Thursday March 13 Ag News

 Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board to Sponsor Grain Bin Rescue Equipment and Training

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) are partnering to improve grain bin safety by donating two grain rescue tubes and two training sessions to fire and rescue departments in Nebraska. In collaboration with Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), this initiative aims to equip rural fire and rescue teams with the knowledge and tools to respond to grain bin entrapments effectively.

Grain bin accidents remain a significant hazard in agriculture, with suffocation from engulfment being the leading cause of death in grain bins. Between 2007 and 2023, there were 573 documented grain entrapments, and nearly half of all confined space accidents in 2023 were grain-related.

“Grain bin accidents can happen in seconds, and access to proper training and rescue equipment can mean the difference between life and death,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “We are proud to work with great partners to ensure Nebraska’s rural emergency responders have the resources they need to protect Nebraska farm families.”

To facilitate the donation process, NSB and NCB have created an entry form https://form.jotform.com/250633834153151 for Nebraska fire and first responder departments to apply for the grain rescue tubes and training sessions. Community members, farmers and emergency personnel are encouraged to submit nominations explaining how their local fire department would benefit from this life-saving equipment and training. The deadline to submit nominations is April 10, 2025. The two selected grain rescue tube training sessions will be scheduled after the nomination deadline by NECAS staff.

“As many farmers move or sell grain from bins and check grain conditions, now is a critical time to emphasize grain bin safety,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, NCB executive director. “Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, taking place March 24-28, is an opportunity to continue conversations and take meaningful action to prevent grain bin accidents.”

To further promote grain bin safety, it’s essential to follow key safety practices that protect those working in and around grain bins. The best way to reduce the risk of grain entrapment on your farm or facility is to discourage entry into bins unless absolutely necessary. If entry is required, be sure to follow these seven safety steps:

1. Ensure all equipment and power sources for grain handling equipment have been shut off, secured, or properly locked.

2. The person entering the grain bin must wear a safety harness and lifeline attached and properly secured, or be seated in a boatswain chair.

3. Wear an appropriate dust mask or respirator when entering grain bins to protect against dust and mold exposure.

4. Never enter a grain bin alone.

5. There must be an observer located outside of the grain bin who can monitor the person inside.

6. Ensure the observer and person in the bin can easily communicate.

7. Ensure that rescue resources are available if the person does become entrapped. To submit an entry for grain rescue equipment and training, visit this form https://form.jotform.com/250633834153151.



Second Tuesday at 9: Planting Delays, Drought Impacts on 2025 Irrigation Season

UNL Meteorologist and Climate Resiliency Extension Educator Eric Hunt gives an update on the weather as Winter 2024-25 winds down. Watch this month's Second Tuesday at 9 webinar for insights on soil moisture following recent precipitation, storm tracking for mid-April and potential planting delays this spring. Hunt also shares expectations from the Climate Prediction Center's spring and summer outlook, as well as seasonal drought risks for the Midwest and what Nebraska irrigators may be facing this growing season.

A Nebraska Extension service, Second Tuesday at 9 is free to the public, and the next webinar will kick off at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8. Register online to attend https://cropwatch.unl.edu/second-tuesday-9/.



Midwest Dairy Announces 2025 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors

Working to develop young dairy leaders, Midwest Dairy announced the 2025 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors during the 2025 Nebraska Dairy Convention. The selected students will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at various activities throughout the year.

The 2025 Dairy Ambassadors were selected from a pool of applications. These students, who are passionate about the dairy industry, are enrolled in high schools and post-secondary institutions in Nebraska and possess strong communication skills.

These ambassadors will represent the dairy industry through various activities, including engaging with consumers at local and state events, delivering educational presentations for youth, and attending dairy industry training sessions and meetings. The Dairy Ambassador program also offers students leadership opportunities, enabling them to connect with consumers, share their stories about dairy, and network with peers and industry professionals.

Meet the 2025 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors:
• Jenna Albers of Randolph, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Clara Bates of Racine, Wisconsin, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Shaylee Heidtbrink of Malcom, Nebraska, and attends Malcom High School
• Joslyn Hochstein of Wynot, Nebraska, and attends Wynot High School
• Brianna Klabenes of Chambers, Nebraska, and attends University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Eliza Lange of Hartington, Nebraska, and attends Wynot High School
• Jenna Muntz of Louisville, Nebraska, and attends Concordia University
• Ava Noecker of Hartington, Nebraska, and attends Cedar Catholic High School
• Emily Rempel of Beatrice, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Brylee Ross of Abilene, Texas, and attends the Midland University

Upon the successful completion of the one-year program, ambassadors are eligible for up to a $1,000 educational scholarship. To inquire about Nebraska Dairy Ambassador event support, please contact Dawn Eckel, Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Coordinator at dklabenes16@gmail.com.

For more information on the Nebraska Dairy Ambassador program, visit  https://www.midwestdairy.com/young-dairy-leaders/ambassador-program/.



Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Training Dates Announced for May and June

The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses. These sessions will take place at eight locations across Nebraska during May and June.

“Young farmers and ranchers are more apt to experience injuries and fatalities due to factors that can be attributed to their inexperience, physical limitations, and environmental risks,” said Ellen Duysen, associate research professor and CS-CASH outreach specialist. “By completing this training, these young workers gain awareness of the many hazards associated with agricultural work and develop skills through hands-on training.”

Federal law restricts youth under the age of 16 from operating certain farm equipment unless the farm is owned by their parents or legal guardians. However, certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) provides an exemption, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive tractors and operate specific mechanized equipment.

In Nebraska, CS-CASH and Nebraska Extension work together to offer NSTMOP certification. This certification is earned by completing a two-day course that includes both a written test and a driving exam. Youth who complete the training are certified to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches and can also obtain a husbandry permit.

Course Details:
    Day One: The first day covers the essential components of NSTMOP, as well as additional training in emergency response, stop-the-bleed techniques, personal protective equipment and other lifesaving skills.
    Day Two: The second day includes a hands-on driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to hitch and unhitch equipment, as well as drive a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also provide education on safe practices and legal guidelines for ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).

The cost for the two-day course is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks for in-person training sessions.

Additional Information:
Youth under the age of 14 can attend Day One if accompanied by an adult, but they are not eligible to drive equipment, participate in Day Two or receive certification. Students under 14 must register, but they will not be charged a fee. Adults who want to increase their knowledge about safe farm practices are also urged to attend.

Day 1:  
    May 21-22 – Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington Street, West Point, Nebraska
    May 27 – Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th Street, Weeping Water, Nebraska   
    May 28-29 - Lincoln, Logan, McPherson County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska  
    June 3-4  – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska  
    June 5 – Dawes County Fairgrounds, North Main Street, Chadron, Nebraska  
    June 9-10  – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, Nebraska   
    June 11-12 – AKRS Equipment, 49110 US Highway 20, O’Neill, Nebraska  
    June 17-19 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, Nebraska  
    Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day One or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.

To register, visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training.  Contact Kelsey Irvine at kepalm@unmc.edu or 402-321-4236 with questions.



New resource highlights opportunities to site solar energy on marginal land

As the demand for solar energy continues, marginal agricultural land can host solar projects.

Released today, a fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs explores “Opportunities for Solar Energy on Marginal Agricultural Lands.”

“Farmland is appealing to solar developers because it typically requires less alteration before construction,” said Cora Hoffer, senior policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs. “Prioritizing siting solar projects on less productive marginal land can lessen concerns about solar being sited on more productive agricultural land.”

Based on estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Futures study released in 2021, solar will need to make up 40% to 45% of the energy mix of capacity to fully decarbonize the U.S. energy grid by 2050. Such expansion will require an estimated 10.3 million acres of land, 90% of which will be in rural areas. The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture reported more than 880 million acres of farmland in the U.S., with another study estimating a range of 25 to 144 million acres of marginal agricultural land.

Marginal agricultural land is defined as land that is not suitable for conventional crop production and has little to no agricultural value. Producing crops on marginal agricultural land can be high risk due to unfavorable climate conditions, poor soil, or other limitations that significantly restrict the amount of crops or livestock that can be produced.

“While there are crop insurance policies available to protect against low yield and low revenue, using the land to host a solar project could reduce the need to rely on crop insurance,” said Hoffer. “Siting solar on marginal agricultural land provides the opportunity to supplement lost revenues, add financial stability to an operation through long-term land lease payments, and protects high quality agricultural land from being taken out of production.”

The fact sheet described the conditions under which solar might be sited on marginal agricultural land and the potential benefits to landowners and the environment.

To read and download a copy of “Opportunities for Solar Energy on Marginal Agricultural Land,” visit cfra.org/publications. The fact sheet is also available in Spanish.



Iowa Pork Barbecue Competition Calls on Backyard Grill Masters to Show Their Skills
    
Are you the king or queen of backyard barbecue? It’s time to put your skills to the test! Amateur grillers from across Iowa are invited to showcase their talent at the backyard BBQ competition, part of the BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event this summer in Des Moines.

Presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Cubs, the third-annual BBQ & Brew is a fun-filled, charitable event happening Saturday, June 21 at Principal Park. Open to the public, attendees will enjoy mouthwatering Iowa pork, locally brewed craft beers, live music, and expert cooking demonstrations—all while supporting food pantries across the state.

A Chance to Win Big & Earn Bragging Rights
“This event is all about celebrating Iowa’s love for pork and barbecue,” said Aaron Juergens, IPPA president and a pig farmer from Carroll. “It’s a great opportunity for backyard pitmasters to step up, show off their barbeque techniques, and compete for top honors—and some serious cash.”

The all-pork BBQ & Brew Contest will award nearly $12,000 in total prizes, with competitors vying for top spots in three categories: pork loin, pork butt, and St. Louis-style ribs. Cash prizes will go to the top 10 overall competitors, as well as the top 10 finishers in each category. Certified judges will evaluate entries based on appearance, taste, and tenderness.

But the competition doesn’t stop there! BBQ & Brew attendees will have the chance to taste samples from the competitors and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Contest, where winners will receive:
·        $1,000 cash
·        $1,000 to donate to a hunger-relief charity of their choice

Sign Up & Fire Up the Grill
Registration is now open for teams to claim one of just 30 competition spots. The entry fee is $250 per team. The deadline to enter is May 16. Once spots are filled, a waiting list will be available.

BBQ & Brew admission tickets will be available for purchase soon. For full competition details and to register, visit iowapork.org/bbq-brew.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/7/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 7, ethanol production scaled back 2.8% to a six-week low of 1.06 million b/d, equivalent to 44.60 million gallons daily. Still, output was 3.7% higher than the same week last year and 4.0% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.5% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.60 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.3% to 27.4 million barrels. Stocks were 6.2% more than the same week last year and 5.1% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, grew 3.4% to a 17-week high of 9.18 million b/d (141.15 bg annualized). Demand was 1.5% more than a year ago and 3.6% above the three-year average.

However, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol eased 1.5% to 877,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.48 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than year-ago levels and 0.9% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports jumped 31.7% to an estimated 162,000 b/d (6.8 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



UAN28 Leads Fertilizers' Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to rise according to sellers tracked by DTN for the first week of March 2025. Once again, all eight fertilizers are higher compared to last month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer was considerably higher. UAN28 was 7% higher compared to last month with an average price of $354/ton. The remaining seven other fertilizers were slightly more expensive looking back a month. DAP had an average price of $765/ton, MAP $810/ton, potash $447/ton, urea $548/ton, 10-34-0 $646/ton, anhydrous $751/ton and UAN32 $397/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.63/lb.N and UAN32 $0.62/lb.N.

Four fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. Both DAP and UAN32 are 1% higher, UAN28 is 3% more expensive and 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining four fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% less expensive, urea is 3% lower, anhydrous is 5% lower and potash is 12% less expensive compared to last year.



Administrator Zeldin Announces EPA Will Revise Waters of the United States Rule

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced today that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to deliver on President’s Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States.” The agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red-tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country while protecting the nation’s navigable waters from pollution.  
Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s watershed decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, it is time for EPA to finally address this issue once and for all in a way that provides American farmers, landowners, businesses, and states with clear and simplified direction. Administrator Zeldin was joined by Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), and Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall for the announcement.

“We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “The previous Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, and families to help Power the Great American Comeback.”
 
“Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land and need water regulations that are clear and practical, not burdensome,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Thank you, Administrator Zeldin, for your leadership on this critical rule. USDA supports EPA’s revisions to WOTUS that provide certainty and recognize the key role that agriculture plays in protecting our natural resources. We’ll keep pushing for policies that let producers focus on what they do best—feeding, fueling and clothing our nation.”

The definition of “waters of the United States” guides Clean Water Act implementation, including whether farmers, landowners and businesses must secure costly permits before they can pursue a project. To date, EPA has failed to follow the law and implement the Supreme Court’s clear holding in Sackett. It is critical that Americans know which waters are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to grow our economy and lower costs for American families while protecting human health and the environment.

EPA will start its review by expeditiously obtaining input from stakeholders who were sidelined during the previous administration. The agency will seek targeted information on the key challenges that Americans are facing. The agency will also undertake a rulemaking process to revise the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” with a focus on clarity, simplicity and improvements that will stand the test of time. While this rulemaking process proceeds, the agency will provide guidance to those states implementing the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” to ensure consistency with the law of the land.

A priority for the Trump Administration will be working cooperatively with state partners, empowering them and local officials to protect their treasured water bodies while accelerating economic opportunity. As a result, decisions will be made efficiently and effectively while benefiting from local knowledge and expertise.  

EPA’s review will be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, which stated that the Clean Water Act’s use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to waterbodies that are “waters of the United States” in their own right.  



Rep. Flood: Rolling Back Biden's Onerous WOTUS Rule a Win for Nebraska's Farmers & Ranchers

Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following news that the Trump administration would seek stakeholder input as they worked to roll back the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“Through the years, the Biden administration refused to listen to ag producers and the states that have given ongoing feedback about changes to the WOTUS rule. The Trump administration’s decision to seek stakeholder input on a new rule is great news and a big win for our farmers and ranchers. It’s my hope that a new rule rolls back red tape and protects our ag producers, job creators, and all Americans from the kind of overreach we’ve seen the last four years.”



Smith Statement on WOTUS Reversal

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement on the joint memorandum issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) on implementation of the Waters of the United States rule, known as WOTUS. Under the memorandum, EPA and USACE will work collaboratively to solicit stakeholder input toward a new WOTUS rule designed to provide needed clarity and reduce permitted barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

"This is a great step toward putting WOTUS abuse to bed. The EPA has threatened property rights and livelihoods of rural Americans with bureaucratic overreach for far too long. The Biden administration’s failure to appropriately comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling or seek public input has only perpetuated uncertainty. EPA regulations must never put undue burdens on American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses and should properly reflect congressional intent in the Clean Water Act."



Fischer Praises EPA for Taking Steps to Revise WOTUS Regulatory Overreach

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is taking steps to revise the Biden administration’s 2023 “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule.

“In 2023, the Biden administration attempted to dramatically expand federal regulatory authority over WOTUS. I am pleased to see that President Trump's EPA is taking action to rescind this overreach. By narrowing the federal government’s authority to regulate WOTUS under the Clean Water Act, the EPA will align this regulation with the rulings of the Supreme Court. It is past time to give private citizens and the states clarity and certainty about the federal government's authority to regulate WOTUS,” said Senator Fischer.



Gov. Pillen Encouraged by Announcement to Review WOTUS Rule

Governor Jim Pillen says he is encouraged that a review and subsequent changes to a rule defining waters of the United States or WOTUS, will result in benefits to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, developers, businesses and landowners. Gov. Pillen was among a group of governors, who in early 2023, objected to the revised definition and sent a letter to then-President Biden calling its implementation problematic.

“We finally need clarity and consistency in this area and ultimately, alignment with the latest ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. Today’s announcement by EPA Administrator Zeldin is a step in the right direction and will eliminate the needless and over-regulation that has impeded landowners and agriculture.”   

Evaluation of WOTUS was one of more than 30 actions announced today through the EPA aimed at slashing regulations and reducing costs to American taxpayers.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding EPA Move to Rewrite WOTUS Rule

“Through 10 years and three U.S. Presidents, Nebraska farm and ranch families have lived with the back and forth of federal rules and regulations when it comes to federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rules. Today’s announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to both clarify and simplify federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act is welcome news. We applaud EPA Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for again working to ensure farmers, ranchers, and other landowners don’t need a team of attorneys and consultants to know what bodies of water and land features fall under federal water regulations. We look forward to providing detailed comments to the EPA and continuing our work to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to feed, fuel, and clothe our country and the rest of the world.”



U.S. Cattle Producers Hail New WOTUS Guidance

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of guidance for implementing the “continuous surface connection” definition under the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

"For years, NCBA has worked across the federal government – educating members of Congress, participating in agency rulemakings, and fighting for cattle producers in federal court – to secure a WOTUS definition that protects both our nation’s natural resources and Americans’ property rights. We are proud of the Trump Administration’s effort to further conform the WOTUS definition to the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA. Today’s guidance is an important step toward refocusing the Clean Water Act to its original purpose. NCBA thanks EPA Administrator Zeldin for his work to finally close a decades-long chapter of severe regulatory whiplash."



Farm Bureau Commends Move to Provide Clear WOTUS Guidelines

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement to begin efforts to clarify how EPA will implement the Waters of the United States rule to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. EPA.

“Farm Bureau appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency for taking a step toward providing clarity in how farmers and ranchers should comply with the Waters of the U.S. rule.

“The Supreme Court clearly ruled, almost two years ago, that the government overreached in its interpretation of what waters fell under federal jurisdiction, but inaction and vague implementation guidelines by EPA led to permitting delays, litigation and uncertainty.

"I'm pleased that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has listened to the concerns of farmers and is making strides toward getting rid of the guesswork. The foundation he laid today is the first step toward creating clear WOTUS implementation guidelines, which will help farmers protect the environment while ensuring they can grow the food America’s families rely on.”