central Valley Ag (CVA) and Randall Farmers Co-op Union (RFCU) have approved a merger following a successful member vote on April 29, 2026. The unification, backed by the required two-thirds majority of RFCU members, marks a significant step forward in strengthening service, resources, and long-term opportunities for agricultural producers across the region.

The merger reflects a shared commitment to the cooperative model, and a strategic vision focused on enhancing value for members, investing in facilities and people, and positioning the unified organization for continued growth in the agricultural landscape. The combined cooperative will operate under the Central Valley Ag name and remain headquartered in York, Nebraska.

“This vote reflects the confidence our members have in the future of this unification,” said Nathan Greene, RFCU Board Chairman. “By joining with Central Valley Ag, we are ensuring continued service, stability, and growth opportunities for our patrons, employees, and communities. We believe this is the right step forward for the next generation.”

CVA Board Chairman Luke Carlson emphasized the importance of the member decision and the opportunities ahead. “We are pleased with the outcome of the member vote and appreciate the strong support shown throughout this process,” said Carlson, “This merger strengthens our ability to serve producers across the region while staying true to the cooperative values that guide us. Together, we are building a stronger organization that is well-positioned for long-term success.”

Integration planning is already underway, with both organizations focused on ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers and local operations. Maintaining strong local relationships and delivering consistent, high-quality service will remain a top priority throughout the process.

CVA and RFCU will officially unite June 1, 2026. The combined cooperative will continue to provide a full range of agronomy, energy, feed and grain products and services to meet the evolving needs of producers. Additional details regarding integration timelines and operational updates will be communicated directly to members and employees in the coming weeks.



USDA Opens Enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) starting May 4, 2026, through May 29, 2026. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers Grassland CRP, a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

Grassland CRP emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grasslands and land with shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion.   

“Our Grassland CRP enrollment will be competitive just like our previous enrollment periods since we are very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Grassland CRP is designed to strike a balance between the importance of continued agricultural productivity and prioritizing the stewardship of America’s ecologically significant grasslands. USDA continues to put Farmers First by providing viable economic incentives while preserving working lands.”

CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.    

Currently, more than 26.2 million acres are enrolled in CRP, with nearly 10.3 million acres in Grassland CRP. FSA recently closed the enrollment period for General CRP and Continuous CRP closes May 1, 2026. FSA is reviewing submitted offers and will announce accepted offers at a later date. Due to the 27-million-acre statutory cap, only 1.9 million acres are available for all CRP enrollment this fiscal year.     

Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office before the May 29 deadline.   



USGBC Board Leaders, Members Participate In USDA Mission To The Philippines

Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) and member representatives joined a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Trade Mission (USDA ATM) to Manila, Philippines to maintain momentum for U.S. exporters in a young, growing economy.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson and USGBC Vice Chairman Jay Reiners (Nebraska) were joined by USGBC Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEA&O) Caleb Wurth; USGBC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch; USGBC Regional Ethanol Consultant Kent Yeo; and USGBC Philippines Consultant Marco Sardillo.

Council members from the U.S. ethanol industry also participated, including Eco-Energy Vice President of Global Trade Hagan Rose, Growth Energy Director of Global Policy Emily Marthaler and Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Hubbard, underscoring USDA’s commitment to strengthening U.S. ethanol producers’ relationships in international markets.

“This ATM is the latest strong message from our partners at USDA that international market development for U.S. agricultural products, particularly ethanol, is a priority the Council is eager to be part of,” Wilson said.

The mission was headlined by the opening of a retail gas station in Manila carrying gasoline blended with 20 percent ethanol (E20), including a speech from USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering and closing remarks from Wilson and Wurth.

The Philippines is the U.S.’ largest ethanol trading partner in Southeast Asia, with more than 101 million gallons of U.S. ethanol exported to the country in 2025. The Philippines E10 mandate, that began in 2013, has delivered a win-win outcome for the U.S.-Philippines economic partnership, and total gasoline demand in the country surpassed two billion gallons for the first time last year.

Ethanol production in the Philippines has increased by nearly 450 percent since the inception of the mandate, and U.S. ethanol now accounts for roughly 45 percent of the country's total ethanol demand. This mutually beneficial trade relationship, forged through ethanol, helps stimulate further investment in the Philippines domestic ethanol industry, as U.S. ethanol imports help lower the average price of ethanol and gasoline in the country.

The Council’s team met with the Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP) afterward to discuss next steps in expanding E20 access to other regions of the country.

The program also included meetings at the Subic Bay Freeport and the Island Skies Alliance to discuss additional opportunities for ethanol as a transportation and energy industry tool.

“Consumer access to E20 fuel is another significant step forward for the environmental goals of the Philippines and for U.S. ethanol producers in what is already the ninth-largest export market for U.S. grains in all forms,” Wurth said.

“Additional conversations there about the potential for sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel adoption in the transportation sector show the country’s belief in ethanol’s capabilities.”



Beef Checkoff Partners Launch the Route 66 Beef Trail to Celebrate 100 Years of the Iconic Highway

As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand—funded by Beef farmers and ranchers—is turning America’s most iconic highway into a coast‑to‑coast celebration of beef with the Route 66 Beef Trail. The Beef Trail is a coordinated effort between state beef councils spanning all eight states along the iconic route and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) Beef Checkoff-funded programming.

Two icons of Americana, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand and Route 66 just make sense. And now, with the launch Route 66 Beef Trail Road trippers will be able to easily explore the people, places and flavors that make beef a staple as they celebrate the 100 years of the Mother Road.

The Route 66 Beef Trail is a mobile‑exclusive digital passport that highlights beef‑forward restaurants, historic landmarks and cultural attractions across all eight Route 66 states. To bring the road trip to life state beef councils in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California came together to highlight local stops, share regional beef stories and create a unified experience celebrating both the centennial and the cattle‑producing communities along the route.

Travelers can sign up for the free mobile pass and check in at participating locations to earn points, redeem prizes and learn about beef’s role in shaping the communities along the Mother Road. From historic stockyards and family‑owned steakhouses to modern barbecue favorites, the Beef Trail highlights the diversity of beef experiences available to millions of summer road‑trippers.

To explore the Route 66 Beef Trail and see how Beef Checkoff partners are bringing the centennial to life, visit our Route 66 Beef Trail home page https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/route-66-beef-trail.



USTR Report Underlines Landmark Wins for Common Name Protections

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) welcomed Thursday’s release of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2026 Special 301 Report, which details the significant progress made over the past year in securing commitments from U.S. trade partners to protect the free use of generic food and beverage terms.

The annual report documenting the most pressing intellectual property issues facing U.S. exporters this year spotlights the Administration’s successful efforts to protect American producers’ use of common names such as “parmesan” and “feta” against the European Union’s protectionist geographical indication (GI) policies. NMPF, USDEC and CCFN have been proud to coordinate with the Administration on combatting policies that restrict the use of widely recognized food and beverage terms to only specific European producers and effectively cut U.S. producers out of certain key markets.

“For too long, the EU has weaponized GI policy to crowd out American producers from markets they have served for decades,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This past year’s reciprocal trade agreements are a sea change, and we welcome USTR’s leadership and persistence in addressing this issue. We encourage the Administration to build on this impressive foundation in every remaining negotiation to ensure U.S. exporters are never again shut out of export markets by the EU’s GI misuse.”

"EU GI schemes create a two-tiered system that benefits European dairy producers and stamps out competition,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “NMPF deeply appreciates USTR’s leadership in addressing the GI restrictions detailed in the Special 301 report as a priority trade barrier. We look forward to continuing this great work with USTR."

“The EU’s approach to geographical indications is simply a dressed-up trade barrier. It is entirely unacceptable,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “Too many trading partners have been coerced into imposing barriers on products using common food names. We greatly appreciate the Administration’s leadership in reversing this trend, and we urge USTR to build on their great work securing important protections for common names in nine Agreements on Reciprocal Trade signed to date and protect common names in every market.”

CCFN submitted comments to the agency in January, which broke down the many markets where U.S. dairy producers’ common name rights are being threatened, including “asiago,” “provolone” and “gruyere,” and participated in the Special 301 public hearing USTR held in February. NMPF and USDEC filed supporting comments, expressing gratitude for the Administration’s action.

All three organizations will continue to work closely with USTR and U.S. government partners to monitor implementation of the reciprocal trade agreements and to ensure that U.S. trade partners fully meet their commitments to maintaining open and predictable access for U.S. dairy and other common name products.



AGI Marks 30 Years Celebrating Growth, Founders’ Legacy and Commitment to Agriculture  

Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI), a leading global provider of equipment and solutions for the agriculture, food and commercial markets, is proud to mark 30 years in business. Formed initially as a holding company in 1996, AGI completed its initial public offering (IPO) in November 2004 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. 

Over the past three decades, AGI has grown from its entrepreneurial beginnings into a global organization serving customers in more than 100 countries. Today, the company offers a leading portfolio of solutions spanning grain handling and storage, fertilizer, feed, food, and digital technologies — supporting customers across the agricultural value chain. In many of the categories and regions in which AGI operates, its products such as Westfield, Batco, Westeel and Hi Roller, typically rank as the #1 or #2 brand in their sectors. 

“Thirty years in business is an important milestone for AGI,” said Paul Brisebois, Interim President and CEO of AGI. “It reflects the long-term dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strong foundation that has enabled AGI to grow and serve agriculture markets around the world.” 

As part of the anniversary, AGI will recognize the milestone and its continued investment in products and capabilities throughout 2026 with a specially designed 30th-anniversary logo, employee recognition initiatives, and a series of celebration events across key regions this summer and fall.  

For AGI’s founders, the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on both the company’s growth and the values that have guided it from the beginning.  

“When we started AGI, the focus was on building practical, reliable solutions for farmers and agricultural businesses,” said Gary Anderson, one of AGI’s three original co‑founders. “As I reflect on AGI’s journey, I always come back to the people— those who took a chance to work with us, buy our products, and invest as shareholders. Seeing AGI grow into a global organization, while staying true to value, quality and strong customer relationships, is something we’re incredibly proud of. The true magic behind building this extraordinary business has always come from the shared belief and commitment of those people." 

Art Stenson, also a co-founder of AGI, reflected on the milestone and legacy shared with his late brother, Rob Stenson. 

“This anniversary brings back many memories,” said Stenson. “My brother Rob, Gary and I deeply believed in agriculture and in building a company upon which farmers and customers could rely. Rob would be immensely proud to see what AGI has become today — its people, its global reach, and the impact it continues to have across the industry. That founding spirit is still very much alive.” 

As AGI enters its fourth decade, the organization remains focused on delivering value through engineering excellence, strong manufacturing capabilities, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of modern agriculture. 

Thursday April 30 Ag News - Ag Land Mgt Webinar May 11 - New Series on Land Values - Fertilizer Price Updates - NRCS on Ag Land Easement Opportunities - Seeking a New DMI CEO - and more!

Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, changing commodity prices

The latest trends in 2026 Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon Central time on May 11.

Each quarter, the webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insights on real estate trends, managing agricultural land and solutions to address challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The May webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state, as reported in the recently released Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering current commodity prices this year. It will also cover best practices for communication among landlords, tenants, and family members, and offer advice on short- and long-term decision-making for agricultural land.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics, and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements. 

The webinar is free and will be recorded. Past recordings can be viewed the day after each session, as well as recordings from the entire series. 

Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



New Series Offers Insight into How Farmland Values are Determined

A new three-part educational series from Ag Decision Maker assists landowners, producers, lenders and investors in better understanding what drives farmland values across Iowa and the Midwest. 

The series, authored by Rabail Chandio, extension economist at Iowa State University, and Emily Oberbroeckling, certified general real property appraiser at People's Company, offers practical insight into the three primary appraisal approaches: income, cost and sales comparison. 

“Understanding how these approaches work helps landowners, producers, lenders and investors interpret farmland markets more clearly,” the authors explained. “While individual sales provide snapshots of market activity, appraisal methods help explain the broader economic forces that shape land values.”

The income approach: earnings and land value
The first article in the series focuses on the income approach, which links farmland value to its ability to generate revenue over time. 

According to the authors, the approach helps explain why land sells for a given price by evaluating expected earnings from cash rent, crop production or appreciation, and comparing those returns to alternative investments. Factors such as interest rates, grain prices, crop insurance guarantees and investor demand all influence these expectations.

“The income approach remains one of the most useful tools for interpreting farmland values because it directly connects price to earning power, risk and long-term economic expectations,” the authors noted. “However, it also has limitations. The approach is sensitive to small adjustments in discount rates or rental assumptions, and its accuracy depends on reliable, localized data.”

The cost approach: investment and land value
The second article examines the cost approach, which addresses what it would cost to recreate a property today, separating the value of the land from the value of improvements, and measuring how construction costs and depreciation affect the overall market value.

“The Cost Approach is based on the premise that a typical buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to acquire comparable land and construct improvements that provide the same utility,” the authors said. “This approach is applicable to highly improved agricultural, rural and commercial properties because many buildings, such as barns, grain storage, livestock facilities and machine sheds, are specialized for a specific use and are not often sold.”

The sales comparison approach: market evidence matters
The final article highlights the sales comparison approach, which is the most widely recognized and market-driven valuation method. It estimates value by analyzing recent sales of similar properties.

“Appraisers apply this method by analyzing recent comparable sales and applying market-derived adjustments for relevant factors, which can sometimes be derived from these and other sales,” the authors noted. “Physical characteristics typically used for comparison include legal and physical access, annual precipitation or water rights, property or field shape, topography, utilities, zoning, soil characteristics or ratings (CSR2 in Iowa), crop yield history, ease of farm-to-market access and flood zones.”

According to the authors, this method is particularly effective in active farmland markets like Iowa, where sufficient sales data exist. 

While each approach offers a distinct perspective, together they provide a more complete understanding of farmland markets. Landowners, producers, lenders and investors are encouraged to review the articles for further information, including method applications, examples and strengths and limitations.

Additionally, the upcoming Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference https://smlv.card.iastate.edu/ on May 20 is another opportunity to discover more about Iowa’s land market. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/24/2026

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 24, ethanol production slowed by 3.0% to 1.01 million b/d, equivalent to 42.38 million gallons daily and the lowest weekly level since January. Output was 3.0% lower than the same week last year but 0.8% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.6% to 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.46 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 4.0% to a 7-week low of 25.9 million barrels. Yet. stocks were 1.9% more than the same week last year and 4.6% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ticked up 0.5% to a 7-week high of 9.10 million b/d (139.95 bg annualized). Demand was 0.1% more than a year ago and 3.7% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.4% to 917,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.10 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 1.0% more than year-ago levels and 0.8% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports expanded 86.8% to an estimated 170,000 b/d (7.1 million gallons/day). It has been more than two years since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



10-34-0 Leads Fertilizer Prices Higher

According to fertilizer retailers tracked by DTN for the third full week of April 2026, prices continue to be considerably more expensive compared to last month. Once again, all eight major fertilizers are higher than a month ago. Six of the eight major fertilizers had substantial price increases compared to the prior month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Surprisingly, 10-34-0 led the way higher as the nutrient was 17% higher compared to last month. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $722/ton. UAN28 was 9% higher looking back to the prior month with an average price of $526/ton. Anhydrous was 8% more expensive than last month and had an average price of $1,116/ton. UAN32 was 7% higher compared to last month with an average price of $595/ton. Both DAP and urea were 5% more expensive with an average price for DAP at $901/ton and urea at $866/ton. Two fertilizers were just slightly more expensive compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $939/ton and potash was $492/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.94/lb.N, anhydrous $0.68/lb.N, UAN28 $0.94/lb.N and UAN32 $0.93/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. In addition, all but one are now double digits more expensive. Potash is 5% higher, 10-34-0 is 10% more expensive, MAP is 14% higher, DAP is 15% more expensive, UAN32 is 33% higher, UAN28 is 38% more expensive, anhydrous is 43% higher and urea is now 50% more expensive looking back to last year.



Members of Congress Seek Removal of Phosphate Duties

A bill that would remove countervailing duties from phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco was introduced Wednesday in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.  
 
Sen. Marshall (R-Kan.) sponsored the legislation, entitled the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, and it is co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) sponsoring the legislation in the House.
 
“Corn farmers have been consistently vocal about the negative impact of duties on imported fertilizers,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower. “We applaud these members of Congress – long-time farmer allies – for taking action to address one of the issues that is causing a hike in fertilizer costs.”
 
Phosphate fertilizer is an essential input for modern crop production, used predominantly for growing corn, soybeans, cotton, and other agricultural commodities. In the last five years, corn farmers have paid record and near-record highs to purchase phosphate following government action that cut off imported supplies.  
 
In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by Mosaic Company, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic claimed at the time that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by J.R. Simplot.  

Corn growers have been critical of the process used to determine the duties, which led to inaccurate calculations. Further, the outsized impact of restricting phosphate imports has negatively affected farmers across the United States. This year, the duties are being examined under a sunset review process that will determine if the duties should continue.
 
The duties have had major effects on the phosphate fertilizer market. At least one Moroccan company halted shipments of phosphate fertilizers into the U.S., which led to price hikes and shortages, saddling farmers with a hardship that has only worsened in recent weeks with the conflict in the Middle East.



NGFA applauds House agriculture appropriations bill supporting U.S. grain and feed sector

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today applauded the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the fiscal year 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.

The legislation includes several key NGFA provisions that strengthen the reliability, transparency, and global competitiveness of the U.S. grain and feed industry:

    Providing for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and implement a contingency plan to ensure continuity of official grain inspection and weighing services in the event of future disruptions. NGFA strongly supports this directive, which emphasizes clear operational guidance and stakeholder engagement, including input from export elevators and Officially Designated and Delegated Agencies.

    Encouraging improved coordination between USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite approvals for grain reconditioning plans, enhancing efficiency at export facilities when grain lots require corrective action.

    Underscoring the importance of maintaining uninterrupted grain terminal operations as critical to U.S. grain exports.

    Reinforcing the importance of consistent, reliable data by directing USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to maintain key reports and surveys and to provide advance notice to Congress before making significant changes to its data collection programs.

    Recognizing the importance of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the FDA to the nation’s food supply, by ensuring its operations are properly resourced.

“NGFA commends the House Appropriations Committee for advancing an agriculture appropriations bill that addresses several top priorities for the grain and feed industry,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “From safeguarding the continuity of export inspection services to maximizing coordination across federal agencies and preserving essential market data, these provisions help ensure that U.S. agriculture remains competitive, reliable, and resilient in the global marketplace.”

NGFA looks forward to continuing to work with the House of Representatives and the Senate as this process continues.



NRCS Announces Second Application Sign-ups for Agricultural Land Easements 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a second national deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for fiscal year 2026 assistance in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The new deadline for entities to apply is May 29, 2026. NRCS is providing up to $200 million in funding for the application period for agricultural land easements. 

“At NRCS, we are putting Farmers First by actively working to preserve and protect America’s agricultural land for future generations,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Through voluntary conservation easements, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to slowing the loss of productive farmland and keeping working lands in the hands of farmers and ranchers.” 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, delivering over $4 billion in ACEP funding. NRCS began implementation this year.  

While NRCS accepts applications on a continuous basis, NRCS uses application cutoff periods to assess and rank applications based on their potential conservation impact. NRCS is offering a second national application period for ACEP Agricultural Land Easements with a May 29, 2026, application deadline. A complete Agricultural Land Easement application only requires the following:  
1.     Completed form NRCS-CPA-41A, “Parcel Sheet for Entity Application for an Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Agreement”,  
2.      Proof of ownership,  
3.      Written pending offer,  
4.      Map or geospatial boundary of proposed easement (NRCS provides an online tool to help you create this map with a geospatial boundary), and  
5.      Documented access to the easement.  

Landowners are encouraged to complete FSA-related eligibility paperwork with their local Farm Service Agency county office as soon as possible. 

Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to improve natural resource conditions on America’s private lands.    

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) 
ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands; protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agriculture and conservation values; and protect grazing and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.  

Agricultural land easements provide cost-share assistance to eligible entities to acquire easements from qualifying landowners, preserving agricultural use, including grazing, and protecting associated conservation values on eligible land. 

How to Apply      
Entities and landowners interested in fiscal year 2026 funding should apply through NRCS at their local USDA Service Center. All applications must be received by May 29, 2026, to be considered in the second round of funding for fiscal year 2026. Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS will hold applications received after this date and consider them for subsequent rounds, as funding permits.  Interested applicants can view additional state’s ranking dates online. 

More Information 
To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.   



Dairy Management Inc. Board Launches Search for New CEO

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) today announced the formal launch of its search for a new president and chief executive officer, following the announced planned retirement of CEO Barbara O’Brien later this year.

The DMI Board of Directors has engaged ZRG Partners, a top ten global talent advisory firm, to support a comprehensive and inclusive search process aimed at identifying a dynamic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The search marks an important milestone in DMI’s leadership transition, which was initiated earlier this year as part of a deliberate and well-planned succession process designed to ensure continuity and long-term success for the dairy checkoff.

“We are approaching this search from a position of strength, with a clear strategy, strong momentum and a deep commitment to delivering results,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the DMI Board of Directors. “The board is focused on identifying a leader who will build on that foundation—someone who can continue to unite the U.S. dairy community, accelerate innovation and drive relevance and growth in both domestic and global markets.”

The next CEO will be responsible for advancing DMI’s mission to increase dairy sales, drive innovation and build trust in dairy products and the farm families behind them. This includes oversight of the national dairy checkoff and its related organizations, including National Dairy Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

O’Brien will continue to serve as president and CEO through the completion of her term, working closely with the board and leadership team to support a seamless transition and continued execution of DMI’s strategic priorities.

DMI encourages qualified candidates and industry leaders interested in the role to direct inquiries, nominations and applications to Melissa Oszustowicz, Managing Director at ZRG at moszustowicz@zrgpartners.com.

The board expects to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search process and will provide updates as appropriate.

For more information on how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.



Bunge Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Bunge Global SA (NYSE: BG) today reported first quarter 2026 results.
• Q1 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.35 vs. $1.48 in the prior year; $1.83 vs. $1.81 on an adjusted basis excluding certain gains/charges and mark-to-market timing differences
• Higher results primarily driven by Soybean and Softseed Processing and Refining, reflecting strong execution in a dynamic environment and improved market conditions
• Increasing full-year adjusted EPS outlook range to $9.00 to $9.50 from $7.50 to $8.00

Overview
Greg Heckman, Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer said, "The Bunge team delivered a strong first quarter, executing with the discipline and speed that define this organization, while navigating one of the more rapidly changing market environments in recent years. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade flows, our global platform performed as designed, enabling us to capture opportunities, manage risks, and connect farmers to consumers with the products, services, and solutions they need as they face increasing complexity.

Looking ahead, visibility remains limited given ongoing macroeconomic conditions. However, our balanced footprint and diversified value chains position us to adapt. The long-term fundamentals underpinning demand for our products and services remain strong, and we are well equipped to continue serving customers at both ends of the value chain while delivering for all our stakeholders."

Wednesday April 29 Ag News - Pillen Promotes Beef, Ethanol in London - LEAD Group 45 Applications Open - NCW Beef Ambassador Contest - IA Swine Day is June 25 - and more!

Pillen on Transatlantic Visit to Tout Nebraska Beef, Ethanol and Energy Production

A short trip to London this week will provide Governor Jim Pillen an opportunity to tout Nebraska beef, ethanol production, and discuss business opportunities related to energy production.  The Governor’s transatlantic visit kicks off Wednesday and will wrap up Thursday night. During that time, he will meet with members of the U.S. Embassy and others, including the UK’s chief trade negotiator, Graham Floater, to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

“Given the recent trade framework that exists between the U.S. and the UK and the favorable conditions for exporting more beef, ethanol and other American products, this is a good time to build relationships and understand better how Nebraska can play a role in meeting the short and long-term needs of that nation,” said Gov. Pillen.

The first scheduled event of the trip is a dinner hosted by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which will feature beef from Nebraska. During the event, attended by importers from the UK as well as chefs and others in the culinary industry, Gov. Pillen will have an opportunity to share what goes into raising Nebraska’s cattle, including insight into the state’s natural resources, sustainable practices and the generations of producers who work tirelessly to create a quality product.

Gov. Pillen will also have an opportunity to meet government representatives, and those in private industry interested in taking advantage of new trade opportunities around increased ethanol quotas. Under the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), finalized in June 2025, the United Kingdom implemented a duty-free quota allowing 370 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to be imported annually, eliminating previous tariffs of approximately 20%.

Prior to his return, the Governor will have another chance to promote U.S. beef during a dinner event at Smith & Wollensky, an upscale steakhouse in London. The invited crowd includes more than 100 importers, distributers and others in the British foodservice and retail industries.  For the first time in nearly six years, duty-free shipments of U.S. beef are now being sent to the UK, thanks to the new trade framework implemented last year.



Applications Now Open for Nebraska LEAD Program’s 45th Cohort

Individuals with a passion for agriculture, leadership and shaping the future of Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program’s 45th cohort. Applications for the state’s premier agricultural leadership development program are now being accepted through June 15, 2026.

For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has developed leaders who are making a lasting impact across Nebraska’s agricultural industry, rural communities and beyond. Through an immersive two-year experience, Nebraska LEAD Fellows participate in dynamic seminars, in-state and national study travel, and a transformative international study seminar — all designed to strengthen leadership capacity, expand perspectives and prepare participants to address the complex challenges facing agriculture and rural America.

“Nebraska agriculture needs leaders who are prepared to think strategically, communicate effectively and lead with purpose in an increasingly complex world,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program Director. “Nebraska LEAD equips Fellows with the perspective, skills and network to lead confidently in their businesses, communities and industry. For those ready to grow personally and professionally while making a greater impact, this program can be truly transformational.”

Individuals involved in production agriculture, agribusiness or professions closely connected to the agricultural industry are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities and industry.

Application packets can be requested online at lead.unl.edu. Individuals may also nominate someone they believe has strong leadership potential to receive application materials.

The deadline to submit applications for Nebraska LEAD Class 45 is June 15, 2026.  For more information about the Nebraska LEAD Program, including eligibility requirements and program details, visit lead.unl.edu.



NCW Announces the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training

Nebraska Cattlemen’s (NC) NCW – Consumer Education and Promotion Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Advocacy Training will take place in conjunction with NC’s 2026 Annual Midyear Meeting. The contest and advocacy training will take place on Wednesday, June 10 at the Dawson County Extension office in Lexington, Neb., beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest and Beef Advocacy Training provides an opportunity for future beef industry leaders, ages fourteen to twenty-four years old, to sharpen their advocacy skills and strengthen their knowledge of the key issues facing the number one industry in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest requires participants to address current issues facing the beef industry with both a written response and a mock media interview. The contest is separated into two divisions, senior and collegiate. Cash prizes will be awarded, and the two first-place division winners will receive a belt buckle. The first-place senior and collegiate winners will become official Nebraska Beef Ambassadors for a full year. They will work to educate consumers and students on the importance of beef. At the end of their one-year term, the collegiate Nebraska Beef Ambassador will be awarded a scholarship on behalf of the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation.

Registration and additional details can be found on the Nebraska Cattlemen website at www.nebraskacattlemen.org. For more information, please contact Bonita Lederer at blederer@necattlemen.org or call (402) 450-0223.

The 2026 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Competition and Advocacy Training is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America and Purina Animal Nutrition. 



Naig Thanks Iowa Senate for Unanimous Passage of Iowa Farm Act

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Tuesday thanked the Iowa Senate for its unanimous passage of the Iowa Farm Act, Senate File 2465, by a vote of 47-0.

“I appreciate members of the Iowa Senate for their support in advancing the Iowa Farm Act with a strong bi-partisan vote. Thank you to Sen. Annette Sweeney and Sen. Tom Shipley for managing the bill through the process, Sen. Dawn Driscoll for her leadership of the Agriculture Committee, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh for his work to move this legislation forward. This comprehensive legislation reflects input from farmers and stakeholders across the state and includes real steps to strengthen Iowa’s agricultural economy and support rural communities. I’m encouraged to see the bill continue to move forward through the legislative process, and we hope to get a unified version to Gov. Reynolds for her signature soon.”

About the Iowa Farm Act
The Iowa Farm Act is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive legislative package introduced by Secretary Naig. It is designed to support Iowa farmers, strengthen rural communities, and position the state’s agricultural economy for long-term success. The bill reflects priorities identified by farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders and delivers practical solutions to today’s challenges while preparing for the future. The legislation expands economic opportunities by supporting value-added agriculture, agritourism, and new market access. It also provides targeted tax relief and regulatory clarity to reduce costs, promote fairness, and support farm succession. The package invests in the next generation of agriculture by prioritizing beginning farmers and strengthening the rural veterinary workforce. Additionally, it enhances Iowa’s biosecurity and foreign animal disease preparedness while protecting farmer confidentiality during emergencies. Finally, the Iowa Farm Act modernizes state operations and improves efficiency to better serve farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.



15th Annual Iowa Swine Day to Be Held June 25 in Ames

The 15th annual Iowa Swine Day is set for Thursday, June 25, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, Iowa Swine Day is a one-day conference focused on topics vital to the U.S. pork industry. 

Iowa Swine Day speakers are chosen by a planning committee of swine producers and allied industry representatives to ensure the program’s content is focused on current issues in today’s swine industry. 

This year’s agenda includes sessions on gene editing, artificial intelligence and innovation in pork production, along with research updates and applied talks from university and industry experts.

The program will kick off with a keynote address on innovation and leadership by Steve Lerch, former Google executive and president of Story Arc Consulting. This will be followed by the Lauren Christian Lecture on Swine Management and Genetics, given by Mike Paustian, who will address gene editing from a producer’s perspective. 

Additional morning sessions feature Dhamu Thamodaran, retired executive of Smithfield Foods, sharing insights from four decades of working in the swine industry, and Todd Thurman, CEO of Swine Insights International, discussing practical applications of artificial intelligence in swine production.

In the afternoon, participants can choose between two concurrent sessions. One track will feature applied, production-related topics, and the other will highlight recent research from Iowa State University experts. Themes include facility management, nutrition, labor, digital technology and more. 

All attendees registered for Iowa State Day are welcome to attend a pre-conference swine networking social held the evening prior. The social will be on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road in Ames.   

The cost to attend is $100 through June 7 and increases to $115 on June 8. Registration will be limited to the first 450 registrants. No on-site registration will be allowed. 

The full program, registration information and directions to the venue are available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/iowaswineday. For more information, contact Stacie Matchan at sgould@iastate.edu. 



Over 30 Groups Representing Farmers and Renewable Fuels Tell U.S. House to Pass Year-Round E15

Tuesday over 30 groups representing farmers and renewable fuels producers from across the country sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson urging inclusion of a year-round, nationwide E15 fix in the Farm Bill.

“As organizations representing renewable fuel producers and feedstock growers, we are writing to express our strong support for a bipartisan amendment proposed to the House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) that would permanently allow retail gas stations the option to sell gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol (E15) year-round,” the letter stated. “Year-round E15 has been a top priority – if not the top priority – for our organizations for many years… We have undertaken these efforts because year-round E15 access is a critical component to providing enhanced agricultural market support to rural farm economies, creating jobs through rural economic development and biomanufacturing, reducing harmful emissions through the use of cleaner fuels, and helping blunt the impact of high energy costs on consumers in a more dangerous geopolitical world.”

While floor debate has not been set, the deadline to submit amendments to the House Farm Bill has passed. The E15 amendment is the result of the work of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, co-chaired by Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra. Backers of E15 hope the amendment will be made in order by the House Rules Committee.

“IRFA is proud to be part of this letter that spans farmers from Texas to North Dakota, and from Nebraska to Ohio,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We are confident of bipartisan support on the House floor if E15 is allowed a vote. One way or the other, it is beyond time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security.”



ASA President Warns Against Broad Tariffs in USTR Testimony

American Soybean Association President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger testified today before the Office of the United States Trade Representative during a Section 301 hearing, highlighting the importance of international trade to U.S. soybean farmers and the risks of broad tariff actions.

Metzger said soybeans are the nation’s largest agricultural export, with 68.7 million metric tons exported in the 2024 to 2025 marketing year. Those exports were valued at $29.6 billion and accounted for 58% of total production.

He pointed to the impact of past tariff actions caused in retaliation to Section 301 investigations, including a 76% drop in the value of U.S. soybean exports to China from 2017 to 2018, and warned against policies that could trigger renewed retaliation.

He also noted rising input costs, as farmers rely on global supply chains for essential inputs such as fertilizer, crop protection tools, and seed.

“We are concerned this investigation could lead to remedies that will set back ongoing negotiations and result in even higher tariffs against U.S. soybeans by China,” Metzger said. He also cautioned that sweeping remedies could increase the cost of production for U.S. soybean farmers due to increased input costs at a time when farmers are already facing significant economic pressures across the board.

Metzger urged USTR to take a targeted approach to any potential remedies, including expanding exemptions for critical agricultural inputs and maintaining stability in North American trade by exempting Canada and Mexico from this and additional Section 301 investigations.



NPPC Applauds House Rules Committee for Keeping Key Farm Bill Provision Intact

The National Pork Producers Council, representing America’s 60,000-plus pork producers of all sizes, applauds the House Rules Committee for keeping intact the Farm Bill 2.0, specifically language that provides regulatory relief for farmers across the country. 

“Pork producers thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Chairman GT Thompson for standing up for our livelihoods,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington, Iowa. “We will continue to fight for our freedom to farm, and we urge the full House to support the Farm Bill 2.0.”



USTR Seeks Public Comment on the Modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) invites public comments on the modernization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is authorized through December 31, 2026.

“A modern AGOA must build on its 25-year foundation to further deepen the economic ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa by benefitting American workers, eliminating barriers to trade, and creating new opportunities for U.S. businesses,” said Ambassador Greer. “We welcome comments from interested partners to help improve the program, ensuring more reciprocal trade with our sub-Saharan African partners to strengthen America’s global competitiveness.”

The deadline for submission of comments is May 15, 2026.



Halter launches world-first virtual fencing via satellite, unlocking ranch management anywhere

Halter, the leading digital operating system for pasture-based ranches, today announced the launch of direct-to-satellite connectivity for its smart cattle collars, a world-first that removes the need for cell towers or on-ranch infrastructure. 

Using Starlink, the new technology enables ranchers to manage cattle anywhere they can see the sky. Combined with a suite of new tools for reproduction, animal behavior, and precision pasture management, the release significantly expands what is possible for cattle ranch management. Beef ranchers in remote and rugged regions that were limited by connectivity can now turn to virtual fencing to run more productive and sustainable operations - at a time when they face rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and an aging workforce pressures. 

Halter’s internal modelling estimates direct-to-satellite capability expands coverage of the U.S beef cattle market by 2.5x.

Until now, Halter’s solar-powered, GPS-enabled collars relied on Halter’s proprietary long-range radio towers. With direct-to-satellite, the collars can communicate via Starlink, eliminating ground infrastructure entirely.

“Connectivity has been the final barrier to bringing virtual fencing across remote and expansive ranches,” said Craig Piggott, CEO and founder of Halter. “Direct-to-satellite allows ranchers to manage hundreds of thousands of acres in the most remote terrain on the planet. Combined with our new suite of product features, these ranchers can be even more productive.” 

Lloyd Calvert, livestock and agriculture manager at High Lonesome Ranch in western Colorado, has been among the first to deploy the satellite-enabled system across the ranch’s 225,000 acres of complex terrain.

“Halter has changed the game completely,” said Calvert. “Satellite unlocks the ability to run very remote country while still seeing what the cattle are doing, without needing someone with them all the time. We call ourselves Halter junkies now because we can check to see where the cows are any time of day, no matter where I am. It gives me a great deal of assurance and that’s irreplaceable.”

Alongside the launch, Halter is announcing its largest-ever product upgrade for beef cattle ranchers. This update will include an all-in-one heat detection tool to identify cycling animals before and through breeding, behavioral monitoring providing near real-time insight into grazing, rumination and other indicators of cattle performance, and more advanced pasture and grazing features including satellite-based forage insight, grazing plans and templates, the ability to calculate and track animal demand and comprehensive grazing records.

Halter direct-to-satellite will be available to beef operations in the United States, New Zealand, and coming soon to Australia and Canada. Interested ranchers can learn more at halterhq.com/beef. 

Tuesday April 28 Ag News - Crop Progress Report - Ag equals 44% of NE Economic Output - Schuler Red Angus wins Leopold Conservation Award - UNL Researchers Advance Bird Flu Vaccine - and more!

 Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report

Planting progress across Nebraska accelerated sharply during the past week, but the latest USDA Crop Progress report shows dry soil conditions remain the central storyline across the Great Plains. Keep in mind data was compiled as of Sunday, April 26 before a round of rain showers.

Corn planting in Nebraska reached 26 percent complete by April 26, well ahead of the five‑year average of 16 percent. Soybean planting also surged to 19 percent, more than double the normal pace for late April. Producers reported 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing planters to roll across much of the state.

Despite the strong progress, soil moisture remains limited. Nebraska topsoil moisture is rated 43 percent very short and 30 percent short, while subsoil moisture is 40 percent very short and 40 percent short. Those conditions increase concerns for crop emergence and early‑season development if rainfall remains scarce.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, 2026, which is 2.0 days more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 22 percent complete, which is 10 percent behind last year when 32 percent of the crop had been planted. Soybean planting reached 11 percent, which is 12 percent behind 2025, when 23 percent of the crop had been planted. Oats planting reached 74 percent, 5 percent behind last year when 79 percent had been planted.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. corn planting moved slightly ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average last week, according to USDA NASS's weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday. Winter wheat conditions remained unchanged from the previous week at 30% good to excellent, NASS reported.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 25% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 3 points ahead of last year's 22% and 6 points ahead of the five-year average of 19%. 
-- Crop development: 7% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 2 points ahead of last year's 5% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 4%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 23% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 6 points ahead of last year at this time and 11 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%. 
-- Crop development: 8% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 6 points ahead of last year and 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 1%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 35% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of April 26, up 16 percentage points from 19% a year ago, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 34% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 9 percentage points ahead of last year's 25% and 13 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 21%. 

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 19% of the crop was planted nationwide as of April 26, 9 percentage points behind last year's pace of 28% and 3 percentage points behind the five-year average of 22%. 
-- Crop development: 5% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, equal to last year and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 4%.



Agriculture’s Contribution to Nebraska Economy  

Production agriculture and food-related industries are responsible for 44% of Nebraska’s economic output, tying Iowa as the most agriculturally dependent state in the U.S. The agriculture and food sectors in Nebraska also contribute around 546,000 jobs and $38.19 billion in wages. The estimates come from the Feeding the Economy Report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation in March. Nationwide, the agriculture and food sectors support nearly 49 million jobs, or roughly 30% of total U.S. employment.

The Feeding the Economy Report captures the contributions of all facets of agriculture and food production and distribution. First, it includes direct economic activity related to farms, ranches, and food-related industries, including manufacturing, wholesaling and retail where agricultural products are processed, distributed, and sold. Second, it captures the industries that supply inputs, like equipment manufacturers, fertilizer producers, transportation providers, and financial services. Finally, it analyzes how wages earned throughout the supply chain are spent in local economies, supporting restaurants, health care, housing, and other services. Capturing all these impacts, the study found food and agriculture are responsible for 20% of the country’s economic output.

Food & Agriculture Share of the Economy - by State
Nebraska - 44%
Iowa - 44% 
South Dakota - 41% 
Kansas - 32%
Minnesota - 25%
Missouri - 24%

The study is another in a long line of analyses which highlight the importance of agriculture to Nebraska. Abygail Peterson, economist for Nebraska Farm Bureau, captures agriculture’s role well when she said, “With nearly half a million jobs impacted by agriculture, this industry is vital to so many families and communities.” As such, it is important to see the sector continue to grow and prosper. Doing so will boost Nebraska’s economic growth and prosperity.



Flood and Neguse Re-Introduce Bill Supporting Precision Ag Research

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) partnered with colleagues in the House to re-introduced the “Precision Agriculture Workforce Training and Development Act.” This bipartisan legislation encourages the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in hands-on, precision agriculture programs for students.

“Nebraska continues to be at the forefront of precision ag research,” said Congressman Flood. “As universities and colleges expand these programs, the USDA should be there to support this growing field. Thank you to Rep. Neguse (CA) for joining this effort to modernize our ag economy and better train the next generation of farmers and ranchers nationwide.”

The Precision Ag Workforce Development Act will add “Precision Agriculutre Workforce Development” to the USDA’s high priority research areas. Additionally, the bill provides special consideration for insitutions that offer cooperative education programs under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).



Ricketts Introduces the Sound Science Act to Increase Transparency, Strengthen Science for Regulated Chemicals

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) Monday introduced the Sound Science Act.  This legislation would strengthen the science used for risk reviews and improve interagency coordination for chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  By strengthening the scientific basis for regulation and expediting the existing chemical review process, Americans can have access to updated and safe chemistries.  Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) is an original cosponsor.

"Nebraska farmers and ranchers depend on the EPA’s chemical review process for ingredients in livestock feed or in irrigation equipment.  Chemical determinations affect supply chains in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts.  “Too often, regulatory decisions are made without reflecting real-world impacts.  By using sound science and real-world risk profiles, we can have safer and advanced chemistries in the supply chain.”

The Sound Science Act would:
    Add new requirements to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) risk evaluations including:
        Ensure evaluations are focused on real-world risks and focus on those likely to result in unreasonable risk,
        Require the EPA to use the regulatory levels which have been developed by other Federal departments for issues within their statutory obligations rather than develop their own,
        Assume compliance with existing requirements from other federal agencies like from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
        Subject risk evaluations to interagency review like a regulation and extend public comment period to 60 days,
        Provide that other Federal agencies have a formal commenting period of 30 days to advise EPA of critical chemistries uses and supply chain impacts under their jurisdictions;
    Provide that any scientific assessment values developed by the EPA Administrator are directly subject to judicial review;
    Add new requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act to add new elements to the scientific standards EPA must consider including:
        Evaluating whether any scientific assessment developed by the Administrator meets scientific standards under best available science and weight of the evidence instead of simply being deferred to by the EPA,
        Consulting with other Federal agencies and specialists on whether an EPA work protection standard is needed, and
        Requiring the evaluation of comments from other Federal departments;
    Add a new committee in-person peer review for risk evaluations under EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals.

BACKGROUND
Currently, the Toxic Substances Control Act lacks consistent risk evaluation standards under the existing chemical program, provides limited coordination among federal agencies, and does not ensure timely review of chemicals.  This legislation would speed up the current chemical review process while implementing sound scientific standards.  The Sound Science Act reforms the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by amending the existing chemicals review process under Section 6 and the scientific standards for chemical review under Section 26.



Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Schuler Red Angus of Bridgeport is the recipient of the 2026 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

The Butch and Susan Schuler family raise beef cattle and manage 20,000 acres at Schuler Red Angus in Morrill and Banner counties. The Schulers will be formally presented with the $10,000 award later this year.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the award is presented with Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, BASF, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“Schuler Red Angus represents the best of Nebraska ranching,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “Across generations, they have remained dedicated to investing in our state’s agricultural community and its future. Our ability to provide world-class beef depends on producers like them, and we are grateful for their commitment to the long-term sustainability of our land and our industry.”

Nebraska landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award last year. Nominations were evaluated by an independent panel of Nebraska agriculture and conservation leaders.

ABOUT SCHULER RED ANGUS
David and Stephanie Schuler have spent their lifetimes watching their parents Butch and Susan make their ranch “more beautiful, efficient, and sustainable for the next generation.” 

Located in Nebraska’s Panhandle, Schuler Red Angus is known for supplying other ranchers with high quality live cattle and genetics. Equally impressive are the conservation efforts that have taken place on this unique landscape, diverse in its topography and ecological communities.

The Schulers have long been committed to improving the health and resilience of their 20,000 acres of pastures and irrigated cropland in Morrill and Banner counties. Investment in extensive water infrastructure has led to better distribution of grazing cattle.

Collaboration with public and private partners has led to innovations in how to combat cheatgrass throughout the region. The invasive species from Eastern Europe found its way to western Nebraska and Wyoming. It chokes out native grasses, and its flammability is of grave concern to ranchers. Cheatgrass seeds are notorious for festering in the eyes of animals. Early each spring, cheatgrass grows, heads out to seed, and dies before livestock and wildlife can derive any nutrition.

Schuler Red Angus is one of the region’s first ranches to demonstrate the effectiveness of a herbicide with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The herbicide prevents cheatgrass from going to seed for a couple of years, during which this time native grasses can get reestablished.

The Schulers treated 1,500 acres with cost-share assistance from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Mule Deer Foundation, and self-funded treatment of another 1,000 acres. Livestock actively graze the treated areas, while leaving untreated areas with cheatgrass untouched. Schuler Red Angus hosts workshops to educate other ranchers about this research. 

The Schulers conserve water by having proper pressure and shutoffs on pipelines. Dry wells and broken windmills have been replaced with solar wells to provide water for cattle and wildlife on parts of the ranch that the pipeline does not reach. Some solar wells were relocated to create better grazing patterns across the ranch.

After every stock tank was fitted with a metal bird ladder, the Schulers noticed a large decline in bird deaths. At least one water tank is left full for wildlife even when cattle are not grazing that area. Likewise, in the absence of cattle, gates are left open for Mule deer, elk, antelope, and white-tailed deer to pass freely through the range.

Ranch employees and interns are supplied with a tool kit that includes new rubber plungers, floats, chains, and tools needed to fix overflowing stock tanks. Pipelines are set to the correct horsepower and water pressure to ensure minimal energy consumption.

Dead and downed trees near creeks are used to created windbreaks, which provide shelter for animals to live in through hard cold spells. Keeping logs and debris out of the creek’s running water also eliminates log jams and murky, slow-flow zones.

David and Stephanie say their parents have led by example when it comes to caring for the land. While logging thousands of miles aboard an ATV to check, move, and care for cattle, Butch is known to return each time with wire, trash, or a rock that didn’t belong in the prairie.

Through acts great and small, the Schulers demonstrate a land ethic that reflects deep caring for their landscape and community.

ACCOLADES
“Supporting the Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award reflects Cargill’s commitment to responsible stewardship of the land that sustains our food system. We’re proud to partner with Sand County Foundation in recognizing conservation leaders who are helping nourish the world in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Katrina Robertson, General Manger, AVP of Cargill Beef in Schuyler, Nebraska.

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

“Schuler Red Angus is a shining example of environmental stewardship working in tandem with modern innovation. Raising Red Angus cattle while also responsibly managing the land for multiple species of wildlife takes dedication. This multi-generational family works with the land instead of against,” said Laura Field, Nebraska Cattle Executive Vice President.

“Supporting sustainable practices in agriculture helps shine a light on the good work being done by the Schuler family in Nebraska. We applaud their commitment and dedication,” said Jessica Monserrate, Head of Sustainability, BASF Agricultural Solutions.

The 2025 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award recipient was Diamond Bar Ranch of Stapleton. To view profiles of all award recipient since 2006, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/Nebraska.

Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Cargill, BASF, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Cattlemen, Farm Credit Services of America, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nebraska, Audubon Great Plains, Green Cover Seed, Nebraska Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, and World Wildlife Fund-Northern Great Plains.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.



HUSKER RESEARCHERS DEVELOP PROMISING NEW VACCINE AGAINST BIRD FLU

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a vaccine approach that shows promise in protecting against highly pathogenic bird flu, demonstrating strong efficacy in both mice and cattle.

Avian influenza, or H5N1, has disrupted agricultural systems globally, leading to the culling of more than 166 million commercial poultry birds in the United States since 2022. In 2024, the virus spread to dairy cattle — an unprecedented interspecies transfer — and subsequently caused illness in about 70 farm workers with close contact to infected animals.

The vaccine research was led by virologist Eric Weaver, professor of biological sciences and director of the Nebraska Center for Virology, along with postdoctoral fellows Joshua Wiggins and Adthakorn Madapong in the School of Biological Sciences. Their findings are forthcoming in NPJ Vaccines. The new vaccine platform is designed to protect against multiple H5N1 strains and to generate immunity in both the bloodstream and the respiratory tract.

The vaccine was tested in mice and dairy calves, producing strong immune responses and complete protection against severe disease in preclinical models. The results suggest the approach could offer protection for livestock, particularly because there are currently no licensed H5N1 vaccines for cattle.

Weaver said the team built on earlier work from his lab when the cattle outbreak began.

“I had started working on this as a potential problem in 2005, but the last publication was around 10 years ago,” he said. “When the outbreak began, my hope was that this would cycle through dairy cattle and be gone, but that didn’t happen. It got progressively worse, and I was worried.”

Working with the Animal Care Team at Nebraska, the researchers obtained calves for testing in early 2025. The calves were vaccinated at one week of age using a combination of intramuscular and intranasal delivery and received a booster four weeks later. In a separate experiment, vaccinated mice were fully protected against lethal infection from multiple H5N1 strains.

“The idea was that if we put it intramuscularly, we can prevent it from spreading in the body, and then a mucosal aspect, intranasally, would prevent it from spreading from animal to animal,” Weaver said.

With these new findings, Weaver is seeking funding and potential partnerships to further evaluate the vaccine, including development of a multispecies option. Protecting cattle from H5N1 could reduce economic losses for producers while limiting opportunities for the virus to adapt and spread to humans.

“We’d like to have a vaccine for the farm and the farmer, and everything shows that this would be an effective vaccine platform for humans, as well,” Weaver said.

As diseases continue to cross species barriers, Weaver said research like this will be critical to protecting Nebraska and the global community.

“Historically, these things will move into other species if there is extended contact long enough for the evolution to occur,” he said. “Influenza A viruses have never been an issue in cattle, but it is now, and it’s not going away.”



More Butter and Cheese In Cold Storage
Fred Hall, Dairy Field Specialist, ISU Extension

U.S. dairy inventories showed mixed movement in the latest USDA Cold Storage report, signaling a market that remains well supplied in some categories while tightening in others. Stocks held in refrigerated warehouses as of March 31, 2026, reflect seasonal shifts in milk production and processor demand as the industry transitions into spring.

The amount of butter inventory at the end of March was 288.8 million pounds, compared to 256.2 million pounds in February.  The March butter stocks were lower than a year ago, when there was 323.1 million pounds in cold storage.

Cheese inventories presented a more balanced picture. Total natural cheese stocks in cold storage increased modestly from February but remained lower than the same period last year. American-style cheese inventories also showed slight tightening on an annual basis, while stocks of other cheese varieties continued to fluctuate with production schedules and export demand. USDA data indicated that total natural cheese holdings were up about 1 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from March 2025.

For dairy producers, lower year-over-year cheese inventories may be viewed as supportive for Class III milk pricing, especially if demand remains steady through spring and early summer. Cheese stocks are closely monitored because they often serve as an indicator of whether production is outpacing consumption. When inventories remain manageable, markets tend to interpret this as a sign of balanced supply.

Dry dairy ingredients continue to play an important role in overall inventory trends. While the Cold Storage report focuses primarily on refrigerated inventories, broader USDA dairy product data suggests milk powder and whey markets remain influenced by export demand and international competition. U.S. processors continue adjusting production to meet shifting global needs for skim solids and protein ingredients.

The March inventory picture highlights a dairy market that is neither oversupplied nor severely constrained. Butter inventories appear available, cheese stocks remain relatively balanced, and demand continues to absorb a large share of production. For producers, these figures suggest that dairy product movement remains healthy despite broader economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, traders and producers will watch upcoming milk production reports alongside future cold storage data to determine whether inventory levels continue tightening into summer. Seasonal milk growth, export performance, and domestic consumer demand will remain key drivers influencing dairy product prices in the months ahead.



Millions-strong Farmer Coalition Urges Prop. 12 Relief in Farm Bill

The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation, representing more than 5 million members, led a coalition urging Congress to provide regulatory certainty for farmers across the country forced to comply California Proposition 12—and the impending patchwork of differing state laws that could ultimately impact prices for consumers.
 
Taking their concerns directly to congressional leadership, a coalition of nearly 400 agricultural groups sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), detailing robust arguments opposing the extraterritorial state law.

    The massive problems caused by Prop. 12 cannot be solved via regulation or executive order—it is solely Congress’ authority and responsibility to provide a solution, as noted in the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision.  

    Prop. 12 has created uncertainty across rural America, especially on small and medium-sized farms, as they have less financial ability to retrofit barns to comply with the restrictive law. 

    There is significant bipartisan willingness to fix Prop. 12. 
    o    Trump administration Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “[Proposition 12] is not just affecting California. It’s affecting multitudes of other states, multitudes of other parts of the ag community, including our hog family farms.”  
    o    Biden administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “California’s Proposition 12 is not a narrow issue, nor is it a regional one. It goes to the heart of whether farmers across the country can operate under consistent, responsible, science-based standards—or be subject to a shifting patchwork of mandates they cannot control and cannot afford. When I served as Secretary of Agriculture the Supreme Court of the United States made clear, resolving these interstate challenges is the responsibility of Congress. I encouraged Congress to act then, and I am again encouraging Congress to act now. The farm bill presents a clear and immediate opportunity to provide that certainty and uphold the principles that have long sustained American agriculture and the affordability of our food supply.” 

    Laws like Prop. 12 do not improve animal welfare and lack scientific evidence.
    o    The American Veterinary Medical Association said, “the arbitrary housing requirements in Prop 12 do not objectively improve animal welfare and may unintentionally cause harm.” 

    Prop. 12 sets the stage for an unworkable 50-state patchwork of laws. 
    o    A proposal in Oklahoma would increase housing requirements beyond Prop. 12. This means that pork producers nationwide, regardless of whether they have converted to be Prop. 12-compliant, would yet again be out of compliance to access another state market.

    Farmers’ costs to house their animals are increasing.  
    o    Multiple university studies show that constructing new, Prop. 12-compliant barns can cost 25-40% more per sow than other housing styles, not including the estimated 15% higher operating costs per pig caused by reduced productivity. 

    Prop. 12 is responsible for declining food affordability as grocery story pork prices are skyrocketing.  
    o    North Dakota State University economists found that since Prop. 12 was implemented, prices for covered products in California have increased nearly 20% on average.  

    Prop. 12 leads to pork industry consolidation, as smaller farms close their doors because of the regulatory burdens and high costs of complying with Prop. 12.

The 2026 House Farm Bill protects everyone’s freedom to farm while also allowing states to act independently by allowing laws that regulate practices and impact commerce within their borders. California’s Proposition 12 goes beyond those protections and dictates practices in other states.
 
NPPC and almost 400 other agricultural groups stand up for the rights of all pork producers, regardless of size, and call on Congress to pass the House Farm Bill with a Prop. 12 fix. 




Fund Ag Export Promotion Programs, Says Coalition
 
The Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports, which more than 130 other agriculture organizations, is urging the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to include “full, mandatory” funding for two export promotion programs in the fiscal 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.
 
In a letter to Reps. Andy Harris (R-MD) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA), the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, the coalition asked that funding continue for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, “an investment which is making a difference.”
 
The coalition pointed out that private-sector investment through MAP is $2.50 for each $1 in federal funding, while FMD spending is $3.25 for each federal dollar appropriated. “Full funding for these programs is abundantly necessary,” said the coalition.
 
Exports add significantly to the bottom line of every U.S. agricultural producer. In countries around the world, MAP and FMD have helped promote U.S. farm products, which generated economic output of more than $362 billion in 2023, according to USDA. That means for every $1 of U.S. agricultural goods exported, $2.06 of domestic economic activity was generated.



Could Beef-on-Dairy Adoption be Leading to More Heifers on Feed?
David Anderson
Extension Specialist – Livestock and Food Product Marketing
Texas A&M University

Beef-on-dairy remains among the most discussed topics in the beef industry. Questions have been raised about the impacts of beef-on-dairy on beef production, which we discuss in a 2024 Cattle Market Notes Weekly article. A question that has received less attention, but we believe is just as important, is whether growth in beef-on-dairy has the potential to mask changes in cattle inventories in USDA NASS reports. Specifically, the January and July Cattle Inventory reports and the monthly and quarterly Cattle on Feed report. The objective of this article is to explain how beef on dairy could impact cattle inventory reporting. Specifically, we examine scenarios in which growth in beef-on-dairy programs may increase the number of cattle entering the beef supply and change the composition of those cattle.

Beef-on-dairy can affect beef supplies in two ways: the total number of cattle entering the beef supply and the composition of cattle in the U.S. beef supply. First, beef-on-dairy may change the number of cattle entering the beef supply chain by altering the relative value of dairy heifers. Historically, dairy heifers are valued highest as dairy cow replacements. Excess heifers, those in excess of dairy cow replacement needs entered the beef supply chain. However, growth in beef-on-dairy programs can increase the value of dairy heifers and bull calves as part of the beef supply chain. This could potentially influence heifer retention decisions in the dairy sector and affect the share of dairy heifers retained for herd replacement each year. Second, beef-on-dairy alters the composition of cattle by shifting dairy-origin calves that would traditionally enter the system as straight-bred dairy steers and heifers into a distinct beef-on-dairy category. This effectively creates a third class of animal in the beef production system alongside traditional straight-beef breed and straight-dairy cattle breed. Although we might argue that these are simply another cross bred type of cattle.

The data from the January Cattle Inventory report shows that from 2017 to 2026 the dairy cow herd has ranged from 9.34 million to 9.57 million head. At the same time, the ratio of dairy replacement heifers to dairy cows has declined from 50.7% in 2017 to 40.8% in 2026. While the dairy herd has been relatively stable during that time, the pool of heifers being held for dairy replacement has been shrinking. While some of this is likely due to producers more efficiently targeting heifer semen to the right cows, one must also think some of this is due to the potential value of those non-replacement dairy calves, many of which are now beef sired. The proliferation of information for better decision making on dairies has led to fine tuning the number of replacement heifers needed, especially given the cost of heifer development, and freeing up more beef sired calves for the record high calf market.

One industry report that the beef cattle sector pays close attention to, because of its implications for herd rebuilding, is the quarterly Cattle on Feed (COF) report from USDA-NASS. In the quarterly COF, published at the beginning of each quarter, cattle on feed inventories are reported separately for steers and heifers, and the key statistic discussed is heifers on feed as a percent of total cattle on feed. When heifer retention increases for the purpose of beef cow herd expansion, heifers represent a small share of total on-feed inventory. However, the reported number of heifers on feed does not distinguish between beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy heifers. Higher adoption of sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers, combined with incentives to use more beef semen on dairy cows, has the potential to result in more calves born from dairy cows being placed on feed. A good portion of these are likely heifers, which suggest it could also inflate heifers on feed as a percent of total cattle on feed. If this were occurring, it could mask early signs of beef cow herd rebuilding.

The January 2026 COF reported that heifers on feed totaled 4.435 million head, or 38.7% of total cattle on feed. To estimate the potential impacts of beef-on-dairy and sexed-semen adoption, we subtract the estimated increase in heifers associated with increased adoption of both from total reported heifers on feed. A key challenge is that assumptions about beef-on-dairy and sexed-semen adoption rates are hard to pin down. Our baseline assumes a 50/50 steer-heifer dairy calf crop with no sexed semen and no beef-on-dairy. The increase in heifers is calculated assuming 75% adoption of sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers and 25% adoption of sexed semen for beef-on-dairy steers. Under these assumptions, we estimate that a little over 1.5 million dairy heifers enter feedlots annually, compared to a little less than 940 thousand under the baseline scenario. This implies an increase of approximately 600 thousand heifers entering feedlots each year relative to the baseline. After applying this adjustment, the implied beef breed heifers-on-feed total for January 2026 is 4.186 million head, or 36.6% of total cattle on feed. Even after adjusting for potential beef-on-dairy heifers it is still a relatively large number of beef breed heifers on feed and doesn’t really change drastically implications about herd expansion. For perspective, the estimated increase of roughly 600,000 heifers entering feedlots annually is large relative to recent changes in beef inventories. For example, the beef cow herd declined by about 1%, while beef heifer inventories increased by only about 41,000 head, suggesting these dynamics could meaningfully influence how cattle inventory data are interpreted.

Rather than focusing on any single assumption about adoption rates, Figure 2 calculates the combinations of sexed semen use that would generate the same adjusted heifer share of total cattle on feed. The line in the figure represents combinations of adoption rates that produce a heifer share of approximately 38.7%, which matches the heifer share implied by the January 2026 Cattle on Feed report. Points along the line yield the same implied heifer-on-feed percentage. Combinations above the line result in a larger adjusted heifer share, while combinations below the line result in a smaller share.

For example, if the industry adopts 70% sexed semen for dairy replacement heifers, then adoption of sexed semen for beef-on-dairy steers above approximately 42% would imply an upward adjustment in the heifer-on-feed percentage above 38.7%. Alternatively, adoption below approximately 42% would imply a heifer share below 38.7%.

This approach shifts the emphasis away from identifying a single assumed adoption rate and instead highlights the tradeoff between dairy replacement and beef-on-dairy adoption. Because no comprehensive industry-wide data exist documenting adoption of sexed semen for either dairy replacements or beef-on-dairy programs, presenting the results in this way allows us to evaluate how alternative combinations of adoption rates would affect the implied heifer share, without requiring a definitive assumption.

Beef-on-dairy and the use of sexed semen in the dairy industry both have implications for the beef industry, particularly for how cattle inventories are interpreted in USDA-NASS reports. As an example, we have shown how these changes in the dairy industry might impact the quarterly estimate of heifers on feed in the USDA-NASS COF report. This is something that analysts need to keep in mind when they interpret the gender breakdown from these quarterly reports. An additional issue is that beef-on-dairy cattle are not always easily distinguishable from straight-beef cattle once they enter feedlots. As a result, simply reporting beef-on-dairy cattle as a separate category in existing USDA reports is not a straightforward solution to what we believe is a potential measurement and interpretation problem in these reports. This is a separate issue that is worth having its own article.