Thursday January 23 Ag News

 Norfolk Teacher Surprised with Teacher of the Year Award for Bringing Agriculture into the Classroom

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation surprised Christ Lutheran School teacher Callie Asmus with the 2025 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award at a school assembly on Jan. 22.  The award is given to outstanding teachers that incorporate agriculture into their classroom through innovative ideas and lessons.

“Calle Asmus’ commitment to connecting students to agriculture in her classroom makes her the perfect fit to be awarded the 2025 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is so excited to honor Callie,” said Brooke Carpenter, director of education.

Asmus, a fourth-grade teacher at Christ Lutheran School, incorporates agriculture in her classroom through the premier Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation program: Classroom Visits. Even after changing schools, Asmus continued to prioritize incorporating agriculture in her classroom. She has blazed a trail at multiple schools for teachers to utilize Foundation resources in their classroom.

“Incorporating agriculture into core subjects is important to me because many of my students don’t understand everything that is part of agriculture,” said Asmus. “You never know what conversation might spark someone’s love for agriculture or possibly lead them to a career in agriculture that will have a lasting impact.”

Asmus utilizes Classroom Visits and other free resources from the Foundation to keep agriculture at the forefront of her students’ minds. “I am hoping by incorporating more agriculture into my classroom that my students will take this information home and share it with their parents. Agriculture is a foundation of our lives, and it’s important for my students, and everyone, to understand the impact it has on their lives,” said Asmus.

Asmus will receive an expense-paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, an accurate agriculture book bundle, and a $250 cash prize. Educators from across the United States will gather in Minneapolis this June for the conference. The event aims to help teachers effectively integrate agricultural concepts into subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies.



Nebraska LEAD Program Explores Eastern Europe During International Study Travel Seminar

Nebraska LEAD Program Class 42 recently returned from an impactful International Study/Travel Seminar to Romania, Hungary and Poland, held from January 3-17, 2025. The two-week journey provided 28 fellows with an immersive opportunity to explore the historical, cultural, religious and agricultural dimensions of these Eastern European nations.

“The International Study/Travel Seminar is a cornerstone of the Nebraska LEAD Program, offering Fellows an invaluable global perspective that enhances their leadership skills and understanding of agriculture in a global context,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program director. “This year’s visit to Romania, Hungary and Poland provided meaningful experiences and connections that will undoubtedly shape our Fellows as future leaders.”

The seminar featured a diverse itinerary, including visits to farms, businesses and historical sites. Highlights of the trip included:
    Meetings with ag leaders, such as a discussion with the U.S. Embassy in Romania and a visit to the Regional Agricultural Chamber in Poland. These discussions provided Fellows with insights into international production systems, relations and trade.
    Agricultural visits, such as a large-scale Angus beef operation, an agritourism farm and a business specializing in animal genetics, showcasing the diversity and innovation within European agriculture.
    Historical site tours, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler’s Factory and various churches, offering a profound understanding of the region’s history, religious influences and societal evolution.

“Visiting these countries opened my eyes to the shared challenges and opportunities we face in agriculture,” said LEAD 42 Fellow Jake Werner, a senior merchandiser with ADM. “Seeing how farms in Romania and Poland operate and hearing their stories inspired me to think differently about how we approach our agricultural systems back home. The visit also helped me appreciate the local and international markets we have in the United States.”

Fellow Michelle Bose, a farmer and closing agent with Dvoracek Title, added, “Walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler’s Factory was an emotional experience that deepened my appreciation for the resilience of humanity and the importance of leadership grounded in empathy and understanding.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program continues to prepare agricultural leaders for tomorrow through its comprehensive leadership development curriculum. The International Study/Travel Seminar serves as a capstone experience, equipping participants with global perspectives that enrich Nebraska’s agricultural and rural communities.

“One of the most important factors in becoming a good leader is being able to get outside of your bubble or your comfort zone and experience life through the eyes others,” said Director Harms. “This enhanced understanding of people and cultures around the world hopefully lead to better decision-making and greater relationships with others.”

Nebraska LEAD 42 Fellows by hometown that traveled to Romania, Hungary and Poland are:
ARCADIA: Michelle Bose
AURORA: Matthew Oswald
AYR: Adam Oldemeyer
BELLEVUE: Annalyssa Fountain
BROKEN BOW: Levi French
CAIRO: Ryan Hanousek
DEWITT: Wes Cammack
ELKHORN: John Garlock
GREENWOOD: Nicholas Swenson
HEMINGFORD: April Delsing
HOLDREGE: Logan Reed
KEARNEY: Sloane Holtmeier
LINCOLN: Nic Grams, Rachel Ibach, Michael Manning, Nathan Watermeier, Jake Werner
MASON CITY: Brad Parliament
MITCHELL: Jessica Palm
NORTH PLATTE: Emmet Storer
OMAHA: Cathryn Klein
ORD: Kelby Sudbeck
RANDOLPH: Blake Hokamp
SEWARD: Traci Menke, Zach Tveitnes
SHELBY: Carter Smith
WAHOO: Brett Storer
WOOD RIVER: Dalton Kenning

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes Nebraskans currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at lead.unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.



Farm Service Agency, University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Host Commodity Crop Safety Net Informational Webinar on Jan. 30
 
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is partnering with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) on a webinar designed to educate commodity crop producers on the 2025 Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs election and enrollment process. The ARC/PLC signup period is open through April 15, 2025, and producers are encouraged to begin working with their USDA county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to complete the election and enrollment process.

Producers can learn about the ARC and PLC options for 2025 during the FSA/CAP webinar scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, Jan. 30. Dillon Breinig, production and compliance programs specialist for the Nebraska Farm Service Agency, and Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics, will present and share information relevant for producers, ag professionals and ag stakeholders. Registration for the webinar is free and can be found directly at //go.unl.edu/farmprograms25 or go to the CAP website at //cap.unl.edu/webinars.

ARC and PLC are key USDA safety-net programs that help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops. These programs were extended for the 2025 production season through The American Relief Act, 2025 which renewed many Farm Bill-authorized programs for another year.

“Safety-net programs like ARC and PLC are designed to help producers mitigate some of the financial stressors associated with crop production. I encourage farmers to evaluate their program elections and enroll for the 2025 crop year,” said Nebraska FSA Acting State Executive Director Tim Divis.

Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist with CAP, said changes in commodity crop prices over the past several years may influence producers’ ARC/PLC decision-making process for 2025.

“Following another extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, producers face a familiar choice between ARC and PLC for 2025, but under different circumstances now as compared to the past several years,” said Lubben. “Understanding the program mechanics and analysis will help producers make sound enrollment decisions with FSA.”

ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price. Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2025 crop year. Although election changes for 2025 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required.

If an election is not submitted by the April 15, 2025, deadline, the election defaults to the current election for crops on the farm from the prior crop year.

All program participants are encouraged to review their previous program elections, Divis said.



Ricketts Questions OMB Nominee Russell Vought on Hidden Regulatory Costs, Need for Timely Issuance of Renewable Fuels Obligations

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a new member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, questioned Russell Vought, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Ricketts highlighted the hidden costs imposed on taxpayers by the Biden administration’s regulations.

“This hidden cost that we see on American households is also one of the reasons why Americans are worse off today than they were four years ago,” Ricketts said. “One of the examples of hiding some of these costs was actually in the EPA. With the tailpipe regulations, also known as the EV mandate. That was a 573-page document. And there was one table on costs. One table. And so what we see from this outgoing administration is they are hiding the costs from the American people so they don't understand and don't see what their government is trying to do to them, how their government is actually laying on these regulations that harm them. And that's why they feel worse off today than they did four years ago.”

Ricketts asked Vought about the delays in Renewable Fuels Obligations (RVOs). Ricketts secured a commitment to help make sure that the federal government fulfills its obligations under the law and files RVOs in a timely manner.

“The Renewable Fuels Standard and the Renewable Volume Obligations, RVOs, are priorities for me and my state,” Ricketts said. “The 2026 RVOs were supposed to be filed November 1, 2024. And now it looks like it’s going to be December. I’m sure the folks who were in business in the past know that certainty is important for businesses. And we’re going to be over a year behind. Will you commit to working with me to help make sure that the bureaucracies are following the law and fulfilling their obligations? For example, in this case specifically, to get the RVOs out on a timely basis?”

“Yes, Senator,” Vought said.



Hefty Seed Co to host Agronomy Meeting Feb 19th

Join the folks from Hefty Seed Co. at the Nielsen Center for Ag PhD's Weed & Fertility Clinic!

Brian & Darren Hefty will be discussing:
    Effective weed control options
    Management of insects and diseases
    Products that maximize ROI
    Ways to improve soil fertility
    How to save on inputs for 2025

Wednesday, February 19th
West Point, NE @ The Nielsen Center
200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point, NE 68788

Meeting from 10am to 3pm with lunch!
To RSVP please call the office @ 402-372-9900.



Nebraska Wheat Board Calls for Funding Proposals

The Nebraska Wheat Board issued its call for funding proposals for consideration for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM Central Time on Monday, February 3, 2025 and must be in the form of a proposal – not a contract. Proposals must specifically state the planned activity, goals and objectives relating to the mission of the Nebraska Wheat Board.

The Nebraska Wheat Board invests the excise tax levied at the point of first sale. Nebraska Wheat Board priorities include wheat production research, trait development in wheat, white wheat development, advancement of hybrid wheat, improvement of spring wheat varieties, nutrition education, and wheat promotion.

First reading of all proposals will be held in February, second reading will take place in June, along with funding announcements. All questions regarding the funding proposal process should be directed to the Nebraska Wheat Board office.



2025 SPECIALTY CROP PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE JAN. 31

Specialty crops, like fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, are grown on more than 1,500 farms in the state and are an important part of Nebraska’s agriculture industry. To benefit Nebraska agriculture and strengthen the state’s specialty crop industry, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking proposals for the research, development, and/or marketing of specialty crops through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program is administered by NDA and funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline for submitting SCBGP proposals is Jan. 31, 2025.

“Nebraska is one of the most diversified agricultural states in the nation producing a wide variety of traditional and specialty crops,” said SCBG Program Manager Casey Foster. “The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program gives producers, educational groups and other stakeholders, additional opportunities to research, develop and market specialty crops.”

For the 2025 SCBG Program, NDA anticipates approximately $820,000 will be available to fund new projects. Last fall, several organizations in Nebraska received more than $824,000 in USDA grants. Producers, organizations, and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply.

NDA uses AmpliFund for the grant application software. A recorded webinar training is available on NDA’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html along with proposal instructions, grant performance measures and program guidelines.

As in years past, this year’s proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the fall.

To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded, visit USDA’s website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. For additional information, contact Casey Foster at 402-471-6857, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.



NCBA Announces 2025-2026 Policy Committee Leaders

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association’s policy committees. The policy committees review, discuss, and vote on resolutions brought forward by NCBA members. These grassroots policies become part of NCBA’s policy book, which directs advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
 
“What sets NCBA apart as an organization is our grassroots policy process,” said NCBA President-Elect Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattle producer. “Our volunteer committee leaders serve an important role by providing a venue for cattle producers from across the country to discuss the critical issues facing our industry and make decisions on how to move forward. I am proud of this highly distinguished group of cattlemen and cattlewomen, and I know they will serve the entire cattle industry well.”
 
The new committee leaders include:
 
Live Cattle Marketing Committee
    Mike Drinnin, chair (Nebraska)
    Bruce Mershon, vice chair (Missouri)

Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee
    Barb Cooksley, chair (Nebraska)
    Leroy Startz, vice chair (Texas)

Agriculture and Food Policy Committee
    Jeff Schafer, chair (North Dakota)
    Eric Jennings, vice chair (South Dakota)

Cattle Health and Well Being Committee
    Barbara Jackson, chair (Arizona)
    Troy Shelby, DVM, vice chair (Oklahoma)

Federal Lands Committee
    Alisa Ogden, chair (New Mexico)
    Lesley Robinson, vice chair (Montana)

International Trade Committee
    Tony Toso, chair (California)
    Will Mayfield, vice chair (Tennessee)

Tax and Credit Committee
    Jeff Magee, chair (Mississippi)
    Thomas Bryant, vice chair (Florida)
 
Additionally, NCBA made appointments to the NCBA-PAC Committee and the Resolutions Committee. NCBA-PAC is the political arm of the association while the Resolutions Committee provides technical review of policy resolutions moving through other committees. The NCBA-PAC Committee leaders will take office following CattleCon in San Antonio, Texas.
 
Political Action Committee
    Donnie Lawson, chair (Indiana)
    Charlie Swanson, vice chair (Oklahoma)
 
Resolutions Committee
    Margaret Ann Smith, chair (Virginia)
    Cary King, vice chair (Kentucky)

“NCBA’s staff takes our marching orders from our policy book, which is crafted through the grassroots policy process with the oversight of our committee leaders,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA’s grassroots policy process helps ensure that this association is advocating for policies that support farms and ranches of all sizes and in every part of the country. We look forward to working with this group of cattle industry leaders as we fight for policies that protect cattle producers from overregulation, increase profitability, and secure our legacy for the next generation.”



Juergens Named President of Iowa Pork Producers Association
    
Carroll County pig farmer Aaron Juergens has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). He assumed the role during the organization’s annual meeting in Des Moines on January 21. Juergens manages over 100,000 nursery and finishing pig spaces for Sunburst Valley Farms near Carroll.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead this outstanding organization and work alongside such a dedicated board of directors,” Juergens said. “This group has always been a source of inspiration for me. I never imagined being elected to serve on the board, let alone as president. It’s truly overwhelming.”

Juergens previously served as IPPA’s president-elect in 2024. He succeeds Matt Gent, a Wellman pig farmer who now holds the position of past president on the IPPA Board of Directors. Juergens expressed his gratitude for Gent’s leadership, noting his ability to navigate the association through a challenging year. Both Juergens and Gent will serve one-year terms in their respective roles.

“Matt did an outstanding job guiding us through a tough year, and I hope to build on his success,” Juergens said. “2025 looks promising, and I’m optimistic about a great year ahead for Iowa pork producers.”

Juergens has been an active member of IPPA since joining its board of directors in 2020. He has contributed to several committees, including public relations, finance, and producer education. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and the National Pork Producers Council’s Pork Leadership Institute. For over a decade, Juergens has served as a speaker for Operation Main Street, a program tied to his recognition as a recipient of the Dale Carnegie Course Highest Award for Achievement.

Beyond his work with IPPA, Juergens is deeply involved in agriculture and his community. He is a member of the Carroll County Pork Producers and has received multiple accolades, including the Iowa Environmental Steward Award in 2009, the national Pork Industry Environmental Steward Award in 2010, and the inaugural Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2011. In 2014, he was named an Iowa Master Pork Producer.

Juergens also participates in several local organizations, including the Carroll County Farm Bureau, Rotary Club of Carroll, Carroll Chamber of Commerce, and the New Hope Foundation, a nonprofit supporting adults with disabilities. He holds a business management degree from Loras College in Dubuque.

Juergens and his wife, Chelsey, reside in Carroll with their three children.

During the annual meeting, the delegates passed three resolutions:
·        That IPPA and NPPC have meaningful conversations with USDA and the new Secretary of Agriculture as to why the pork industry is being burdened with USDA’s country of origin labeling requirements for the Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs, particularly in relation to pork coming from Canada.
·        That IPPA will work with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to continue the engagement of all types for pork producers in the US SHIP, and that IPPA will provide additional resources to enhance the participation in US SHIP.
·        That IPPA work in collaboration with NPB, and colleges of veterinarian medicine to develop actionable plans and strategies for when a PRRS outbreak takes place and to develop an evidence-based protocol for producers to use on the farm.
·        The delegates passed a complimentary resolution to recognize Matt Gent for his outstanding efforts as IPPA president in 2024.



Iowa Pork Regional Conferences Set for February

The annual series of Iowa Pork Regional Conferences has been a long-standing partnership of Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Pork Industry Center. The shared goal of bringing research and education to producers continues with this year's topics and speakers.

This year’s speakers, affiliations and topics are:
    Brian Blumhagen, director of operations, Altenburg Construction. Better understand what to inspect in your hog barns, when you need to consider doing major repairs, and what the repair, remodel or replacement costs will be.
    Dr. Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension and Outreach swine veterinarian. Composting practices to implement in your day-to-day operation and in the event of a foreign animal disease.
    ISU Extension and Outreach agricultural engineers. Practical ways to improve barn ventilation, manage ventilation-related costs and run your facilities more efficiently.
    Gracie Greiner Marlow, IPPA’s sustainability manager. National Pork Board’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports provide data for the producer by tracking, measuring and monitoring conservation efforts in their operation.
    ISU Extension and Outreach swine specialists. Those whose coverage area includes a conference site will provide information and updates on issues and opportunities in those respective areas.

Conference dates and locations
There are four sessions, one each day on Feb. 24-27 at different locations. The program runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. with lunch served at 12:30 p.m. at each location. All are free.
    Monday, Feb. 24 – Orange City, ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700.
    Tuesday, Feb. 25 – Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.
    Wednesday, Feb. 26 – Algona, ILCC Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Highway 169 N.
    Thursday, Feb. 27 – Washington, ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County Office, 2223 250th St.

Check-in starts 30 minutes before the start of the session at all locations. Please preregister for the conference location you wish to attend to ensure adequate materials and food are available to all https://www.iowapork.org/producers/resources/regional-conferences.

You also can call IPPA at 800-372-7675 or email IPPA at info@iowapork.org to preregister.

The Thursday sessions will be recorded and made available on the IPPA website after the conference series is complete.



Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Move Higher in Second Week of January

Most average retail fertilizer prices were higher than last month during the second week of January 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher while the price of just one was lower. However, as has been the case in recent months, no fertilizer price moved a significant amount, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

The seven fertilizers that were slightly higher in price were DAP, which had an average price of $739 per ton, potash $443/ton, urea $492/ton, 10-34-0 $616/ton, anhydrous $737/ton, UAN28 $326/ton and UAN32 $366/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly less expensive than a month ago. MAP had an average price of $809/ton looking back a month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.53/lb.N, anhydrous $0.45/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year ago. DAP is 2% more expensive while 10-34-0 is 3% higher looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% less expensive, UAN28 is 3% lower, anhydrous is 4% less expensive, UAN32 is 6% lower, urea is 7% less expensive and potash is 13% lower compared to last year.