Wednesday February 12 Ag News

 USDA Reports on Land Values and County-Level Cash Rent Estimates in Nebraska for 2024
Jim Jansen, NE Extension Ag Economist

Survey findings from the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimated that the value of Nebraska farm real estate, which includes all agricultural land and buildings, increased by 6.8% in 2024, to an average of $4,080 per acre. The year-over-year changes reflect an increase of $260 for this annual period. Florida and Tennessee lead the nation with the highest growth rates in farmland market value at 13.4% and 10.7%, with average market values of $8,300 and $5,710 per acre, respectively. Iowa's total land value increased 1.8% year over year to an average of $9,420/acre.  Nebraska ranks 13th for the percentage increase in farm real estate compared to other states in 2024.

Cropland values in Nebraska reported an increase of 6.3% to an average of $6,540 per acre. Tennessee topped the nation with an increase of 10.9%, reaching a new average of $5,610 per acre. Ohio ranked second with an annual rise of 9.7%, reaching an average of $9,270 per acre. Demand for cropland remained steady but had slowed due to moderating commodity prices and increasing production costs. Monetary policies kept the cost of financing land purchases high during 2024 as the Federal Reserve maintained measures to combat inflationary pressures. High interest rates and expenses for specific inputs, coupled with moderating commodity prices, may negatively impact future cropland values unless offset by rising farm profitability.

In 2024, higher cattle prices raised the value of pasture more than that of cropland throughout Nebraska. Year-over-year pasture gained 7.7% to a new average of $1,400 per acre in Nebraska. Cattle prices increased due to strong demand and lower livestock inventories across the United States. Hay prices generally trended lower across the state as adequate precipitation in major hay-producing regions led to good forage production. Higher cattle prices and reduced feed costs improved the financial outlook for many livestock producers. Concerns persist about sufficient rainfall for pastures and the economic impact this may have on producers.

The USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service also reported county-level cash rent estimates for the 2024 growing season in Nebraska (USDA-NASS 2024b). These estimates provide cash rent averages for both non-irrigated and irrigated cropland, as well as pasture, on a per-acre basis (USDA-NASS 2024c). Variations in non-irrigated cropland rental rates across Nebraska are due to differences in soil type, rainfall, yield expectations, and the overall market competitiveness among different counties. Counties denoted in white lacked sufficient survey responses to estimate a rate or were in state regions with a low incidence of a specific production practice.

By County - Non-irrigated - Irrigated - Pasture - $$/acre
Cuming - 280 - 340 - 73
Wayne - 275 - 349 - na
Stanton - 251 - 321 - 76
Colfax - 256 - 324 - na
Dodge - 229 - 324 - 63
Burt - 252 - 294 - 71
Thurston - 275 - na - 75  
Platte - 240 - na - na
Washington - 235 - 283 - na

Trends in irrigated cash rental rates for 2024 reflect those of non-irrigated cropland. Areas with low response rates to the cash rent survey or few irrigated acres did not report rates. The reported irrigated cash rental rates do not differentiate between center pivot, gravity, or flood irrigated acres. The average reflects a weighted calculation of the county's center pivot, gravity, and flood irrigation methods. Additionally, the reported rates assume that the landlord owns the entire irrigation system on the leased property. Rates may be adjusted if the tenant provides the pivot, power unit, or other irrigation system components.

Nebraska's pasture land rental rates reflect differences in stocking rates, productivity, and market competitiveness. The reported rates indicate the amounts paid during the summer months. Off-season grazing rental rates may be adjusted based on forage dormancy, quality, or other property features in the fall, winter, or spring calving season. This off-season period can also be influenced by winter snowfall or other weather conditions. Areas with limited pasture acres or low response rates to the cash rent survey did not report county rates.



Report: University of Nebraska is an engine of growth for the state

The University of Nebraska isn’t just contributing to the state’s economy by developing future workforce—it’s an engine of growth across the state, according to a newly released economic impact report.

The report, shared during a news conference at Hudl, 600 P. St., on Tuesday, reveals that NU generates $6.4 billion annually and supports one in every 20 Nebraska jobs. Conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, the report highlights the university’s vital role in workforce development, research innovation, and community prosperity.

“The University of Nebraska is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our state,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “From the jobs we create to the future workforce we educate to the research we produce, our university is helping move Nebraska forward in meaningful ways. For every $1 the state invests in the University of Nebraska, we generate $10 in economic activity—an extraordinary return on investment.”

The study highlights key areas where NU fuels Nebraska’s economic engine:
    Workforce Development: NU produces 11,000 graduates annually, with one in seven working-age Nebraskans holding a degree from the university. NU alumni generate $3.5 billion in additional earnings each year.
    Job Creation: One in every 20 jobs in Nebraska is directly or indirectly supported by the University of Nebraska, a number that increases to one in 11 when including Nebraska Medicine.
    Innovation and Research: NU’s $304 million in federal research awards fuel discoveries that benefit Nebraska businesses and communities.
    Community Impact: NU students, faculty, and staff contribute over $38 million in charitable donations and $76 million in volunteer service annually.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Paul Umbach, Ed.D., founder of Tripp Umbach. “Since 2015, the University of Nebraska’s economic impact has grown by 64%, far outpacing the state’s overall economic growth of just 24%. What’s remarkable is that NU isn’t just keeping pace—it’s leading the way in job creation, workforce training, research and innovation.”

Dr. Umbach, who has worked with over a thousand institutions across the nation and around the world, noted that compared to other universities, the University of Nebraska stands out. While many institutions’ economic impact has plateaued, the University of Nebraska’s trajectory of impact continues to grow, said Dr. Umbach.

“Per capita, the University of Nebraska does more to impact its state than any other university in America,” said Dr. Umbach.

By campus, UNL has an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion; UNMC of $1.6 billion; UNO of $1 billion; and UNK of $446.5 million. These impacts are felt not just in the communities in which each campus is located, but all across the state, bolstered by Nebraska Extension’s annual economic impact of $132.3 million and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture’s impact of $25.5 million.

Beyond dollars and cents, the university’s graduates strengthen communities. “College graduates are more likely to be employed, volunteer, contribute philanthropically, and participate in civic life,” Dr. Gold said. “That social return is just as important as our economic impact.”

Hudl, which was founded by University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate students and has since grown into a global company, embodies NU’s impact by employing top graduates and attracting elite talent to Nebraska.

Brian Kaiser, Hudl’s cofounder and chief technology officer, said the university has been instrumental in Hudl’s success since the very beginning.

Kaiser was a student in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, along with David Graff and John Wirtz, when they founded Hudl in 2006. It wasn’t just the classes they took or the excellent program they were part of that set their fledgling business up for success, Kaiser said.  It was also the relationships, the support and the mentoring they received during their University of Nebraska experience. Today, many top NU graduates go onto careers at Hudl, he said, and strong partnerships with the university, as well as a robust internship program, provide hands-on opportunities for students from NU and around the globe.

One of those students was Sierra Futterman. An out-of-state student, Futterman followed her brother to the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, and over the course of her college career had internships at Penlink, a Lincoln-based security company, and the University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute. She also worked with Hudl as part of her capstone project in the Raikes School. That capstone project led to a job as a Hudl software engineer.  

“It shaped my career,” she said.

Her brother, meanwhile, accepted a position with Ameritas, another Lincoln business. Eventually, her parents moved to Nebraska, too.

“Now the whole family is together because of the university,” she said.

Those are the kinds of impacts – quality of life, ability to live close to family, the unique culture and connectedness of Nebraska and Nebraskans – that a report can’t capture, said Dr. Umbach. Yet they’re important.  

Kaiser agreed. Part of what he loves about Hudl is its location in Lincoln. And he has no plans to move.

“We’re proud to be here, and we’re excited to grow with the state, grow with the city, and grow with the University,” Kaiser said.

As Nebraska faces an evolving economic landscape, continued investment in the University of Nebraska remains crucial, said Dr. Gold.

“This report provides clear evidence that NU is a catalyst for growth,” he said. “The university’s impact reaches every county, every industry, and every Nebraskan.”

For more information on the university’s economic impact or to view the full report, visit https://nebraska.edu/economic-impact.

What They’re Saying About the University of Nebraska’s Economic Impact Report

Chris Kalkowski - President, Agricultural Builders of Nebraska
“Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy, and the University of Nebraska is core to
our state’s agricultural innovation, ensuring our next generation is educated, providing cutting-
edge research and extending that knowledge across the state. The University of Nebraska’s
commitment to advancing technology, sustainability and workforce development ensures that
Nebraska remains a leader in feeding the world. The partnership between the university and our
agricultural community drives economic growth and secures a strong future for generations to
come.”

Laura Field - Executive Vice President, Nebraska Cattlemen
"The Nebraska Cattlemen are proud of our long-standing partnership with the University of
Nebraska, which has been instrumental in making Nebraska one of the top beef-producing states
in the nation. For generations, NU’s excellence in research and extension services has provided
producers with the knowledge and innovation needed to keep Nebraska at the forefront of the
industry. The university’s focus on preparing our next generation of beef industry leaders
continually drives progress and strengthens Nebraska’s reputation as a leader in beef
production."

Mark McHargue - President, Nebraska Farm Bureau
"The University of Nebraska is an important partner and contributor to our state's status as an
agricultural powerhouse. Its pioneering research, extensive extension services, and commitment
to cultivating a skilled workforce are vital to the prosperity of Nebraska's ag economy.”



Join the Movement: Grow Agriculture Awareness

In celebration of National Agriculture Week 2025 (March 16-22), the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is inviting volunteers throughout the state to wear a limited-edition Agriculture Week t-shirt and share on social media how and where they help grow Nebraska through their connection to agriculture. When people understand agriculture, we become citizens that can make informed decisions for our families and communities.

How to participate?
    Step 1: Purchase a limited-edition, Ag Week 2024 shirt for $17 (S-XL), $19 (2XL), $20 (3XL, 4XL)
    Step 2: Wear Ag Week shirt on March 18.
    Step 3: Post a photo on social media wearing the shirt and share how your connection to agriculture grows Nebraska.  
    Step 4: Be entered to win prizes using the hashtags #RootingForAg
    Step 5: Continue to wear the shirt throughout the year to keep the conversation going!

Who can participate?
YOU! Anyone who eats food, wears clothes, or uses fuel for transportation!

How to purchase a shirt?
Act fast! Purchase your limited-edition shirt on a short time schedule!

Purchase a shirt (or two) at our online store between February 10-16, 2025. This is the only time the store will be open to offer this shirt. Your order will be shipped directly to you just in time for National Agriculture Week!

How to join on social media?
    Snap a photo of yourself in your t-shirt, whether you’re on the farm, in the classroom, or in your office!
    Create a post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the photo. Share how you see agriculture helping communities in Nebraska grow and thrive.
    Use the hashtags #RootingForAg

Click here to order: https://nefbfoundation.org/agweekshirt/



‘The Chicken Sisters’ selected for Women in Agriculture Book Club

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program and Annie’s Project have announced The Chicken Sisters as the first-quarter selection for their book club, which will conclude with a virtual discussion at 1 p.m. CST on March 10.

The Chicken Sisters takes place in Merinac, Kansas, where Chicken Mimi’s and Chicken Frannie’s have spent a century competing to serve the best fried chicken in the state. The legendary feud between their respective owners, the Moores and the Paciellos, has lasted just as long.

No one feels the impact more than 35-year-old widow Amanda Moore, who grew up working for her mother at Mimi’s before scandalously marrying Frank Paciello and switching sides to work at Frannie’s. Tired of being caught in the middle, Amanda sends an SOS to Food Wars, a reality-TV restaurant competition that promises $100,000 to the winner. But in doing so, she launches both families out of the frying pan and into the fire.

The book club discussion will be led by rural behavioral health counselor and consultant Monica McConkey. In 2016, McConkey created Eyes on the Horizon Consulting to increase access to mental health services in rural, underserved areas and remove the stigma often attached to seeking care. She travels the country, both virtually and in person, speaking on mental wellness, resilience, rural mental health, and the unique aspects of farm and ranch stress.

Registration is free and available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website https://wia.unl.edu/book-club/. The first 23 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book.



More Than One Thousand Agriculturalists Gather to Share Information About the Harvest Industry

Members of the U.S. Custom Harvesters’ (USCHI) organization gathered on January 30th - February 1st for their 42nd Annual Convention in Des Moines. Iowa. This convention recorded 1,085 attendees and 125 vendors.

The program included speakers on a variety of topics including staying motivated, safety, insurance, combine and forager clinics and a financial panel. State meetings focused on state-driven issues that included hosting safety trainings, CDL trainings, H2A employment information, future conventions, and more.

The organization elected three new board members: Aubree Thouvenel, Rodney Wolgemuth, and Raph Jolliffe, while Paul Paplow rose to president and David Misener transitioned to the board advisor. The full board and support staff includes the following leaders:
    President: Paul Paplow - Ocheyedan, Iowa
    Vice President: Raph Jolliffe - Seibert, Colorado
    Secretary: Mychal Neumiller - Bowdon, North Dakota
    Treasurer: Seth Buxcel - Savage, Montana
    Director: Aubree Thouvenel - Versailles, Missouri
    Director: Mark Anderson - Bridgeport, Nebraska
    Director: Rodney Wolgemuth - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
    Advisor: David Misener - Elk City, Oklahoma
    Operations Manager: Mandi Sieren - Sylvia, Kansas
 
On the final night of the convention, USCHI awarded the 2025 Vendor of the Year to Krone North America. “It’s a very cool award because at the end of the day, we’ve been part of this organization for a couple of decades,” said Lars Pasedag, COO of Krone North America.

Each year, USCHI presents up to six scholarships to high school seniors involved in member harvest operations that plan on continuing their education. INSPRO – a Marsh McLennon Agency, also provides an additional scholarship to one of the recipients seeking a career in agriculture. The following scholarship recipients are:
    Olivia Strnad – Munden, Kansas
    Tegan Hoyt - Corning, Iowa
    Preslie Poling - Clayton, New Mexico
    Brady Russell - South Haven, Kansas
    Maycee Thouvenel - Versailles, Missouri (INSPRO Scholarship Recipient)

Next year, the USCHI’s Annual Convention will be hosted in Des Moines, Iowa. To become involved with U.S. Custom Harvesters as a harvester member or convention vendor, contact Mandi Sieren at (620) 200-1381



Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s “Scientific” Report Compromises Public Health
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) expressed serious concerns about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s so-called scientific report in comments filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“While U.S. pork producers are committed to supporting human health and nutrition with safe, wholesome, and nutritious protein – the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations do not,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC Vice President and pork producer from Washington, Iowa. “The health of our nation is at risk, as these Guidelines inform all federal nutrition programs – including those affecting our schoolchildren and the military – and provide recommendations to health professionals. We urge this Committee to do the right thing: follow the science.”

The Committee’s most egregious “scientific” recommendations include reducing and replacing red meat with plant-based proteins, which would lead to several, significant nutrient gaps and deficiencies.

This move will especially put at risk infants, young children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults, as they require higher amounts of protein and nutrients that are provided by animal-based proteins. With diet-related diseases on the rise and the continued challenge of food insecurity, science-based nutrition is paramount.

In October, NPPC directly addressed the Committee prior to releasing its draft report. Later that month, NPPC again criticized the Committee’s lack of scientific basis for recommending plant proteins as a replacement for animal proteins.

The Committee’s report will be sent to HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who will write and finalize the Dietary Guidelines. NPPC will continue to work with the Trump Administration to ensure the Dietary Guidelines best serve the health and nutrition interests of the American public.
 



USGC Members, Staff Arrive In Austin, Texas, For 22nd International Marketing Conference, 65th Annual Membership Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members touched down earlier this week for the 22nd International Marketing Conference and 65th Annual Membership Meeting in Austin, Texas.

This meeting will spotlight impactful conversations around new markets, promotion of the United Nation’s upcoming International Year of the Woman Farmer and discussions of the Council’s upcoming global trade strategy.

This event includes several Advisory Team (A-Team) sessions, where experts in various agricultural commodities and markets come together to conduct market and commodity-specific deep-dives and share experiences relevant to their industry for this year.

“My theme for this year, Cultivate the Future, captures both the possibilities and obstacles present in today’s trade environment,” said Verity Ulibarri, USGC Chairwoman. “At this meeting, we will address the challenges within our industry, examine the global future demand for feed grains, distiller’s dried grains with solubles and ethanol and emphasize the importance of continuing our efforts to build new markets while ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.”

The meeting will feature presentations from former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman who served on the Senate Agriculture Committee and panels highlighting successful women farmers discussing the upcoming International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026 and Mexico rail transportation experts.

Friday will feature a panel of USGC global directors including USGC Regional Director in South Asia Reece Cannady, USGC Regional Director in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Ramy Taieb and USGC Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Caleb Wurth, featuring the latest developments and challenges in their markets.

The conference will conclude with a USGC Board of Delegates meeting, financial reports and a bylaw change proposal discussion.

The 22nd International Marketing Conference and 65th Annual Membership Meeting runs through Friday in Austin, Texas. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains25 or find more information about the meeting on our website https://grains.org/event/february-12-14-2025-the-22nd-international-marketing-conference-and-65th-annual-membership-meeting/3/.



Case IH Upgrades Performance and Comfort with New Farmall C Models

Case IH is introducing the latest iteration of the Farmall C series tractor, building upon the legacy of the popular Farmall tractor while elevating performance, comfort and power. On display at the 2025 World Ag Expo and National Farm Machinery Show, attendees can see how the upsized Farmall C tractor series is purposefully designed to meet the varied needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country.

“Today’s farmers need equipment that can handle the increased and varying demands of their operations,” said Leo Bose, customer segmentation lead at
Case IH. “The upgrades to the Farmall C lineup give farmers just that – the flexibility and heavy-duty performance to complete a wide range of on-farm and in-field tasks.”

The new Farmall C lineup offers a 12-speed PowerShuttle and 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission, catering to varied operational needs, while offering factory-installed technology to drive on-farm efficiencies.

In addition, operators can complete a wider range of farm operations and efficiently streamline workflows with the Farmall C’s larger, reinforced front axle, boosted hydraulic flow, heavier gross vehicle weight and increased rear lift capacity.

"The new Farmall C not only offers heavy-duty performance and maneuverability, it delivers an improved operator experience,” said Bose. “With the new ActiveClutch II™ brake to clutch feature, greater visibility, and the new L635 loader, operators can enjoy significantly increased comfort and reduced fatigue.”

The Farmall C tractor series is available in two transmission options: the 12-speed PowerShuttle transmission and the 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission. The 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission offers a new cab suspension for a smooth ride and increased comfort; an auto PTO function to automatically engage and disengage the PTO, providing seamless headland management; and an advanced loader joystick to simultaneously lift and shuttle control for fast material handling with an engine speed memory button.

The 12-speed PowerShuttle transmission – available for Farmall 100C, 110C and 120C – and the 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission option – available for Farmall 90C, 100C, 110C and 120C – comes with fully integrated base telematics to geo-locate the tractor and monitor the machine for service.



Massey Ferguson Launches Double Small Square Baler

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, released the Massey Ferguson® SB.1436DB small square baler. Producing two rows of bales per field pass — doubling the output of a single baler that produces 14-by-18-inch bales — this revolutionary baler delivers greater field performance, superior bale consistency and tremendous uptime to help commercial hay producers meet today's challenges.

"The SB.1436DB is built to meet the needs of modern hay producers who face increasing pressure from labor shortages, tight harvest windows and demanding quality standards," said Dane Mosel, Marketing Manager, Massey Ferguson. "With its heavy-duty design and groundbreaking technology, this baler helps operators achieve better efficiency and superior results, reducing costs for increased profitability."

Greater Field Performance
The SB.1436DB is designed to help producers meet tight harvest windows with minimal costs and maximum productivity.

    Produces two rows of bales per pass, reducing labor, equipment and fuel costs while maximizing productivity.
    A 105-inch pickup width leads to greater throughput and capacity.
    Operates at 90 strokes per minute with a 21.9-inch stroke length for efficient performance.
    Automates bale density, weight and dimensions with the SimplEbale™ system for consistent results to eliminate productivity losses caused by manual errors.

Superior Bale Consistency
The SB.1436DB delivers bales with uniform density, shape and size, setting a new standard for hay marketability.
    Produces dense, well-formed 14-by-18-inch bales that stack easily and retain nutritional value.
    Independent knotter trips ensure precise bale lengths (24-52 inches) regardless of windrow variability.
    Completed bales are dropped into independent rows for easier handling and transport.

Tremendous Uptime
The SB.1436DB is engineered to keep operators in the field longer.
    Twine storage holds 20 balls, producing up to 8,000 bales before refilling — double the capacity of comparable balers.
    Automated knotter lubrication minimizes manual intervention, increasing field time.
    Built for reliability under demanding conditions, with quick and easy service access to critical components.

Engineered for Your Success
For more than 75 years, Massey Ferguson has been a trusted name in hay equipment, pioneering innovations that have redefined the industry. The SB.1436DB continues this legacy of excellence.