Tuesday July 01 Ag News - Crop Progress - Planted Acreage - Quarterly Stocks - and more!

 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The condition of the U.S. corn crop increased slightly while soybean conditions remained steady last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 8%, 2 percentage points behind of last year's 10% but 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, up 3 points from 70% the previous week and 6 points ahead of last year's 67%. Five percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, down 1 point from 6% the previous week and lower than 9% last year. 

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: 94% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, consistent with last year but 1 point behind of the five-year average of 95%. Soybeans blooming was pegged at 17%, 1 point behind of last year's 18% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 16%. Soybeans setting pods was estimated at 3%, also equal to last year and up 1 point from the five-year average of 2%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 66% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and 1 point below 67% last year. Seven percent of soybeans were rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week and 1 point below last year's 8%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead 18 percentage points to reach 37% complete nationwide Sunday. That was 15 points behind of last year's 52% and 5 points behind of the five-year average pace of 42%. 
-- Crop condition: 48% of the crop remaining in fields was rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 49% the previous week and 3 points below from 51% a year ago, according to NASS.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 96% of spring wheat has emerged, 4 points behind 100% from last year and the five-year average. 38% of the crop was headed, which is 3 points ahead of last year's 35% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 37%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 53% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 1 point from 54% the previous week and 19 points down from 72% last year. 



Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report

Topsoil Moisture - 7% surplus - 61% adequate - 27% short - 5% very short
Subsoil Moisture - 4% surplus - 44% adequate - 41% short - 11% very short
Corn Silking - 2% - LW 1% - 5YA 1%
Corn Condition 77% good to excellent
Soybeans in bloom - 4% - LW 1% - 5YA 22%
Soybean Condition - 68% good to excellent
Winter Wheat Harvested - 4% - 5YA 6% 
Pasture & Range Condition - 37% good to excellent



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Precipitation, heavy in some parts of Iowa, reduced days suitable for fieldwork to just 2.7 during the week ending June 29, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While beneficial, the wet conditions limited field activities throughout much of the State.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus.

Reports of corn starting to silk were received, reaching 3 percent. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 63 percent good and 22 percent excellent. 

Soybeans blooming reached 22 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. There were a few reports of soybeans setting pods. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 61 percent good and 16 percent excellent. 

Iowa’s oat crop reached 90 percent headed with 39 percent turning color. There were scattered reports of oats starting to be harvested. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 68 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

First cutting of alfalfa hay is mostly complete, while the second cutting reached 30 percent complete. Hay condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. 

Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. No unusual livestock conditions were reported.



USDA Planted Acreage Report - June 30 2025 

Corn planted area for all purposes in 2025 is estimated at 95.2 million acres, up 5 percent or 4.61 million acres from last year. This represents the third highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944. Compared with last year, planted acreage is expected to be up or unchanged in 41 of the 48 estimating States. Area harvested for grain, at 86.8 million acres, is up 5 percent from last year.
Nebraska - 10.3 mil acres
Iowa - 13.5 mill acres

Soybean planted area for 2025 is estimated at 83.4 million acres, down 4 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage is down or unchanged in 25 of the 29 estimating States.
Nebraska - 5 mil acres
Iowa = 9.5 mil acres

All wheat planted area for 2025 is estimated at 45.5 million acres, down 1 percent from 2024. The 2025 winter wheat planted area, at 33.3 million acres, is down less than 1 percent from last year but up slightly from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 23.6 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.10 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.67 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2025 is estimated at 10.0 million acres, down 5 percent from the 2024 estimate. Of this total, about 9.44 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2025 is estimated at 2.11 million acres, up 2 percent from the previous year. 
Nebraska - 960,000 acres



USDA Quarterly Grain Stocks Report - June 30 2025

Corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 4.64 billion bushels, down 7 percent from June 1, 2024. Of the total stocks, 2.56 billion bushels are stored on farms, down 16 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 2.09 billion bushels, are up 6 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2025 indicated disappearance is 3.50 billion bushels, compared with 3.36 billion bushels during the same period last year.
Nebraska - On farm 275 mil bu - off farm 261.7 mil bu - total stocks 536.7 mil bu
Iowa - on farm 495 mil bu - off farm 408 mil bu - total stocks 903 mil bu

Soybeans stored in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 1.01 billion bushels, up 4 percent from June 1, 2024. On-farm stocks totaled 412 million bushels, down 12 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 596 million bushels, are up 18 percent from a year ago. Indicated disappearance for the March - May 2025 quarter totaled 903 million bushels, up 3 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Nebraska - on farm 23 mil bu - off farm 53.9 mil bu - total stocks 76.9 mil bu 
Iowa - on farm 73 mil bu - off farm 110 mil bu - total stocks 183.1 mil bu 

Old crop all wheat stored in all positions on June 1, 2025 totaled 851 million bushels, up 22 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 184 million bushels, up 32 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 667 million bushels, are up 20 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2025 indicated disappearance is 386 million bushels, down 2 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Nebraska - on farm 1.2 mil bu - off farm - 19.9 mil bu - total stocks 21 mil bu



Summer Cow-Calf Association Tour

The Cuming County Cow-Calf Association is inviting you to an educational event on Tuesday, July 15. This event is open to cattle producers in Cuming and surrounding counties.

We will travel to the UNL Eastern Nebraska Research Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033-2234. Please meet north of the Cuming County Courthouse at 10:15 a.m. to carpool. We will have lunch in Wahoo (TBD).

This is an opportunity to tour the new feedlot facilities after a year of operation. We will do the beef cattle feedlot tour at 1:00 p.m. followed by a tour of the cow-calf and forage area at 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP by calling University of Nebraska Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 or email mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu by July 11th.



Regen Ag Field Day to Demonstrate Cover Crops, Regenerative Strips

Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project and Bow Creek Watershed Project are teaming up with Junior Pfanstiel to host a Regenerative Ag Field Day on Tuesday, July 8th! The project involves planting green 4 rows of corn 10 ft wide and leaving 10 ft of cover crops (regen strips) throughout the field. The regen strips will then be roller crimped in the whole field. This process will provide weed control and fertility to the corn. A warm season diverse cover mix will then be drilled into the regen strips. Later in the season, a cool season diverse cover mix will be established. Strips will be rotationally grazed down to 50% before moving to the next one.

During this event, we plan to have the following discussions:
    Junior Pfanstiel, Outside the Box Agronomy, LLC, will talk about his objective and thought process in the planning, the why, and just what his expectations are. Nathan Choat of Green Cover Crops will speak directly on the planned mixes that were chosen.
    Ben Beckman, UNL Livestock Extension Educator, will talk about the mixes and what each mix brings to the prescribed grazing and their benefits.
    Caro Cordova, Statewide Soil Health Specialist and UNL Assistant Professor, will talk about the benefits and soil health implementations, discuss the root pit and what it means, and will have the biomass analysis available to discuss how it ties into the entire soil health complex.
    Amy Timmerman, UNL Cropping Extension Educator, will be on hand to demonstrate a water infiltration kit and how it impacts your soil health and potential plant yield.

For the established cover crops, we will have a root pit opened to see just how far down the roots were established prior to being crimped! We will also be showcasing Junior’s equipment (crimper, drill and inter-seeder highboy).

Register at: https://forms.gle/8BkwAsCDn1q7TEFCA 

This field day is sponsored and produced by Outside the Box Agronomy, UNL Extension, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE), Nebraska Department of Water, Environment, & Energy, and the Lewis & Clark NRD, the Lower Elkhorn NRD, the Lower Niobrara NRD, and the Upper Elkhorn NRD.

Directions to Field: Due North on 552 Ave from Hwy 20 (West of McLean Turn) Time: Join us from 10:00 am ‘til Noon – Lunch will be available after we finish up - at the newly opened restaurant ‘The Breakroom’ in Randolph, NE (6 miles east of the field location), where the food is ALL locally grown!



Bacon to Retire at End of 119th Congress

Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) Cyber, Information Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee (CITI), announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 and will retire at the end of the 119th Congress. 

“After consultation with my family and much prayer, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026 and will fulfill my term in the 119th Congress through January 2, 2027. After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home. I’ve been married for 41 years, and I’d like to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and the Omaha community. I also want to continue advocating for a strong national security strategy and a strong alliance system with countries that share our love of democracy, free markets and the rule of law. 

“During the remainder of the 119th Congress, we will be focused on finishing the job. Providing top-notch constituent services in the district, for which we were recognized in 2021 with the Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Awards for Constituent Services in 2021, will be a priority as it always has been.  

“To date, we have processed close to 8,500 casework/requests for assistance; we have helped people who were wrongly marked as deceased,  helped citizens in distress around the world return home; helped people devasted by disasters such as flood and tornadoes, literally climb out of the ruble and connect them with resources; we have solved problems with Medicare, Social Security and IRS problems, passports and immigration, and so much more. Our team has worked diligently every day to advocate for and deliver on behalf of our constituents. 

“Legislatively, I aim to work to get five agricultural bills passed that were included as part of the Farm Bill, including the increase of defenses for our nation’s food supply chain and removing barriers for the next generation of farmers seeking to establish their operations. I will continue my work on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and lay the groundwork for a new VA hospital in Omaha.  

“My service to our great nation started in the Air Force, where I served sixteen assignments, five commands and four deployments and will continue in Congress until the end of the 119th Congress. I’d like to find new ways to serve our great country.  I have a love for national security, and I’ll always be a proponent for old-fashioned Ronald Reagan Conservative values.  It has been an honor to serve the 2nd District of Nebraska and the nation, and I thank our constituents for trusting me to represent them. I am proud of the work we have done and will continue to do until the lights in the office are turned off for the last time. Thank you, and God bless America.” 



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Rep. Don Bacon’s Retirement from Congress

"Congressman Bacon has proven throughout his career in Congress to be a man of faith, a leader with integrity, and a steadfast supporter of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. His service on the House Agriculture Committee has provided a valuable voice for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers on multiple farm bills and a multitude of issues that impact our nation’s food, fuel, and fiber supply. While we certainly greeted the congressman’s retirement announcement with mixed feelings, we want to wish Don and Angie the best as they embark on this next adventure. The lives of all Nebraskans have been made better due to Congressman Bacon and his tireless work fighting on our behalf. Congratulations, may God continue to bless you, and thank you for your lifetime of selfless service.”



Nebraska Extension to Host Summer Pasture Walk Near Verdigre

Nebraska Extension, in collaboration with Nebraska Game & Parks, Lewis and Clark NRD, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, invites livestock producers and land managers to attend a Summer Pasture Walk on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Trent Arens Farm, located at 88184 528 Ave, Verdigre, NE.

This free event provides a hands-on opportunity to observe and discuss pasture management strategies in a working livestock system. Attendees will engage with Extension educators, partner representatives, and fellow producers on topics including forage production, grazing management, and pasture improvement.

No registration is required. For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension 402-254-6821.



New Study Shows Corn Farming is a Major Engine for U.S. Economy

The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, and corn farmers are bolstering the U.S. economy and building strong communities, according to a new study released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Corn grower leaders say they could make an even bigger contribution to the U.S. economy through increased sales of ethanol and the cultivation of new foreign markets.

The study, entitled The Economic Value of Corn Farming in the United States for 2024, noted the contribution of corn farming and its upstream linkages extended across 506 different industry sectors in all 50 states, generating an estimated $123 billion in total economic output in 2024. The report also shows that corn farming supported over 440,000 jobs and provided $29 billion in wages, strengthening communities in rural America and across the entire nation.

“These findings show that the corn industry is an essential contributor to the nation’s agricultural and economic value chains,” said NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson. “The study demonstrates the positive ripple effect of corn production, vital to a healthy U.S. economy.”

NCGA said that given the chance, corn growers could contribute even more to the U.S. economy.

“Corn growers and farmers across the country are clearly helping to propel the U.S. economy,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Corn farming’s economic value could be even greater if corn growers were able to fully contribute to the domestic fuel supply via increased ethanol blends and access to additional export markets.”

Corn grower leaders have been advocating for Congress to pass legislation that would allow for the nationwide, year-round sale of fuel with a 15% ethanol blend. They have also worked to make an aviation fuel tax credit accessible so that ethanol and other biofuels could be used in the aviation sector. And NCGA has called on the administration and Congress to aggressively pursue new and expanded foreign markets for American corn exporters.  

NCGA and state corn grower groups will visit Capitol Hill officers in early July to continue their advocacy efforts on these key priorities.



USDA Announces the Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Monday announced risk-based port re-openings for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico beginning as early as July 7, 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following extensive collaboration between USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) experts and their counterparts in Mexico to increase New World Screwworm (NWS) surveillance, detection, and eradication efforts, are set to begin a phased reopening of the southern ports starting with Douglas, Arizona.

Progress has been made in several critical areas since the ports were closed on May 11th, including: resolution of challenges with conducting flights in Mexico that has allowed our team to consistently conduct sterile NWS fly dispersal 7 days each week and dispersal of more than 100 million flies each week. We also sent five teams of APHIS staff to visit/observe and gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s NWS response and allow us the opportunity to share our feedback. We have not seen a notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of NWS over the past eight weeks.

“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”

While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk based upon the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico, and if it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.

Port Reopening Timeline 
*After each reopening USDA will evaluate to ensure no adverse effects arise*
    Douglas, AZ – July 7
    Columbus, NM – July 14
    Santa Teresa, NM – July 21
    Del Rio, TX – August 18
    Laredo, TX – September 15

USDA is working with Mexico’s National Department of Health, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) on outreach, education, and training efforts to raise awareness and put producers on high alert about NWS, along with utilizing their well-functioning central laboratory for diagnosing cases. While Mexico has made great progress on animal movement controls and surveillance, additional progress will help ensure the remaining U.S. ports reopen. Enhanced animal movement controls to stem illegal animal movements from the south, along with robust surveillance and NWS risk mitigations beyond check points will be critical in pushing back NWS. APHIS technical teams continue to engage with SENASICA to improve the overall NWS posture in Mexico and implement the rigorous steps needed to keep this pest away from our border.

Mexico will also begin renovation of its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa this week, with renovation expected to be completed by July 2026. Renovation of this facility will allow for production of between 60-100 million sterile NWS flies each week. This is a critical step towards reaching the goal of producing the estimated 400-500 million flies each week needed to re-establish the NWS barrier at the Darien Gap.

To ensure that we safely proceed with allowing for movement of animals across the border, only cattle and bison, born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua, or that are treated according to cattle and bison NWS protocol when entering these states will be eligible for import. See USDA APHIS | Importing Live Cattle and Bison From Mexico to the United States for more information on cattle and bison import requirements. In addition, reopening the Del Rio (August 18) and Colombia Bridge (September 15) ports will be contingent on Coahuila and Nuevo Leon adopting the same NWS protocols for cattle and bison as those now required of Sonora and Chihuahua for cattle or bison entering those states.

Equines may import from anywhere in Mexico. They require a 7-day quarantine at the port of entry and must import in accordance with the equine NWS protocol and other requirements detailed on USDA APHIS | Import Horses from Mexico webpage. Approved equine facilities are available at the Santa Teresa, NM port and will be available for entry of horses when that port is reopened.

In May 2025, USDA suspended imports of live cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico into the United States due to the continued and rapid northward spread of NWS. During the weeks of June 2 and June 16, teams of APHIS experts conducted robust onsite assessments of Mexico’s NWS response efforts to fully reassess the risk of NWS incursions to the United States posed by importation of Mexican cattle across our southern border.



NCBA Stands with USDA On Measured Plan to Reopen Key Ports of Entry

Monday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to strategically reopen key ports of entry to shipments of live cattle, bison, and horses. This decision was made by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins following a New World screwworm assessment by USDA staff in Mexico and ongoing conversations between Secretary Rollins and the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture.

“NCBA and our state affiliates have spent months working with USDA to safeguard the U.S. cattle industry from the threat of New World screwworm. We strongly support USDA’s five-pronged plan to fight the screwworm, which includes bolstering sterile fly production by renovating a facility in Metapa, Mexico and by building a new fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in south Texas,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “Today’s announcement to reopen key ports of entry is a measured, thoughtful approach by Secretary Rollins to allow some trade while also ensuring the American cattle industry is protected from this pest.”
 
NCBA previously supported USDA’s decision to temporarily close the U.S. southern border to shipments of cattle, bison, and horses in May 2025. This temporary measure was intended to give USDA time to assess conditions on the ground in Mexico and to determine the next steps for eradicating this pest. Since that time, USDA has rolled out their five-pronged plan to fight the screwworm, increase surveillance, and stop the spread of the pest in Mexico. USDA also recently sent staff from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to Mexico to gather technical information.  

“We trust Secretary Rollins made this decision with the latest information from USDA staff in Mexico, and we know she will continue holding her counterparts in the Mexican government accountable for eradicating screwworm,” Woodall added. “NCBA and our state affiliate partners will continue working with USDA and key members of Congress to protect the United States from New World screwworm.” 



NFU Statement on the Senate Reconciliation Bill  

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew released the following statement today in response to the Senate reconciliation bill:

“Family farmers and ranchers still need a comprehensive, five-year farm bill that reflects the full breadth of agriculture—from producers to consumers—and using reconciliation to move a partial package is a missed opportunity. 

“There are some meaningful provisions in this bill. It strengthens the farm safety net, invests in biofuels and conservation, and extends key tax incentives. But these gains are paired with harmful tradeoffs—most notably, cuts to SNAP and Medicaid and new, broader loopholes in farm program payment limits. 

“We support Senator Grassley’s amendment to close those loopholes and better target support to family farmers and ranchers. These improvements are essential to restore fairness. 

“Farm policy should unite us. We urge lawmakers to redouble their efforts to deliver a farm bill that works for everyone.”



Strong Cash Cattle Markets Take a Breather
Will Secor, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia

Cattle prices remain strong year-over-year, but many areas of the country saw prices slip week-over-week. On the fed cattle side, prices for 5-Area fed steers fell by around 2 percent compared to last week. This price drop also came amid a decline in transactions, which fell by nearly 10 percent. Year-over-year price comparisons remain strong with these fed steer prices up by around 17-18 percent.

Feeder cattle price changes varied across the country. According to auction reports last week, average prices for lighter weight feeder cattle fell for most states east of the Mississippi (roughly even to about 3.5 percent declines). For heavier weight feeder steers, weekly price moves were much wider: increases of over 8 percent to declines of nearly 10 percent. Some western states saw strong price moves higher, such as Nebraska, while many others saw smaller moves either up or down. While week-over-week price movements may have been largely negative for feeder cattle, these prices remain well above year-ago levels.

Wholesale beef prices remain on a tear. The weekly choice cutout value approached nearly $400/cwt. The choice-select spread has been small this year with the most recent week’s spread being 32 percent small than last year. These declines are likely due to overall tight supplies and continued strong demand for beef.

Recent data on retail beef prices saw some month-over-month declines in May. Roast and steak retail prices fell, while ground beef prices increased. Again, like cattle prices, retail prices remain well above year-ago levels.

Lastly, today’s acreage and grain stocks reports appear to have had little impact on grain markets. Data in the reports largely matched pre-report estimates. As such, lower feed prices appear to remain the norm this year. Weather markets and other unexpected events will certainly continue to play a role. However, this generally low feed-price environment supports feeder cattle prices and feeder margins.

Looking ahead, it appears that risks to the cattle complex come from macroeconomic uncertainty that may impact demand (domestic or overseas) and from any disruption that may push feed prices higher. Production risks from screwworm should continue to be watched as well. Otherwise, market fundamentals continue to point to strong prices year-over-year. In the months ahead, look for lighter weight feeder cattle prices to slide as weaned calves hit auction barns this fall. However, given tight supplies, these price declines may be small.



RFA Applauds Inclusion of E15 Funding in Final California Budget

The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed California’s inclusion of funding for E15 approval in the state’s newly enacted 2025–2026 budget. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, the budget allocates dedicated resources to fund the rulemaking process needed to make E15 a legal fuel. E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol.

The provision ensures that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has the financial support necessary to finalize regulatory work related to E15 and help expand consumer access to the fuel across the state. California remains the only state where E15 is not yet legal for sale, despite its long-standing approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in vehicles model year 2001 and newer.

“This is a positive step toward expanding access to lower-carbon, lower-cost fuel options in California,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We applaud Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for recognizing the need to take concrete action to support broader availability of E15. With this funding in place, California will finally be positioned to join the rest of the country in offering drivers a cleaner, more affordable choice at the pump. RFA and our members look forward to working alongside retailers, regulators, and local partners to help bring E15 to more California consumers.”

Monday June 30 Ag News

Soybean White Mold Management Season is Here
Dylan Mangel - Extension Plant Pathologist

As we approach the critical period for managing white mold in soybeans, it's essential to make timely and informed decisions to mitigate potential losses. Sclerotinia stem rot, or white mold, significantly impacted yields in 2021 and 2023 soybean crops, and proactive management is crucial for this season. The key factors to keep in mind as you monitor and manage fields are:
    Flowering Susceptibility: Soybean plants are most vulnerable to white mold infection during the flowering stage (R1 to R3).
    Protective Measures: Ensuring flowers are protected is essential for preventing infection and controlling the disease. Late management will not save infected plants.
    Environmental Conditions: Wet, humid environments facilitate the spread of white mold.
    Field History: Fields with a prior history of white mold are at greater risk of occurrence, often beginning in the same hotspots where infection occurred in past seasons due to the persistence of sclerotia in the soil.

Pathogen Overview
Sclerotinia stem rot, commonly known as white mold, is a fungal disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus survives between seasons in the soil as hard, black, dark structures called sclerotia. In spring, saturated soils and a full canopy favor the emergence of apothecia, mushroom-like structures that release millions of airborne spores during flowering. These spores infect soybeans primarily through senescing blossoms and injured tissue, requiring free moisture for infection. The disease typically prevents successful pod development and produces more sclerotia on and in the stems, which are scattered back onto the soil during harvest and can survive for several years.

Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of white mold usually appear during pod development and can be subtle at first. The disease often begins with wilting and discoloration of leaves, followed by stem and pod infections that show white, cottony fungal growth and black sclerotia. Water-soaked lesions typically form near colonized flowers, and stems become tan, brittle and hollow, sometimes containing sclerotia. Affected stems frequently shred when pulled apart and show signs/symptoms approximately 6 to 14 inches above the soil surface, although lower stems may also be infected as well. 

Favorable Environmental Conditions
White mold develops from flowering to pod formation under wet, humid conditions with moderate temperatures (<85°F). It is more prevalent in northern Nebraska counties and irrigated fields throughout central Nebraska, due to the consistent moisture and cooler canopy temperatures.

Management Strategies
Genetic Resistance: Choose varieties rated well against white mold, avoiding highly susceptible ones, and select shorter varieties that do not lodge.

Cultural Practices: In fields with a history of significant white mold, use wider row spacing (30-inch over 15-inch) to delay canopy closure and reduce humidity. Avoid irrigation during flowering if possible. Rotate with non-host crops like corn and maintain good weed control, as some weeds and cover crops can host the fungus. Tillage has been considered for control, but it is not recommended due to water consideration and the lack of effective control.

Manganese management is another consideration. Be aware that improper soil manganese levels will prevent plants from effective white mold defense. Soil manganese adjustments should be made before the season. Foliar manganese feeding can also be done in season, but it should be done before flowering begins.

Chemical/Biological Control: Apply foliar fungicides during the susceptibility window at flowering if there is a field history of white mold and favorable weather conditions for disease development. Late applications made after the infection window are not effective. Refer to the Crop Protection Network https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/fungicide-efficacy-for-control-of-soybean-foliar-diseases and the UNL 2025 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/ec130.html for fungicide efficacy test results to find products that are effective on the pathogen.



Nebraska Ag Leaders Letter Supports the US Remaining in the WTO

Nebraska Farm Bureau recently led an effort by the Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group sending a letter to Nebraska’s three House members supporting the United State maintaining membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The letter comes in response to the potential movement of a resolution in the House introduced by Congressman Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin calling for the US to formally withdraw from the international body. 

”Nebraska agriculture is a prime example of how international trade fuels rural economies. In 2023, Nebraska’s agricultural exports totaled $7.9 billion, making it the third-highest export year on record despite global headwinds. Our state ranks fifth nationally in agricultural exports and remains a top producer and exporter of all of the commodities our collective organizations represent,” the letter said.  However, these figures are more than just numbers—they represent the livelihoods of thousands of Nebraska farm and ranch families whose economic well-being depends on access to global markets. 

The WTO plays a critical role in maintaining fair trade practices, resolving disputes, and opening new markets for U.S. agricultural and biofuel products. All in all, a strong WTO helps maintain and govern the rules-based trading system that has allowed Nebraska agricultural and biofuels exports to grow since its inception, the letter said.  



Free Financial, Legal Consultations for Nebraska Producers in July

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in July. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
    Tuesday, July 1 — Norfolk
    Thursday, July 17  — Fairbury
    Wednesday, July 23 — Norfolk

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



Succession Planning Without a Family Heir
Jul 17, 2025 12:00 PM 
Jessica Groskopf, Agricultural Economist and NE Extension Educator

What happens to the farm or ranch when no one in the family is coming back to run it?

It’s a hard question and one that more and more landowners are facing. But with some planning and the right support, it’s possible to create a clear path forward that honors your wishes.

This webinar will walk through the key steps in farm and ranch succession planning without a family heir, including: how to clarify your goals, essential documents, choosing the right team of advisors, and building a plan that that is legally and practically sound.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. Use this link to register for the webinar as well. 



Growth Energy Commends California Governor, Legislature for Including E15 Funding in Final Budget

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the California state legislature's approval and California Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of a budget that included funding for the state's approval of E15, a cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel blend made with 15% bioethanol that is approved for use in 96% of all cars on the road today.  

The approved budget sets California on the course to join the 49 other states that allow the sale of E15. By including this provision in the budget, the California legislature has ensured that the state's chief air quality regulator—the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—has the funding it needs to finalize approval of E15 and bring Californians closer to getting access to this more affordable fuel option. 

"E15 is both the best, and only fuel option that can help California achieve its goals of lowering emissions while lowering costs for cash-strapped consumers," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "We commend Governor Newsom and the legislature for taking action on this and moving E15 closer to full approval. We look forward to working with our members and our friends in the fuel retailer community to ensure a robust supply chain that will ultimately provide California drivers with access to the savings at the pump they've been waiting for."  



TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT TYSON

Teamsters Local 577 members at Tyson Foods of Amarillo, the largest beef processing plant in the United States, have voted by a 98 percent margin to authorize a strike. The Teamsters represent 3,100 workers in slaughtering and processing at the facility who are demanding higher wages and improved benefits.

“We are bargaining with one of the most repulsively greedy and amoral corporations in the entire country. Last year, Tyson’s CEO made 525 times that of the median worker,” said Al Brito, President of Local 577. “This facility is essential to the beef supply chain, but if Tyson’s corporate leadership doesn’t start demonstrating some basic humanity, we will be forced to take action.”

The union has filed a number of unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Tyson for violating labor law. In the past month, management has harassed union stewards, coerced injured employees into dropping claims, illegally interrogated union members, and falsely told workers at the facility that if they engaged in a ULP strike they would lose their jobs.

“We’re not just fighting for more money,” said Keisha Carey, a member of the Tyson Teamsters Negotiating Committee. “We’re tired of seeing people suffer. We’re tired of seeing people hurting. We’re tired of seeing the elites who run this company have no compassion for the workers who make them rich. We’re ready to strike this company if they don’t give us the deal we deserve.” 

Friday June 27 Ag News - Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report - 4R Field Day - New Corn Grower Local - plus more!

United States Hog Inventory Up Slightly 

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2025 was 75.1 million head. This was up slightly from June 1, 2024, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2025. Breeding inventory, at 5.98 million head, was down slightly from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 69.2 million head, was up slightly from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. 

The March-May 2025 pig crop, at 34.2 million head, was up 1 percent from 2024. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.91 million head, down slightly from 2024. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.75 for the March-May period, compared to 11.56 last year. 

United States hog producers intend to have 2.97 million sows farrow during the June-August 2025 quarter, down slightly from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 2 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for September-November 2025, at 2.95 million sows, are up 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, but down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. 

By State            (1,000 hd  -  % June '24 
Iowa ..........:        24,700     100  
Minnesota ..:         9,300      99  
N. Carolina .:        7,800      103  
Illinois ........:        5,750      100  
Indiana .......:        4,450      101  
Nebraska ....:        3,550       99  

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 53 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 1 percent from the previous year. 



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will hold its next meeting July 1-2, 2025, at its office located at 4625 Innovation Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Among conducting regular board business, the Board will review FY26 proposals and other new opportunities. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion.

The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the NSB website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org. 




Learn the Latest in Nutrient Stewardship at Nebraska’s 4Rs Field Day

Discover the latest science-backed strategies to boost yields, protect water quality and fine-tune nitrogen use at Nebraska’s 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day, set for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead

Based on up-to-date information from past and ongoing research findings, this free event will feature presentations and tools to help growers manage nitrogen efficiently while enhancing crop productivity and environmental stewardship.

Morning presentations include: 
    In-season Nitrogen Management — Richard Ferguson, professor of soil and water sciences, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Smart Nitrogen Solutions: Performance of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers — Javed Iqbal, assistant professor of soil nutrient management and water quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Sensor-based Fertigation — Jackson Stansel and James Herrick, Sentinel Ag Technology
    Precision Nitrogen Project Updates — Guillermo Balboa, research assistant professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
    Demonstration of UNL Nitrogen Recommendation Tool — Javed Iqbal and Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension Water and Integrated Cropping Systems extension educator

Afternoon sessions include the following nutrient management field demonstrations:
    Field Performance of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers — Javed Iqbal and Aaron Nygren 
    Sensor-Based Fertigation — Jackson Stansel and James Herrick, Sentinel Ag Technology

Participants can earn 4.5 CEUs on Nutrient Management. Attendance counts toward Lower Platte North NRD Nitrogen Certification.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required https://go.unl.edu/4rs-fieldday. 

The 4Rs field day is led by Iqbal. Other organizers include Nygren, Joe Luck, associate director at ENREC, and research assistant professor Guillermo Balboa.



Nebraska Corn Growers Association Announces Establishment of New Panhandle Local

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is excited to announce the establishment of the Panhandle Corn Growers Association, representing corn growers in Banner, Box Butte, Garden, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties. The announcement follows the acceptance of a formal request to the NeCGA Board of Directors during its board meeting on June 17th in Broken Bow.

Andy Groskopf, president of the newly founded local association, presented the letter and officially requested affiliate status. Groskopf said the Panhandle Corn Growers Association aims to unify corn growers in western Nebraska under the shared belief of advancing the corn industry through leadership, advocacy, policy development and education.

Warnar Schaneman has been selected to serve as the Panhandle representative on the NeCGA state board. In this role, Schaneman will help ensure the voice and interests of Panhandle growers are represented at the state level.

“The formation of the Panhandle Corn Growers Association is a major milestone in the continued growth of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association,” said Michael Dibbern, president of NeCGA. “Our mission has always been to serve grassroots corn farmers across the entire state, and the need for local representation in western Nebraska has never been greater. We’re excited to welcome these growers and look forward to the leadership and perspective they'll bring to the Association.”

In alignment with NeCGA’s mission, the Panhandle Corn Growers Association is committed to hosting annual promotional and educational events and actively participating in statewide activities. The group has also appointed a vice president and treasurer to support the local leadership structure and ensure operational effectiveness.

The addition of the local reinforces NeCGA’s commitment to building a statewide grassroots network of leaders dedicated to advancing Nebraska’s corn industry.

For more information about the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, please visit necga.org or call (402) 438-6459.




Flame Weeding Workshop is Sept. 10

The Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Itaca. 

Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture specializing in weed science, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical engineering, and their teams will present results from more than 15 years of research. This work is also documented in over 20 scientific publications, 100+ abstracts presented at many regional, national and international meetings, and a patent for flaming equipment.

Participants will learn how to properly flame all major Midwestern weeds in eight agronomic crops – field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa, sunflower and wheat.

Propane fueled flame weeding is an acceptable method for weed and pest control in organic farming. It is also gaining interest among conventional producers due to the increase in weed resistance and costs of GMO crop seeds.

Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data will be presented. Four row flamers with patented hoods for broadcast and banded flaming will be demonstrated along with flaming treatments applied at several crop growth stages in corn and soybean.

Several local organic farmers will share their experience with flame weeding on their farms.

Workshop is limited to 40 people. Cost is $150 which includes the Flame Weeding Manual and other workshop materials. Lunch is also provided.

Program agenda:
    9:30 – 10 am: Registration
    10 – 10:10 am: Introductions and overview of the program (Knezevic)
    10:10 – 10:30 am: Basics of Flame Weeding and Equipment (Knezevic)
    10:30 – 11 am: Development of flaming hoods and torches (Gogos/ Chris Bruening, Ph.D.)
    11am – 12:30 pm: Field Demonstration of Flame Weeding Equipment and Procedures (Gogos and Bruening)
    12:30 – 1 pm: Lunch (Provided)
    1 – 1:30 pm: Propane dose response for weed control (Knezevic)
    1:30 – 2 pm: Crop tolerance to single and multiple flaming (Knezevic)
    2 – 2:30 pm: Time of day impacts flame weeding (Knezevic)
    2:30 – 3 pm: Flame weeding and cultivation in corn and soybean (Knezevic)
    3– 3:30 pm: Experience from local producers (Randy Fendrich and Larry Stanislav)
    4 – 5 pm: Revisit fields, Questions and Discussion
    5 pm – Adjourn

Please register at https://go.unl.edu/flameweeding2025 by Wednesday, Sept. 3. Directions to the site, accommodation information, and a video about the university’s flame weeding research is available on the Flame Weeding Workshop page https://go.unl.edu/flameweeding2025.

For more information contact Stevan Knezevic at 402-472-6498 or sknezevic2@unl.edu. For registration information contact Connie Hansen at 402-472-8747 or chansen1@unl.edu.




Iowa Soybean Research Center announces leadership transition

On July 1, 2025, Iowa State University Associate Professor of Agronomy Mark Licht and Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Steve Whitham will join the Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) as co-directors. After 11 years of leadership, founding ISRC Director and Morrill Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Greg Tylka will step away from the center at the end of 2025 allowing him more time to focus on his research responsibilities in the area of soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

Licht, an extension cropping systems specialist, and Whitham, an expert in molecular plant pathology, have both been long-time faculty research affiliates of the ISRC. The addition of Licht and Whitham highlights the long-term commitment of Iowa State University in support of soybean research. The co-directors will work together to expand the research and educational activities of the center while maintaining a focus on soybean production research.

“I would like to thank Dr. Tylka for his leadership and dedication to the Iowa Soybean Research Center, and I am excited for the center’s future with the addition of Drs. Licht and Whitham whose complementary areas of expertise will serve as strengths for the center,” said Asheesh “Danny” Singh, associate dean for research and discovery for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“The Iowa Soybean Association looks forward to continuing our partnership with ISRC and building on the successes of the past decade with Steve and Mark in this newly formed co-directorship. They will bring many strengths to the center and both continue to focus their research on challenges and opportunities that are central to soybeans and Iowa farmers,” said Iowa Soybean Association Chief Officer, Research Center for Farming Innovation Joe McClure, who also chairs the ISRC’s Industry Advisory Council. 

“I am grateful for Steve and Mark joining leadership of the center, which is critically important to the college and Iowa State University. These two individuals add great expertise and perspective to the center,” said ISRC Director Greg Tylka.

Licht, a faculty member in the Department of Agronomy since 2016, has spent his career helping crop farmers improve their operations as an agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. His expertise is in soybean and corn, as well as cover crops and conservation measures. His extension, research and teaching program has focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and environmental goals. Licht has a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and agricultural extension education, a master’s in soil science and a doctorate in crop production and physiology, all from Iowa State.

Whitham has been a faculty member in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology since 2000. His research has focused on developing virus-based tools to analyze gene functions in crop plants with particular interest in soybean and corn, functional genomics of plant-virus interactions and molecular determinants of soybean-soybean rust interactions. He also teaches courses in plant-microbe interactions, molecular plant pathology and virology. Whitham earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural biochemistry from Iowa State and master’s and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of California, Berkeley.



USGC Leads Grain Export Mission To Canada

Last week, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff led a delegation of U.S. producers to Canada to participate in the Council’s annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) and meet key end-users, Council partners and government representatives to learn about U.S. grain, ethanol and co-product exports to the market.

Since 1994, GEMs have made a difference for the U.S. agricultural industry by providing a first-hand look at international markets. Initially known as the Pioneer International Agricultural Fellowship, the GEM program has educated more than 200 USGC delegates about new and growing markets around the world.

The team was led by USGC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch and USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson and included Council members Scott Miller of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Isaac Murdock of the the Indiana Corn Marketing Council; Duane Epland of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council; and Matt Sullivan of the Nebraska Corn Board.

“Canada is a vital trading partner for U.S. agriculture, and ethanol exports in particular have been extremely impressive with more room still to grow,” Koch said.

“By bringing Council members to this important market through the GEM, we are connecting the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives from the start of the value chain to the end.”

The program began in Toronto with a visit to a major feed mill and the Ontario Agribusiness Association to discuss how end-users procure and receive raw materials from U.S. growers.

After traveling to Ottawa, the delegation met with Canadian regulatory departments and policymakers, including Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA’s FAS) also met with the team at the U.S. embassy to cover recent market updates and future promotional plans for U.S. agricultural goods.

“We’re fortunate to have international partners that are also dedicated to agricultural trade that works for all parties, meaning we can continue working to break down trade barriers and connect buyers and sellers to expand U.S. exports in Canada and around the world,” Zimmerman said.



ASA Calls for Reauthorization of Grain Standards Act in House Testimony

Dave Walton, secretary of the American Soybean Association and a farmer from Wilton, Iowa, testified today before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit, emphasizing the importance of reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Under the Grain Standards Act, the federal government established official marketing standards (not health and safety standards) for grains and oilseeds, which are overseen by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS).

Walton told lawmakers that U.S. soybeans remain the nation’s top agricultural export and a critical driver of the economy. In 2024, farmers harvested 86 million acres of soybeans, producing 4.4 billion bushels and supporting more than $124 billion in total economic activity across related industries.

“Our strong grain standards, backed by the force and weight of the U.S. government, are one of the strongest reputational enhancements available to U.S. soybean farmers,” Walton said in prepared testimony.

He highlighted the vital role of FGIS in ensuring consistent and trusted grading, which provides assurance to global buyers and underpins price discovery and futures markets. He also pointed to the successful removal of “soybeans of other colors” as a grading factor, an example of effective collaboration between the industry and USDA.

ASA represents nearly 500,000 soybean farmers through its 26 affiliated state associations. The group is urging Congress to reauthorize the act before its key provisions expire on Sept. 30.



NGFA urges swift reauthorization of the Grain Standards Act during House testimony

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Thursday reiterated its strong support for timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) during testimony before the House Agriculture Committee.

Testifying on behalf of NGFA and its more than 700 member companies, Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee, stressed the importance of the USGSA in maintaining America’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain.

“We urge Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act in a timely and bipartisan manner,” Friant said. “Doing so will provide certainty to farmers, grain handlers, and international customers who depend on the integrity of the U.S. Official grain inspection system.”

Friant’s testimony highlighted two core recommendations for improving the Act:
1. Modernizing Grain Grading Technology: “FGIS (Federal Grain Inspection Service) must prioritize research, development, and validation of modern grain grading technologies that improve accuracy, speed, and consistency,” he said.

NGFA supports providing USDA with the resources and authority to collaborate with industry and academia on tools like enhanced visual imaging, chemical analysis, and machine learning to strengthen export competitiveness and help the FGIS “drive efficiencies, reduce costs, and address the staffing challenges it faces.”

2. Enhancing Emergency Waiver Authority: The Act must allow for pragmatic flexibility during natural disasters or other service disruptions, Friant testified. Specifically, he proposed clarifying the definition of “emergency” and enabling temporary waivers when buyers and sellers agree and the objectives of the Act are not undermined.

Friant also called for additional reforms, including improved transparency in user fee calculations, clarifying eligibility for Advisory Committee appointments, and limiting the industry fee cap to USGSA-covered commodities.

“The U.S. grain inspection system is a foundation of our country’s reputation as a reliable agricultural supplier,” Friant concluded. “Timely reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, combined with the enhancements we’ve outlined today, will ensure that our inspection system continues to meet the high expectations of U.S. producers and global customers.”

For more information about NGFA’s priorities for USGSA reauthorization, visit www.ngfa.org. 



House Appropriations Committee Approves Agriculture, FDA Funding for FY 2026

The House Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which funds programs at USDA and FDA.

The bill reduces funding for several USDA mission areas, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The cuts are attributed to reductions in staffing levels.

The Agricultural Research Service received increased funding to continue research aimed at improving U.S. agricultural production. The bill now awaits floor consideration in the House.



Rollins Provides Update on Bird Flu Strategy, Egg Prices Continue to Fall

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Thursday provided an update on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive, five-pronged strategy announced in February to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After reaching a record high due to the Biden Administration’s lack of action, wholesale egg prices have now dropped 64%, with retail prices falling 27% from their peak earlier this year. We must remain diligent, and egg farmers and producers can continue to utilize USDA resources to conduct biosecurity assessments before the Fall.

“When President Trump entered office, the cost of eggs was at a record high, seriously denting consumers’ wallets after years of awful inflation. On my first day as Secretary, we got to work to implement a five-pronged strategy to improve biosecurity on the farm and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves. The plan has worked, and families are seeing relief with egg prices driving food deflation in the April Consumer Price Index,” said Secretary Rollins. “While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.”



Cattle Farmers and Ranchers Join President Trump to Push for Tax Relief

Thursday, farmers and ranchers affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for an event urging Congress to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and deliver tax relief.

Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President, attended due to his personal experience with the Death Tax.

“It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every dollar and sacrifice basic purchases so that we could pay off that tax bill. To protect our food security and national security, we need to make sure no other farming family experiences that same burden, which is why Congress must pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and deliver lasting tax relief.”

Kester raises cattle with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His grandchildren are the 7th generation of his family involved in agriculture. Over 30 years ago, he inherited the ranch from his grandfather and faced a $2 million Death Tax from the IRS. Today, land values near the Kester ranch have soared as billionaires and non-ag companies buy up thousands of acres, driving up costs for working farmers while removing productive land from agriculture—a double hit to those hardworking Americans producing our nation’s food. These are not just challenges for the Kester family, they’re a growing threat to farmers and ranchers across the country.

President Trump also recognized Virginia Cattlemen’s Association member Jeb Cullipher, a seventh-generation farmer from Virginia Beach. The Cullipher family has been farming in the area for almost 200 years and Jeb added cattle to the farm. For his business to thrive, farmers like Cullipher need Congress to support small business tax deductions, credits, and other provisions that help farmers invest in the success of their operations.

“America’s family farmers and ranchers work hard every single day, and they should be keeping more of their hard-earned money, not sending it to Washington. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has always been a staunch voice for lowering taxes, axing the Death Tax, and protecting producer profitability,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ accomplishes all of these priorities and it’s time for Congress to step up and pass this bill.” 

Thursday June 26 Ag News

Soybean Gall Midge Update
NE Extension

Below are the updates and observations on soybean gall midge across the monitoring network. Nebraska monitoring sites have observed a considerable amount of activity over the past week. If you see larvae or wilting plants from soybean gall midge in your area and it has not been observed then notify your state entomologist. Contacts for each state are available on the soybeangallmidge.org website.  

Nebraska
Activity present in Saunders, Landcaster, Cass, Otoe, and Nemaha counties.  

Larvae
Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected at all monitoring sites in Nebraska. In Saline County, a yield loss trial (not part of the monitoring network) has a significant larval infestation. Most other research sites are showing low numbers of orange larvae (fewer than 15 per plant), with greater numbers of white early-instar larvae. Emergence cages have been deployed in current-year soybean fields where larvae were present to monitor adult emergence.

Adults
Adult emergence continues from last year’s soybean fields, with most monitoring sites in Nebraska showing activity over the past couple of days (Figure A). No adults were recorded at the northern Saunders County site, though infested plants are easy to find. This site experienced flooding last year, and only a few infested plants were observed in the adjacent field.

A single adult was collected from a current-year soybean field  on June 25, indicating that soybean gall midge has already completed a full generation on this season’s crop. This is consistent with typical timing of first-generation adults in late June to early July.

Wilting Plants
As of June 25, wilting plants have been observed in Saline and Saunders Counties in Nebraska. Only a small proportion of plants were wilting at each of these locations.

Iowa:
A few commercial fields in Iowa have larvae in fields. Wilting has not been observed yet. 

Minnesota and South Dakota:
No adults or larvae have been observed.

A special thanks to the North Central Soybean Research Program for funding the Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network.

 

Husker Football Coach Matt Rhule to Headline Governor’s Summit in August

Governor Jim Pillen announced that Matt Rhule, head football coach for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will keynote the Governor’s Summit the morning of August 14 in Kearney.

“Coach Rhule loves Nebraska because — it's the people! He is Nebraska and he brings positive energy, grit, determination and passion to leading young men," said Gov. Pillen. "It's exciting for us to have him at this year's Summit to inspire all of us to be more than we believe we can be." 

Rhule is entering his third season as the Nebraska’s head coach in 2025, having led the Huskers to victory in the Pinstripe Bowl to close out the 2024 season. He has 12 years of experience as a head coach, including nine years in the college ranks and three seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Highly regarded as a program builder and player developer, Rhule led successful turnarounds of the programs at Baylor and Temple and has improved Nebraska’s record in each of his first two seasons in Lincoln. A native of New York City, Rhule earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Penn State and his master's degree in educational psychology from Buffalo. He and his wife Julie have three children, Bryant, Vivienne and Leona.

The 2025 Governor’s Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, Aug. 13, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. Thursday, Aug. 14, is the primary day of the Governor’s Summit. It features remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote from Husker Coach Rhule, a full slate of breakout sessions, and the inaugural Governor’s Youth Summit.

To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Governor’s Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. Students may sign up for the Youth Summit at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/.



CONTROL OF FLIES IN PASTURES & RANGELAND 
- Samantha Daniel, NE Extension Educator 

In Nebraska, there are two species of fly that cause the most economic injury to pasture and rangeland cattle. They are the horn fly and face fly. Selection of an appropriate control method for each will depend on the time of year; the efficacy, cost, and convenience of the treatment; and your herd management practices.

The horn fly is a major pest that is estimated to cause over $1 billion in economic losses in the U.S. annually. It is a blood feeding insect that is found on the back, sides, and poll area of the animal. The economic injury level of the horn fly is 200 flies per animal that, once surpassed, causes altered grazing patterns and behavior which lead to reduced milk production and weight gain. In Nebraska, there are two population spikes of horn fly: one in early summer and the second in late-August through mid-September.

While the face fly is not a blood feeder it can cause extreme discomfort by feeding on animal secretions from the eyes, mouth, and muzzle. It is also a vector of the pathogen that causes pinkeye in cattle and feeding by the female fly causes eye tissue damage. Face fly populations usually peak in late July and August and are most common near waterways, in areas of significant rainfall, and in irrigated pastures.

Horn fly and face fly management options vary widely and include forced use methods such as dust bags, back rubbers, and traps as well as product application methods such as pour-ons, animal sprays, and insecticide ear tags. For more information on control methods contact your county Extension office.

 

Farmers National Co. to host Norfolk NE Landowner Meeting

Today’s agricultural landscape faces many headwinds. Increased interest rates, receding commodity prices, and a diverse land market are just a few examples that landowners and producers must navigate. Staying informed is critical for sound decision-making. Please join us at one of our Landowner Events, “Navigating Volatile Markets”, where we’ll discuss these topics and more. If you’re preparing for the future generation of owners, we invite you to bring your children and grandchildren along!

Registration begins at 8:15 AM, meeting starts at 9:00 AM and concludes at 11:00 AM. Free to attend | Pastries and beverages provided. 

Register Here - https://www.farmersnational.com/landowner-meeting-registration. 

This event provides information on our entire 29-state management area and is not location-specific, accommodating attendees who may own land throughout the country. Other meetings are being held across the region inlcuding Grand Island NE on July 16, Lincoln NE on July 17, Sioux Falls SD on July 22, and Sioux City IA on June 30.  



Governor Reynolds Applauds JBS Investment in Perry

Governor Kim Reynolds today welcomed the announcement that JBS USA will make a significant new investment in Perry, Iowa, a move that will bring renewed economic vitality to the community. JBS is one of the world’s leading food companies, providing protein and food solutions to customers and consumers across the globe. The company processes, prepares, and packages fresh, further-processed and value-added premium protein products under a variety of highly recognized brands.

JBS USA, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, plans to invest $135 million in a new state-of-the-art 150,000 square foot facility to produce fresh sausage. The company plans to create 250 jobs within the first three years of operations and eventually employ 500 in subsequent years. The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved $12 million in tax benefits for this project through the High Quality Jobs program at its meeting earlier today.

"Today’s announcement is tremendous news for Perry and the entire state of Iowa,” said Governor Reynolds. “This investment by JBS reflects confidence in Iowa’s workforce, our strong agricultural economy, and our commitment to growing vibrant communities. At a time when Perry has faced real challenges, this investment brings renewed hope and opportunity for the hardworking families who call this community home."

JBS currently has operations in Council Bluffs, Marshalltown and Ottumwa, employing more than 5,300 Iowans. The new Perry facility, which is expected to be fully operational in late 2026, will serve as one of the company’s key prepared foods operations and play a vital role in Iowa’s globally recognized food processing industry.

"This investment aligns with our ongoing commitment to Iowa, our producer partners, team members and the U.S. market as we look to build a best-in-class sausage production facility,” said Wesley Batista Filho, JBS USA CEO. “We are grateful to the state of Iowa for their continued support, and we look forward to being part of the Perry community -- creating quality jobs and economic opportunity in the region."



USDA Cold Storage May 2025 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on May 31, 2025 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 7 percent from last month and down 26 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on May 31, 2025 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up slightly from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month but down 18 percent from May 31, 2024.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on May 31, 2025 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from May 31, 2024. Butter stocks were up 7 percent from last month but down 5 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on May 31, 2025 were down 5 percent from last month and down 4 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month and down 6 percent from a year ago.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/20/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 20, ethanol production slowed 2.5% to a four-week low of 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. Still, output was 3.6% higher than the same week last year and 3.1% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.5% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks climbed 1.2% to 24.4 million barrels. Stocks were 4.2% more than the same week last year and 5.9% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sprang 4.2% to 9.69 million b/d (148.92 bg annualized) and marked the largest weekly volume since the close of 2021. Demand was 8.0% more than a year ago and 6.9% above the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol crept just 0.3% higher to 913,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.03 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.5% less than year-ago levels but 0.3% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports moderated, down 32.5% to an estimated 110,000 b/d (4.6 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

Average retail prices for most fertilizers continued to be up from last month during the third week of June 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. But for the second week in a row, no fertilizer saw a significant price move in either direction, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. 

Retail prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were up slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $807 per ton, MAP $833/ton, potash $474/ton, urea $655/ton, 10-34-0 $669/ton, UAN28 $417/ton and UAN32 $495/ton.

The average price of one fertilizer was down slightly from last month. Anhydrous had an average price of $773/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.71/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.75/lb.N and UAN32 $0.77/lb.N.

Seven fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. MAP is 1% higher, both DAP and 10-34-0 are 4% more expensive, anhydrous are 5% higher, UAN28 is 18% more expensive, UAN32 is 24% higher and urea is 25% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining fertilizer continues to be lower. Potash is 7% lower compared to last year.



Dairy Market Report - JUNE 2025

Strengthening domestic sales of yogurt, butter, cheese and dry skim milk drove higher gains in overall domestic commercial milk use from February through April. 

Dairy exports dropped back during that period, as losses in dry skim milk and whey protein exports more than offset gains in butter and cheese exports. U.S. milk and milk solids production growth is accelerating, with milk production up 1.2% year over year during the period, milk solids production up by twice this rate, and milkfat production up almost three times faster. 

New U.S. cheese processing capacity is drawing heavily on the growing milk supply, with cheddar cheese production up 8.1% annually in April. The monthly NDPSR survey product prices and the Class III and Class IV prices were all higher in May than a month earlier. And a milestone to note: USDA in May announced its first price reports calculated using the updated Federal Milk Marketing Order formulas announced in January.

View Full Report - https://www.nmpf.org/cheese-output-surges-amid-expanding-milk-supply-new-processing-capacity/. 



American Butter Institute Seeks FDA Action Against “Dairy Free Butter”

In a strongly-worded complaint sent Wednesday to the Food and Drug Administration, America’s butter marketers asked the agency to take action against Country Crock’s “dairy free salted butter,” asserting that the product’s label violates federal regulations.

The plant-based spread’s front label, in bold letters, describes itself as a form of butter, although federal standards of identity, along with legislation passed by Congress, defines butter as a product made from milk. In reality – and as admitted in the much smaller font on the package label – the Country Crock products describe themselves as “79% plant-based oil spreads.”

“Country Crock is attempting to leverage the premium perception of real dairy butter maintained by consumers,” said Christopher Galen, executive director of ABI. “The manufacturer is clearly trying to confuse the consumer about what this product is: an ultra-processed seed oil concoction. This product may indeed be a crock from the country, but it’s certainly not butter.”

Galen said that as margarine and vegetable oil spreads have declined in sales, companies are seeking to capitalize on butter’s resurgent popularity by misappropriating the term “butter” and applying it to products that clearly do not meet butter’s federal standard of identity. Butter manufacturers have to follow federal labeling standards, but the proliferation of fake butters is eroding the integrity of the marketplace, he said.

The ABI letter was sent today to Claudine Kavanaugh, Director of the FDA’s Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling. The National Milk Producers Federation raised a similar objection to Country Crock in 2019, when the company introduced a “plant-based butter.”



Growth Energy: Summer E15 Waiver Could Save Americans $10.1 Billion Nationwide

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, announced that Americans could potentially save more than $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency waiver issued earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. If American drivers chose E15 (also sold as Unleaded 88) instead of standard E10 fuel this summer, they could collectively save more than $10.1 billion, according to Growth Energy’s analysis.  

“Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer alone, E15 could save consumers $10.1 billion at the pump – that’s money that could go back in the pockets of working families. We should never put those savings on hold. With a temporary waiver in place, it’s time for Congress to finally pass permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.” 

The projection reinforces previous findings that underscore E15’s significant cost benefits for American drivers. Growth Energy also calculated savings on a state-by-state basis, where the savings are equally significant. By choosing E15 at the pump instead of E10 over the course of the summer (June 1 through mid-September): 
    In Iowa, drivers could potentially save up to $140 million.  
    In Nebraska, they could potentially save up to $93 million. 
    In Minnesota, they could potentially save up to $252 million. 
    In Wisconsin, they could potentially save up to $295 million. 
    In Illinois, they could potentially save up to $436 million.

Similar savings could be found across the country, delivering relief for working families while creating jobs and spurring growth in the rural economy. 

The EPA has approved the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer. E15/Unleaded 88 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump. 

Wednesday June 25 Ag News

Smith, Daines Support Trump Administration's Engagement on Agricultural Trade Priorities

Tuesday Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) led 54 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.The letter commends the Trump administration for ongoing efforts in trade negotiations and advocates for robust market access on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers.

In the letter, the members wrote:
We write to you to express our strong support for ongoing trade negotiations to level the playing field for American producers and manufacturers. President Trump’s decision to pause the implementation of certain reciprocal tariffs creates momentum to secure meaningful and enforceable agreements for U.S. agricultural producers, energy producers, and manufacturers.

…Certain barriers may require long-term negotiations. However, we are confident in your ability to utilize this 90-day pause to come to agreements that can benefit all American industries while providing opportunity for continued dialogue. There are pressing trade issues, including digital services taxes, import quotas, and tariff reduction, which we cannot delay addressing.

American manufacturers, producers, and consumers are eager for the long-term certainty trade agreements provide. This certainty could prevent the decline of commodity prices, recover global market share, and unleash American industry to counter global competitors. Further, bilateral agreements which address both tariff and non-tariff barriers provide opportunities to strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, and increase international collaboration, all of which would reassert the United States’ global leadership and combat China’s malign influence.

Representatives who joined Smith and Daines in sending the letter include: Max Miller (R-OH), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Ron Estes (R-KS), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Sam Graves (R-MO), James Baird (R-IN), Mark Alford (R-MO), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Troy Downing (R-MT), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Kustoff (R-TN), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Keith Self (R-TX), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), James Comer (R-KY), Mike Flood (R-NE), Eric Crawford (R-AR), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Greg Murphy (R-NC), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Tony Wied (R-WI), Robert Latta (R-OH), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and French Hill (R-AR).

Senators who joined Smith and Daines in sending the letter include: Deb Fischer (R-NE), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Risch (R-ID), John Kennedy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN). 



SUMMER ANNUAL GRASSES IN ALFALFA 
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

By mid-summer, summer annual grasses like foxtail, sandbur, and crabgrass are already up and growing—and they’re starting to cause issues in perennial hay or pasture fields.

At this point in the season, pre-emergent herbicides are no longer an effective control option for already growing summer annual wees. Our best bet is to focus on post-emergent control and timely harvest management. In Roundup Ready® alfalfa, a labeled glyphosate product is a solid option—just be sure to treat while weeds are still small and before the alfalfa canopy blocks spray coverage.

In conventional alfalfa, grass-selective herbicides like Select®, Assure®, or Poast® can still work on smaller grasses. Follow the label closely for height limits and grazing or harvest restrictions.

If weeds are already well established, burn-down products like Gramoxone® may be your best shot. Apply immediately after cutting—before much alfalfa regrowth occurs—to knock back annual grasses with limited damage to the stand.

In mixed alfalfa-grass fields, your herbicide options are even more limited.  The only post emergent product we might consider is Pursuit®, which may stunt perennial grasses.  This doesn’t disqualify it as an option, but be aware it may open the door for more weed pressure.

This late in the season, cultural controls like adjusting harvest timing and maintaining a dense, vigorous stand may do more for long-term control than a spray pass. And remember—no herbicide will make up for poor timing.

Summer grasses are a challenge, but with a sharp eye and well-timed management, you can still limit their impact and protect your hay quality.



Summer Grazing Field Day: Strategies to Beat the Slump

When cool-season pastures slow down in the heat of summer, it can put pressure on pasture and cattle performance. This field day is all about helping producers get more out of summer grazing. Join Nebraska Extension for a hands-on event focused on strategies to beat the summer slump using warm-season annuals and virtual fencing.

The event will be held on Thursday July 24th, 8:30am to 2:00pm at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, NE.

What You’ll See and Learn
Sudangrass and Sudangrass–Sunnhemp Mix
Learn how different grazing strategies affect carrying capacity and cattle performance. We’ll share results from two years of grazing trials with cow/calf pairs and stocker calves—and you’ll see this year’s forage in action. We’ll focus on how to manage for maximum return and whether adding sunnhemp pays off.

New Prussic Acid-Free Sorghum-Sudangrass
View a new forage variety bred to eliminate prussic acid risk, currently being grazed by stockers. We’ll discuss how this option fits into summer grazing systems and what to consider before adoption.

Virtual Fencing for Cow/Calf Grazing
See how virtual fencing is being used for intensive rotational grazing of cow/calf pairs on bromegrass. Learn how it can reduce labor, increase flexibility, and improve pasture utilization.

Agenda Overview
8:30 – 9:00 AM |Registration
9:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome and Overview (ENREEC Headquarters)

Field Tours
9:15 – 9:50 AM | Stop #1 – Sudangrass vs. Sunnhemp Mix
10:00 – 10:40 AM | Stop #2 – Prussic Acid-Free Sorghum-Sudangrass
10:50 – 11:30 AM | Stop #3 – Virtual Fencing on Bromegrass
11:30 – 11:40 AM | Return to ENREEC Building

11:45 – 12:30 PM | Lunch Served ($20 registration includes meal)

Educational Sessions
12:30 – 1:10 PM | Warm-Season Annuals: Getting the Most Out of Summer Grazing
• Performance and forage yield data from two years
• Economic comparison of systems with and without sunnhemp
• Management tips to maximize cattle gains and carrying capacity
1:10 – 1:45 PM | Virtual Fencing: Is It a Fit for Your Operation?
• Cost structures of different systems
• Ways VF can improve grazing efficiency and reduce labor
• Information to help you evaluate if VF fits your goals
1:45 – 2:00 PM | Wrap-Up
• Discussion of key takeaways from the day 

Registration: $20 (includes lunch and materials). RSVP Requested (for lunch count). Please RSVP by July 18 to help us plan for lunch. Register at https://go.unl.edu/summergraze. Walk-ins are welcome, but we can’t guarantee a meal without pre-registration. Payment will be collected at the door (cash or check only).



CLAAS Marks 10,000th LEXION Combine Built in U.S.

CLAAS marked a manufacturing milestone this spring, rolling the 10,000th LEXION combine off the production line in its U.S. headquarters, where it has consistently assembled durable, reliable combines in Omaha since 1997.   

“The LEXION stands in a class of its own because at CLAAS, we are constantly innovating and bringing new technology to our equipment lineup,” says Matthias Ristow, President and Managing Director Business Administration at CLAAS Omaha Inc. “With the ability to handle more acres, more bushels and more hours, the LEXION is made for more.”  

About the LEXION Combine 
When the first LEXION 400-series combines rolled off the line in Omaha nearly three decades ago, North American farmers knew they were dealing with something different. The LEXION 400-series combine came with a first-of-its-kind Accelerated Pre-Separation (APS) Hybrid System, which independently controlled threshing and separation. Its TERRA TRAC undercarriage reduced compaction decades before competitors offered tracks.   

Many years and innovations later, today's LEXION models take innovation to the next level. Autonomous systems like the CEMOS operator assistance system senses crop conditions and machine capacity, automatically adjusting settings to optimize throughput and maximize grain retention. This, coupled with other driver-assist technologies, allows a range of experience levels to operate the LEXION combine at maximum performance.  

Midwest Roots  
CLAAS has been a part of Omaha for more than 25 years. Its 200,000+ square foot manufacturing facility opened its doors in 2001, replacing a temporary facility used since 1997. Originally a joint venture between CLAAS and Caterpillar, the building was used to assemble LEXION combines sporting the Caterpillar logo and branded in yellow and black colors. In 2002, CLAAS took full ownership of the facility as CAT got out of the combine business. 

The facility has since grown in size and sophistication to make way for more comprehensive manufacturing techniques and sub-assemblies, employing about 200 people. Today, the manufacturing plant sources over one-third of its components locally – up from a small fraction when it first opened – increasing the economic made on the US economy. 

From serving as a polling place for elections, a gathering place for local events and a destination for many tour groups, the facility is a community staple. CLAAS recently added the 20,000 square foot CLAAS Academy and Apprentice Lab to house the company’s unique training facility for their dealers and innovative apprentice programs. 

Going the Distance  
The milestone of 10,000 LEXION combines is more than just a number. It’s a commitment from CLAAS to North American farmers that they have the option of best-in-class, German engineering built stateside by American workers. 

But the numbers are still impressive. If you lined up the 10,000 machines produced in Omaha end-to-end, they would stretch out over 90 miles, or about the distance between Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa.  

“This milestone supports CLAAS’s dedication to rural areas throughout North America,” says Ristow. “While we’re proud to have manufactured 10,000 LEXION combines, we’re just as proud to be an economic generator in Omaha and across the United States.”   



Forage Field Day in Western Iowa to focus on Summer Annuals

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association, invites producers, agronomists and forage enthusiasts to attend the 2025 Forage Field Day on July 31 at the Western Research and Demonstration Farm near Castana, Iowa.

This all-day event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature field demonstrations, expert talks and hands-on learning opportunities. Forage topics will focus on summer annuals for silage, baleage and grazing, interseeding strategies, as well as pasture management.

Attendees will hear from leading Iowa State University researchers and industry professionals on topics such as the agronomics of grazing summer annuals, sorghum breeding objectives, interseeding summer annuals into alfalfa and heifer grazing economics.

Highlights from the day will include:
    Field demonstrations of forage sorghum for silage, summer annual grazing systems,  and nitrate and prussic acid testing.
    Live nitrate and prussic acid testing demos to enhance in-season decision-making
    Interactive forage and weed ID competition with prizes
    Expert insights on topics ranging from grazing economics to breeding priorities for sorghum and strategies to extend alfalfa stand life

“This field day is a great opportunity to see the versatility of summer annuals in action—whether for silage, grazing or interseeding,” said Shelby Gruss, extension forage specialist with ISU. “These crops offer flexible options to fill forage gaps, extend alfalfa stands and improve both productivity and profitability across diverse forage systems.”

The cost to attend the field day is $20 for individuals or $50 for farms and family groups up to 5 people. All participants are asked to register online https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCTkav86bgsSOge by July 21 to be eligible for a door prize. Members of the Northern Plains Forage Association may attend for free, but must register in advance for an accurate food count.

A complimentary lunch will be provided under the hoop barn, where participants can test their forage ID skills and network with speakers and fellow attendees.

The Western Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 36515 Hwy E34, Castana, IA 51010.

For more information, contact Gail Carpenter at ajcarpen@iastate.edu.

I-29 Moo University is a consortium of Extension dairy specialists from the land-grant universities in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The I-29 Moo University is a multi-state learning collaboration and connects extension dairy staff with the dairy community to share research, information and management practices through workshops, webinars, e-newsletters, podcasts, and on-farm tours.  For more information about the I-29 Moo University Collaboration and programs visit www.i-29moou.com. 



Hoover Building is the New Home of the IDALS

As of July 1, 2025, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will call the Hoover State Office Building home. After more than four decades in the Henry A. Wallace State Office Building, the Department will depart the building at the end of June. The Department is the last remaining tenant of the Wallace Building.

The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will now welcome constituents and guests to the fifth floor of the Hoover Building. The Hoover Building is part of the Iowa Capitol Complex, located southeast of the Iowa Capitol and northeast of the Iowa Supreme Court Building near the intersection of E.14th St. and Court Ave.

"The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is excited to embark on a new era to continue serving Iowans in the Hoover Building beginning on July 1,” said Secretary Naig. “We look forward to welcoming constituents and visitors to our new space, where we will continue to serve Iowa’s vibrant agricultural community. Please use our new address and updated contact information to reach us so that we can ensure we remain accessible and responsive to the needs of Iowans."

The Department’s new address, main phone number, and fax number are as follows:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Main Phone Number: (515) 281-5321
Fax Number: (515) 281-4282
Website E-mail Form: https://iowaagriculture.gov/contact

The public may also connect with the Department via its website www.IowaAgriculture.gov and social media channels, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 



Applications Now Open for the 2026 ASA - Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program

If you are passionate about farming, ready to connect with agricultural industry leaders and grow your leadership skills, the Young Leader Program is for you!

Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2026 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program.

Phase I of the 2025-26 Young Leader program will take place Dec. 1-4 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues Feb. 24-Feb. 27, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“The Young Leader program has had a tremendous impact on the soybean industry by helping identify, train and prepare farmers who are interested in leadership and advocacy,” said Kentucky soybean grower and ASA President Caleb Ragland. “Through top-notch training, the Young Leader program has elevated industry success by providing us with strong, informed and connected soy leaders. Numerous past graduates of the program can be found in leadership positions throughout the industry, including members of ASA’s Executive Committee. We are grateful to Corteva for continually supporting this program for more than 40 years.”

Soybean growers—both individuals and couples—are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. The program is designed for growers who are young in leadership, not age. Interested spouses/partners are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program, even if not employed full-time on the farm.

“Corteva is proud to support this longstanding and impactful program to help develop the next generation of grower leaders,” said U.S. Industry Affairs Leader for Corteva Agriscience Matt Rekeweg. “Not only will participants come away with new skills to increase their impact on local, state and federal policy, they’ll have the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with other current and emerging industry leaders to help unlock new opportunities and set them up for future success.”

ASA and Corteva will work with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program.

Learn more about the program and how to apply here https://soygrowers.com/education-resources/grower-education/leadership-development-programs/young-leader-program/. 



Cost of Summer Cookout Nearly Unchanged from 2024

Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.

This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products. While the survey does not include an exhaustive list of Fourth of July options, it serves as a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer.

“Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation, to taxes.”

The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.

The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4% to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6% to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs - used in potato salad - is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza.

Our survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8% from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6% less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.

Although the $7.09 per-person cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “We can celebrate America’s independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence. Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America.

“Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.”

The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.

Individual Prices, AFBF 2025 Summer Cookout
    2 pounds of ground beef, $13.33 (+4.4%)
    2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.79 (-0.5%)
    3 pounds of pork chops, $14.13 (-8.8%)
    1 pound of cheese, $3.54 (-0.9%)
    1 package of hamburger buns, $2.35 (-2.6%)
    2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.54 (+6.6%)
    32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.69 (+8.2%)
    16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.80 (-2.1%)
    13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $4.00 (+0.3%)
    ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.69 (+0.7%)
    2 pints of strawberries, $4.69 (+1.7%)
    2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.37 (+4.2%)

The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home.

Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.



Texas Becomes Seventh State to Ban Lab-Grown Meat

Texas is now the seventh U.S. state to ban lab-grown meat. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB261, which will go into effect in September. 

Texas joins Indiana, Nebraska, Montana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in enacting a ban.

“The lab-grown meat sector will continue to face headwinds as consumers and lawmakers learn more about the the lack of long-term health studies and use of ‘immortalized cells’" said Jack Hubbard, executive director of the Center for the Environment and Welfare (CEW), one of the leading critics of lab-grown meat. “We are seeing a bipartisan consumer movement against the experimental product that is gaining more and more momentum.”

CEW launched a public education campaign in 2023 to help consumers and lawmakers get the facts about the emerging industry. For example, supporters often claim that lab-grown meat is more sustainable than traditional, farm-raised meat products. However, researchers at UC Davis believe lab-grown meat could have 25 times the environmental impact of farm-raised meat.