Tuesday November 12 Ag News

Harnessing Residual Soil Nitrogen Following a Dry Season: The Key to Smarter Fertilizer Planning for the Coming Season
Javed Iqbal - NE Extension Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist

The 2024 growing season brought drier-than-average conditions to much of Nebraska, impacting crop yields and altering soil nutrient dynamics, especially for rainfed crops. During drought, crop growth is reduced, hence nitrogen movement and uptake are often restricted, leading to higher-than-normal levels of residual soil nitrogen. This can be beneficial for the next growing season as it provides readily available nitrogen for the new crop, but it's important to monitor soil tests to determine the actual amount of residual nitrogen present.

As farmers look toward the 2025 season, this residual nitrogen might offer a valuable opportunity to optimize fertilizer planning, enabling cost reductions, improved crop yields, and enhanced environmental stewardship. Here’s how the farmers in dry-affected areas can effectively harness residual nitrogen for the coming season.

Why Residual Soil Nitrogen Increases After a Dry Year
Dry conditions limit nitrogen uptake in crops, as water is essential for nutrient transport and absorption. Without adequate moisture, nitrogen applied through fertilizers or naturally present in the soil often remains unused. Additionally, drought potentially reduces nitrogen losses from leaching and denitrification, allowing residual nitrogen — particularly nitrate — to accumulate in the soil profile, especially within the root zone.

Harnessing this residual nitrogen can provide a natural nutrient source for crops in the 2025 season, helping reduce the need for additional fertilizers, lowering costs, and preserving soil and water quality.

The Importance of Soil Sampling for Residual Nitrogen Assessment
To accurately gauge residual nitrogen levels, soil sampling is essential. Sampling the soil allows for a comprehensive view of nitrate levels across the soil profile. Here’s how soil sampling can help in optimizing nitrogen application:
    Timing of Soil Sampling: After a dry season, soil sampling is ideally conducted in the spring before planting. This timing accounts for any winter nitrogen losses from leaching, ensuring a more accurate picture of available nitrogen. However, if conditions allow and you prefer a preliminary view, fall sampling can be useful — particularly in low-leaching soils.
    Depth of Sampling: Sampling to 2 or 3 feet is critical, as nitrate can accumulate in lower soil layers after leaching from the surface. This comprehensive sampling depth provides the data needed to calculate an accurate nitrogen credit.
    Using Test Results for Fertilizer Adjustments: Soil test results will reveal the available nitrate concentration, allowing farmers to adjust their nitrogen applications accordingly. For example, if residual nitrate levels are high, farmers can reduce their spring nitrogen applications, minimizing both costs and the potential for nitrate leaching.

Benefits of Using Residual Nitrogen in Fertilizer Planning
    Cost Savings: By crediting residual nitrogen, farmers can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied. This is particularly valuable after a dry year, when fertilizer prices might fluctuate, and savings can help manage overall production costs.
    Environmental Protection: Excessive nitrogen application can lead to nitrate leaching into groundwater, a major environmental concern. By crediting residual nitrogen, farmers apply only what the crop needs, reducing the risk of nitrogen pollution and promoting more sustainable agriculture.
    Improved Crop Performance: Matching nitrogen applications to crop needs enhances nutrient uptake, which can improve crop health and yield. By accounting for residual nitrogen, plants receive adequate nitrogen without the stress of nutrient excess or deficiency.

Planning for Spring Nitrogen Needs
While residual nitrogen after a dry year provides a valuable resource, farmers should approach nitrogen management for the new season with flexibility. Use the following guidelines to ensure nitrogen applications meet crop needs without excess:
    Conduct Spring Soil Sampling: Even if you sampled in fall, a spring follow-up test is beneficial. This accounts for any nitrogen movement or losses that occurred over winter.
    Limit Early-season Applications: Apply only enough nitrogen at planting to meet initial growth needs, then follow up with side-dress applications as the crop grows. This approach minimizes early nitrogen losses and provides nutrients when plants can most efficiently use them.
    Use Decision Support Nitrogen Recommendation Tools: The UNL digital nitrogen calculator, variable rate application, and sensor-based technologies can further refine nitrogen applications. These tools help distribute nitrogen only where needed, maximizing efficiency across variable field conditions.

Summary
Following a dry season, residual soil nitrogen becomes a key resource for improving both economic and environmental outcomes in the next growing season. By measuring and crediting residual nitrogen through soil sampling, adjusting fertilizer applications, and adopting strategic nitrogen management practices, farmers can achieve a balanced approach that supports crop productivity and minimizes unnecessary fertilizer use. Harnessing residual nitrogen is a powerful tool for smarter fertilizer planning, ensuring each application maximizes benefit while protecting valuable soil and water resources.



Corporate Transparency Act Webinar

As some of you may have followed and as we have highlighted over the past year, operations that are structed as various corporation, LLCs, LLPs, S-corps, etc. will more than likely need to comply with the new reporting requirements under The Corporate Transparency Act.

Please see a webinar that the University of Nebraska Center for Ag Profitability is hosting on November 14th at 12 noon.

This webinar will unpack the Corporate Transparency Act and its new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, now affecting many agricultural businesses.

Many Farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners have until Jan. 1, 2025, to comply with the act’s requirements, or face financial penalties. The webinar will cover what the act means for ag business owners, who is required to report, and the steps they need to take to ensure compliance.

Register for the webinar here https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GvJ9oon-RK-BVQJpzlJOLQ#/registration.



Nebraska Irrigated Acres Recede
NeFB Ag Economic Tidbits

Nebraska can no longer claim to be the nation’s top irrigated state according to data from the USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture. The Census shows Nebraska had 15,122 irrigated farms in 2022 with 7.96 million irrigated acres, a drop in acres of 7% from 2017. The 2017 Census showed 16,122 irrigated farms with 8.59 million acres. The updated figures place Nebraska second to California who has 46,247 irrigated farms and 8.16 million irrigated acres, up from 7.83 million acres in 2017. Arkansas follows Nebraska with 4.75 million acres. The three states together account for 38% of the total irrigated acreage in the nation.  

Slightly under 55 million acres in the U.S. were irrigated in 2022, about 18% of total U.S. cropland. That’s the lowest since 1992 and a decrease of roughly 3 million acres from the 2017 Census when irrigated cropland reached a record high 58 million acres. The decline was driven by decreases of 1.8 million acres (14%) in the Mountain region, 0.9 million acres (7%) in the Northern Plains, and 0.7 million acres (15%) in the Southern Plains. The Mountain region has the most irrigated acreage with 11.4 million acres in 2022.



2024 Silver Eagle Award to Honor Steve Nelson

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) has selected Steve Nelson of Axtell as the 2024 recipient of its highest honor, the Silver Eagle Award. The award will be presented to Nelson on Dec. 10 at the 2024 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney.

“Nelson has devoted his entire life to agriculture, showcasing unwavering commitment and service to the agricultural community in Nebraska. He has served as a passionate advocate and a representative striving to enhance the well-being of all farm and ranch families across the state,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.

Nelson started his farming career in the early 1970s while still a high school student. Today, he and his wife, Elma, cultivate corn, hybrid seed corn, and soybeans on their family farm near Axtell, which has been passed down through six generations.

Nelson began his Farm Bureau career after graduating from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, serving in many roles on the Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau Board. Steve was elected to the state Board of Directors in 1997, representing the South Central District. He was elected to the position of first vice president in 2002 before being elected as Nebraska Farm Bureau president in 2011.

Nelson was elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Board of Directors in 2014. He has served on the AFBF Trade Advisory and Governance committees and served as chairman of the Feed Grains Committee, the Water Quality Task Force, the Information and Technology Committee, and the Making American Agriculture Productive and Profitable Committee. He has accompanied governors and AFBF on trade missions to China, Costa Rica, Cuba, England, France, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Taiwan.

“During his service to Nebraska Farm Bureau, Steve moved the organization forward by prioritizing the expansion of agricultural trade and the exploration of new markets for agricultural commodities. Additionally, he emphasized a key focus on halting high-profile initiatives that could negatively impact the state. Steve also played a pivotal role in positioning Farm Bureau to be a leading voice in elevating awareness of Nebraska’s outrageously high property taxes to headline status and pushing for legislative action to address the problem,” said McHargue

In addition to advocacy work, Nelson helped advance and modernize the Nebraska Farm Bureau organization. Among those efforts was the establishment of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation to initiate programming to bridge a growing disconnect between agriculture and urban Nebraska. Nelson also supported expanded resources to help Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 86 County Farm Bureaus that make up the organization’s membership, including investment in programs geared toward leadership development and youth programs to grow agriculture’s base of leaders and influencers.

When Nelson retired as Nebraska Farm Bureau’s president in 2020, the organization honored him by sponsoring the Steve Nelson Yeutter Institute International Trade Internship Award, which provides students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln the opportunity to work in the heart of the trade policy community in Washington, D.C., at the Washington International Trade Association (WITA).

“Students who participate in the Washington, D.C., program work under the mentorship of WITA’s executive director and managing director and gain valuable exposure to and experience with trade policy issues. Following completion of the internship, the intern uses skills gained to plan a Yeutter Institute educational event for students and the public on an agricultural trade policy issue important to Nebraska,” said McHargue.

Nelson is a member of numerous state and national agricultural organizations. He is a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church near Axtell. Steve and Elma became members of the Hastings-area chapter of Compassionate Friends after their daughter, Sarah, passed away unexpectedly following a 2006 surgery. Steve and Elma have two other children; Scott (Amy) and Stacy (Bobby), and five grandchildren; Sam, Luke, Britta, Bo and Natalie.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau is stronger because of Steve’s vision for agriculture’s future,” McHargue said. “We congratulate Steve. He is extremely worthy of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s highest honor, the Silver Eagle Award.”



Beginning farmers wanted for conservation fellowship

Applications are now being accepted for the fourth cohort of the Center for Rural Affairs’ Beginning Farmer Conservation Fellowship program.

Beginning farmers who want to deepen their conservation knowledge are invited to apply. Fellows will complete coursework in conservation programs and practices, climate change adaptation and impacts, racial equity, and leadership. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.

“Across Nebraska, farmers and ranchers are working to implement working lands conservation practices, such as cover crops, rotational grazing, and pollinator habitats,” said Cait Caughey, beginning farmer and market associate with the Center. “These practices are vital to the health of our soil and environment while producing healthy food. Beginning farmer fellows will benefit from the curriculum we’ve developed with partners and experts on on-farm conservation practices, climate science, and climate change mitigation strategies.”

Fellows will attend program classes and field days, design and implement a conservation project on the farm with technical assistance from Center staff, and have opportunities to present at local conferences and give an on-farm tour. The program runs from Jan. 30, 2025, to August 2026.

Eligible beginning farmers must be actively farming in Nebraska and engaged in farming for fewer than 10 years.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 4, 2025. For more information on requirements and to apply, visit cfra.org/beginning-farmer-conservation-fellowship-program.



Ricketts Comments on Trump Decision to Appoint Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement on President Trump’s selection of Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator:

“The Biden-Harris EPA’s delusional and expensive regulations have caused prices to rise for families and businesses. They wasted millions of taxpayer dollars with grants far-left, partisan organizations. Their mandates limited choice and hindered American innovation. As a member of the Committee that oversees the EPA, I look forward to getting Lee confirmed as soon as possible so we can finally give the American people the relief they’ve been calling for.”



Webinar Series Unlocks Potential of Perennial Groundcovers in Corn and Corn/Soybean Production Systems

A five-week lunch-and-learn webinar series starting in January will explore the innovative use of perennial groundcovers in corn and corn/soybean production systems as a cover crop. This series, sponsored by Iowa State University and RegenPCG, will be held on consecutive Tuesdays (Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4 and 11, 2025) from 12-1 p.m. CST.

Perennial groundcover in a corn field.As sustainable agriculture continues to grow in importance, perennial groundcovers used within corn and soybean production systems offer a promising solution, noted Daniel Andersen, associate professor in agriculture and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University.

“Perennial ground covers are plants that are established and maintained within the row crop production system without needing to be replanted annually. They can help suppress weeds, provide habitat for beneficial insects and offer environmental benefits for erosion and nitrogen control,” Andersen said. “However, they increase complexity in our cropping system so require careful management to ensure competitive yields with traditional methods of crop production.”

This webinar series will focus on providing information on what perennial groundcover agriculture is, the potential benefits it offers, insight into how to effectively manage these systems, and work that is being undertaken to make them more robust for widespread adoption and implementation. The presentations are tailored for farmers, crop advisors, technical service providers, government agencies (NRCS/DNR) and other agricultural scientists eager to understand the possibilities and challenges of integrating perennial groundcovers into their row crop agriculture.
Webinar schedule, speakers, topics

Jan. 14, 2025 – Perennial Ground Cover Integration into Corn and Soybean Production: System Basics and Potential Benefits; all speakers are from Iowa State University.
    Raj Raman – A visionary overview of the potential and scalability of perennial groundcovers in corn and soybean production systems
    Ken Moore and Roger Hintz – An operational guide to implementing a perennial groundcover in corn and soybean production systems
    Philip Rockson – A comparative analysis of time and labor demands across conventional, cereal rye and perennial ground cover in corn and soybean production systems
    Cyndi Bartel – Comparisons of costs for conventional, cover cropping and perennial groundcover in corn and soybean production systems

Jan. 21, 2025 – Perennial Ground Cover Suppression and Weed Management within Corn and Soybean Production Systems
    Amina Moro, Iowa State University – Crop Zone Requirements
    Sara Lira and Brent Wilson, Corteva Agriscience – Techniques for maintaining a crop growth zone in corn and soybean production systems
    Erin Haramoto, University of Kentucky – Chemical weed control options for perennial groundcover systems. Experiences and options

Jan. 28, 2025 – Selecting Perennial Groundcovers for Corn and Soybean Production Systems and Their Ideal Characteristics
    Shuizhang Fei, Iowa State University – Choices for perennial groundcover in corn and soybean production systems
    Patrick Galland, Iowa State University – Research of unsuppressed production systems with perennial ground cover in corn production
    Brandon Schlautman, The Land Institute, and Philip Rockson, Iowa State University – Experiences from partnering farms using perennial ground cover in corn and soy production systems

Feb. 4, 2025 – Corn Hybrid Performance within Perennial Groundcover Systems
    Raj Raman, Iowa State University – Types of perennial groundcover production systems and how this influences brittleness
    Thomas Lubberstedt and Memis Bilgici, Iowa State University – Should we breed corn for use in perennial groundcover production systems?
    Sara Lira, Corteva Agriscience – Evaluating hybrid performance in well suppressed perennial groundcover systems
 
Feb. 11, 2025 – Quantifying and Valorizing Ecosystem Service Benefits for Perennial Groundcover in Corn and Soybean Production; all speakers are from Iowa State University
    Marshall McDaniel– Soil moisture results and water competition for nitrogen in perennial groundcover systems
    Oluwatuyi Olowoyeye – Research on grass cover and erosion control
    Philip Rockson – Findings on nitrogen leaching reduction
    Cyndi Bartel – Federal farm bill programs and valorizing ecosystem services

Register now
The series provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and join the conversation on the future of sustainable agriculture, Andersen said. Register for the webinar series today and stay tuned for the video series release... https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ocumqrTMoHdCOE5eftxebs3SygJnKhb4b#/registration.
 
For more information about the series, please contact Daniel Andersen at dsa@iastate.edu or 515-294-4210. For registration inquiries, please contact Melissa McEnany at mmcenany@iastate.edu or 515-294-9075.



CHS reports fiscal year 2024 net income of $1.1 billion

CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today reported net income of $1.1 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2024, compared to $1.9 billion for fiscal year 2023.

Key highlights for fiscal year 2024 financial results include:
    Consolidated revenues of $39.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 compared to $45.6 billion for fiscal year 2023, a change attributed to lower commodity prices.
    Financial performance remained solid across segments, although down from historically strong results, including record earnings in the prior year.
    Evolving market conditions, including less favorable refining margins, led to weaker Energy segment results compared to fiscal year 2023.
    Ag segment earnings declined from the prior year due to softening oilseed crush margins and global conditions that drove down margins for U.S. grain exports.
    Equity method investments continued to perform well, with our CF Nitrogen investment being the largest contributor.

“Our earnings for fiscal year 2024 were solid, thanks to the support of our owners and customers around the world. CHS intends to return $600 million in cash patronage and equity redemptions to our farmer-owners and member cooperatives in fiscal year 2025, as we continue to share profits with those that work with us to empower agriculture and help feed people around the globe,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO.

“We remain committed to strategically investing in strengthening our grain, agronomy and energy supply chains to provide end-to-end value and enhance market access for U.S. growers,” said Debertin. “As our industry navigates a challenging market environment, CHS is focused on efficiency and managing costs while still enhancing customer experience and driving growth on behalf of our owners."
Fiscal Year 2024 Business Segment Results
Energy

Pretax earnings of $429.1 million in fiscal year 2024 represent a $646.4 million decrease versus the prior year and reflect:
    A substantial reduction in refined fuels earnings due to the negative impact of industry trends on refining margins and less favorable pricing of heavy Canadian crude oil
    Reduced costs for renewable energy credits, which partially offset the impact of unfavorable market conditions

Ag
Pretax earnings of $342.7 million represent a $69.1 million decrease versus the prior year and reflect:
    Weaker crush margins due to an increased global supply of canola and soybean meal and oil, partially offset by operational and logistical efficiencies at CHS oilseed crush plants
    Improved margins and higher volumes for wholesale and retail agronomy products
    Compressed margins in the grain and oilseed product category due to global market conditions

Nitrogen Production
Pretax earnings of $151.2 million represent a $109.5 million decrease versus the prior year. The reduction in equity method income is due to lower global prices of urea and UAN, produced and sold by CF Nitrogen, our joint venture with CF Industries, which were partly offset by decreased natural gas costs.
Corporate and Other

Pretax earnings of $174.8 million represent a $84.9 million decrease versus the prior year and reflect less favorable market conditions for oil-based food products produced by the Ventura Foods joint venture.



Dairy Checkoff Annual Report Offers 2023 Highlights, Financials

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the planning and management organization that oversees the national dairy checkoff program on behalf of America’s dairy farmers and importers, has posted its 2023 annual report at https://dairycheckoff.com/about-us/annual-report.

The report provides checkoff funders and other members of the dairy community an audited financial report and highlights from 2023, including:
· Boosting domestic and international dairy sales.
· Building trust with consumers, including younger generations.
· Promoting dairy as a sustainable and essential food source.
· Engaging farmers and the broader dairy community.

The report features insights from farmer leadership, including DMI Chair Marilyn Hershey, United Dairy Industry Association Chair Alex Peterson and National Dairy Promotion and Research Board Chair Joanna Shipp. Additionally, DMI President and CEO Barbara O’Brien shares thoughts on checkoff strategies designed to build sales and trust of dairy.

“The 2023 annual report delivers insights in a transparent way of the dairy checkoff’s mission, including highlights and a financial summary of how our dollars are being invested,” Hershey said. “This is a powerful tool that shows the workings of our organization and how the checkoff is delivering results for us.”

The checkoff’s 2024 program budget summary and audited financial statements also are available at https://dairycheckoff.com/about-us/budget-financials.



Becky Langer-Curry Announced as Director of Inputs and Innovation

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has announced that Dr. Becky Langer-Curry will serve as director of inputs and innovation at the organization. She officially started her new role on Oct. 28.

“We are very happy to have someone of Becky’s caliber in this role,” said Sean Arians, the vice president of sustainable production & value chain engagement. “She has an extensive background in biological sciences and modern agriculture techniques and is uniquely positioned to help serve our members and corn grower leaders across the country.”

Langer-Curry will focus on the rollout of technologies, such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other products, ensuring that regulatory requirements are reasonable and don’t unnecessarily burden growers, industries and agencies. She will also work with farmers to help them understand current and proposed regulations and labeling requirements.

“I am thrilled to join the ranks of an organization that is so forward-focused when it comes to innovation and regulation,” said Langer-Curry. “I particularly like the fact that I will be working closely with growers during a critical time for our industry as we work to keep existing tools available for farmers while working to help them access new technologies.”

The latest announcement is part of an ongoing effort by NCGA to help growers navigate the regulatory terrain in Washington and in states across the country.

Langer-Curry holds a B.S. in microbiology and a doctorate in pathobiology from the Univ. of Arizona – Tucson.



New Report Highlights Impact of Glyphosate Loss on Farm Bill Programs

The Directions Group, formerly Aimpoint Research, today announced the release of a new report, "Farm Bill Programs and the Role of Crop Protection Tools," which identifies significant impacts on the farm bill and federal agricultural policy if U.S. farmers lost access to glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide. The commodities, conservation, nutrition, and crop insurance titles are among the key farm bill provisions potentially affected. Using open-source research and economic modeling, the analysis shows that disruptions to glyphosate availability would have costly consequences for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

"Conflicting state and federal pesticide labeling requirements could create a challenging regulatory landscape for crop protection products," said Mark Purdy, Executive Vice President of Agri-Food at The Directions Group. "That's why this research is critical. It shows that losing access to glyphosate could create far-reaching consequences for the farm bill."

Key takeaways from the report include:
    Food inflation could surge by 2.4 times based on 2025 forecasts.
    Farmers could lose $2.89 billion in annual net farm income.
    Nutrition program outlays for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could increase by $7.1 billion over the life of a 2025-2029 Farm Bill.
    Crop insurance costs may increase by $2.946 billion over the life of a 2025-2029 Farm Bill.
    CO2 emissions would likely rise by 33.72 million additional tons every year.
    The 2018 Farm Bill's $632 million investment in cover cropping would be undermined, reversing two decades of conservation gains in carbon capture, sediment loss, and nutrient runoff reduction.

"The increase in production costs would ripple through the economy, creating substantial challenges for both farmers and policymakers," said Dave Juday, Executive Advisor to The Directions Group and lead economist for the report. "It could undermine the farm bill and put pressure on policymakers to slash budgets for key programs in response to rising costs."



National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Recognizes Chuck Conner and Initiates CEO Search

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announces the retirement of Charles F. "Chuck" Conner from his position as President and CEO, effective December 31, 2025. Conner has led the organization with distinction for over 15 years.

During his tenure, Conner has been instrumental in overseeing NCFC's efforts to promote and protect the interests of America's farmer-owned cooperatives. He has provided a strategic vision for the organization and enhanced the value for its members. Specifically, Conner has advocated for agriculture at the highest level of government, working to influence policy and provide a voice for NCFC members.  

“Throughout his tenure, Chuck's leadership has guided the NCFC in adapting to the evolving needs of our member cooperatives and farmers,” comments NCFC Board Chair Jay Debertin.  “He has guided NCFC to remain a relevant and influential organization. We express our deepest gratitude to Chuck for his dedicated service to NCFC membership and the agriculture industry."  

The NCFC Executive Council has selected Kincannon & Reed to begin a national search for Conner’s successor.  

“Chuck’s planned departure allows for a transition period that will ensure our organization's continued success and stability, " said Debertin. "Kincannon & Reed is known for its expertise in recruiting executives to food and agriculture organizations.”