Thursday February 13 Ag News

A detailed look at USDA January cattle inventory
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Beef cow inventory and heifer retention.
⦁    The beef cow inventory remained static at 28 million between January of 2024 and 2025
⦁    The dairy cow inventory is static at 9.4 million
⦁    There are 4.7 million heifers to expose for breeding as beef cow replacement (17% of herd)
⦁    There are 2.9 million heifers projected to calve as beef cow replacements (10% of herd)

Carcass weights and beef production.
⦁    Beef production through the end of 2023 and 2024 was nearly identical (27 billion pounds)
⦁    Heifer and steer slaughter counts were also similar (25.6 million)
⦁    Heifers made up 40% of the harvest both years
⦁    Declines in cull cattle slaughter were made up by 22 lb heavier carcass weight in fed cattle

Will beef production decline?
⦁    During herd rebuilding years, approximately 2 million beef cows are harvested yearly
⦁    During herd liquidation years, from 3 to 3.5 million cows are harvested yearly
⦁    In 2014 (2.4 million) and 2024 (2.7 million), the number of beef cows harvested declined dramatically
⦁    Steer and heifer slaughter counts declined from 1.3 million head between 2013 and 2014
⦁    No decline observed between 2023 and 2024

One thought: we will see the cyclical decline in fed cattle harvest in 2025.  Intentions to retain heifers this year will make this a larger decline

Is there a chance beef production will not decline in 2025?
⦁    There are 15.8 million steers weighing more than 500 lb
⦁    In 2024 we harvested 15.2 million steers
⦁    We need to harvest about 10 million heifers
⦁    There are about 9.6 million heifers not destined for replacement
⦁    Also, the cattle industry has more calves in the pipeline
⦁    Beef and dairy cows posted a 90% calf crop in 2024
⦁    Beef and dairy cows posted 87% calf crop in 2014
⦁    With a smaller beef cow inventory in 2025 (39 vs 37 million), the industry has nearly the same number of calves under 500 lb (13.7 vs 13.5 million)

Another thought: this is not 2015. This industry is efficient!

Demand and prices.
⦁    Beef production from 2021 to 2024 averaged 25.5 billion pounds.
⦁    Between 2012 and 2014, beef production averaged 23.2 billion pounds.

The US beef industry proved two things: 1) it can produce more beef with fewer cattle, and 2) the beef produced is of greater value

Conclusive thoughts
One might ask, is there a limit to this scenario? (In other words, might the industry push its limits to the point of no demand or no supply recovery?). The answer to that is yes.

This means the industry cannot rest on its laurels. Cattle producers have proven they can be competitive by being efficient. Producers must remain focused on maintaining efficiency of reproduction and production.



Local Working Group Meetings Planned
Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska

A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet February 27, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk NE.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally.

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group.

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Sutherland.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.

Typically, Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs.  These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife.  This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, contact your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Gov. Pillen Appoints Jesse Bradley to be Interim Director of DEE and DNR
 
Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Jesse Bradley as interim director for the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE). Bradley will continue in his current role as interim director for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). His duties overseeing DEE are effective immediately.

Gov. Pillen called out Bradley’s steady leadership of DNR since assuming the position of interim director in August 2024. This is the second time Bradley has been interim director of that agency. He was appointed in 2020 as well.

In his lead role at DNR, Bradley has worked with natural resources districts across the state to implement the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act. He has been part of the agency’s push to leverage new technologies to improve system processes to utilize data-informed management decisions.

Bradley has been with DNR since 2006, when he started as an integrated water management analyst. In 2012, he became head of the Water Planning Division and two years later, was promoted to deputy director of DNR. He has degrees in environmental geology and hydrogeology and is a licensed professional geologist in Nebraska.

“Water management is critical to the state of Nebraska – and we need to continue to innovate and improve water quantity and quality for the next seven generations,” said Gov. Pillen. “Jesse’s vast experience in that area, coupled with his ability to bridge the gap between local needs, the state and federal regulators, make him strongly qualified to lead DNR and DEE when they are combined through passage of LB317.”

LB317, which has been introduced on behalf of the Governor by Senator Tom Brandt, proposes naming the newly formed agency the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The bill will have a hearing before the Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The Environment Quality Council (EQC) provides names to the Governor for consideration as director of DEE. Gov. Pillen said he will continue to consult with the group as the legislation moves ahead.  




NE On Farm Research Network 2025 Meetings

Register for the 2024 Nebraska On-Farm Research Results Update Meetings. NE Extension Educators will give a summary of the reserach projects completed in 2024, and give a preview of what’s on tap for 2025 for NOFRN.

All meetings start at 9 a.m. local time with refreshments and check in available 30 minutes beforehand. It is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. They ask that you please register so they can get an accurate head count.

Feb. 18: York (Holthus Convention Center)
Feb. 19: Columbus (Ag Park)
Feb. 20: Mead (ENREC Auditorium)
Feb. 25: Kearney (Buffalo County Extension Office)
Feb. 27: Alliance (Knight Museum and Sandhills Center)
March 4: Beatrice (Holiday Inn)

Register Here: https://on-farm-research.unl.edu/about/2025-meeting-information/.



MICRO-IRRIGATION WORK BOOSTS NEBRASKA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FOOD SECURITY

Multiple departments in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen small-scale irrigation in Nebraska. The efforts address real-world needs and can boost small business development, promote urban agriculture, diversify Nebraska agriculture and boost underserved communities’ access to nutritious food.

“The need is really high,” said Brach Johnson, a Columbus, Nebraska-based state urban and small-farm conservationist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “I’ve traveled to almost every county in the state the last two years, and I would say the potential is great.”

The conservation service has awarded a $260,000 grant to IANR’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering to work with Nebraska’s small-scale irrigators to research the best options to improve the efficiency of their low-volume, low-pressure water application structures, such as drip emitters, spaghetti tubes and mini sprinklers.

Such irrigation operations have a considerable variety in scale and technologies, but the most common example involves plastic-covered “high tunnels” used by small business operators and community gardens for vegetable cultivation. Micro-irrigation offers benefits such as water savings and better control of chemical application.

Strengthening small-scale irrigation can help alleviate food insecurity in Nebraska communities, said Saleh Taghvaeian, associate professor of biological systems engineering, who is heading the research.

“We can go to these food desert areas, and these small-scale productions can significantly enhance nutritional diversity and nutritional quality,” he said.

Taghvaeian and colleagues test various irrigation systems and scheduling methods on East Campus and are meeting in person with producers across the state to understand their needs and current approaches.

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering is well positioned for this work, Taghvaeian said, because it pursues a “biological systems” approach that encompasses the wide range of factors affecting efficiency and crop production under micro-irrigation conditions.

A high tunnel’s self-contained conditions create a micro-climate akin to a desert, for example. Irrigation equipment requires ongoing evaluation, adjustment and maintenance. Producers must understand the specifics of soil conditions and water dispersal.

In addition to their research, Taghvaeian and colleagues provide irrigation training to Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, Nebraska Extension educators and small-scale producers.

The conservation service is also working with IANR’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture for its Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative focusing on improved soil management techniques. More than 500 Nebraskans have participated in the initiative since it began in 2023, and nearly 300 participants currently send in soil samples and observational data.

“Urban farmers and gardeners in Nebraska were eager to try new soil health management practices and see data on how their soil responded,” said Sam Wortman, an associate professor and environmental horticulturist with the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

Many participants have shared anecdotes about the positive effects of their new management practices. For others, the data has helped confirm the benefits of what they were already doing, Wortman said. The university aggregates the data each year and shares the results with the participants.

Michael Kaiser, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, is leading detailed analyses of organic matter in participating operations. Caro Cordova, the department’s statewide soil health specialist, helps organize opportunities for the university to communicate project results to growers, educators and service providers.

City Sprouts, an Omaha community garden and urban farm, has made extensive use of soil management and conservation practices highlighted through the Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative and in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“Our collaborative agreement with the NRCS has been huge, allowing us to reach urban growers in Omaha who are thirsty for knowledge on how to grow sustainably while valuing soil health,” said Aaron French, who manages City Sprouts' multiple growing sites.

Wortman describes irrigation efficiency as “critically important for Nebraska agriculture as we strive to be good stewards of our incredible ground and surface water resources.”

Nebraska Extension educators buttress these efforts through their in-person outreach to Nebraskans, including irrigation-related consultation with tribal communities by Extension educator Ted Hibbeler. Extension’s Backyard Farmer specialists do high-profile work in spreading the word and have offered valuable observations to Johnson, the urban conservationist.

Just as Americans helped the wartime effort during World War II by creating Victory Gardens, Nebraska can benefit in the present day through small-scale irrigation, Johnson said.

“Just producing something in the soil where you are can have a really big impact,” he said.



Registration now open for 2025 Water for Food Global Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Water for Food Global Conference, held by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Themed, “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” it will center around working to solve one of the world’s most pressing issues - feeding a growing planet while preserving our precious natural resources.  

The five-day conference boasts its location in Lincoln, Nebraska as a living laboratory of agricultural and water research atop the vast Great Plains Aquifer. Held April 28 - May 2, 2025 at Nebraska Innovation Campus, the event convenes 400 leading experts and organizations from around the globe to explore research, expand technologies and share relevant knowledge in water and food security.

Join a global conversation with leading experts as we explore:
    Water management for high-productivity commercial agriculture
    Smallholder agricultural water management
    Environmental and human health in agricultural systems

Participating organizations include the African Union Commission, Bayer, Catholic Relief Services, CIMMYT, the International Food Policy Research Institute, the International Water Management Institute, LI-COR, Mercy Corps, the National Drought Mitigation Center, NOAA, Scoular, Valmont Industries, Lindsay Corporation, the Nebraska Corn Board, Midwest Dairy Association, The Combine, The Nature Conservancy, UNCCD, the World Bank and several universities.

Experts and practitioners in global food and water security will share research results, case studies and perspectives on how to achieve improved water use in agriculture and increase productivity at a variety of scales. In addition to engaging seminar sessions, the conference also includes field visits and research site tours for attendees to meet local producers and researchers and experience the knowledge firsthand.

Register for either in-person or virtual attendance at: https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/explore-our-conferences/2025-water-for-food-global-conference/registration. 



Farm Aid Manufacturing becomes Forge Industries

Following a 2024 change in ownership, Farm Aid Manufacturing, a leading producer of feed mixer wagons, has become Forge Industries. This new identity reflects the company's 50-year legacy of machine-shop ingenuity and commitment to producing durable, efficient, and unique products for livestock producers.

"We are incredibly proud of the 50-year history and the quality products delivered to livestock producers," said Eric MacPherson, CEO at Forge Industries. "As livestock producers ourselves, we understand the critical role our feed mixer wagons play in daily operations. Our new name, Forge Industries, better reflects our dedication to the hard work, skill, and superior engineering that goes into every product we create."

The name Forge symbolizes the process of transforming raw materials into high-quality equipment and emphasizes the strength and reliability of the company's products. It also allows for future expansion into new product lines, with a new product announcement anticipated this spring.

While the company's name and appearance have changed, the Forge Industries team assures customers the quality of its products, manufactured in Corsica, South Dakota, will remain unchanged. The company remains committed to continuous improvement and incorporating new technologies to ensure its pull-behind, stationary, and truck-mounted feed mixer wagons continue to be the best option available for livestock producers.

"While our name is changing, our commitment to our customers and the quality of our products remains steadfast," added Nathan MacPherson, Forge sales. "We are excited about the future of Forge Industries and look forward to continuing to serve livestock producers."



New Calculator to Use with Feed Contingency Planning Publication

A recent publication from the Iowa Pork Industry Center on contingency planning regarding feed now has an accompanying calculator and information sheet to assist producers in preparing for the unexpected. The publication IPIC 208A https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/17004 was first available on the Iowa State University Extension Store in November 2024 and now references the new items.

ISU Extension and Outreach Swine Specialist Mark Storlie, who authored the publication, said the calculator provides a hands-on opportunity to estimate pen feed allocations.

“Unexpected incidents can derail your plan to have a timely feed supply,” he said. “While some incidents are unforeseeable, all events can be minimized through contingency planning, and using this calculator is one way to be prepared."

Producers can use the Excel calculator to input their data and see how many days of on-hand feed is available based on the new numbers. The information sheet guides the user in using the calculator.

The new items were developed by Nick Gabler and Kayla Miller of Iowa State University and are available at no charge from the IPIC website's nutrition page https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/nutrition.html.



UAN32, Urea Lead Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher First Week of February

Most average retail fertilizer prices continued to be higher than last month during the first week of February 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. And for the second consecutive week, prices for two fertilizers were up considerably.

Retail prices for six of the eight major fertilizers were higher, with the price of two up significantly, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. Leading the pack were urea, which was 7% higher compared to last month with an average price of $525 per ton, and UAN32, which was 6% more expensive with an average price of $388 per ton.

The prices of four other fertilizers were slightly higher than last month: DAP had an average price of $745, 10-34-0 $632/ton, anhydrous $741/ton and UAN28 $332/ton.

Prices for the remaining two fertilizers were down slightly from last month. MAP had an average price of $806/ton, while potash was at $436/ton looking back a month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.57/lb.N, anhydrous $0.45/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.61/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 looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. MAP, urea, UAN28 and UAN32 are all 1% less expensive, anhydrous is 4% lower and potash is 14% less expensive compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/7/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 7, ethanol production scaled back 2.7% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.44 million gallons daily. Output was 0.1% lower than the same week last year but 4.5% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.3% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.56 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks declined 2.7% to a four-week low of 25.7 million barrels. Stocks were 0.5% less than the same week last year but 0.6% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 3.0% to a seven-week high of 8.58 million b/d (131.83 bg annualized). Demand was 5.0% more than a year ago and 2.9% above the three-year average.

However, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol softened 0.7% to 854,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.13 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.9% less than year-ago levels and 0.4% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 41.5% to an estimated 150,000 b/d (6.3 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) released year-end pork export data last week, showing a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

The results were summarized in a recent news release by the National Pork Board’s (NPB) strategic partner, the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

NPB has developed an international market development strategy to build confidence in U.S. pork in a diverse global protein market. They use Pork Checkoff funds to differentiate U.S. Pork from competitors and add value and opportunity to other markets. They build trust in pork production and practices, expand markets and strategically position pork to drive purchase decisions.

USMEF executes marketing programs on NPB’s behalf and positions U.S. pork as a safe, high-quality, consistent product. Additionally, USMEF leverages Checkoff dollars with USDA FAS contributions. The Market Access Program matches Checkoff dollars invested, meaning strategic partnerships create a strong return on investment for U.S. pork producers.

Past NPB President and current USMEF Executive Member Gene Noem describes the value of partnership when he explains that “marketing works, and we can leverage USMEF to be boots-on-the-ground expertise for short-term activations that create long-term demand.”

One such example is adding value to the loin in Mexico, where the growing demand for pork products and desire for versatility grow U.S. Pork import share. NPB collaborates with USMEF and two USDA programs to capitalize on consumer trends and teach importers how the primal can be processed, seasoned, packaged and marketed.

USMEF’s in-market expertise and NPB’s carcass maximization strategy boost demand in key countries. Colombia, for example, is the sixth-largest market for U.S. Pork1. Last fall, USMEF’s in-market experience suggested developing an innovative U.S. Boston Butt burger for food service. They presented it to importers, distributors and processors in four major Colombian cities.

Finally, NPB’s international market development strategy values the contributions of producers and state pork association representatives. In 2024, numerous producers traveled to emerging and established markets on behalf of U.S. Pork to talk about on-farm production and learn about market dynamics to help shape future strategies.

Overall, 2024 was a successful year, and NPB will continue working with strategic partners to build trust in and add value to U.S. Pork for global consumers.



USGC Winter Meeting Surveys Trade Policy Landscape

The 22nd International Marketing Conference and 65th Annual Membership Meeting welcomed U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members in Austin, Texas, to plan for the upcoming year and discuss the United Nation’s Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026.

The event provides members with an overview of the Council’s strategy for the coming year and includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets come together to conduct market and commodity-specific analyses while sharing experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

USGC Chairwoman Verity Ulibarri began Wednesday’s proceedings and the audience received a welcome to Austin by Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture Dan Hunter.

“My theme for this year, Cultivate the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environment. At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains, DDGS and ethanol around the world,” Ulibarri said.

“The Council staff has taken my theme to heart – by cultivating markets for U.S. corn, sorghum and barley from wherever they are working – whether in the Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters or in remote places around the globe and stewarding them for generations to come.”

The Council got down to the business of trade policy with a presentation from former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman who served on the Senate Agriculture Committee during his time in Washington and was a delegate to the UN’s 61st General Assembly.

The day continued with a panel of female farmer leaders including Jennie Schmidt, USGC At-Large Director from Maryland, Wendy Osborn, Ohio Corn and Wheat Director of Market Development from Ohio and Ulibarri, USGC Chairwoman from New Mexico, shared perspectives of the industry and planning on next year’s celebration as the International Year of the Woman Farmer designated by the United Nations.

"I went on a mission last year hosted by the United Nations, U.S. State Department and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start the work on celebrating the UN International Year of the Farmer," Schmidt said. "This mission focused on the type of technology that we use on the farm and how women farmers in Indonesia and Vietnam could potentially use some of the same concepts to increase efficiency and marketing in their countries. This mission made an impact on me where I connected with women farmers in those countries and realized that we have many similarities."

Wednesday’s agenda concluded with an overview of the Council’s recent activities and outlook for the future from USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand.

“It's a great big world out there and we have Council staff positioned in all the right places to take advantage of growing need for U.S. coarse grains and ethanol,” LeGrand said.

“We have been busy and the outlook for our organization is intensely bright. Our work as a whole is growing by leaps and bounds, and we continue to push beyond what we thought was achievable just a few years ago."

More from the meeting is available on social media using the hashtag #Grains25 or through the website.



Soybean Farmers Proud to Support International Food Assistance Programs

The American Soybean Association applauds Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann for introducing legislation to maintain the Food for Peace Program as the Trump Administration continues its audit of federal agencies and programs. Food for Peace supplies food-insecure communities throughout the world with nutrition assistance that includes U.S. soy.

“U.S. soybeans play an important role in addressing global hunger,” said Caleb Ragland, ASA president and a soybean farmer from Kentucky. “Soybeans are the only plant-based protein that provides all nine amino acids essential for human health, and our farmers have been proud to support international food assistance programs. ASA strongly supports efforts to protect these programs and to ensure U.S. grown commodities continue to feed vulnerable populations around the globe. We thank Representative Mann and Senator Moran for their leadership on this important issue.”

ASA was grateful to see the recent announcement from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service that activities critical to addressing global hunger are continuing. U.S. soybean farmers strongly support the Food for Progress program and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. Both programs play an important role in feeding people around the world, while building a foundation of long-term trading relationships for U.S. agricultural products.

The United States Agency for International Development administers the Title II Food for Peace program, which is the U.S.’s flagship international food aid program. In FY2024, USAID procured roughly $110 million worth of U.S. soy for Food for Peace. USAID has also utilized Food for Peace to procure Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), of which soy is a critical ingredient.

In addition to Food for Peace, ASA supports the restoration of program funding for the 19 Feed the Future Agriculture Innovation Labs housed at land-grant universities. These facilities, including the Soy Innovation Lab, support critical research to combat agricultural challenges in underdeveloped countries and further expand markets for U.S. soybean farmers.



NMPF Statement on Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
National Milk Producers Federation President & CEO Gregg Doud:

“NMPF commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-PA, and Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, for continuing to lead their bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to help increase kids’ access to milk’s vital nutrients.

“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed in its Scientific Report last December that most kids and adolescents are not meeting daily dairy intake recommendations. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of children’s health and development, and milk plays an unparalleled role in providing the nutrients kids need to grow and thrive. But kids take more milk, and drink more milk, in school when they have nutrient-dense options they like. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that dairy foods at all fat levels have a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from lower prevalence of obesity and diabetes to reduced heart disease risk and healthy cholesterol levels.

“We are grateful to the House Education and the Workforce Committee for approving the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act today on a bipartisan vote. It’s a critical step toward finally expanding the popular, healthy milk options schools can serve to improve student nutrition.”