Thursday February 06, 2025

 2025 Multi-Session Midwest FEEDS Program Equips Cattle Producers for Success

Nebraska Extension is providing a hands-on, multi-session educational program designed to equip participants with essential skills for success in the cattle industry. The Midwest FEEDS (Forage, Education, and Efficiency in Diversified Systems) is a unique program that leverages the competitive advantages of the Midwest, including access to perennial pastures, annual forages, cover crops, crop residues, and harvested feeds.

Program Highlights:
    Hands-on learning across the production season: Experience a combination of practical, in-field training and in-depth discussions that promote knowledge exchange among participants, instructors, and facilitators.
    Networking and idea exchange: Build camaraderie and share ideas with industry peers and experts in a supportive, interactive environment.
    High-quality resources: Receive software, notebooks, and a curated collection of University of Nebraska–Lincoln publications to support this learning journey.

Skills Participants will Develop:
    Decision-making with advanced tools: Learn to use decision support tools to analyze nutritional management and seasonal mineral supplementation options. Use National Research Council (NRC) software to analyze diet samples, matching forage availability with animal requirements for optimized beef production.
    Forage and grazing strategy: Formulate effective grazing and pasture management plans, including weed control and fertility management, tailored to each participant’s operation’s resources and goals.
    Breeding, calving, and weaning management: Explore best practices for breeding, calving, and weaning, along with cattle handling and facility design.
    Evaluating cattle performance: Master techniques to assess cow and calf performance in varied management systems, estimate cow condition scores, and determine nutritional needs throughout the reproductive cycle.

University cutting-edge research: Witness innovative research in action at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center and learn firsthand about integrating cropland for forage and cow/calf systems.

Program Details
    2025 Dates:
        Febr. 27–28: Health, Nutrition, and Systems Thinking
        April 24–25: Forage Systems and Breeding
        June 19–20: Facilities and Pasture Management
        Sep. 4–5: Weaning, Culling, and Winter Feeding
        Dec. 4–5: Stalk Grazing and Preparing for Calving
    Location: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, NE (1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE)
    Cost: $750 per individual; $1,300 for two; $500 for each additional participant.

Registration
Ready to elevate your expertise and position your operation for success? Details and registration at: https://go.unl.edu/midwestfeeds
For more information, contact Connor Biehler, Nebraska Extension beef systems assistant extension educator, cbiehler2@unl.edu or 402-624-8030.



Nebraska Soybean Farmers Encouraged to Run for Open Board Seats

This year, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is seeking soybean farmers to represent their fellow farmers in Districts 2, 4 and 8. The candidacy petition period began on December 1 and concludes on April 15.

The following districts are up for election this year:
District 2: Counties of Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Stanton, Thurston and Wayne
District 4: Counties of Boone, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk and York
District 8: Counties of Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Howard, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Scottsbluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler

“The Nebraska Soybean Board is driven by farmers for farmers, and we need passionate leaders to help shape the future of our industry,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “Serving on the board is a great opportunity to share your voice and make a real impact for your district, our state and the U.S. soybean industry. If you’re a soybean farmer in Districts 2, 4 or 8, I encourage you to step up and get involved.”

Qualified candidates include those who are a resident of Nebraska, are at least 21 years old, reside in the district where the election is being held, have been a soybean farmer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years and have submitted an NSB candidacy petition.

To apply for candidacy in Districts 2, 4 or 8 you must:
    Obtain an NSB candidacy petition by contacting NSB’s executive director, Andy Chvatal, at 402-441-3240 or andy@nebraskasoybeans.org.
    Complete the petition and collect the signatures of 20 soybean farmers in your district.
    Return such petition to the NSB office on or before April 15, 2025.

Directors’ roles and responsibilities include:
    Set an annual budget and approve projects aligned with NSB's strategic plan.
    Uphold the core values of integrity, leadership, collaboration, adaptability and innovation.
    Attend five annual board meetings (typically held in September, November, January, March and June/July). These meetings are required and are one to two days in length.
    Participate in trade missions, work with the media, represent NSB at events, meetings and more.
    Serve on two of four NSB committees each year. These committees lead the staff members’ work and provide direction regarding board decisions.
    Serve a three-year term that would begin October 1, 2025.

Soybean farmers who reside in counties that are up for election in 2025 will receive ballots and candidate information regarding NSB’s election process via direct mail.

About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Nebraska Corn Board Research and Demand Internship Opportunity

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) is seeking applicants to take part in a research and demand internship experience hosted in Lincoln at NCB’s home office. The internship is designed to provide students with an overview of Nebraska’s corn industry through real-world professional examples and experiences.

This internship has responsibilities which include assisting with coordinating international teams visiting the U.S., helping build and maintain research partnerships, organizing site visits and creating outreach materials.

    Research and Demand Internship
    Host: Nebraska Corn Board
    Location: Lincoln, NE
    Duration: May 2025 – August 2025 and/or 2025-2026 School Year

Nebraska Corn internships are open to all college students, with a preference given to students enrolled in colleges or universities located in Nebraska. The application process can be found online at nebraskacorn.gov/internships/. The submission deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025.



Join Cover Crop Webinar Week, Feb. 10-14

Iowa Learning Farms and Midwest Cover Crop Council are teaming up to produce a weeklong series of webinars covering multiple critical topics regarding implementation and management of cover crops on row crop farms in the Midwest. Taking place at noon CST Feb. 10-14, the hourlong webinars will feature presenters from Iowa State University, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Missouri Extension, Purdue University and Illinois Extension.

Cover crops.Cover Crop Webinar Week Schedule
    Monday, Feb. 10, 12-1 p.m. CST – Managing Risks When Using Herbicides in a Cover Crop System, with Liz Stahl, University of Minnesota Extension and Dan Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Tuesday, Feb. 11, 12-1 p.m. CST – Corn Disease Concerns Following Cover Crops, with Alison Robertson, Iowa State University
    Wednesday, Feb. 12, 12-1 p.m. CST – From Ruts to Roots: Strategies to Protect and Rebuild Compacted Soils, with Aaron Daigh, University Nebraska-Lincoln
    Thursday, Feb. 13, 12-1 p.m. CST – Equipment Considerations for Cover Crops, with Charles Ellis, University of Missouri Extension
    Friday, Feb. 14, 12-1 p.m. CST – Cover Crops in Challenging Conditions, with Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University, and Nathan Johanning, Illinois Extension

Viewers can access any of the webinars through a single free registration. Participants in the live webinars will be encouraged to submit questions for the speakers to address at the end of the session. The webinars will be recorded and archived on the Midwest Cover Crops Council YouTube page for future viewing.

To join each webinar,
    Participants may click this link or type this web address into an internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xtAwWxycQZW8iwtNLz34GA.
    Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter webinar ID 999 3709 5398.
    Or, join via phone. Dial 646-876-9923 with webinar ID 999 3709 5398.

Registered participants are also invited to participate in the weekly ILF Conservation Webinar Series taking place each Wednesday at noon central time.



NCGA President Calls for Bolstering Competitiveness to Address Economic Challenges

The president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) told members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee today that supporting corn competitiveness will help growers as they face high input costs and low commodity prices.

The remarks came as the committee fielded testimony from national ag leaders on the state of the farm economy.

“Despite record setting productivity, the value of corn production has dropped substantially but costs have not,” Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. testified. “The average corn price farmers receive in the market has declined 40% from 2022 to now. Comparatively, the average cost to produce corn has declined by just 6%.”

Hartman highlighted a recently released NCGA report that identified six key targets for enhancing the competitiveness for U.S. corn, including developing new foreign markets, expanding consumer access to higher blends of ethanol and fueling innovation in new uses research.

In his testimony, Hartman also also called for a timely rollout of economic and disaster assistance from the American Relief Act and passage of a robust farm bill that includes NCGA’s priorities.

Addressing economic concerns and corn grower competitiveness are driving NCGA’s top policy priorities in 2025.



Soy Chairman Speaks to Senate Ag Committee on Farm Economy

Passing a comprehensive five-year farm bill, supporting programs that encourage growth throughout the agricultural value chain, and blocking harmful policies that restrict market access at home and abroad. These were among topline priorities of America’s soybean farmers as conveyed by American Soybean Association Chairman Josh Gackle. The soybean farmer from Kulm, ND, was invited to testify Feb. 5 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry during its hearing on “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 1.”

“With the new administration threatening tariffs on major export partners, our access to global export markets is in jeopardy. On the domestic front, undersized Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard and the lack of clarity about the future of tax credits for biobased diesel from the Inflation Reduction Act—most notably the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit—and regulatory uncertainty threatening the availability of pesticides and biotechnology weigh heavily on the minds of ASA members,” said the farmer, who as part of ASA’s board of directors represents nearly 500,000 soy producers nationwide.

Gackle gave a nod to Congress’ passage of the American Relief Act, which provided economic assistance to agricultural producers after significant losses from poor and unforeseen market conditions, and he cited additional support from the committee members. The soy leader noted, however, the relief provided in late 2024 does not fully offset the combination of falling commodity prices, historically high input prices, and inflation farmers continue to face. And he raised another great concern of U.S. soy farmers right now.

“Domestic soybean oil use is split almost evenly between biofuel production and human consumption, making the edible soybean oil market equally as important to our growers. Due to misinformation, this market is under threat of being erased.”

While these worries on the home front weigh heavily, Gackle’s testimony—both verbal and written— drove home the pressing need for a new farm bill and widespread concerns over tariffs.

“As ASA chairman, one of the top questions I hear from soybean farmers is, ‘When are we going to get a farm bill finished?’” Gackle shared. “For over two years, soy and other agriculture producers have been anxiously awaiting a new, comprehensive five-year farm bill. The 2018 Farm Bill did not meet the needs of soybean farmers during the trade war. During fall 2018, U.S. soy stopped flowing to the Chinese market during our peak export period. Soybean prices dropped significantly, but we received no Price Loss Coverage benefits and little from the Agriculture Risk Coverage program. USDA had to step in with ad hoc, temporary support to farmers through the Market Facilitation Program.

If a trade war that shrunk soybean demand by over 30% hardly triggered the farm safety net provided in the current farm bill—a Title I safety net that has been declining over the past 20 years in real terms—it is difficult to envision a scenario that would provide meaningful assistance without significant improvements to the current reference price and program elements of ARC and PLC. The current reference price does not meet the needs of soybean farmers, and an updated reference price is one of the top asks of ASA farmer leaders.”

In 2018, President Trump levied tariffs on imports from China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, starting a tit-for-tat trade war between the two global economies. China applied retaliatory duties against U.S. soybeans that reached up to 27.5% which, combined with uncertainty in the trade relationship, severely constrained U.S. soybean exports to China. An Economic Research Service study indicates the trade war cost U.S. agriculture over $27 billion—with soybeans accounting for 71% of annualized losses. What market share the U.S. lost, its global competitors gained, with Brazil overtaking the United States as the world’s largest producer of soybeans in marketing year 2017/2018.

Gackle explained the compounding problem, saying, “As our industry faces renewed trade disputes, an issue we are still grappling with is the long-term reputational damage done to U.S. soy because of the 2018 trade war… [And] because trade uncertainty has brought into question our reliability as a consistent supplier, in some years it has forced our customers to look elsewhere for their needs to avoid trade risk or excess duties.”

In his verbal testimony closing, Gackle offered up hope—in the form of congressional help: “U.S. soybean farmers continue to face threats and uncertainty, but Congress can help shape policies that bolster soy and all of agriculture. Passing a comprehensive five-year farm bill, supporting programs that encourage growth throughout the agricultural value chain, and blocking harmful policies that restrict market access at home and abroad will result in an improved economic footing for all rural America.”



AFBF President Duvall Shares Agriculture Challenges with Senate

America’s farmers and ranchers need a new, modernized farm bill, a strengthened farm safety net, and open trading markets. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall traveled to the Capitol to emphasize those priorities to the Senate Agriculture Committee today as he testified in the hearing “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part I.”

“Farm families across the country are grateful that you recognized the incredibly hard times across the agricultural economy and included much-needed economic assistance and emergency aid for communities devastated by natural disasters in December’s Continuing Resolution,” Duvall said. “Despite the assistance in the CR, farmers still are looking to you all to pass a modernized, five-year farm bill as soon as possible.” 

President Duvall took questions from lawmakers, including Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), who asked about the challenges farmers face without a new, modernized farm bill. Duvall said, “We are hearing that maybe 20% or more of our farmers are having difficulties getting operating loans. We’re in a time where that should have already been done, and they should have seed in the barn, ready to start planting. And, it’s really hitting them at a hard, difficult time. They’re telling us they’re losing money per acre – corn over $100 an acre losing. They’re having to make a decision to plant and not to plant.”

Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) asked about the impact of tariffs. “We need more access, not less,” replied Duvall. “We need this administration– because we haven’t seen it for almost a decade – really getting fair trade deals to be put in place and stick with good rules and keep people working under it. The other issue is the cost of production. I think you said it yourself, over 80% of the potash comes out of Canada that goes on our cropland. And, that would be devastating to our farmers – just that one example is difficult for our farmers.”

As public discussions increase about efforts to make the food system healthier, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) asked President Duvall to elaborate on the importance of maintaining scientifically proven farming methods. He responded, “It is absolutely critical that we continue to have faith in the system that provides the science-based tools that we use on our farm… It takes almost 11-years to get a product to the market. They got 350 scientists at the EPA… making sure that those things are safe. And, our farmers apply it according to the label.”

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) observed that some farmers are not eligible for risk management assistance. President Duvall said access to the farm safety net needs to be expanded, “Any farmer out there that’s putting a crop in the land, and depending on the good Lord to give him things to grow it with, and with the markets like they are deserve to have some risk management program. Now, the difficulty comes by making it very complicated. And, the smaller farm it is, the more difficult it is. It needs to be simplified. A lot of people aren’t going to do it because it’s just too difficult. They’re in the field working. A lot of these are farm to table, farm to market people, and they deserve a shot to be able to have that risk management tool, too.”



NFU President Rob Larew Delivers Testimony to Senate Agriculture Committee, Highlights State of Agriculture and Policy Priorities for 2025

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to detail the current economic situation that family farmers and ranchers are facing.

President Larew emphasized the urgent need for a strong, fully funded farm bill in 2025 with policies to strengthen the farm safety net, invest in conservation and ensure fairness in agricultural markets. He also urged Congress to protect the Packers and Stockyards Act, support country-of-origin labeling and address trade policies that impact farm incomes. Discussing the uncertainty stemming from recent federal funding freezes, he stressed the need for clear, stable policies to support rural communities.

Here are President Larew’s full opening remarks:

“Thank you, Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and members of the committee. As a sixth-generation farmer from West Virginia, I am proud to be here representing family farmers and ranchers from across the country.

“According to the Census of Agriculture, we lost a staggering 140,000 farms in the last five years. The average farmer is now nearly 60 years old, and the next generation is too often locked out. The uncertain future of the farm and rural economy adds to anxiety in farm country.  

“At the same time, farmers and ranchers receive only 15 cents of every food dollar. Consumers are paying higher prices at the store, while family farmers and ranchers are dealing with tight margins, few market options and increased financial pressure.

“We must confront these challenges head-on. We applaud the committee for quickly taking action this year to hear from us. The stakes are high—not just for farmers and ranchers, but for all the communities that rely on us. Passing a strong farm bill is a great place to start.  

“We appreciated the efforts of Chairman Boozman and other committee leaders at the end of last year to ensure the passage of disaster and economic aid. We cannot afford a third extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Congress must act quickly to pass a fully funded farm bill in 2025. This bill should strengthen the farm safety net and provide farmers with robust risk management tools, invest in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs, support the next generation of farmers and keep the farm bill coalition together. But a strong farm bill alone is not enough—we also need open and fair agricultural markets.

“Farmers are the backbone of America, but too often we are being taken advantage of. As farmers we love competition, but often our only option is to buy from, and sell to, monopolies, resulting in higher costs, fewer choices and less innovation. We are not asking for a guarantee, just a fair shot.

“We have opportunities to make the system work for farmers, by protecting and strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act, supporting mandatory country-of-origin labeling, like the American Beef Labeling Act, which was brought forward by Senator Thune, and ensuring farmers have the full and complete freedom to repair their own equipment.

“In addition to fairness at home, we must also consider fairness in global trade.

“American family farmers are often the first to suffer from trade disputes. Tariffs can be powerful when used in a smart way, but we’ve seen what happens when Washington gets it wrong: farm income drops, markets disappear, and costs go up.

“Congress should focus on expanding domestic and global markets, holding trade partners accountable and ensuring that trade policies are applied carefully to protect—not harm—American farmers and ranchers.

“Finally, recent executive actions are creating concern for farmers and communities—no one knows what funding will be available, or if key programs will have the staff needed to get funds out the door. Freezing spending and making sweeping decisions without congressional oversight just adds more uncertainty to an already tough farm economy.

“We encourage this committee to seek clarity from the administration and make sure farmers and rural communities aren’t left behind.

“The challenges facing family farmers and ranchers are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. A strong farm bill, fair markets and smart policies can ensure the next generation has opportunities in agriculture. Farmers Union is ready to work with you to make that a reality and deliver solutions that will give farmers a fair shot.



Dairy Products December 2024 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.20 billion pounds, 0.7 percent below December 2023 but 4.0 percent above November 2024. Italian type cheese production totaled 523 million pounds, 3.1 percent above December 2023 and 5.9 percent above November 2024. American type cheese production totaled 470 million pounds, 3.9 percent below December 2023 but 3.9 percent above November 2024. Butter production was 198 million pounds, 2.3 percent above December 2023 and 13.3 percent above November 2024.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with December 2023)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 130 million pounds, down 11.6 percent.
Skim milk powder - 51.0 million pounds, down 20.6 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with December 2023)
Dry whey, total - 69.0 million pounds, down 4.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 93.8 million pounds, up 3.4 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.6 million pounds, down 6.0 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with December 2023)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 52.5 million gallons, up 18.1 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 24.4 million gallons, down 8.5 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.45 million gallons, up 22.8 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.16 million gallons, down 1.0 percent.



NMPF Prepares Trade Policy Asks

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) shared their U.S. dairy trade priorities with USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on Jan. 27, following an “America First Trade Policy” executive order issued by President Trump issued on Inauguration Day, Jan 20. Three additional executive actions to impose 10% tariffs on China and 25% tariffs on most products from Mexico and Canada were also issued on Feb. 1, although the U.S. has postponed tariffs on the latter two partners for approximately 30 days.

The Jan. 27 broad trade order directs to USTR and its interagency partners affecting U.S. dairy trade to take a number of actions including:
    Identifying unfair trade practices
    Conducting an expedited review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
    Providing recommendations to revise existing trade agreements to achieve or maintain reciprocal concessions; and
    Pinpointing opportunities for new bilateral or sector-specific market access opportunities.

With an April 1 deadline for the trade reports, the input from NMPF and USDEC comes at an ideal time and emphasizes the importance of resolving dairy trade irritants and targeting key markets for growth. In addition to underlining the importance of exports to the success of American dairy farmers and companies, the joint USDEC and NMPF document details recommendations to improve the industry’s global competitive standing. This includes expanding market access to bridge tariff gaps with EU and New Zealand suppliers and addressing the U.S. trade deficit of more than $2.5 billion with the European Union.

On the tariffs, President Trump announced the measures due to result of unresolved concerns related to illicit drug flows and illegal immigration. Mexico and Canada have both promised retaliatory tariffs should U.S. tariffs move forward. The pause in tariffs on Mexico and Canada means trade with those countries can continue uninterrupted for the coming month.

In a Feb. 2 statement, Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, encouraged the administration “to draw on the types of tools President Trump wielded so successfully when negotiating USMCA—bringing everyone to the table and working out a solution that minimizes unintended consequences for farmers, rural manufacturers, and consumers.”

NMPF and USDEC also joined more than 400 agricultural organizations in signing onto a Jan. 15 letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, to endorse Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture.

Leading up to her Jan. 23 confirmation hearing, NMPF collaborated with members of the Senate Agriculture Committee to highlight dairy trade challenges. Senators on both sides of the aisle stressed the importance of USDA pursuing a more active trade agenda and vigorously advocating on behalf of U.S. farmers in international negotiations.



NCBA Announces 2025 Policy Priorities

This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at CattleCon 2025. This year the focus will be on engaging with the Trump Administration and Congress to expand opportunities for producer profitability.

“NCBA will continue advocating for passage of a long-term Farm Bill and pushing to extend the critical tax provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that expire at the end of the year. We will also be continuing to fight for more flexibility for grazing and voluntary conservation work that is vital to preventing catastrophic wildfires that have been raging across the country,” said NCBA President-Elect and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Over the past few years producers have been increasingly squeezed by onerous regulatory burdens, including unscientific Endangered Species Act listings and the rapidly changing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. This government overreach has prevented meaningful conservation efforts, leaving America’s treasured natural resources in worse condition and has left cattle producers in a position of great uncertainty, with soaring legal and accounting bills. NCBA is laser-focused on advancing federal policies that will help improve the general business climate and give producers more opportunities moving forward to increase the profitability of their operations.”

Some of NCBA’s 2025 Policy Priorities include:
    Work to retain core wins in the 2024 House Agriculture Committee-passed Farm Bill.
    Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.
    Fight for meaningful long-term relief from the burdensome reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act.
    Enhance wildfire prevention utilizing targeted grazing, controlled burns, and forest management practices to protect grazing lands.
    Keep working lands working by protecting family farms from undue regulatory burdens under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and many other key regulations.

Read the full priorities list here https://www.ncba.org/Media/NCBAorg/Docs/2025-policy-priorities.pdf.



Emerging Beef Industry Leaders Receive CME Group Scholarships

Ten students pursuing careers in the beef industry were awarded $1,500 scholarships by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) and recognized during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. The CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship program recognizes talented and thoughtful students emerging as industry leaders.
    
The 2025 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship recipients are:
    Mattie Flohr of Danville, Indiana, Oklahoma State University
    Bennett Gordon of Whitewood, South Dakota, Oklahoma State University
    Mia Jess of Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech University
    Ty Jones of Scottsville, Kentucky, Oklahoma State University
    Taylor Lacek of Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University
    Chase Litton of Boonville, Missouri, Oklahoma State University
    Whitney Peck of Fredonia, Kentucky, University of Kentucky
    Hailey Rydberg of Essex, Iowa, University of Northern Iowa
    Wyatt Stowell of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin River Falls
    Spencer Walahoski of Overton, Nebraska, West Texas A&M University

“Every year it is a privilege to recognize outstanding students passionate about pursuing careers in the cattle industry,” said NCF Chair Dave True. “Thanks to CME Group for making this scholarship possible.”

Introduced in 1989 and sponsored by CME Group, the scholarship identifies and encourages talented students who play a vital role in the future of food production. Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship program.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was first organized in 1972. It provides charitable, scientific and educational activities to benefit the cattle industry. For more information, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.  



Urea, UAN32 Lead Fertilizer Prices Higher; Tariffs Could Boost Potash Prices

Most average retail fertilizer prices were higher than last month during the fourth full week of January 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. For the first time in 17 weeks, two fertilizers saw significant price increases, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

Prices for six of the eight main fertilizers were higher. And it was the first time since the first week of October 2024 that the price of any fertilizer has increased significantly. Urea was 5% higher compared to last month with an average price of $514 per ton, while UAN32 was also 5% more expensive with an average price of $383/ton. Four other fertilizers were slightly more expensive than last month. DAP had an average price of $743, 10-34-0 $631/ton, anhydrous $738/ton and UAN28 $325/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly less expensive than a month ago. MAP had an average price of $808/ton, while potash was at $436/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.56/lb.N, anhydrous $0.45/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.60/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% higher, while 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive. The remaining six fertilizers are lower: MAP by 1%, UAN32 2%, urea and UAN28 both 3%, anhydrous 4% and potash by 14% compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/31/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 31, ethanol production rebounded 9.6% to 1.11 million b/d, equivalent to 46.70 million gallons daily. Output was 7.6% higher than the same week last year and 10.2% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.2% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.60 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 2.7% to 26.4 million barrels, the highest level since the end of March 2024. Stocks were 6.6% more than the same week last year and 7.1% above the three-year average. Inventories built in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, ticked up 0.3% to 8.33 million b/d (128.02 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 5.4% less than a year ago and 5.2% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 3.4% to 860,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.22 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.5% more than year-ago levels and 4.2% above the three-year average.

Ethanol exports decreased 40.8% to an estimated 106,000 b/d (4.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



2024 U.S. Ethanol Exports Smash Record, DDGS Second-Highest Ever

U.S. ethanol exports expanded 4% in December to an eight-month high of 194.4 million gallons (mg), propelled by record shipments to multiple markets. Canada retained its position as the top destination for the 45th consecutive month, with exports gaining 10% to 62.8 mg, primarily denatured ethanol. The European Union saw a 49% surge to a record 35.4 mg, driven by record exports to the Netherlands, while shipments to the United Kingdom jumped 48% to an eight-month high of 27.1 mg. Mexico set a record at 11.1 mg, up 36%. Notably, Brazil returned to the market for the first time since May 2024, importing 7.8 mg. Even with robust export activity, some key markets retreated. India’s imports dropped 42% to 13.8 mg, the Philippines slid 11% to 11.7 mg, Colombia declined 18% to 10.8 mg, and South Korea fell 24% to 5.2 mg. Total U.S. ethanol exports for the year soared to a record 1.91 billion gallons.

Fuel ethanol imports into the U.S. remained negligible in December. Total U.S. imports for the year were a record low of 3.6 mg, or 83% less than 2023.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, rebounded 12% in December to 1.06 million metric tons (mt), with market activity swinging widely across key destinations. Despite a 4% dip to 195,409 mt, Mexico held its spot as the top importer of U.S. DDGS. Colombia surged 75% to 118,765 mt, marking its second-highest monthly total on record. Vietnam trimmed imports by 11% to 104,626 mt, while Turkey expanded purchases by 22% to 97,617 mt. South Korea increased imports by 33% to 95,959 mt, and Canada climbed 32% to a 13-month high of 76,560 mt. The remaining one-third of exports were distributed across 26 additional markets. Total U.S. DDGS exports reached 12.22 million mt in 2024, the second-highest on record.



Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Elects New Board Chair

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) president and chief executive officer Dennis Rodenbaugh was elected chair of the board of directors at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy during the checkoff-founded organization’s first meeting of 2025.

Rodenbaugh takes on the role from Leprino’s Mike Durkin, who served as the Innovation Center’s board chair since 2023. Rodenbaugh previously served as vice chairman of the Innovation Center’s board.

“U.S. dairy enters 2025 in a position of strength and both dairy farmers and the board thank Mike Durkin for his commitment, leadership and contributions to not only the Innovation Center but the broader industry,” said Barbara O’Brien, president and CEO of Dairy Management Inc. and the Innovation Center. “As we navigate a dynamic landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities, we are fortunate to have Dennis Rodenbaugh lend his deep industry experience and relationships in the chair role. We look forward to his leadership and to building on the Innovation Center’s strong momentum as a catalyst for industry-wide collaboration and progress.”

Rodenbaugh has been president and chief executive officer of DFA since June 2022. Previously, he served as executive vice president of DFA and president of council operations and Ingredient Solutions.

The Innovation Center also elected the following officers at the meeting:
    Vice chair: Brad Anderson, California Dairies Inc.
    Treasurer: Sheryl Meshke, Associated Milk Producers Inc.
    Secretary: Ron Dunford, Schreiber Foods
    At-large: Heather Anfang, Land O’ Lakes
    At-large: Joe Diglio, Michigan Milk Producers Association

For information about the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, visit www.usdairy.com/about-us/innovation-center.