December 31 Ag News - Remembering Larry Sitzman - Preview of the Dakota Farm Show - Fertilizer Prices Back Off - USDA R&D '26 Priorities - Biodiesel Regs Ease in CA - and more!

Wrapping up beef production for 2025
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator, University of Nebraska

As we wrap up calendar year 2025; and what a year it has been! A peek at beef production totals forecasted for 2025 might be in order.

Looking at beef production statistics using USDA data during the last short week of the year should not be that difficult. It is like predicting whether a cow, due to calve any day, is pregnant. At that point, everybody should be an expert.

From January to August of 2025, US beef production expressed as carcass weight in Federally Inspected plants was 17.2 billion pounds. The corresponding figure for 2024 was 17.9 billion pounds. At that time, there was a 0.7 billion shortfall with 1/3 of the year left. Adding to the 2025 figure using weekly slaughter data from September to the week ending December 26, 2025, results in 25.6 billion pounds projected for 2025. The corresponding figure for 2024 was 26.6 billion pounds or a 0.9 billion pounds production decline year over year.

This is not bad when one considers that cattle on feed inventories are well below 2024 and cull cattle slaughter is down.

Yet, Americans are hungry for beef, so where is the beef (coming from)?

With all the talk about imports, one might suspect we imported record amounts of beef in 2025. From January to December of 2025, the US imported 3.8 billion pounds equivalent to the total imported by the US in 2023 but 0.8 billion pounds below 2024 imports.

Beef and veal import figures for the months of September through December 2025 are not available yet. If we project imports of beef and veal for this period in 2025 at the same levels for the September to December 2024 period, the expectation is that the US will import 1.6 billion pounds leading to total beef imports of 5.4 billion pounds for 2025. This would be an increase of 17% over 2024.

A few observations:
· Domestic US beef production is expected to fall 3.8% from 2024 to 2025 as cattle on feed inventories declined.
· Projected at 25.6 billion pounds, US beef production in 2025 resulted from relatively stable beef and dairy cow herds: 27.9 and 9.3 million beef and dairy cows, respectively.
· Adding beef imports from January to August and projected beef imports from September to December 2025 to domestic beef production results in 31 billion pounds of beef to supply the US. In 2024, this figure was 31.2 billion pounds.

Conclusive thoughts
· Appetite for beef by the American consumer continues and it drives domestic production and the need to import beef.
· If beef and dairy herds remain stable in 2026, domestic beef production should also remain stable at 25 to 26 billion pounds. This would mean that imports of beef in 2026 should remain at 2025 levels.
· It is unclear yet whether heifer retention intensified in late 2025. When it does, domestic beef production will drop unless beef-on-dairy feedlot cattle production increases, which is unlikely. 



Former NE Ag Director, Pork Producers Exec Dir Sitzman Dies

Larry Edward Sitzman, 79, of Lincoln, Nebraska (originally of Culbertson, Nebraska), passed away on December 25, 2025, in Lincoln.

Larry was born on December 21, 1946, in McCook, Nebraska. Larry attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, then served his country as a CID Special Agent with the United States Army in Vietnam.

After returning home to Nebraska, Larry worked his father's land as a farmer. Together, Larry and his wife Sally shared nearly 53 years of marriage and raised three sons: Edward, Eric, and Jason Sitzman.

Larry dedicated his life to agriculture, working the land as a farmer and serving on numerous agricultural boards. His leadership and commitment to Nebraska agriculture led to his appointment as Director of Agriculture for the State of Nebraska by Governor Ben Nelson. Following his tenure as Director of Agriculture, Larry continued to serve in leadership positions throughout the Nebraska agriculture industry, including roles in Columbus and Albion, before being appointed Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:30 am with Visitation beginning at 9:30 am at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, NE. Memorials may be designated to the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship through the NePPA.



DAKOTA Farm Show Features Equipment, Services and Seminars

The USD DakotaDome in Vermillion, SD is set to kick off the new year by hosting the Dakota Farm Show, January 6, 7 & 8, 2026 (Tuesday–Thursday). The annual three-day event is expected to bring thousands of area farmers to the warm and comfortable USD DakotaDome to view hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural products, equipment, and services.

This year’s show will again feature educational seminars presented by SDSU Extension and Southeast Research Farm on Wednesday. Wednesday seminars will include topics related to agronomy and soil health. Thursday’s sessions will focus on livestock management, self-care and community vitality. 

January 6, 2026 Topics and Speakers
Moderator: Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist
10:00 am Corn and soy insect pests; Phil Rozeboom, SDSU IPM Program
10:20 am Should I spray for my corn diseases?; Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist
10:40 am SCN in 49 South Dakota counties, so what now?; Anna Lagerhausen, SDSU Graduate Student, Plant Pathology
11:10 am Compost basics; Bret Lang, SDSU Post Doc, Organic Systems
11:30 am What does the future hold for beef carcass weights?; Warren Ruche, SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist
11:50 am Discussion and Comments
Noon Session ends

January 7, 2026 Topics and Speakers
Moderator: Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist
9:45 am Forage variety trials triticale, oats, and alfalfa; Pete Sexton, Farm Supervisor and Brad Rops, Operation Manager, SDSU Southeast Research Farm
10:05 am Soil health and N mineralization; Jason Clark, SDSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist
10:25 am Cover crops and soil health; Hans Klopp, SDSU Extension Soil Health Field Specialist
10:55 am Should we pass the Save our Bacon Act or should Proposition 12 rule the pen?; Orange City FFA Ag. Issues Team
11:15 am Micronutrients in corn and soybean production; Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Agriculture Program Field Specialist
11:35 am Optimum seed rates for corn and soybeans in southeast South Dakota; Peter Kovacs, SDSU Associate Professor Precision Ag Cropping Systems
11:55 am Discussion and Comments
Noon Session ends

Complete and up-to-date seminar schedules are available at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

Attendees will also enjoy the return of the popular Bomgaars DeWalt Tool Blowout, offering special pricing on a wide variety of tools and accessories throughout the event—an annual favorite with showgoers.

In addition to exhibits and seminars, attendees can register to win $1,000 in Showbucks, given away each day at 1:00pm, courtesy of Purple Wave Auction.

“The show is a fantastic way for area farmers to kick off the new year, see the latest innovations in agriculture, and gain new information from our top-notch seminars,” said Show Manager Penny Swank. 

This year’s show once again features an online, interactive floor plan. Attendees can review exhibitors and the floor plan at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

The Dakota Farm Show runs January 6, 7 & 8, 2026 at the DakotaDome (University of South Dakota campus) in Vermillion, South Dakota. Admission and parking are free. Show hours are 9am–4pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9am–3pm Thursday.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Multi-Species Backyard Flock in Dallas County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Dallas County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s 10th detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.

H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to continue bolstering their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website.

As H5N1 HPAI detections are confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, those cases are added to tracking websites located on the USDA APHIS website.



Seven Fertilizers See Lower Prices 

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly lower, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of December 2025. Seven fertilizers were lower, while one fertilizer was a little higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer price was considerably lower. DAP was 6% cheaper than last month. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $866/ton. The remaining six nutrients were slightly lower in price. MAP had an average price of $884/ton, potash $484/ton, urea $567/ton, anhydrous $863/ton, UAN28 $409/ton and UAN32 $466/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly higher compared to last month: 10-34-0 had an average price of $674/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.53/lb.N, UAN28 $0.73/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier: MAP and potash (by 9%), 10-34-0 (10%), urea (16%), DAP (17%), anhydrous (18%), UAN28 (26%) and UAN32 (28%).



Rollins Announces New Priorities for Research and Development in 2026

Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, signed a Secretary’s Memorandum that puts forth a focused effort to establish new priorities for future research and development activities funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen U.S. Agriculture for farmers and consumers.

The American farm economy suffered under failed Biden-Harris Administration policies that drove up inflation, created a weak trade agenda that resulted in no new trade deals for American commodities, and propagated crippling overregulation. Further, misguided policies focused on DEI and environmental justice in agricultural research, extension, and education programs diverted resources away from solving actual programs that American farmers and ranchers are facing.

Since January, the Trump Administration has been working nonstop to strengthen the farm safety net, create new export opportunities for American commodities, lower the cost of critical agricultural inputs, and root out DEI from all USDA programs. However, strategic investments in agricultural research and development will help American farmers and ranchers increase profitability while continuing to provide consumers with the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food and fiber supply in the world for decades to come.

“When he created the People’s Department and the land-grant university system in 1862, President Lincoln had a vision for American agriculture rooted in agricultural innovation and education. Since that time, research coming from USDA and our colleges of agriculture have successfully helped American farmers and ranchers address countless challenges,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The priorities we are announcing today further reiterates President Trump’s commitment to put Farmers First and provides our agricultural researchers with a strategic roadmap to help keep our producers at the forefront of productivity.”

New Research and Development Priorities:
Moving forward, new research and development activities funded by USDA will be focused on projects that address one or more of the following priorities that put Farmers First:
    Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers: While research to increase productivity has allowed American farmers and ranchers to provide the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food and fiber supply, the volatility in profitability of American agriculture leads to significant uncertainty for producers. Research and development that results in increased profitability—such as reducing inputs or increasing mechanization and automation—will benefit American farmers and ranchers.
    Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products: With many producers experiencing record yields this growing season, it is more important than ever to ensure USDA is expanding markets and creating new uses for these American-grown commodities. Research and development that seeks to open new markets—such as generating science and data to resolve longstanding sanitary and phytosanitary trade barriers—or expand the utilization of these commodities in novel biobased products and bioenergy (including biofuels) will result in increased demand.
    Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species: The resurgence of New World Screwworm in Mexico, continued westward expansion of the Spotted Lanternfly, persistence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry flocks, and decimation of our domestic citrus industry due to citrus greening are just a few examples of how invasive pests and diseases threaten American agriculture and natural resources. Research and development focused on new and effective methods for preventing, detecting, controlling, and eradicating these threats is a top priority for USDA and the security of U.S. agriculture.
    Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land: American farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists as no one stewards their land more than those whose entire livelihood, and that of their successive generations, depend on it. Research and development that promotes soil health practices, increases water-use efficiency, and reduces inputs will ensure farms and ranches remain productive for generations to come.
    Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality: Substantial and increasingly robust evidence shows that a healthy diet can help people achieve and maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout all stages of life. Rigorous research on precision nutrition is needed to better understand how healthy dietary patterns impact people at the individual level with the goal of more targeted nutritional recommendations to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families. Additionally, research and development on increasing the nutritional content and quality of foods will lead to increased demand for American agricultural products.



Clean Fuels Applauds CARB’s Decision to Sunset Outdated Biodiesel Restrictions

Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes a ruling by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to sunset the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) mitigation requirement for biodiesel blends up to B20 (20% biodiesel) in the Alternative Diesel Fuel (ADF) regulation.

Clean Fuels first called for sunsetting the B20 restrictions in the ADF in 2022, after CARB data showed the regulatory triggers for lifting the restrictions had been met.

California previously required producers to mix a minimum of 55% renewable diesel with biodiesel blends from B6 to B20 to mitigate NOx concerns in older heavy-duty vehicles. CARB’s own emissions modeling shows this step is not needed and has contributed to keeping overall biodiesel blends below 10%. Since biodiesel is more affordable than fossil diesel for fleet operators, lifting the ADF restriction enables market growth, marking a significant milestone for the clean fuels industry.  

While recent CARB actions have created regulatory headwinds for biodiesel, the decision to sunset the NOx mitigation requirement is a constructive step forward based on solid data acknowledging biodiesel’s established role in helping California meet its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) targets.

“Sunsetting the NOx requirement in the ADF regulation recognizes what the data has shown for years—that biodiesel is a proven, low-carbon fuel already effectively regulated under the LCFS,” said Jeffrey Earl, Director of State Governmental Affairs at Clean Fuels. “This decision provides regulatory clarity and reinforces biodiesel’s value as a cost-effective compliance option that benefits fuel providers, fleet operators and consumers.”

Clean Fuels will continue challenging CARB to ensure California’s clean fuels policies are grounded in sound data and recognize the reliable performance of low-carbon liquid fuels while maintaining a balanced approach that advances emissions reductions and protects fuel affordability and supply reliability.

Tuesday December 30 Ag News - Corn/Soy annual meetings, UNL Soils School - NE NE Farm & Equip Show - SowBridge Registration - Planter U - Jan 1 starts new Tax Provisions, Product of USA lables - and more!

NeCGA & NeSA Annual Meetings January 8th

Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association will take place at the Holthus Center in York, Nebraska on Thursday, January 8th. Registration for local delegates begins at 8am and the meeting will start at 8:30 am. 

The annual meeting of the Nebraska Soybean Association will also be held on Thursday January 8th at the Holthus Convention Center, York, NE.  



39th Annual Northeast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show 
Jan. 14 & 15, ​2026
Show Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Northeast Community College Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex in Norfolk 
On the corner of Highway 35 and East Benjamin Avenue.

Educational Seminars
Wednesday, Jan. 14th:
    10 a.m.: Wind and Solar Development: Navigating the Landscape for Rural Landowners- John Hay UNL Extension Educator. 
    Noon: Natural Prevention/Treatment of Early Calf Diseases - Paul Mitchell -Imogene Products. 
    2 p.m.: Protecting the Family Farm from a Change In Your Health - Jay Knobbe. 
Thursday, Jan. 15th:
    10 a.m.: Farmland Cash Rents & Lease Agreements - Jim Jansen UNL Extension Educator. 
    Noon: Farm Bill Update & Outlook - Jim Jansen UNL Extension Educator 
    1:30 p.m:  Weather Outlook 2026 - Eric Hunt UNL Extension Educator. 

Free Demonstrations 
Elkhorn Rural Public Power District & Stanton County Public Power District High Voltage Demonstrations.



2026 Soils School to Feature Fundamentals of Soils and Nutrient Management

Managing nutrients and water efficiently starts with understanding the soil beneath your feet — and that’s the focus of the 2026 Soils School on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Holthus Center in York, Nebraska.

Co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Nebraska Agri-Business Association, Soils School is offered in alternating formats each year. The 2026 program will focus on basic soil, water and nutrient management concepts, making it well-suited for those looking to build or refresh foundational knowledge.

The course applies core principles of soils, water and nutrient management to improve agricultural crop production in Nebraska. University of Nebraska experts will cover fundamental concepts related to soil health, water movement and nutrient use efficiency, along with updates to research-based recommendations for primary crop nutrients — including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — as well as micronutrients.

The course provides continuing education units for certified crop advisors, with a total of 11 nutrient management and two soil and water CEUs available.

Soils School Agenda
Feb. 3, 2026
    9:55-10 a.m. — Introduction
    10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. — Fertilizer Recommendation Philosophies, Richard Ferguson
    10:50-11:40 a.m. — Basics of Phosphorus Recommendations, Javed Iqbal
    11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Basics of Potassium Recommendations, Nicolas Cafaro la Menza
    12:30-1:30 p.m. — Lunch
    1:30-2:20 p.m. — Past to Present: Basics of Nitrogen Recommendations, Richard Ferguson
    2:20-3:10 p.m. — Understanding Biological Products and Their Role in Crop Production, Javed Iqbal
    3:10-3:25 p.m. — Break
    3:20-4:15 p.m. — Micronutrients effects on Crop Production, Nicolas Cafaro la Menza
    4:15-4:45 p.m. — Discussion

Feb. 4, 2026
    8:30-9:20 a.m. — In-Season N Recommendation, Richard Ferguson
    9:20 a.m.-10:10 a.m. — Manure Nutrient Crediting, Amy Schmidt
    10:10-10:25 a.m. — Break
    10:25 a.m.-11:15 a.m. — Basics of Soil-Water Relationships, Humberto Blanco
    11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.—  Soil Chemistry – The Basics for Agricultural Soils, Michael Kaiser
    12:05-12:50 p.m. — Lunch
    12:50-1:40 p.m. — Understanding Soil Health and Measuring Improvement, Carolina Córdova
    1:40-2:30 p.m. — TBD
    2:30-3:20 p.m. — TBD
    3:20-3:40 p.m. — Discussion
    3:40 p.m. — Adjourn

Registration costs $295 for Nebraska Agri-Business Association members and $395 for non-members, with online registration available through the Nebraska Agri-Business Association’s calendar page https://na-ba.com/member-resources/calendar/. 



Registration Open for 2026-2027 SowBridge Educational Series

SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars, and piglets and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in early February 2026, and registration is now underway. The series is provided online through Zoom, and each session is recorded for later viewing.

Suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the opportswine in a barnunity for interaction with session speakers remains unchanged. SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.

Sessions generally are held on the first Wednesday of the month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. Central time. The fifth session is moved up one week to May 27 to avoid conflicts with the World Pork Expo.

During each session, participants can ask questions to industry expert presenter from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection per session and all program materials provided by presenters.

The cost is $200 for the first registration and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity.

Registration is due Jan. 15, 2026, to ensure participants have access to materials for the first session on Feb. 4. A flyer with information and registration form is available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center website.

The 2026-2027 program session dates and topics are as follows.
    Feb. 4 – The role of specialized people in reducing sow mortality
    March 4 – New World Screwworm – What to look for
    April 1 – Managing large litters
    May 6 – When to process piglets in relation to survival
    May 27 – Gilt feeding strategies to enhance longevity and productivity
    July 1 – Water quality, biofilms and water line management
    Aug. 5 – What are cull sow buyers looking for?
    Sept 2 – On-farm semen management – tips and tricks
    Oct. 7 – What’s the latest porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome research?
    Nov. 4 – Fixed-time artificial insemination in gilts
    Dec. 2 – Satisfaction and stress factors on barn employees
    Jan. 6, 2027 – Anemia: impact on sow removal

For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Sherry Hoyer by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.

SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 13 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine-producing states.



Planter University Workshops Focus on Optimizing Planter Setup across All Brands

Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up with ISU Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state Feb. 2–6 with Planter University.

The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service pplanterroviders, equipment and precision ag dealers and others to gain insight into how planters function; optimizing settings for individual seed, field, and equipment needs; and improving understanding of planter wear and calibration. Prior attendees have noted the value this workshop provides, with 80% of 2025 survey respondents stating it was worth more than $10 per acre to their farming operation.

“Planter University goes far beyond a typical planter clinic and provides attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to host these workshops across the state again this February.”

Specialists from the ISU Digital Ag group will lead each workshop, focusing on small-group, hands-on learning with row units that represent a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for their key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment development and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.

“We are going to help attendees better understand the physics behind traditional and high-speed planters and how to evaluate planting performance, because every planter, operator and operation is different,” said Levi Powell, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist. “This event will focus on how to dial in the right settings for you and your operation.”

The training will be offered at five locations. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration for each location is $100 and closes seven days ahead of each meeting. On-site registration is not available, but online registration will be available starting Jan. 5.

Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials and CCA credits. Registration check-in opens at 8:30 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m. The program concludes at approximately 3 p.m.
    Feb. 2 – Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab, 3800 University Boulevard, Ames
    Feb. 3 – Carroll County Conservation Center, 22676 Swan Lake Trail Drive, Carroll
    Feb. 4 – Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, Kanawha
    Feb. 5 – Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence
    Feb. 6 – Prime Ag, 571 180th St., Otley

For registration-related questions, please contact ISU Registration Services at 515-294-6222 or registrations@iastate.edu. For all other inquiries, email crops@iastate.edu.



US Ethanol Production Rises, Stocks Fall 1.1% on Year

Ethanol production in the United States averaged 1.095 million barrels per day (bpd) for the week ending Dec 19, reported the Energy Information Administration on Monday. That is up 36,000 bpd week-on-week and 12,000 bpd, or 1.1%, lower than in the same week last year.

Four-week average output at 1,114 million bpd was 24,000 bpd above the same four weeks last year, according to EIA data delayed by the Christmas holiday..

Domestic ethanol inventories ended the week at 22.528 million barrels (bbl), up 175,000 bbl week-on-week and 546,000 bbl, or 2.4%, lower than in the same week last year.



Beneficial Tax Provisions to Take Effect Jan. 1
NPPC Newsletter
 
Tax changes included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on the Fourth of July are set to take effect Jan. 1.
 
The OBBBA extended several tax measures set to expire or begin phasing out at the end of this year that were part of President Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed during his first term. They include:
    Bonus depreciation, which allows 100% of the cost of qualified property to be deducted in the year it is placed into service rather than depreciated over several years, was made permanent.
    Estate tax exemption was made permanent and increased to $15 million per individual and indexed for inflation for tax year 2026. (The exemption is just under $14 million for tax year 2025.) The value of estates above the exemption amount is subject to a 40% tax when passed to an heir. 
    Section 179 expensing was increased to $2.5 million. It is $1.25 million for tax year 2025; it had been set to decrease to $1 million in 2026. The provision, limited to vehicles, machinery, and equipment purchased for business use, allows the full value of qualifying assets to be deducted in the year they are purchased.
    Qualified business income deduction (Section 199A), which allows a reduction in certain business income for determining federal tax liability, was made permanent, and the deduction was increased for tax year 2026 to 23% from its current 20%. 

Additionally, the bill made permanent the tax rates and brackets that were lowered and broadened, respectively, in the TCJA and increased the standard tax deduction for individuals and couples.
 


'Product of USA' Meat Labeling Rule Takes Effect Jan. 1
 
Beginning Jan. 1, packers and processors that want to identify meat as a product of the United States must be in compliance with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture labeling regulation, which also applies to poultry and egg products.
 
The rule, finalized in March 2024, lets companies label meat "Product of USA" only if the animals from which it was derived were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. Meat from live animals imported into the United States for feeding, harvesting, and processing no longer will be allowed to carry that claim. Minimally processed product can use a qualified U.S.-origin claim, such as "sliced and packaged in the United States using imported pork."
 
Meatpackers will not be required to label their product, but if they voluntarily use "Product of USA," "Made in USA," or an American flag, they must be able to provide proof of that claim. USDA will generically approve labels - no special process verification programs or additional approval steps are needed. A product with multiple ingredients can use a USA label as long as all the ingredients, except for spices and flavorings, comply with the rule's criteria. A beef and pork sausage, for example, would have to source products from both cattle and pigs born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States to use "Product of USA." The regulation also allows for a state or locality-based claim - "Product of Iowa," for example - when the claim follows the rule's criteria. 
 
The regulation only applies to domestic U.S. meat sales; all exports must continue to follow the labeling rules of the country of destination. 
 
The National Pork Producers Council has been concerned that the regulation will strain the relationships between the United States and its trading partners, particularly Canada and Mexico, both of which send significant numbers of live animals to the United States for feeding and processing.
 
While billed as voluntary, the new rule likely will have the effect of being mandatory since it creates a strong incentive for producers to prefer domestic animals to imported ones so they can use the "Product of USA" claim. That could have a detrimental impact on imports of live animals and already has prompted Canada to file a dispute over the labeling rule with the World Trade Organization.

Monday December 29 Ag News - Insights on Soybean Exports - Saunders Co Lvst Meetings and Banquet - NE Crop Prod Clinics - Pork Exports to Mexico - and more!

 Soybean Exports: Optimism, Skepticism, and Everything In Between

As the demand for domestic feedstocks grows, paired with uncertainty in foreign policy, many wonder if anything is happening at all in the realm of exports. It might not seem so, but reality says yes.

While trade as we know it is not going away, it certainly is changing. That optimism comes from Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) as he opened at their premier event, Soy Connext, also known as the Global U.S. Soy Summit. It is here where U.S. Soy buyers, sellers, growers and industry partners gather every year, creating an environment that builds relationships—a backbone of trade. Against a backdrop of changing trade dynamics and increasing global demand for reliable, high-quality soy protein and oil, the 2025 event gathered more than 700 attendees from 59 countries in Washington, D.C., from August 20 to 22. The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) was a sponsor of this event, with numerous staff and growers in attendance.

“About 50% of Nebraska’s soybeans get exported, including some of mine that get crushed locally and exported as soybean meal through the Pacific Northwest,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, who farms near Seward, serves as a director on the United Soybean Board and attended Soy Connext. “We sell into a global market, and events like Soy Connext help us play in that sandbox.”

Opportunities to connect face-to-face with others around the world make the event stand out. Attendees got a real-time crop update from a farmer panel during the program. Plus, the “Ask a Farmer” lounge made it easy for customers to meet face-to-face with U.S. Soy farmers.

“I visited with a marketer from Pakistan who understands the quality of U.S. Soy,” Bohuslavsky says. “He has had poor experiences with soy from other origins and wants to buy our soybeans.”

The Trade Team Invitational at the event connected 315 key buyers and 43 exporter companies to strengthen trade relationships and explore market opportunities. To complement this time in Washington, D.C., many international attendees participated in trade team tours before or after the conference. One of these groups visited NSB District 2 Director Jason Penke at his farm near Oakland, NE. Participants were from Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The visit highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s transparency and readiness to meet global demand, giving international buyers a firsthand look at the sustainable practices, innovation and stewardship that are core to the U.S. Soy value proposition.

“People buy from people; they trust people,” Bohuslavsky says.

Relational trust is one thing, but price and market certainty are another. There is optimism with trade, but skepticism is also prevalent. Just a few blocks away from Soy Connext, at the White House, global tariffs have been brought to the front of everyone’s minds. One country in particular, China, has yet to purchase soybeans for the upcoming marketing year.

Nebraska farmer and NSB District 1 Director Anne Meis participated in a private breakfast session with the Chinese Soy Connext delegation, focusing on the historic and enduring role of U.S.-China soy trade. At the end of the day though, price has the final say.

In the 2023/24 market year, U.S. Soy exports to the Greater China Region represented 23% of the U.S. Soy market share and was the #1 export market. Soybeans are also America’s top agricultural export, contributing $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023- 24 marketing year and traded in more than 80 countries, according to USDA. Year over year, the USDA also projects a 4.3% year-over-year increase in global soybean demand.

What do the signals point to, though? Besides China, what about demand elsewhere?

U.S. soybean export demand is not bad at all elsewhere. Actually, the numbers say it is quite good. According to the USDA, new-crop bean sales to all known destinations at the end of August are the highest they have been since 2018. While this will not fully replace China's demand, it is a silver lining.

Regardless, the U.S. will continue to be one of the pivotal and best sources of soybeans. Checkoff investments will also continue to focus on foreign markets. Relationships with international customers built over decades of collaboration are key to a profitable and reliable soy industry.

Many are wondering what trade will look like in the coming year. Good? Bad? The answer is probably somewhere in between. 



Saunder Co Lvst & Ag Assoc Annual Meeting, Banquet in January
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association 

As we welcome the New Year, I extend my best wishes to each of you. I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about some important upcoming events.

We encourage all members to actively participate in the Association by attending our regular meetings, annual meeting and banquet. Membership dues for the upcoming year are as follows: $75 for local membership; $105 Nebraska Cattlemen; $180 for NCBA. Dues are payable now and are required to vote and participate as a member for 2026.

1. The Annual Business Meeting shall be held as follows:
Monday January 5, 2026, Saunders County 4 H Building, Wahoo, Nebraska
6:00 PM Social Hour
6:30 PM Dinner
Frontier Cooperative sponsor and presentation – Frontier is a full-service cooperative located primarily in Eastern Nebraska serving customers since 1915. Frontier prides itself on being a progressive leader in today’s agriculture world.

Annual Business Meeting Agenda
Approval of 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes
2025 Treasurer’s Report
2026 Board of Directors Election
Adjourn

RSVP is due on or before December 31, 2026
Dan Kellner – 402-480-8778
Pudge Donahue – 402-525-6262
Jordan Nelson – 402-540-7556
Dave Vrana – 402-840-0116

This year, the annual meeting will be held in advance of the Annual Banquet to allow the Association to focus on recognition of our 4-H participants and their achievements and to enjoy the entertainment.

2. The Annual Banquet will be held as follows:
January 26, 2026, at Starlight Event Center
Entertainment – US Veteran Col Tom Brewer
5:30 p.m. Social Hour
6:30 p.m. Banquet
$35.00 advance tickets – Purchase from Directors
NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR

3. Scholarships are available to graduating seniors who are children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of Association members. Applicants must be from Saunders County or bordering counties. Call Cheyenne Chromy at 402-547-7107 or email Cheyenne.Chromy@gmail.com for an application. Applications are due on or before March 1, 2025.



2026 Forage Webinar Series Continues January 7

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association Forage Webinar Series continues on Wednesday, January 7, from 7 to 8:30 pm CST with a variety of forage topics including an overview of virtual fencing, winter grazing and a hay market outlook.

Presenters this month include:
Yijie Xiong, Nebraska Extension Specialist notes Labor is tight, and input costs aren’t getting any cheaper. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your forage further, virtual fencing (VF) might be a tool worth adding to your operation. These GPS-enabled collars allow you to create or move paddock boundaries from your phone or computer. No posts, no reels, no fence to drag across the pasture. That makes it easier to rotate cattle more frequently, adjust grazing patterns on the fly, and make better use of your existing forage without adding to your workload. 

Dr. Yijie Xiong joined the University of Nebraska Department of Animal Science in 2020 as an Assistant Professor and Extension Precision Livestock Management Specialist. She has a split appointment between animal science and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

Shelby Gruss notes that Interest in grazing cover crops and winter annuals has increased in recent years. Research on grazing winter and summer annuals in Iowa has been concentrated in southern Iowa, but because of differences in growing conditions, data on growth potential from the northern half of the state and the I-29 corridor, she will explore practical strategies to extend the grazing season into winter. We’ll discuss approaches for maximizing available forage, including management techniques and system adaptations that support livestock performance during the colder months for Siouxland.

Gruss is an assistant professor and forage extension specialist. Dr. Gruss joined the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy in November 2023. Her role's responsibility covers forage management: hay, pasture, and silage.

Amber Friedrichsen will provide the hay market report from what she is seeing across the country and across the country. She will discuss the impact of high cattle prices, weather and other plant pressures in her discussion.

She author is the managing editor for Hay & Forage Grower. Amber Friedrichsen joined the Hay & Forage Grower staff as an associate editor in May 2023. In July 2024, she has assumed the role of managing editor. Friedrichsen also served as the editorial intern in 2021 and 2022. She graduated from Iowa State University in May 2023 with a double major in agricultural communication and agronomy. Friedrichsen grew up and worked on her family’s diversified crop and livestock farm in eastern Iowa near Clinton.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/FLHTEP

Due to requests from participants who want to document education in our webinars, beginning in January 2026 requests for a “Certificate of Attendance” will be available when requested with the registration. There is the requirement to be logged on to each webinar for at least 85 percent of the total minutes of the program. With the requirements met, you will receive an email to collect the charge. Each certificate will be $5 to cover the cost of handling and shipping.

 For more information contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Sara Bauder, 605-995-7378; or in Nebraska Ben Beckman, 402-254-6821or Kortney Harpestad, 402-472-3571.



Nebraska Crop Production Clinics 

From winter agronomy updates to hands-on pesticide recertification, the 2026 Nebraska Crop Production Clinics offer growers a statewide opportunity to sharpen management decisions ahead of the new season. The clinics feature live presentations and research updates tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests.

Sponsored by Nebraska Extension, the programs will be held on eight days throughout January, beginning Jan. 7 in the Panhandle and continuing east to the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead. The final clinic on Jan. 27 will be held in partnership with the Nebraska Agribusiness Association Expo and will include free admission to the Expo trade show.

2026 Clinic Dates and Locations in northeast/east central NE:
    Tuesday, Jan. 13* — Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk
* Location includes second room with presentations on cropping systems, digital ag, agribusiness, and water and nutrient management.
    Wednesday, Jan. 14 — Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca (near Mead)

Individual clinics will be customized to address topics specific to that area of the state, allowing attendees to engage with research-based information on the issues that may be faced locally.

Visit the Crop Production Clinics 2026 website for the most up-to-date information https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.

Registration is available online for each location https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. 

Certified crop advisor credits will be available in crop production, nutrient management, integrated pest management, soil and water management.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification
The clinics will offer commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators an opportunity to renew their licenses in the general standards, ag plant and demonstration/research categories.

The clinics are also a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses or obtain a new license.

For more information, contact Joshua Villazana, clinics coordinator and Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator, (402) 472-1632. Registration questions can be directed to Connie Hansen, (402) 472-8747.



Mexico Begins Dumping Investigation on U.S. Pork Imports
NPPC Newsletter
 
Mexico began an investigation on U.S. pork imported into the country, alleging unfair U.S. prices and/or government subsidies hurt Mexican pork producers. 
 
After several Mexican pork producers and processors and trade organizations complained that imports of U.S. hams and pork shoulders increased significantly and were sold at less than fair value, pressuring domestic prices and harming profitability, Mexico's Secretariat of Economy on Dec. 15 initiated the antidumping and countervailing duty investigation. The Ministry will consider data for dumping and alleged subsidies from 2024 and look at potential injury from Jan. 1, 2022, through 2024. The countervailing duty (anti-subsidy) investigation focuses on both federal and state level grants and payments. 
 
Mexico will consider whether U.S. pork was "dumped" at less than normal values and/or subsidized, and whether Mexican producers and processors were injured by U.S. imports. Under World Trade Organization rules, a government can take action against a trading partner when dumping and/or subsidies cause "material" harm to a domestic industry. If Mexico decides that these requirements are met, it may impose antidumping and/or countervailing duties. Such duties normally are imposed only on a prospective basis to imports after a preliminary determination has been made, at the earliest.   
 
If Mexico reaches an adverse determination, U.S. producers and/or the United States can appeal through the dispute settlement mechanisms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and/or the World Trade Organization agreements.
 
Mexico is a major consumer of pork, and the U.S. pork industry has decades-long partnerships with buyers there to satisfy demand for high quality, readily available pork products. NPPC has been working with experts including lawyers, economists and government affairs officials on a coordinated producer strategy. NPPC has been party to trade cases in Mexico and elsewhere in the past and will lead efforts with U.S. and Mexican government officials.
 
Mexico is the No. 1 export market for U.S. pork, importing 1.15 million metric tons of pork valued at almost $2.6 billion in 2024. Tariffs on U.S. pork products most likely would reduce exports to Mexico and hurt producers' bottom line.



Senate Confirms Brashears as Undersecretary for Food Safety
 
Dr. Mindy Brashears has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to return for her second term as undersecretary for food safety.
 
Brashears will oversee USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service, which is responsible for regulatory oversight of meat, poultry, and processed egg products, ensuring they are safe, wholesome, accurately labeled, and correctly packaged. Brashears has said she will prioritize finalizing a USDA rule allowing packing plants to run faster processing line speeds, a priority for NPPC. She also would serve as the chairperson of the U.N. Codex Alimentarius Commission's Policy Committee.
 
The undersecretary for food safety helps ensure the safety and wholesomeness of the U.S. meat and poultry supply. USDA's FSIS conducts inspections at federally-approved meat and poultry establishments and ensures that state-approved facilities - those that sell product only within a state - have standards at least equivalent to federal standards.
 


Secretary Rollins & Congressional Ag Leaders to Speak at AFBF Convention

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees will all be featured speakers at the American Farm Bureau Convention.

Secretary Rollins, who has led USDA through a pivotal first year of the Trump administration focused on the agriculture economy, trade and reducing costs for farmers, will speak about the challenges and opportunities ahead for American agriculture during the closing general session on Monday, Jan. 12.

Tim Tebow was announced in June as a closing general session speaker – a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Fame inductee, and five-time New York Times best-selling author.

The chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Ranking Member Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will be joined by the chair of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Pa.), and Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) on a panel to discuss their vision for the future of U.S. agriculture and their plans for 2026. The congressional panel will take place during the mid-general session on Sunday, Jan. 11.

AFBF’s 107th convention will be held Jan. 9-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California. The theme is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall will give his annual address to Farm Bureau members during the opening general session on Sunday morning, Jan. 11.

A full lineup of workshops will be offered in four tracks – public policy, rural development, member engagement and consumer engagement. The convention will include a trade show featuring cutting-edge innovations in agricultural technology, tools and services.

Learn more about the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention by visiting the event website https://annualconvention.fb.org/. 

Wednesday December 24 Ag News - Hogs & Pigs Report - McClymont Friend of NC Foundation - Economic Analysis of Tyson Beef Plant Closure - Red Meat Prod -7% in Nov - ASA Calls for Balanced Drone Policy - and more!

 United States Hog Inventory Up 1 Percent 

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2025 was 75.5 million head. This was up 1 percent from December 1, 2024, and up slightly from September 1, 2025.   Breeding inventory, at 5.95 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, but up slightly from the previous quarter.  Market hog inventory, at 69.6 million head, was up 1 percent from last year, and up slightly from last quarter. 

The September-November 2025 pig crop, at 35.0 million head, was up slightly from 2024. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.93 million head, up slightly from 2024. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.93 for the September-November period, compared to 11.92 last year. 

By State Inventory (1,000 hd - % Dec 1 '24) 
Nebraska ..........:     3,650       103    
Iowa ................:    25,300      104    
Minnesota ........:     9,400       101    
North Carolina ..:     7,900        96    
Illinois ..............:      5,450       99    

Nebraska - 720,000 sows farrowed in '25, 11.99 pigs per litter, 8,634,000 pig crop (-3% '24) 
Iowa - 1.8 mil sows farrowed in '25, 11.82 pigs per litter, 21,268,000 pig crop (unch '24)

United States hog producers intend to have 2.89 million sows farrow during the December 2025-February 2026 quarter, up 2 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, but down 1 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for March-May 2026, at 2.91 million sows, are up 2 percent from the same period one year earlier, but down slightly from the same period two years earlier. 

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 52 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 2 percent from the previous year. 



NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES PETE McCLYMONT

The Friend of the Foundation award is presented to a person or business that has shared endless amounts of time, talent, and treasure with the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. The Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 recipient of the Friend of the Foundation award is Pete McClymont.

Pete McClymont is a native of Holdrege, Nebraska, where four generations have continuously farmed, including raising livestock in south central Nebraska since 1882. During his time working at the family farm, Pete primarily managed the feedlot along with his father and two brothers.

Pete’s passion for beef cattle production and advocating for the interests of producers led him to serve on the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors, where he concluded his board service as President of the Board in 2006.

Upon concluding his service on the Board of Directors, McClymont became Vice President of Legislative Affairs for Nebraska Cattlemen in January 2007 and was later hired as Executive Vice President in July 2013.

During his time as a Nebraska Cattlemen member and staffer Pete always advocated for the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. 2026 will mark his twentieth year participating in the Foundation’s Retail Value Steer Challenge. He often reminds people that a gift to the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is an investment in ourselves as well as students, the individuals who will be our next leaders.

McClymont spent over twenty-five years serving Nebraska Cattlemen members and working to keep Nebraska’s beef cattle industry prosperous. After more than two decades of service to the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen, McClymont retired at the end of February 2023.

Pete McClymont has exhibited great leadership in supporting the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation.



Nebraska Beef Council January Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will conduct their regular board meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. CDT at the Nebraska Beef Council office in Kearney. During the meeting, the board will have a call for candidates and USMEF market update.

For more information and a detailed agenda, please contact the Nebraska Beef Council office at 308-236-7551.



CAP Report: Economic Impacts of the Tyson Beef Plant Closure in Lexington, Nebraska
Elliott Dennis, Associate Professor, UNL Department of Agricultural Economics
Eric Thompson, Professor, UNL Department of Economics

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Tyson Foods announced it would permanently close its beef processing facility in Lexington, Nebraska, effective January 20, 2026. The company also announced it would convert its Amarillo, Texas facility to a single full-capacity shift. The Lexington plant employs roughly 3,200 people and can slaughter almost 5,000 cattle per day approximately 4.8% of total daily U.S. beef slaughter (Dennis and Smith 2025). This marks the first time one of the “Big Four” meatpacking companies has permanently closed a major plant during the current cattle supply crunch.

The estimated annual statewide economic impact of the Tyson plant closure is 3.283 billion dollars, including both direct and multiplier effects on the Nebraska economy. Total labor income losses are projected to be 530.431 million dollars per year across 7,003 jobs, which comprise the 3,212 positions directly eliminated at the plant and additional jobs that support those workers in other sectors. Although these figures represent statewide annual impacts, the direct and multiplier losses are expected to be concentrated in Dawson County and neighboring communities from which plant employees commute.

The plant closure is also expected to substantially reduce tax revenues. Annual losses in state personal income tax revenue are estimated at 23.209 million dollars. State sales tax revenues are projected to decline by 10.163 million dollars per year, and local sales tax revenues accruing to Dawson County are expected to fall by 2.771 million dollars per year.

The preceding analysis indicates that the Tyson beef processing plant closure generates substantial annual statewide economic impacts. These impacts would be larger if a greater share of cattle processed at the plant were purchased from Nebraska feedlots or if cattle accounted for a larger proportion of total plant costs. Conversely, the estimated impact would be smaller if the total value of beef sold were lower. Tax rates are based on historical tax data and may vary from year to year depending on employee deductions and other factors.



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 7 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.26 billion pounds in November, down 7 percent from the 4.56 billion pounds produced in November 2024.

Beef production, at 2.02 billion pounds, was 9 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.27 million head, down 11 percent from November 2024. The average live weight was up 32 pounds from the previous year, at 1,457 pounds.

Veal production totaled 1.8 million pounds, 40 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 9,000 head, down 42 percent from November 2024. The average live weight was up 16 pounds from last year, at 354 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.23 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.3 million head, down 5 percent from November 2024. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 292 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 9.8 million pounds, was down 6 percent from November 2024. Sheep slaughter totaled 175,100 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 110 pounds, down 8 pounds from November a year ago.

By State           (million lbs.  -  % Nov '24)
Nebraska ........:     626.0             92       
Iowa ..............:      724.1             94       
Kansas ...........:      423.9             90       

January to November 2025 commercial red meat production was 48.9 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2024. Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 39 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly. 



Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Annual Conference in Des Moines

Practical Farmers of Iowa invites farmers, landowners and friends of farmers to register for the PFI 2026 Annual Conference, happening Jan. 9–10 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. The two-day, farmer-led event offers learning and connection for anyone involved in or interested in agriculture.

“This conference really showcases Iowa agriculture at its best. With over 70 sessions, you’ll hear directly from the people doing the work – the farmers,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s senior farmer-led education director. “Whether you’re a farmer, work with farmers or just care about where your food comes from, there’s something for you.”

Since PFI’s founding, the annual conference has been a keystone event for thousands of farmers to exchange creative ideas, build connections and celebrate Iowa agriculture.

Conference highlights include:
    A Saturday keynote by Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc. She’ll discuss how revitalizing Maine’s local grain economy has driven economic development at the grassroots level and strengthened community resilience and self-sufficiency.
    More than 70 sessions covering conventional and organic crops, small grains, cover crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, on-farm habitat, landowner resources, farmland access, farm business basics and more.
    An evening of storytelling by PFI farmers sharing skillfully narrated true stories.
    Presentation of PFI’s 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award.
    Four optional pre-conference short courses (Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.–5:15 p.m.):
        “Wholesale-Ready: Preparing Your Farm and Evaluating Opportunities”
        “Field Crops Research Highlights”
        “Poultry Pathways: The Business of Raising Birds for Meat and Eggs”
        “Farm Transition: Taxes and Estate Planning”

To register or learn more, visit practicalfarmers.org/conference. For questions, please call 515-232-5661.

Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2026 Annual Conference is supported by several major sponsors, including Albert Lea Seed House; Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Grain Millers Inc.; John Deere; Krause Group; Mad Capital; Niman Ranch; Peoples Company; and Sunderman Farm Management Co.



USDA Cold Storage November 2025 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on November 30, 2025 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 36 percent from last month but down 7 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2025 were down 10 percent from the previous month and down 4 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 down 41 percent from last month and down 21 percent from November 30, 2024.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2025 were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from November 30, 2024. Butter stocks were down 8 percent from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on November 30, 2025 were up 4 percent from last month but down 7 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 3 percent from last month and down 8 percent from a year ago.



ASA Urges Balance on Agricultural Drone Policy

The American Soybean Association is closely monitoring recent federal actions related to restrictions on certain foreign-manufactured drones used in U.S. agriculture and the potential impacts on farmers. Precision agriculture tools, including drones, are essential for today’s farmers to manage costs, monitor crops, and operate efficiently. Foreign-manufactured drones represent a significant majority of the agricultural drone market, and sudden restrictions on their use without available domestically manufactured alternatives risk adding new financial and operational burdens for farmers already facing tight margins and market uncertainty.

“Soybean farmers depend on modern technology to stay competitive, efficient, and sustainable,” said Scott Metzger, president of ASA and Ohio farmer. “While we recognize the importance of addressing national security concerns, it’s critical that policymakers fully consider the real-world impacts these decisions can have on farmers who rely on these tools every day. Taking proven technology out of farmers’ toolboxes without workable alternatives only adds cost and uncertainty at a time when farmers can least afford it.”

ASA has consistently supported policies that protect farmers’ access to reliable technology, broadband connectivity, GPS systems, and spectrum resources critical to modern agriculture. We urge policymakers and federal agencies to work with agriculture stakeholders to address security concerns while preserving farmers’ access to essential tools.

Tuesday December 23 Ag News - 2026 Feedlot Roundtable in WP - Uden becomes President of NE Cattlemen - NC Recognizes Wehrbein, Benes - BQA/BQAT in Beemer - EQIP Deadline Jan 15 - and more!

2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series

The 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series is an event that you won’t want to miss! We encourage feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry to join Nebraska Extension February 17-19 as we dive into a series of timely topics covering feedlot management. 

The program will include: 
    Maximizing calf gain in the backgrounding phase with Dr. Jim MacDonald, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, UNL 
    Managing cattle health from feedlot arrival to finish with Dr. Dan Thomson and Dr. Jacob Hagenmaier, Production Animal Consultation 
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln research highlights with Dr. Galen Erickson, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, UNL
    New World Screwworm: What feedlots need to know with Dr. Matt Hille, Diagnostic pathologist at Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, UNL
    Beef Cattle Market Outlook with Dave Weaber, Terrain (Farm Credit)

Join us from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The cost is $20 paid at the door via cash or check. Lunch will be provided. Please pre-register to help with meal count. 
    February 17th in Bridgeport, NE, at the Prairie Winds Community Center (428 N Main St, Bridgeport) 
    February 18th in Gothenburg, NE, at the Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center (76268 NE-47, Gothenburg)
    February 19th in West Point, NE, at the Nielsen Community Center (200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point)

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, February 13th, and can be completed online at: https://go.unl.edu/2026roundtable.  

For more information, contact Dr. Galen Erickson. Email: gerickson4@nebraska.edu 



Craig Uden Starts Term as President of Nebraska Cattlemen

During their Annual Business Meeting, the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) membership elected Craig Uden to serve as president.

Craig stated, "When it comes to the beef cattle industry, there will always be issues to solve. The true meaning of sustainability is learning and adapting to the challenges we face.We must come together to solve the important issues and educate producers in order for our business to thrive. I look forward to tackling industry issues with like-minded people over the next year."

A fourth-generation cattleman from Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Craig Uden has always been active in helping shape the ever-challenging and changing beef industry. Craig is a partner in Darr Feedlot Inc., a commercial cattle feeding operation in central Nebraska. Craig and his wife, Terri, also own and manage three commercial cow-calf operations. He believes in giving back to an industry that has been good to him, and while he has stepped aside from the day-to-day management, he still enjoys buying and selling cattle and his customer relations title, because it is the relationships that are built in the cattle industry that make this business so rewarding. People work toward a common goal to improve and learn so that their industry is sustainable for future generations.

Craig and Terri have a daughter, Blair, who is involved in agribusiness and her and husband own a registered Red Angus operation and help oversee the family cow-calf operation. His son, Andrew, and his wife reside in Seward, Nebraska, and Andrew works with his own high tech animal information company. Craig graduated from the University of Nebraska. He has been involved with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) since the mid-1980s and has served on several committees throughout the organization. Craig served as NCBA President in 2017; he had previously served as the President-elect, Policy Division Chairman and Federation Division Chairman. He has been involved in a number of functions on a local and state basis, including past chairman and elder of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska, member and past chair of the Dawson County Cattlemen, and a 4-H leader. Along with serving on the Nebraska Beef Council, the Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation, and the Nebraska Feedlot Council, Craig has served on the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors as a committee chairman and vice chairman, vice president, and president-elect. Craig is also a member of Nebraska Ag Builders and sits on the Foundation Board of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Craig Uden began his one-year term as Nebraska Cattlemen President on Friday, December 12, 2025.



Wehrbein Receives Highest Honor Awarded by Nebraska Cattlemen

Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to announce Buck Wehrbein as the 2025 Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame Award recipient for his exemplary leadership and service to the beef cattle industry.

The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor Nebraska Cattlemen can give one of its members. The Nominations Committee selects members based on their contribution to the beef industry, contribution to the Nebraska Cattlemen organization, community and civic contributions, and their cattle business accomplishments.

Executive vice president Laura Field stated, “From Nebraska to NCBA, Buck Wehrbein has been a champion for the beef cattle industry wherever he goes. He has served his fellow producers with the highest character and his leading by example spirit makes him most deserving of inclusion in the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame.”

Buck Wehrbein said, "I am profoundly humbled by this honor. While I feel unworthy, to be granted this by my fellow producers means the world to me. Praise God."

Background
Buck Wehrbein grew up in eastern Nebraska on a farm raising cattle, hogs and chickens. Wehrbein has managed custom feedlots in Nebraska and Texas since 1984 while feeding his own cattle since 1980. He worked outside Amarillo on a custom feedlot for many years before moving back to Nebraska.  

Wehrbein has been active in the beef industry and served as both chairman and treasurer for the Nebraska Beef Council. He also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. He participated in Young Cattlemen’s Conference in 1993.  

Wehrbein and his wife Sandy have been married 53 years and have three children (two living), seven grandchildren (six living), and eleven great-grandchildren (ten living).



Nebraska Cattlemen Posthumously Awards Myron R. Benes with the 2025 Industry Service Award

The Nebraska Cattlemen posthumously awarded Myron R. Benes with the 2025 Industry Service Award during the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Awards Banquet.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Industry Service Award recognizes the contribution of individuals who have gone above and beyond to support agriculture.

Kevin Benes stated, “We’re very honored for dad to get this award. Working around cattle was his life. He did a lot of incredible things behind the scenes that no one got to see. Our family is humbled to accept this award on his behalf.” 

Nebraska Cattlemen executive vice president Laura Field said, “His devotion to cattle and kids through volunteering in local cattlemen’s groups and 4-H and FFA programs prove Myron Benes’ dedication, love and service for the cattle industry. We are pleased to honor him with the Industry Service Award and encourage others to adopt his kind and generous spirit.”

Background
Myron R. Benes passed away on November 3, 2022, at his home in Albion, NE. He was 69 years old.

Myron was born on January 4, 1953, in Lincoln, NE. Before graduating from Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, NE, Myron enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1970 and served for seven years before returning to his family’s farm in Valparaiso.

It wasn’t much longer before he and his brother Melvin met a man by the name of Jim Wolf, whom they would show cattle for. Wolf encouraged Myron to move to Albion to work for him. Myron specialized in sales consulting with breeding programs for the Wolf family and Wagonhammer Ranch. He was an active member member of many cattle organizations, including Boone-Nance Cattlemen, Nebraska Cattlemen, American Angus Association, Simmental Association, Charolais Association, and Nebraska Elite Beef.

Myron and his wife, Karen (Stevens), raised two sons and were active in their community. He particularly enjoyed helping his boys and grandchildren with their show cattle, along with many other kids in 4-H and FFA.



BQA and BQA Transportation Training - Beemer

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance will be offering Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Certifications.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 
5:00 pm central time
Riverside Headquarters, 106 S Main St, Beemer

Attendees must RSVP by pre-registering online below or by calling 308-633-0158

Personal Information - Beemer 2026 Nebraska BQA Registration
https://web.cvent.com/event/dbdbb12c-18a7-48e7-b320-91292036badc/regProcessStep1

Cuming County Feeders will be grilling burgers following the training.




Order Your 2026 Nutrient Recordkeeping Calendars
Leslie Johnson | UNL Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

The 2026 Nutrient Management Calendars are available for pre-order from the Nebraska Extension. This easy-to-use record keeping calendar tracks manure-related records for livestock and cropping operations. It serves as a guide for livestock operations that are required by the State of Nebraska to keep records. It was designed to be used by all sizes of livestock operations and includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). 

Whether you have 2 head or 200 thousand head, this calendar can help you keep records of your manure handling and the weather that affects its application on the land, as well as yield and fertility records for those fields.

Part of the calendar’s record keeping tools includes tracking manure application rates, which is important for getting the maximum crop nutrient value from manure and documenting one’s environmental stewardship.

It has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) and recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a valuable resource for livestock producers. Thanks to sponsors, it is available at no cost to livestock producers by contacting Leslie Johnson or DWEE.

To request a calendar on-line, go to https://water.unl.edu/manure/RequestCalendar. If you have a previous calendar, you may also mail in the postcard found inside the calendar to get your 2027 calendar. If you have any questions about the calendar or suggestions for future calendars, contact Leslie Johnson, Animal Manure Management Extension Educator.



Nationwide CSP, EQIP application deadline set for Jan. 15

Farmers and ranchers interested in signing up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have until Jan. 15 to submit initial paperwork.

Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs allow for continuous sign-up, the agency is implementing this national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support following the government shutdown.

Administered by NRCS, CSP and EQIP provide financial and technical assistance for producers implementing conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.

“CSP and EQIP are voluntary programs designed to help producers meet their conservation goals while maintaining their bottom lines,” said Andrew Tonnies, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “The financial support provided through these programs is especially important given the tight profit margins producers are facing.”

CSP is designed to reward producers for new and existing conservation activities across an entire operation. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate they are currently addressing priority resource concerns on their farm or ranch and a willingness to implement additional practices.

EQIP offers assistance for single practices or projects to help producers address a particular resource concern. Several structural practices, such as terraces, can be funded through EQIP as well.

Through both programs, the applying producer will develop a conservation plan with support from local NRCS staff to ensure the implemented practices benefit natural resources and meet the applicant’s conservation goals.

Clay Govier, a corn and soybean producer from Broken Bow, Nebraska, has used CSP and EQIP to help implement no-till practices, cover crops, and nutrient management, and install moisture meters.

“CSP and EQIP have been great programs to help cover some of the cost of adopting practices that have an upfront expense, but a long-term benefit,” Govier said. “The local NRCS office has been helpful and easy to work with to develop a conservation plan that works for my farm.”

Farmers interested in applying for either program are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office. Applications for the recently launched Regenerative Pilot Program will also be accepted during this time. A list of local offices can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center.



Pillen Temporarily Waives Regulations for Truckers Hauling Heating Fuels Used for Residential Heat

Due to increased demand for heating products across the Midwest and resulting challenges in timely access to heating fuel, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief.  

The executive order temporarily waives federal hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers hauling residential heating fuels, heating oils, or fuel used to generate power for residential heat into or within the State of Nebraska. The waiver applies only to vehicles transporting these essential heating fuels.

Drivers operating under this order should keep a copy with them. The Governor’s order (25-17) is effective immediately and will remain so through January 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.



Six Individuals Appointed to NPB Board of Directors 

The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes five appointees to serve a three-year term ending in June 2028, and one appointee to serve a two-year term ending in June 2027. 

Congratulations to the following producer leaders: 
•    Chad Groves, Kansas
•    Jessica Stevens, Ohio
•    Paul Ayers, Illinois
•    Dwight Mogler, Iowa
•    John Rauser, Montana
•    Jeremy Burkett, Wyoming (Two-Year Term)

The National Pork Board is comprised of 15 pork producers or importers, nominated by Pork Act Delegates at the National Pork Forum and appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

The board collects National Pork Checkoff funds and uses those dollars for promotion, research and consumer information projects and programs to enhance U.S. pork and pork product marketing.

“NPB is a producer-led, consumer-driven organization that judiciously invests Pork Checkoff dollars to do what’s best for pigs, people and the planet,” says David Newman, CEO of NPB. “Our board of directors generously dedicates their time and talents to serve U.S. pork producers and keep us focused on and accountable to our three-year strategic plan. We look forward to partnering with our board and producer-leaders from across the country to drive the pork industry forward, together.”  

Thank you to the following producer leaders for their dedicated service to the U.S. pork industry as they end their term: 
•    Alayne Johnson, Indiana
•    Bill Luckey, Nebraska 
•    Bob Ruth, Pennsylvania

As a catalyst and connector to add value and build trust among those who produce, process, sell and consume pork worldwide, NPB values state and national producer involvement to navigate an ever-changing future. Learn more about the National Pork Board at porkcheckoff.org. 



November Milk Production in the United States up 4.5 Percent

Milk production in the United States during November totaled 18.8 billion pounds, up 4.5 percent from November 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,963 pounds for November, 41 pounds above November 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.57 million head, 211,000 head more than November 2024, but unchanged from October 2025.



Dairy Market Report - DECEMBER 2025

Falling milk prices spurred largely by an imbalance between milkfat supply and demand have continued in recent months and may continue into 2026.

U.S. fluid milk sales in October were just 0.1% lower than a year earlier. Total domestic commercial use of milkfat was down moderately from a year earlier during June-August, while total skim solids use rose by 3%. U.S. exports of butter and American-type cheese were up by triple-digit percentages during July-September. Total U.S. milkfat production grew by 5.5% from a year earlier during August-October, almost two percentage points faster than liquid milk production during the same period. U.S. cheddar cheese production rose 3.2% year-over-year during August-October, down considerably from its 8.8% annual growth rate during May-July.

Prices for cheese, nonfat dry milk and dry whey showed moderate changes from September to November, but butter prices dropped by over $0.40/lb during the same period. Overall retail price inflation ticked down to a 2.7% year-over-year gain in November, while average retail dairy product prices dropped by 1.6% that month. The DMC margin dropped by $1/cwt from August to October, to $10.52/cwt, mostly on a drop of $0.90/cwt in the all-milk price, to $20/cwt.

Read full report here:  https://www.nmpf.org/dmr-december-2025/.  



USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a transit permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a distributor with Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2025, and 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2025, local time, through or over any U.S. border port.

"USDA is delighted to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season," said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. "We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the vital role of U.S. whole milk and cookies in fueling his festive flight."

Veterinary officials ensured the reindeer met all entry requirements before issuing the permit. Dr. Rosemary Sifford, USDA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, stated: “At a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and paw with each hoof.”

It was noted on the health certificate that one reindeer, Rudolph, has a minor physical anomaly. However, APHIS indicated that Rudolph’s red nose, while bright, was normal for him and not a concern.

APHIS regulates the movement of cervids, including reindeer, to protect the health of America’s livestock population. The permitting process provides assurance that only healthy animals enter the United States.

USDA has confirmed that the reindeer will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry. They will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Mr. Claus has been asked to disinfect his boots and thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms and houses around the world prior to entering the United States.

Mr. Claus also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to U.S. animal or plant health.

“It’s important that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases,” explained Mr. Claus. “I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night.”

Whatever you celebrate this time of year, USDA wishes you a joyful and healthy season filled with meaningful traditions and celebrations.

Monday December 22 Ag News - LENRD Water Use Amounts Madison/Wayne Counties - Women in Ag in Feb - UP/Norfolk Southern merger - Cost of Labeling Requirements - and more!

Lower Elkhorn NRD Directors Set 2026 Water Use Amounts for Quantity Management Subarea

At the December 18th Board Meeting, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Directors set the 2026 Water Use Amounts for Irrigation Wells in the Quantity Management Subareas. The 2026 water use allocation amounts for these areas will remain unchanged from their creation in 2013:

Eastern Madison County Quantity Management Subarea
    Gravity/Flood Irrigation – 18 Acre Inches/Acre
    Subsurface Drip Irrigation – 13 Acre Inches/Acre
    All other systems (center pivots) – 14 Acre Inches/Acre

Wayne County Quantity Management Subarea
    Gravity/Flood Irrigation – 17 Acre Inches/Acre
    Subsurface Drip Irrigation – 12 Acre Inches/Acre
    All other systems (center pivots) – 13 Acre Inches/Acre 

Directors also heard and accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report from Donita Pokorny with Dana F. Cole. They also accepted the low bid of $6,161.42 for two new 80-gallon water heaters in the shower house at Maple Creek Recreation Area. Hamernik Plumbing and Well Drilling out of Leigh will be hired for the project.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live. 



CAP Webinar: 2026 Nebraska Crop Production Cost Estimates and Planning Tools
Jan 8, 2026 12:00 PM 
Glennis McClure, NE Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst
 
During this CAP webinar, an overview of the 2026 Nebraska Crop Budgets and current cost of production estimates will be provided. We’ll look at the key input cost figures used in the 2026 budgets, along with changes or trends over the last several years. With the 2026 Nebraska Crop Budgets available to download into the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) program user accounts, the enterprise budgets can be modified for individual farms and fields. We’ll take a brief look at the analysis features built into the ABC program to assist in decision-making.
 
Find Nebraska Crop Budgets at cap.unl.edu/cropbudgets.

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. Also, use this link to register for the webinar. 



CFRA to host Grazing Webinar

The Center for Rural Affairs will be hosting a number of events and webinars covering a variety of topics, including tax preparation, construction, conservation, and more.  Some are focused in agriculture, and others are intended for audiences in small towns and rural areas in general.

One specific webinar will highlight conservation on working agriculture lands.  

Nebraska Conservation Mentorship Network: Grazing Webinar
Monday, Jan. 26
1p.m. to 2 p.m 
Hear from farmers and ranchers who have firsthand experience in rotational grazing and have prioritized grassland habitat and conservation on their operations. This online panel discussion features Nebraska farmers Ron Bolz of Chadron, Homer Buell of Bassett, Dan Stelling of Pierce, and Chris Trumler of Rockville. Learn about the ins and outs of their grazing practices, and join in a Q & A session. For more information, contact Andrew Tonnies at andrewt@cfra.org or 402.590.7096.

Registration at cfra.org/events is required in advance.



Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference Registration Opens January 6

The 41st Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will be held Feb. 25–27, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 Talmadge St., in Kearney.

The event will kick off with a preconference session, “Leveraging Livestock Insurance for Stability and Success.” The in-depth session will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will help livestock producers gain a deeper understanding of Livestock Risk Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Weaned Calf Revenue Protection.

During the main event on Thursday and Friday, attendees will hear from keynote speakers Sarah Morton, Zoe Kent, Halie Groth and Virginia Fay.

In addition to the keynote sessions, participants may choose from more than 20 workshops covering the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, marketing, financial, human and legal. Select workshops will offer continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.

“We are thrilled to present such a diverse and inspiring lineup of speakers at this year’s conference,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “The experts, innovators and leaders joining us are truly exceptional, and their insights will provide invaluable knowledge for everyone involved in agriculture. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”

Registration opens Jan. 6, 2026. Two-day registration is $150 for participants who register on or before Feb. 15 and increases to $175 beginning Feb. 16. One-day registration is available for $90. The preconference workshop has an additional $25 registration fee.

Nebraska Women in Agriculture also invites college students to apply for leadership roles as event ambassadors. Applications are due by Feb. 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting and being featured at the conference. More information is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website.

About the speakers
Sarah Morton is a third-generation farmer in central Virginia who works alongside her siblings to steward land, support food equity, and strengthen agricultural workforce development. She founded initiatives supporting 4-H, STEM education, and small producers, including Growing 4-H Science and the Lulu Food Hub. Sarah is an American Farmland Trust “Women in the Land” Award recipient and serves as Regional Workforce Executive Director with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont and on the University of Virginia’s President’s Council.

Zoe Kent is an eighth-generation Ohio farmer who manages her family’s corn and soybean operation. After earning her degree from The Ohio State University, she returned home to farm with her father before taking over the operation in 2021. Zoe also shares the realities of modern farming on her online platform, @farmwithzoe, to connect agriculture and the public through transparency and storytelling.

Halie Groth is a Nebraska native and passionate advocate for agriculture and women in the industry. As a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and a former Nebraska State FFA Officer, she partners with growers and retailers using a people-first approach to support sustainable success. Halie is driven by a desire to uplift others and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Virginia Fay holds degrees in home economics education and education and spent 37 years teaching in Nebraska, including at Palmer and Omaha Northwest High School. She now owns and manages a row-crop and pastureland farming operation near Bradshaw, with land that has been in her family for over 100 years. Virginia remains active in her community through volunteering, gardening as a Master Gardener, and her love of travel and meeting new people.

For additional details and registration information, visit wia.unl.edu.

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award No. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status.



Fischer Leads Nebraska Delegation in Support of America’s First Transcontinental Railroad

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) Friday led the entire Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, urging approval of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern in order to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

In the letter, the lawmakers underscore the merger’s widespread support among labor unions and rail customers across key industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Due to Nebraska’s central location, the state serves as a vital freight-rail corridor and ranks among the top five in the nation for freight-rail employment. Since 1862, Union Pacific has been headquartered in Omaha and currently employs more than 5,000 individuals across the state, contributing millions of dollars to Nebraska’s economy each year.



Pillen Supports Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad Merger
 
Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement signaling the state of Nebraska’s support for Union Pacific’s merger with Norfolk Southern. The statement followed an announcement from Union Pacific that the two companies filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for approval. According to Union Pacific’s submission to the federal government, it expects over 500 new managerial employees at their Omaha headquarters. 
 
“With continued investment in its Omaha-based headquarters and the people of this great state, we are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country. Nebraska — a friend to business and perfectly located to serve as a nationwide transportation hub — is proud to be home of UP’s past and future successes.”
 
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln created Union Pacific after signing the Pacific Railway Act. Union Pacific laid its first track in Omaha three years later in 1865. Since that time, Union Pacific has called Nebraska home. 
 
Once approved, our country’s first transcontinental railroad will transform “10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.”



Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council annual conference set for Feb. 4 in West Des Moines

The 2026 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference date, place, and schedule are set! Join us Feb. 4 in West Des Moines for a day of learning, networking, and continuing to strive for improved forage management across Iowa.

Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., with educational sessions kicking off at 10 a.m. and concluding at 3 p.m. First, a session titled “Grazing for the Birds” from the Iowa DNR and Audubon Conservation Ranching will feature benefits of grazing public lands and using grazing as a beneficial conservation tool.

Dr. Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University extension forage specialist and Iowa Forage and Grassland Council board member, will partner with ISU plant pathologist Dr. Alison Robertson to discuss rust and other emerging diseases in forage crops, focusing on both the plant and animal impacts. The third session will follow a similar tag-teamed approach with ISU entomologist Dr. Erin Hodgson discussing common pests and insects to watch in alfalfa, silage, and other forages, and Dr. Gruss addressing the subsequent feed value impacts.

During lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to view and network with various forage research poster presenters and representatives from tradeshow vendor booths. The IFGC will also conduct its annual business meeting, confirm officers for the 2026 year, and hold elections for new board members.

The day will conclude with a presentation by Iowa Farm Bureau livestock economist Dr. Chris Pudenz, who will address trade, New World Screwworm, and recent developments impacting cattle and forage markets in Iowa and across the country.

The conference is open to the public and will be held in the Iowa Farm Bureau auditorium, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines. Thanks to sponsorship from Iowa Farm Bureau and Premier 1, conference registration fees are $45 for the day, while IFGC members pay $30. Lunch is included in the registration fee. To register or find more details, visit the IFGC events page.

The Iowa Forage and Grassland Council is led by a board of directors composed of agricultural producers, industry stakeholders and educators to advance forage production in the state. IFGC hosts or supports a variety of forage-focused meetings throughout the year, including its annual meeting generally held in February. Regardless of membership, all who have a vested interest in Iowa’s forage production are invited to attend. Learn more about the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council including how to join the organization, on the IFGC website https://iowaforage.org/.



More Labels, More Dollars
Abygail Streff, NE Farm Bureau Economist and Policy Analyst

New labels or rebrand? Some companies may be coming out with new labels, but it is unlikely these are for a marketing rebrand. Texas and Louisiana have implemented new labeling laws within the rise of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and pressure for more “transparency” from our food. New labels and state-specific labels are not cheap for either food processors or consumers. The Corn Refiners Association commissioned a report to look at the impact of new labeling laws in Louisiana and Texas. It totaled the cost of these policies to the consumers.  

These new laws require warning labels for 44 ingredients such as food dyes, artificial additives, and other chemicals. This law is currently being challenged by a lawsuit from the food industry stating that this violates the 1st Amendment as well as the Commerce Clause. Louisiana’s law is similar to Texas’s ingredients law but differs slightly by requiring a warning on the label.  

The report used Census data for households in each respective state to determine the cost of these new laws to the 12 million households in Texas and the 2.1 million households in Louisiana. Texas’s incremental social costs were staggering, at an estimated $7,200 annually per household. Louisiana saw an increased cost of around $1,300 annually per household. The total incremental social cost for Texas and Louisiana will be around $64 billion and $12 billion, respectively.  

The immediate out-of-pocket expenses for groceries will increase by $2,200 for Texas households and $900 for Louisiana households. This cost will fall on consumers and put increased pressure on already rising grocery costs. Additionally, more than just cost will be affected. Many companies may refuse to change labeling, which will leave consumers with fewer options and substitutes. If other states follow this lead, consumers will ultimately bear the weight of these new labels. Consumers may find themselves priced out of products and left without a cost-effective substitute as well. For producers, demand may go down on products used to create many food items that utilize any of the ingredients that now require a warning.  



NCBA Congratulates USTR, USDA Officials on Confirmation

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association last week congratulated two Trump administration officials on receiving Senate confirmation, Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Dr. Mindy Brashears to serve as Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“NCBA congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “President Trump has made it a priority to sign new trade deals and open new markets to high-quality American beef. We look forward to working with Ambassador Callahan to make good on those promises and strengthen America’s cattle and beef industry through new trade opportunities.” 

“NCBA welcomes Dr. Mindy Brashears’ return to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Under Secretary for Food Safety,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “Dr. Brashears brings extensive knowledge of the cattle industry and the beef supply chain, as well as experience from President Trump’s first term. We look forward to working with Under Secretary Brashears to help ensure a safe, wholesome food supply while protecting consumer’s trust in the work of America’s cattle producers.”  



Senate Confirms Callahan as Chief Ag Negotiator

The National Corn Growers Association praised the U.S. Senate today for confirming Dr. Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
 
The position is responsible for overseeing international trade matters pertaining to agricultural products and commodities.
 
“We are extremely pleased to see that Ambassador Callahan will serve in this role, which is critical to the success of farmers,” said Ohio grower and NCGA President Jed Bower. “We endorsed her nomination early on, because we know she has the extensive experience and know-how to help growers take advantage of opportunities and navigate challenges. We look forward to working with the ambassador to position corn and corn products for successful inclusion in trade deals negotiated by the administration.”

NCGA led a letter earlier this year requesting that this position be promptly filled due to its importance for U.S. agriculture. 

The position Callahan holds has proven vital to America’s corn growers in recent years. Earlier this year, Mexico withdrew a measure banning genetically modified corn imports from the U.S. after USTR successfully filed a dispute settlement against the country over the matter. The chief agricultural negotiator was instrumental throughout the dispute, which allowed the United States to prevail.
 
Mexico is the biggest market for American corn growers, and over 90% of American corn is genetically modified.



ASA Welcomes Julie Callahan’s Confirmation

The American Soybean Association applauds the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

“Dr. Callahan brings a deep understanding of how critical export markets are to the strength of U.S. agriculture,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “Soybean farmers value her extensive experience at USTR and across the federal government, and they know she will be a strong advocate for agriculture. ASA congratulates Dr. Callahan on her confirmation and looks forward to working closely with her in this role.”



AFBF Congratulates New Chief Agricultural Negotiator

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

“Farm Bureau congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation to be chief agricultural negotiator at USTR. Her experience at USTR, the Foreign Agricultural Service at USDA and at the Food and Drug Administration will serve her well as she works to improve trading relationships with international partners.

“Trade disputes and imbalances have hit farmers hard at a time they were already pummeled by record-high expense costs and low commodity prices. We look forward to working with Dr. Callahan to enforce existing trade agreements while strengthening and building new markets to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue growing food and fiber for families around the world.” 



Callahan Confirmed As USTR Chief Ag Negotiator

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative confirmed Julie Callahan – who has been with the agency since 2016 - as its chief agricultural negotiator.

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council congratulated Callahan saying:
“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is pleased to hear of Julie Callahan’s confirmation. She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations and will continue to be a great advocate for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distiller’s grains in her new role. Callahan is the right choice at the right time, and we commend her for stepping up for U.S. agriculture.”



Dairy Industry Praises Julie Callahan Confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended the Senate confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

“Dr. Callahan will be an incredible Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said. “This is a critical position for U.S. agriculture, and Dr. Callahan is the right person for the job. Her work to open new markets and opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers is second to none. U.S. dairy will be greatly served by her skilled hand and her commitment to delivering meaningful, lasting results.”

“Congratulations to Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, said. “This is an important moment for American agriculture, and her leadership comes at exactly the right time. Dr. Callahan’s deep understanding of global markets and unwavering commitment to America’s farmers and food manufacturers will serve the country well. We look forward to working with her to expand market access, resolve long-standing trade barriers and champion U.S. dairy on the world stage.”

“Dr. Callahan’s confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator marks a truly important moment for American agriculture and for U.S. leadership in global trade,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, said. “Few individuals combine the depth of expertise, diplomatic talent, and unshakable commitment to America’s producers that Dr. Callahan brings to this role. She has demonstrated herself as a champion for the rights of American producers to use the common food and beverage terms that global consumers have come to know and love. We look forward to joining her in the fight to preserve and grow global market opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and exporters for generations to come.”



Growth Energy Commends IRS for Finalizing 45Q Safe Harbor

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today after the agencies published a notice for taxpayers seeking to claim the 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration.

American ethanol producers, and Growth Energy’s members in particular, are leaders in the deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technology. Today’s notice provides a safe harbor that allows taxpayers to verify carbon sequestration, making it easier for participating biofuel producers to claim the 45Q tax credit for 2025.

"American ethanol producers have always been on the cutting edge of carbon capture technology,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This safe harbor affirms the investments our members have made in CCUS today and supports more investment in CCUS in the future. We applaud the IRS and Treasury for working quickly to provide certainty for the 2025 tax year and look forward to working with them to continue supporting innovation and investment in rural communities across the U.S.”

Background 
Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would reconsider the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a part of which companies would use to verify and report their geologic carbon sequestration for the 45Q tax credit. Concerned about the impact of this proposal on those that rely on the program for verification, Growth Energy filed comments with EPA in November urging the agency to “do no harm” until a solution can be put in place by the Department of Treasury. With today’s action, IRS has provided such a solution, giving taxpayers a safe harbor to verify carbon sequestration they can use to claim the credit in 2025.