Wednesday April 30 Ag News

 Governor Pillen Proclaims May as “Beef Month” in Nebraska

Governor Jim Pillen has officially proclaimed May as “Beef Month” in Nebraska, recognizing the essential role that the beef industry plays in the state’s economy, communities, and agricultural heritage. The proclamation was signed in Lincoln on April 29 at The Single Barrel restaurant, with Governor Pillen joined by Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton, Nebraska Beef Council board chairwoman Rosemary Anderson, and Nebraska Cattlemen president Dick Pierce.
 
Governor Pillen praised the hard work of Nebraska’s beef producers, processors, and exporters. “Nebraska beef is the gold standard, and it continues to power our economy, support our communities, and feed the world,” said Governor Pillen. “Beef Month is an opportunity to honor everyone involved in this world-class industry.”
 
According to US Department of Agriculture statistics, Nebraska processed more than 6.8 million head of cattle in 2024 and ranked #1 in beef and veal exports, shipping more than $2 billion in high-quality products to international markets. The state ranks second nationally in all cattle and calves, with 6.05 million head, and second in cattle on feed, with 2.7 million head.
 
“As beef cattle producers, we are proud of our renowned reputation for providing the safest and highest quality beef products in the world," said Pierce who ranches near Miller, Nebraska. "We thank Governor Jim Pillen and our friends at the Nebraska Beef Council for bringing us together to kick off Beef Month as we celebrate hardworking beef producers.”
 
Rosemary Anderson emphasized the perfect timing of Beef Month as Nebraskans head into the spring and summer grilling season.

“What a wonderful time to enjoy a flavorful, nutritious beef meal,” said Anderson. “As summer approaches, Nebraskans will be firing up the grill for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. Beef is always at the heart of great meals and great memories.”
 
Cattle production is the largest segment of Nebraska’s number one industry—agriculture. The state’s unique combination of resources, from abundant feed and water to dedicated producers and processors, continues to make Nebraska a global beef powerhouse.
 
In addition to the Beef Month proclamation, Governor Pillen also recognized The Single Barrel restaurant as one of the featured locations on the 5th annual Nebraska Beef Passport. Developed by the Nebraska Beef Council, the beef passport program features nearly 60 restaurants and meat shops across the state offering premier beef products. Participants with a beef passport can earn points by visiting the featured locations, enjoying their favorite beef products, and then using their points to redeem prizes from the Nebraska Beef Council. Passports are free and available now at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org.



SPRING FLASH GRAZING
Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

As pastures green up this spring, there may be an opportunity for producers to get some early forage and manage weeds, flash grazing. This can be particularly beneficial for early weeds like cheatgrass or downy brome. Especially problematic in the western parts of the state, cheatgrass greens up early, outcompete native species, and create fine fuels that increase wildfire risk.

Targeted flash grazing—short-duration, high-intensity grazing—can suppress cheatgrass if timed right. The best window is during the elongation phase, just before seed set. This is when animals prefer it, nutritional value is fairly high, before it robs your pastures of moisture and nutrients, and most importantly, before it reseeds itself for the next year.

Flash grazing doesn’t have to be limited to cheatgrass. In eastern Nebraska, pastures hit by drought last year can expect a flush of spring and summer weeds. Flash grazing offers a chance to control those weeds while providing valuable early forage—especially if you're delaying full pasture turnout to allow for regrowth.

Similarly in native pastures being invaded by cool season introduced species like smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, flash grazing can be a useful tool. Turn out early, before warm season species begin their growth (before late-May) and graze hard.  The cool season grasses will be targeted, and warm season natives will have a chance to better compete for resources later.

Strategic spring grazing won’t solve every weed problem, but it can jump-start your pasture’s productivity.



USDA TO MAIL 2025 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SURVEY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is collecting data from approximately 4,100 Nebraska farmers and ranchers for its annual Agricultural Resource Management Integrated Screening Survey (ARMS). The survey looks at all aspects of U.S. agricultural production, the well-being of farm households, farm finances, chemical usage, and various farm production characteristics. The survey also collects detailed information on production practices, costs, and returns for different commodities on a rotating basis. In 2025, the survey will take a closer look at cotton and potato production in the United States.

“The annual data from ARMS are used to gauge the financial health and resource use of today’s producers,” said NASS Northern Plains Regional Director, Nicholas Streff. “The information gives us an annual snapshot of the role of the farming industry in the U.S. economy.”

The information producers provide through the survey will inform national and state policy decisions. In addition, ARMS data are used to calculate the farm sector portion of the Gross Domestic Product, which is an important measure of the U.S. economy.

The survey is conducted in three phases from May 2025 through April 2026. The current (first) phase screens participants to ensure they have the commodities of interest that are needed to accurately represent the entire U.S. farm sector. During the second phase, NASS will collect information on production practices and chemical use for specific commodities. In the final phase, NASS will survey producers on farm income and production expenditures.

“We strongly encourage every producer contacted for ARMS to participate, as their response represents not just their own farm but many other similar operations across the country,” added Streff. “For maximum convenience, producers should complete the survey online at agcounts.usda.gov with the survey code mailed to them. Online reporting is fast and secure. Producers may also mail or fax their completed questionnaire to us.”

All information from respondents is kept confidential, as required by federal law, and reported so that no individual operation or producer can be identified. For more information on how NASS protects information, visit www.nass.usda.gov/confidentiality.

ARMS is a joint effort between NASS and USDA’s Economic Research Service. For more information about the survey, visit nass.usda.gov/go/ARMS. For information on how these data are used, or if you have any questions about this survey, please call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at (800) 582-6443.



Flood Testifies Before Ag Appropriations Subcommittee in Support of Precision Ag Research

Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood testified before the House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. During his testimony, Congressman Flood highlighted the growing partnership of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) at the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture.

Chairman Harris, Ranking Member Bishop, members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to share exciting updates about an important project to my district and to the next generation of United States agriculture.

Specifically, I would like to call to your attention to, a project that should be very familiar to the Subcommittee, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture. This co-located facility at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and adjacent public-private ag-tech accelerator will anchor a national network comprised of ARS and land-grant universities committed to addressing one of the most critical science gaps to advancing innovation in American agriculture.

I want to begin by thanking the Subcommittee for their support of this project in the previous appropriations packages. I was extremely pleased to see the Subcommittee meet the full funding ask and recognize the important need for investments in cutting-edge agriculture. Now, we must keep up the momentum to secure significant construction funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 in light of prior continuing resolutions and as inflationary escalation costs continue to rise.

Congress appropriated $11.2 million for planning and design in FY 21, $20 million for construction in FY 22, $25 million for construction in FY 24, and an addition $16 million was included in FY25. The first phase of construction, slated to begin in Spring 2024, will build 15,000 square feet of greenhouse and 10,000 square feet of headhouse space and connect with the existing Greenhouse Innovation Center. The second phase of construction, which will commence when Congress appropriates all funds, will go towards constructing a 120,000-square-foot, four-story laboratory and office building on the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. ARS will utilize these new facilities for scientists and staff in the two existing Research Units on Agroecosystem Management and on Wheat, Sorghum, and Forage and two new research units on Water, Climate, and Resilience and on Precision Production. Ultimately, USDA expects to double its science and support staff presence in Lincoln at this new complex.

Last May, the University of Nebraska hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase One of the National Center at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. USDA leadership, members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation, University leadership, stakeholders and producers across the state and region will be there in support of this new facility.

Precision agriculture is a key piece of Nebraska’s agricultural fabric, and it makes sense that this project has found its home in the Cornhusker State. A January 2024 GAO report showed Nebraska is at the forefront of utilization and adoption of precision ag technology and practices. The report showed Nebraska is second in nation in the use of precision agriculture practices by U. S. farms with 55% of Nebraska producers using precision ag tools.

I want to thank the Subcommittee for their past support. This was started by my predecessor, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and it was very important to him. By virtue of his efforts and leadership on this, I wanted to continue this and see it through.



Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2024 Summary

Total 2024 production of cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled 86.5 billion pounds, up slightly from 2023. Production increased 2 percent for cattle and calves but decreased 2 percent for hogs and pigs.

Total 2024 cash receipts from marketings of meat animals increased 9 percent to $139 billion. Cattle and calves accounted for 80 percent of this total and hogs and pigs accounted for 20 percent.

Cattle and Calves: Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves increased 11 percent, from $101 billion in 2023 to $112 billion in 2024. All cattle and calf marketings totaled 59.3 billion pounds in 2024, up 1 percent from 2023.

Cattle & Calves Gross Income
Nebraska ....:  $17,820,824,000
Iowa ..........:    $6,216,229,000

Hogs and Pigs: Cash receipts from hogs and pigs totaled $27.3 billion during 2024, up slightly from 2023. Marketings totaled 43.3 billion pounds in 2024, down 1 percent from 2023.

Hogs & Pigs Gross Income
Nebraska .......:    $1,017,655,000   
Iowa .............:    $9,021,029,000   

The 2024 gross income from cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled $140 billion, up 9 percent from 2023. Gross income increased 11 percent for cattle and calves and increased slightly for hogs and pigs from previous year's gross income.



Milk Production, Disposition, and Income 2024 Summary

Milk production decreased 0.2 percent in 2024 to 226 billion pounds. The rate per cow, at 24,178 pounds, was 61 pounds above 2023. The annual average number of milk cows on farms was 9.34 million head, down 42,000 head from 2023.

Cash receipts from marketings of milk during 2024 totaled $50.7 billion, up 10.5 percent from 2023. Producer returns averaged $22.56 per hundredweight, 10.7 percent above 2023. Marketings totaled 225 billion pounds, down 0.2 percent from 2023. Marketings include whole milk sold to plants and dealers and milk sold directly to consumers.

Cash Receipts from marktings by State
Nebraska .....:     $285,660,000          
Iowa ...........:     $1,313,124,000          

An estimated 985 million pounds of milk were used on farms where produced, 1.1 percent less than 2023. Calves were fed 92 percent of this milk, with the remainder consumed in producer households.



Sorghum Forage: A Resilient Option with Smart Management

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has published a new resource for livestock producers, “Management Strategies of Prussic Acid Toxicity in Sorghum.” Sorghum is a fast-growing and reliable forage crop for livestock.

“As weather extremes challenge consistent forage production, sorghum offers livestock producers a reliable, high-yielding alternative — especially during drought or delayed planting,” said Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist at Iowa State University.

While sorghum presents several benefits, prussic acid toxicity (hydrogen cyanide) in sorghum is a serious concern, particularly after frost or when plants are young or over fertilizing, said Gruss. According to the publication, cattle death can occur within two hours of ingesting prussic acid poisoned sorghum. Cattle grazing on sorghum

Strategies for managing prussic acid through different feeding options include proper grazing, silage and baleage.

“Silage and baleage production offer the safest choice for sorghum forage with high dhurrin accumulation. Dhurrin content can be reduced by 50% or more through chopping and fermentation,” said Gruss.

Key takeaways from the publication include:
    Avoid grazing young plants under 18 inches and monitor regrowth.
    Remove livestock from fields for at least one week after frost.
    Avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen.
    Test forage when in doubt to ensure safe feeding.

Livestock producers are encouraged to download the full resource, available at no cost, through the Extension Store https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/17238.



Soybean Growers Disappointed in ITC Vote on 2;4-D Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties

The International Trade Commission has voted in favor of imposing final anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on imports of 2;4-D from China and India.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association and a soybean farmer from Kentucky, said, “The announcement of these final duties on imports is disappointing to soybean growers across the country who depend on imports of generic 2;4-D in combination with other herbicides for burn-down purposes to kill weeds before planting, particularly in no-till and minimum-till operations.”

Earlier this month, Ragland joined NCGA President Kenny Hartman to testify in front of the ITC regarding the negative impact additional duties would have on soybean and corn farmers.

“For soybean farmers, times are already tough. Production costs are nearing record highs. The prices of soybeans have decreased more than 40% in the past three years. Our herbicide options are becoming increasingly limited. Imports of 2,4-D products do not compete at all with Corteva’s 2,4-D choline product that is required by law and by contract to be used with Corteva’s Enlist soybeans—and which have a 60% market share that continues to increase every year. New duties on 2,4-D would make things even harder, further disrupting our access to reliable herbicide tools in our toolbox,” Ragland noted in his statement before the ITC.

2,4-D is an herbicide active ingredient that contains carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and oxygen. Products containing 2,4-D derivatives, like the salt and ester forms, are blended with other active ingredients, chemicals and/or water to create end-use crop protection products. Over 1,500 herbicide products contain 2,4-D as an active ingredient.

ASA remains concerned with the rising costs of inputs for U.S. soybean growers. Duties imposed because of this vote could not come at a worse time for farmers, as tariffs and trade uncertainty, coupled with the rising cost of inputs, continue to place financial pressure on U.S. agriculture. The Department of Commerce will determine and issue final duty rates for these imported products.



NCGA: Disappointed by Trade Commission Decision on Critical Herbicide

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association expressed disappointment today with a decision by the International Trade Commission affirming that Corteva Agriscience was harmed by imports of a critical herbicide, called 2,4-D. This decision means that duties will be placed on imports of the herbicide at a final rate determined later by the Department of Commerce.

“We are concerned and alarmed by this ruling,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Corn growers should not be forced to rely exclusively on one domestic supplier. Today’s decision threatens to cause availability shortages for 2,4-D that will hamper the work of our farmers, who are facing a tough environment due to a prolonged period of high input costs and low prices.”

The herbicide 2,4-D is a growth regulator that targets broadleaf weeds—which is a particularly problematic weed for corn growers to manage. The herbicide has  minimal impact on grasses, making it useful for corn growers.

Corteva Agriscience filed the petition in 2024 calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide from certain foreign suppliers.

The U.S. Department of Commerce will now determine and issue final duty rates.



EPA Releases Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides Using Commonsense Practices, Provides Flexibilities to States and Growers

Tuesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Insecticide Strategy that identifies practical protections for federally endangered and threatened species from the use of insecticides, while providing flexibility for pesticide users and growers. The Strategy identifies mitigations aimed at protecting more than 900 species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that EPA considers when it registers a new insecticide or reevaluates an existing one.

“Today’s action is another example of how protecting our environment and safeguarding our economy can go hand in hand,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We have found commonsense ways to keep endangered species safe that won’t place unneeded burden on the growers who rely on these tools for their livelihood, and which are necessary to ensure a safe and plentiful food supply. We are committed to ensuring the agriculture community has the tools they need to protect our country, especially our food supply, from pests and diseases.”

“American agriculture demonstrates that production and stewardship go hand in hand,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Thank you to Administrator Zeldin for working towards unleashing regulatory burdens for American farmers & ranchers with the release of this final insecticide strategy today. This strategy provides much needed improvements that will undoubtedly better protect U.S homegrown crops from pests and diseases. We look forward to continued partnership with EPA to ensure our growers continue to have the crop protection tools and flexibility needed to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world.”

Earlier this year, Administrator Zeldin announced his Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative to advance the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment while energizing the American economy. Specifically, this Strategy advances Pillar Three: “permitting reform, cooperative federalism and cross-agency partnership.” The final Strategy is the culmination of continued communication between EPA, its federal partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FWS, and other stakeholders.

EPA will continue to work with stakeholders to modify and update these documents as additional information becomes available. In addition, EPA anticipates continued engagement with stakeholders, including our federal and state partners, to ensure effective implementation of the Strategy.

Background
The draft Insecticide Strategy was released in July 2024 and was followed by a 60-day public comment period during which more than 26,000 comments were received, with over 230 unique comments. In response to information provided through the public comments, EPA made several changes in the final Strategy, supported by scientific analyses, to provide greater flexibility and options for the agricultural community, while ensuring that endangered species are protected. Some of the science-based modifications include:
    Reducing buffer distances across all application methods;  
    Providing credit for any reduction in the proportion of a treated field for ground applications;  
    Developing a process to qualify conservation programs that will give growers more credit for being part of a conservation program than initially proposed;  
    Developing a process to qualify external parties that would assess a grower’s farms and determine the existing mitigation points that could be achieved by practices a grower already has in place;  
    Updating key data sources and identification of invertebrate species that may occur on agricultural fields; and
    Adding a Pesticide Use Limitation Area (PULA) group for generalist species that reside in wetlands to reduce mitigations applied outside of wetland habitats.   

Read the final Insecticide Strategy. The Insecticide Strategy and accompanying support documents, including a Response to Comments document and an updated Ecological Mitigation Support Document describing mitigations and supporting data that inform implementation of both the herbicide and insecticide strategies, will be available on Regulations.gov in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0299.

What They Are Saying
“Farmers are dedicated to responsibly using pesticides, and frequent updates to the pesticide strategies are important to ensure the health and safety of America’s families. EPA understands there cannot be an effective conservation strategy as a nation without a meaningful partnership with farmers and ranchers. As we evaluate the final strategy in full, we urge EPA to continue to refine and improve upon the plan to enable farmers to grow healthy food for the nation while caring for, and improving, the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.

“The American Soybean Association appreciates EPA for incorporating common sense improvements into its Insecticide Strategy, especially with little time to do so before its court deadline. These enhancements will help make Endangered Species Act implementation easier for U.S. farmers; however, more work remains to be done, including reforming how EPA assesses risks to species to ensure the process is using the best available science. ASA thanks EPA for its progress to date and looks forward to working with the agency to advance additional improvements in the days ahead,” said American Soybean Association President and Kentucky Soybean Farmer Caleb Ragland.

“We are appreciative of the EPA's efforts to identify commonsense ways of protecting endangered species from insecticides,” said National Corn Growers Association President and Illinois Farmer Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Our growers support the agency's approach to providing mitigation relief through enhanced conservation processes that give growers more credit for their participation than was initially proposed. We look forward to continued dialogue with the EPA as we move forward on the path to protect species as well as the food, feed and fuel supply.”



USTR Calls Out Misuse of Geographical Indications as Major Trade Barrier

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) said they appreciated the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) decision to spotlight protection of common food names in the agency’s 2025 Special 301 Report released today.

The annual report outlines major global intellectual property concerns. It highlighted the European Union’s persistent campaign to monopolize common names—such as “parmesan” and “feta”— through protectionist geographical indication (GI) policies. These efforts restrict the use of widely recognized food and beverage terms to only specific European producers and effectively cut U.S. producers out of certain key markets.

"The European Union’s approach to geographical indications is entirely unacceptable. It intentionally crowds out fair competition by restricting market access for U.S. and international producers," said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. "Too many trading partners have been coerced into imposing trade barriers for products using common food and beverage names. We appreciate USTR’s ongoing recognition of this issue but urge the U.S. government to stop trading partners to succumbing to European pressures and imposing trade barriers on U.S. products.”

"Europe’s misuse of geographical indications is nothing more than a trade barrier dressed up as intellectual property protection,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “It not only unfairly strips American producers of the right to use common, widely understood terms, but significantly handcuffs commercial export opportunities. We welcome USTR’s focus on this issue and appreciate the administration’s dedication to protecting U.S. market access rights."

"Last year, the United States imported nearly $3 billion more in dairy products from the European Union than we exported to Europe. Europe’s abuse of the GI system is a significant reason for that deficit,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “EU GI schemes create a two-tiered system that benefits European producers and stamps out competition. We appreciate that USTR is addressing this unfair practice and look forward to continuing to work together to level the playing field for U.S. dairy producers."

CCFN submitted comments to the agency in January, which broke down the many markets where U.S. dairy producers’ common name rights are being threatened. NMPF and USDEC filed supporting comments noting the urgency for action to address this pressing trade barrier. CCFN Senior Director Shawna Morris built on those comments at a Feb. 19 USTR hearing, where she underlined how the EU misuses geographical indications and why it’s imperative for the U.S. government to match the EU’s efforts on common names.

Tuesday April 29 Weekly Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 27, 2025, there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very short, 40% short, 36% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 30% very short, 43% short, 27% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 21%, near 20% for both last year and the five-year average. Emerged was 1%, equal to both last year and average.

Soybeans planted was 13%, near 9% last year and 10% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 17% very poor, 15% poor, 35% fair, 31% good, and 2% excellent. Sorghum planted was 1%, equal to both last year and average.

Oats planted was 80%, equal to last year, and near 81% average. Emerged was 47%, behind 52% last year, but near 43% average.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Periodic rains throughout the week resulted in just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 27, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While needed, the precipitation slowed or stopped fieldwork and cool temperatures hampered crop emergence.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 34 percent, 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide, corn emerged was 2 percent.

Twenty-five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average.

Oats seeding reached 81 percent complete, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-one percent of the expected oat acreage has emerged, 3 days behind last year but 4 days ahead of normal.

Pastures and grass continue to green up. Apart from some muddy feedlots, no livestock issues were reported. Some cow calf pairs were being turned out to pasture.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. corn planting moved slightly behind last year's pace, but ahead of the five-year average last week, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday. Winter wheat conditions increased slightly last week, NASS reported.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 24% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point behind of 25% last year and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 22%.
-- Crop development: 5% of corn was emerged as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year but one point ahead to the five-year average.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 18% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 17% at this time and 6 points ahead of the five-year average of 12%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 49% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of April 27, up 4 points from 45% the previous week and consistent with 49% at the same time last year, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 27% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 1 percentage point behind last year's 28% but 5 points ahead of the five-year average.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 30% of the crop was planted nationwide as of April 27, 1 point behind of last year's 31% and 9 points ahead of 21% for the five-year average.
-- Crop development: 5% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, equal to both last year and five-year average.

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Nebraska Counties Economically Reliant on Farming
NeFB Newsletter

Nebraska is one of the nation’s top states in the number of counties economically reliant on farming. Sixty percent of Nebraska counties, 56 counties, have been defined by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) as high farming-concentration counties. Only North Dakota and South Dakota have higher percentages at 62%. The ERS defines high farming-concentration counties as those where at least 20% of the annual labor and proprietors’ earnings, or at least 17% of the annual average number of jobs, are derived from farming.

The economies of rural counties vary significantly. Some counties are more reliant on farming to power their local economies, others manufacturing, and still others recreation. This variety led the ERS to develop a set of county-level codes to provide insights into the economic sectors—farming, mining, manufacturing, federal and state government, or recreation—that drive county economies. The codes have been updated roughly every decade since the 1980s. The 2025 update was released earlier in April.

The codes provide intriguing insights into what makes Nebraska counties tick economically. In addition to the 56 farming-concentrated counties, 11 counties are high manufacturing-concentration counties. A handful of counties have high concentrations in both farming and manufacturing. Dawson and Platte Counties, generally considered agricultural powerhouses among Nebraska counties, are not high farming-concentrated counties, instead manufacturing is the most prevalent sector. Not surprisingly, Lancaster County, home to the State Capitol, is a high government-concentrated county. Surprisingly, Dawes, Johnson, Blaine, and Wayne Counties also fall into the same category. Three counties are categorized as high recreation-concentrated and 24 counties are non-specialized, meaning no one sector is prevalent in the county.

Clearly Nebraska is not “one size fits all” when it comes to economic sectors important to counties. Farming is the prevalent sector in most counties. But other sectors play an important economic role too. The diversity helps Nebraska’s economy be more resilient. Additional maps and information on the ERS codes county classifications can be found at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/county-typology-codes/descriptions-and-maps#highman



Applications Now Open for Nebraska LEAD Program’s 44th Cohort

Individuals passionate about agriculture, leadership and making a difference across Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program’s 44th cohort. Applications for this premier agricultural leadership development program are now being accepted through June 15, 2025.

For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has identified and cultivated leaders for Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities. Over the course of two years, Nebraska LEAD Fellows participate in a series of dynamic seminars, in-state and national study travel, and a life-changing international study experience — all designed to build critical leadership skills, broaden perspectives and strengthen participants’ ability to shape the future of agriculture and their communities.

“Nebraska agriculture needs visionary leaders who can not only navigate change but drive it — leaders who advocate fiercely for our industry and unite people toward a common purpose,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program Director. “The Nebraska LEAD Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for both personal growth and professional impact. Whether you farm, ranch, work in agribusiness or champion rural communities, if you’re passionate about leadership and ready to make a difference, Nebraska LEAD is your next step.”

Individuals involved in production agriculture, agribusiness or professions closely tied to the agricultural industry are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service.

Application packets can be requested online at lead.unl.edu. Those interested can also nominate individuals who exhibit high leadership potential to receive application information.

The deadline to submit applications for Nebraska LEAD Group 44 is June 15, 2025.

For more information about the Nebraska LEAD Program, including eligibility requirements and program details, visit lead.unl.edu.



I-29 Moo University Presents a New Webinar Series Focusing on the Beef-On-Dairy Industry

For 15 years, the coordinating Extension Specialists of I-29 Moo University including Iowa State, University of Minnesota, UN-Lincoln and South Dakota State University have hosted the Dairy Beef Short Course program focusing on current issues, research and industry topics. In fact, the I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course continues to be the longest running and highly respected dairy beef event in the USA.

With the growing dairy numbers along the I-29 corridor, beef on dairy feeders are an important part of most dairy’s financial statements and as the beef cow herd has shrunk, those calves are filling feedlots across the country.

The 2025 I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course was held on Tuesday, March 25 as the first educational program of the Central Plains Dairy Expo. We had had over 140 attendees: 49 percent self -identified as cattle feeders or employees, 51 percent as industry and 8 percent as dairy producers. Of those who responded to the evaluation, six self-identified dairymen milked 375 cows; Thirty cattle feeders or employees handle 4,195 Holstein steers and 531,115 crossbreed steers.

I shared that over-view of the short course to help you understand the motivation to create the Beef-On-Dairy Dialogue webinar series. You see, it is hard to cover all the new and dynamic research and information in just a five-hour program. Plus, new information come out almost every week.

The inaugural webinar will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm on Wednesday, May 21 and will feature Sarah Erickson, TELUS Agriculture Data Advisor, discussing hoof health and lameness in feedlots feeding dairy crossbred steers. She will focus on the clinical signs, epidemiology, and treatment and prevention strategies for digital dermatitis, toe tip necrosis syndrome and foot rot in feedlot cattle.

Sarah Erickson is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences) through Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Sarah received her Master of Science (2023) from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and her Bachelor of Science (2018) from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. The area of focus for Sarah's MSc thesis was the epidemiology of hoof-related lameness in western Canadian feedlot cattle. Sarah became part of the Feedlot Health Management Services team in 2018. In 2020, Sarah became part of the TELUS Agriculture team and currently works on the Animal Health Support Team as a data advisor.

Looking down the road, on Tuesday, June 17 we will have Melanie Pimentel-Concepcion from Michigan State University discuss the economics of beef on dairy cross cattle in the feedlot.

Each month the webinar will host a nationally respected presenter covering a current topic. While there is no fee to attend, you must register at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/DBD

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Madison Kovarna, 605-688-4116.



Ahead of the Summer Driving Season, EPA Allows for Nationwide Year-Round E15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today is issuing an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — nationwide during the summer driving season. By doing so, EPA will keep E15 on the market giving consumers more options across the nation. This is consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency, directing the EPA to consider issuing emergency waivers to allow for year-round E15 sales.

“President Trump’s commitment to farmers and the Renewable Fuels Standard has been a cornerstone to his leadership. In my confirmation hearing, I pledged to establish certainty when it came to the sale of E15 year-round. Promises made, promises kept,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

“President Trump is committed to lowering energy prices by unleashing American energy production, and it all starts with U.S. farmers. This move to allow the summer sale of E-15 will provide immediate relief to consumers, provide more choices at the pump, and drive demand for corn grown, processed, and used right here in America. Our nation’s great corn growers are critical to helping the U.S. achieve energy independence which is essential to national security,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “I thank Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to implement this emergency fuel waiver and his continued commitment to U.S. famers and the U.S. biofuels industry. At USDA we look forward to our continued partnership with EPA and are working diligently to increase our energy dominance in the U.S. and abroad by expanding market access for American biofuels on the world stage.”

This emergency action will provide families with relief at the pump by increasing fuel supply and ensuring a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose. More options at the pump helps protect consumers by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, and bolstering U.S. energy independence, all while supporting American agriculture and manufacturing.

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of ongoing issues with gasoline supplies, Administrator Zeldin determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available.

Currently, in about half of the country, E15 cannot be sold from terminals starting on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. EPA is providing relief by extending the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E15 gasoline. In response to requests from the Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, EPA, in this same action, is also taking action to address the States’ concerns about E10 fuel standards in those states. Specifically, the agency has also waived provisions that would have otherwise made E10 gasoline sold in those states meet a more stringent standard than conventional gasoline in other parts of the country. EPA’s action for these states means E15 and E10 are sold across the region on equal footing, helping ensure adequate gasoline supplies to consumers across the country. The agency expects retail stations in those States to pass cost savings to consumers at the pump because of these waivers.

EPA’s emergency fuel waiver will go into effect on May 1 when terminal operators would otherwise no longer be able to sell E15 in the affected regions of the country and will initially remain in place through May 20, the maximum number of days allowed under the Clean Air Act. EPA will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners. The agency expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances are no longer present.

Today’s actions advance Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 of Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative: Restore American Energy Dominance, and Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism, and Cross-Agency Partnership. This initiative will guide EPA’s work over the first 100 days and beyond to achieve the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment while energizing the greatness of the American economy.  



EPA Issues Emergency Waiver for Summer 2025 E15 Sale

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency waiver that will allow the sale of E15 fuel nationwide during summer 2025. The waiver comes two months after the EPA confirmed the April 28, 2025, implementation date of a rule that allows the year-round sale of E15 in several Midwest states, including Nebraska. The emergency waivers are needed to allow the continued sale of E15 in other states this summer.

“We welcome today’s announced emergency waiver,” said Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes. “This action ensures that consumers around the country will have uninterrupted access to cleaner, cheaper E15 during the upcoming summer. This waiver comes at a time of fuel supply chain disruptions worldwide, and we thank EPA for taking appropriate action.”

E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% ethanol, is safe and approved by the EPA to use in vehicles 2001 or newer and can save consumers about $0.10 per gallon compared to E10. E15 is available at around 140 fueling stations in Nebraska, and each year, Nebraska drivers save at least $300 million by choosing ethanol blends.

“The decision to issue emergency waivers aligns with historical precedent in ensuring summertime consumer access to E15,” Rhodes said. “Still, we remain committed to a permanent nationwide solution. While these waivers give peace of mind for summer 2025, the NEB will continue to work with our elected officials to ensure all states in the U.S. can sell E15 throughout the year, every year.”



Flood Applauds Trump Administration’s Expansion of E15 Availability

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that E15 would be allowed nationwide for the summer driving season.

“I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for authorizing E15 across America for the summer driving season. E15 is clean, affordable, and American-made and we want everyone to have access to it. This is a great step towards E15 for all and I’ll continue to work with the administration towards year-round access so that we can continue to grow the marketplace for Nebraska biofuels here at home as well as around the world.”



Smith Thanks Trump Administration for Granting Emergency Ethanol Waiver

Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an emergency waiver to allow E15 sales nationwide through May 20 and took action to ensure uniform standards for E10 fuel sales.

"Drivers are looking for fuel price relief and higher ethanol blends are the commonsense solution. Ensuring the availability of this renewable, homegrown energy source empowers producers and retailers to meet demand during the summer travel months. I thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for taking the necessary action to unleash domestic energy production. A permanent solution to provide long-term certainty is still needed, and I will continue to work toward enactment of my bill, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, to eliminate unnecessary restrictions to E15."  



Fischer Statement on EPA Waiver to Allow for Nationwide Year-Round E15

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued an emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer driving season:

“I’m pleased the EPA has issued a summertime emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold year-round; however, a permanent, nationwide solution is still needed. I’m going to continue calling on Congress to pass my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act to end years of patchwork regulations and unleash the power of year-round E15.”



Ricketts Statement on E15 Announcement

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, complimented the announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would issue an emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E15 this summer. Ricketts said the following:

“E15 saves consumers money at the pump, supports Nebraska agriculture, cleans our environment, and promotes energy independence. Expanding access to E15 use will help President Trump deliver on his promise to unleash American energy. The next step is a permanent fix. Let’s pass Senator Fischer’s Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and make year-round nationwide E15 permanent.”

 

Governor Pillen Celebrates EPA E15 Waiver

Governor Jim Pillen, a champion for agriculture and Nebraska ethanol, released the following statement after the EPA announced that an emergency waiver has been granted to allow E15 sales at gas stations this summer.

 “The benefit of a nationwide market is massive for Nebraska ethanol – and every family in our country filling up their tank. This emergency waiver is a big boost for Nebraska’s producers and will allow consumers to benefit and save from the E15 advantage thanks to lower costs at the pump. The Trump Administration continues to go to bat for America’s farmers – and this is yet another example of a strong partnership that’s earning results for agriculture.”

 Earlier this month, Gov. Pillen joined a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from a bipartisan group of governors asking Administrator Lee Zeldin to issue an emergency waiver to help drivers in the summer.

 Nebraska is one of several Midwest states approved to sell E15 year-round starting April 28. Establishing a nationwide waiver will help provide a stable supply of fuel and stem shortages and price hikes during the busy summer driving season.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding EPA Granting Wavier to Allow Use of E15 this Summer

“We are pleased EPA Administrator Zeldin has again made the decision to grant a waiver for the sale of E15 nationwide this summer. Unfortunately, this action is only necessary due to an outdated federal law that Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer and Third District Congressman Adrian Smith have led the way in trying to fix through their Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would allow the permanent year-round sale of E15 nationwide. Now, with the full support of the Trump administration and Nebraska’s leaders in Congress, we must move a final legislative fix to President Trump’s desk, so this annual announcement is no longer needed.”



Corn Grower Groups Urging Ford to Stand with Rural America

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), alongside more than 20 other state corn organizations and the National Corn Growers Association, is formally calling on Ford Motor Company to reinstate its production of Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and reengage in advancing renewable fuel technologies that support rural America.

In a joint letter addressed to Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, the coalition representing corn farmers expressed deep concern over the automaker’s move away from FFVs, particularly in its iconic F-Series truck lineup. The letter highlights the critical role American-grown ethanol plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy independence, and supporting local economies.   

“Farm families have historically chosen the F-150 not only for its towing and payload capabilities but also because it was a truck they could fuel with ethanol—a domestic, renewable fuel made from corn, grown and refined in the very communities where Ford trucks are most popular,” the letter states.

Ford has historically played a major role in advancing FFV technology. By 2014, nearly half of all light-duty vehicles produced by Ford, GM, and Chrysler were FFVs. However, in recent years, flex-fuel options have quietly disappeared from Ford’s production lines. Despite the F-150 remaining the top-selling vehicle in many of the nation’s corn-producing states, Ford no longer offers a flex-fuel model. This decision has raised serious concerns among corn growers, who say it removes a key fuel choice for rural drivers and undercuts demand for American-grown ethanol.

“Ford has a long-standing commitment to American farmers, and it’s time to renew that commitment by restarting the production of flex-fuel vehicles,” said Stu Swanson, ICGA President and farmer from Galt, Iowa. “By doing this, Ford will help strengthen rural economies and support sustainable fuel options for future generations. Iowa corn growers urge Ford to reinstate Flex Fuel Vehicle production and stand with farmers who have stood with them."

The corn organizations contend electric vehicles aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially in rural areas with limited charging infrastructure. The letter notes there is no reason to eliminate a biofuel with proven economic and environmental benefits. The corn grower leaders say they will continue calling on Ford to work with members of Congress and the agriculture community to reinstate smart policies that benefit rural America and consumers.  

“Today’s farm families want to continue driving trucks made in America, powered by fuel made in America,” the letter concluded.



Nationwide E15 Summer Sales Waiver for 2025 Gives Consumers Additional Access Outside Midwest

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that due to fuel supply shortages, the agency will issue emergency waivers to permit the nationwide sale of E15 for the 2025 summer driving season. Even though Iowa and seven other Midwest states received approval to allow year-round sales of E15 on a permanent basis, a nationwide waiver provides additional E15 access to consumers outside of the eight Midwest states.

“IRFA thanks the Trump Administration for allowing states across the country the opportunity to sell E15 this summer,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “While Iowa consumers and retailers already have E15 certainty, we still want consumers all across the nation to have the ability to save 15 to 20 cents per gallon at the pump. And during a time of tight fuel supplies, it would be ridiculous to tell retailers to bag their E15 pumps. Today is good news for Iowa farmers as well when you consider that 96.5 percent of ethanol produced at Iowa plants is utilized outside of the state.”

Led by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, in February 2024, Iowa and the seven other Midwest states received approval to sell E15 year-round effective this summer. One state, Ohio, requested and was granted a one-year delay in the effective date. During his first administration, President Trump directed his EPA to authorized year-round E15. However, a lawsuit led to the EPA rule being thrown out. For the past three summers, former President Biden’s EPA issued emergency waivers so that E15 use could continue during the busy summer months. For year-round E15 to become permanent across the country, Congress will need to update fuel regulations.

“While we are thankful to see increased access of E15 this summer, now is the time for Congress to push nationwide year-round E15 across the finish line,” added Shaw. “We are tired of waiting. Consumers and retailers are tired of waiting. E15 could provide a market for 5 to 7 billion gallons of additional ethanol demand at a time when American farmers and rural communities are hurting.”

Today’s 20-day emergency waiver overrides an outdated regulation that makes it difficult for retailers in much of the United States to sell E15 from June 1 through September 15. Retailers in areas with bad air quality have always been allowed to offer E15 year-round. While such waivers can be for a maximum of 20 days, due to ongoing fuel supply concerns, it is expected that EPA will renew the waivers throughout the summer.



Naig Applauds President Trump’s Nationwide Emergency Waiver for Summertime E15 Sales

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to issue an emergency waiver authorizing nationwide year-round sales of E15 during the summer of 2025.

“Today’s E15 announcement by the Trump Administration is a win for consumers across the U.S. and farmers here in Iowa. I want to thank President Trump, Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Rollins for making E15 available to drivers during the busy summer travel season. Iowa drivers saved $38.5 million in 2024 by choosing E15 over E10, and now drivers across the country can also take advantage of similar cost-savings at the pump. This decision is a big step toward making our country more energy dominant, independent, and secure. Ultimately, we need Congress to provide certainty and predictability to the industry by passing legislation to make E15 permanently available year-round. Consumers would benefit from more affordable and cleaner burning fuel options, our farmers would enjoy stronger corn markets, and our nation-leading ethanol industry would expand, creating more jobs in rural Iowa.”



Secretary Rollins Applauds EPA’s Decision to Allow Summer Sale of E-15 Nationwide

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued the following statement in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency approval of the summer sale of E-15:

“President Trump is committed to lowering energy prices by unleashing American energy production, and it all starts with U.S. farmers. This move to allow the summer sale of E-15 will provide immediate relief to consumers, provide more choices at the pump, and drive demand for corn grown, processed, and used right here in America. Our nation’s great corn growers are critical to helping the U.S. achieve energy independence which is essential to national security.” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “I thank Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to implement this emergency fuel waiver and his continued commitment to U.S. famers and the U.S. biofuels industry. At USDA we look forward to our continued partnership with EPA and are working diligently to increase our energy dominance in the U.S. and abroad by expanding market access for American biofuels on the world stage.”



EPA Will Issue Summer Waivers for Accessing Higher Ethanol Blends

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will use its existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) praised the decision.
 
“This waiver will help corn growers and rural communities while saving consumers at the pump during a busy driving season,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We are deeply appreciative of President Trump and the EPA for making year-round access to E15 a priority.”

Due to an outdated regulation, E15 cannot be sold at terminals beginning on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. But the Clean Air Act gives EPA authority to temporarily waive these regulatory requirements to address pressing concerns, such as fuel shortages.

In response to concerns from Midwestern governors, EPA also took action to waive provisions that would have hindered the sale of E10 gasoline in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Higher blends of ethanol have been shown to lower the price of fuels.

President Trump has said he supports permanent year-round access to the biofuel, which would provide greater certainty and eliminate the need for regulatory action.    
 
NCGA is working with allies, including the petroleum industry, on federal legislation that would provide permanent, year-round access to E15.



Year-Round E15 Helps Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer season.

“Farm Bureau appreciates EPA’s decision to keep ethanol blended gasoline available nationwide through the summer season. People who choose E15 fuel experience an average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, which is much-needed relief for families suffering with high prices.

“Biofuels are an important tool in achieving the nation’s energy independence, while lowering costs for drivers and maintaining important markets for America’s farmers. AFBF has long advocated for year-round E15 sales, and we thank the president and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for listening. We now encourage Congress to pass legislation to offer drivers lower cost options by making year-round E15 sales permanent.”



NFU Applauds Sale of Nationwide E15 Through the Summer Months

National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emergency fuel waiver allowing nationwide sale of E15 gasoline during the summer driving season. NFU has long advocated for year-round access to E15 and the expansion of higher ethanol blends, such as E30.

“Nationwide E15 is a win for American farmers and consumers. Expanding access to homegrown E15 and higher blends during the summer travel season strengthens America’s biofuels economy, creates new markets for our farmers, and keeps more energy dollars here in our rural communities,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Administrator Zeldin’s announcement provides welcome reassurance to family farmers and ranchers facing increased uncertainty in the agricultural economy.”

NFU proudly endorsed the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, reintroduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. NFU urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, ensuring stronger, more reliable biofuels markets year-round.



RFA Thanks Trump Administration, EPA for Allowing Lower-Cost E15 This Summer

The emergency action taken today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow uninterrupted sales of E15 this summer will help American drivers save money at the pump, strengthen the rural economy, and boost energy independence, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA thanked both EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the White House for issuing the waivers, noting that today’s action delivers on the commitment President Trump made to ethanol producers and farmers on Day One of his second term.

“On his first day in office, President Trump declared a national energy emergency and identified year-round E15 as a solution for extending fuel supplies and reducing pump prices,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “With geopolitical conflict roiling energy markets worldwide, we applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for acting quickly to combat potential fuel shortages and help keep a lid on gas prices this summer. Allowing uninterrupted sales of E15 will help boost gasoline supplies, bolster the farm economy, and protect air quality. We also appreciate the efforts of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, several key governors, and the many ethanol supporters in Congress who worked together to promote continued access to E15.”

The lower-cost, American-made E15 blend is legally approved for use in more than 95 percent of vehicles on the road today, according to EPA. Drivers typically save 15-25 cents per gallon when filling up with E15; it currently sells at a 7.5 percent discount to regular unleaded.

Cooper noted that year-round E15 has been allowed in recent years. The EPA took similar emergency action in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and EPA allowed retailers to continue selling E15 in 2021 following an adverse court decision in a lawsuit brought by the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers against President Trump.

While today’s EPA announcement is good news for American families, Cooper pointed out that a permanent legislative solution allowing year-round E15 is still needed. “For the economic and energy security benefits of E15 to be fully realized, the marketplace needs long-term certainty,” he said. “It’s time for Congress to pass legislation—like the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act—that would deliver permanent year-round access for E15 and finally break the cycle of ad hoc, stop-gap emergency waivers.”



ACE Grateful for 2025 Emergency E15 Waiver, Urges Permanent Legislative Solution

Monday, for the fourth consecutive year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer driving season, following President Trump’s Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency. The waiver also allows E10 to exceed the 1-pound RVP waiver, so consistent and uniform fuel specifications for both E10 and E15 are applied nationwide this summer. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below following the announcement:
 
“We welcome the Trump administration’s decision to issue an emergency waiver for E15 this summer. Once again, this action will help alleviate fuel costs for drivers while reducing tailpipe emissions at a time when both economic and environmental concerns remain top of mind.
 
“ACE made year-round E15 access a top priority during our DC Fly-In last month, and we’re grateful to our members and Congressional champions who continue to advocate on this issue. Last year, EPA finalized a rule to allow permanent, year-round E15 sales in some Midwest states starting today — thanks to strong leadership from state governors and persistent grassroots pressure from our industry.
 
“Nevertheless, emergency waivers and a patchwork of state-specific rules are a temporary remedy, and we badly need a permanent fix to allow E15 year-round on a nationwide basis. It is long past time Congress takes action. We came incredibly close to getting the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act across the finish line at the end of 2024, and now Congress must finish the job and guarantee Americans year-round access to E15. Particularly during a time of tariff-related trade disruptions, uninterrupted market access to E15 is essential to supporting corn demand and improving farm income. Enacting legislation to allow E15 nationwide access will save families money at the pump, increase domestic fuel production, strengthen U.S. energy security, boost the farm economy, reduce tailpipe pollution, and bring long-overdue certainty to fuel markets for retailers and refiners alike.”
 
Today, more than 95% of all U.S. vehicles are approved to use E15 and over 4,000 retail sites offer E15 across 33 states. E15 typically costs 5 to 25 cents per gallon less than E10 and 40 cents to $1.00 less than non-ethanol gasoline. With a higher-octane rating and lower emissions profile, E15 gives consumers the ability to choose a higher quality, cleaner-burning fuel at a better price.



Growth Energy Celebrates EPA Waiver for Summer Sales of E15

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the Trump administration’s decision to grant a summer waiver allowing uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15, a fuel blend made with 15% ethanol that can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. Action on a nationwide waiver fulfills a key element of President Trump’s executive order directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to “consider issuing emergency fuel waivers to allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline to meet any projected temporary shortfalls in the supply of gasoline across the Nation.”

“We’re grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to lift a needless barrier standing between the American people and lower-cost E15,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This outcome is also thanks to USDA Secretary Rollins’ support for year-round E15 and homegrown fuels, and the governors, senators, and representatives in both parties whose advocacy for American drivers and farmers helped make this happen.”

“EPA’s decision is a step toward greater American energy dominance. This will put more American fuel in the marketplace, allow Americans to spend less of their hard-earned money at the pump this summer, give fuel retailers the clarity and certainty they need, and protect a critical market for American farmers,” Skor continued. “With a temporary waiver in place, our bipartisan champions in Congress and the White House can focus on passing permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.”



EPA and Army to Host Listening Sessions to Gather Input on WOTUS from Key Stakeholder Groups

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) will host listening sessions to gather input on the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act.  

On March 12, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agencies’ intent to revise the definition of WOTUS to follow the clear direction of the Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA while eliminating red tape, cutting compliance costs, and reducing the cost of living. To achieve this vision, the agencies will develop a proposed rule to revise the 2023 definition of WOTUS.

The listening sessions are intended to help EPA and Army understand real-world perspectives and experiences with WOTUS implementation to inform the agencies’ upcoming proposed rule. In addition to the sessions listed below, EPA will hold listening sessions for local governments, Tribes, and the general public.   



Trump Administration Announces that the U.S. Government Has Dropped Criminal Charges Against Small Farmer/Rancher Maude Family

Monday, the Trump Administration announced bold action to put farmers and ranchers first by dropping criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota family who has a small cattle and hog operation. This family has endured a senseless politically motivated prosecution waged by the Biden Administration over 50 acres of federal land. Government resources for prosecution should be focused on true criminals, not a family farm trying to make ends meet.

“The Maudes are not criminals. They have worked their land since the early 1900’s and something that should have been a minor civil land dispute that was over and done with quickly turned into an overzealous criminal prosecution on a hardworking family that was close to losing their home, children, and livelihood. Not in this America, not under President Trump,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “A politically motivated witch hunt was launched against the Maude family over a fence line and planting dispute with a small family farm which has cultivated land near federal grasslands since the early 1900’s. Dropping these charges against the Maude family is not only just, it affirms the America First mandate that was sent to Washington when President Trump was overwhelmingly elected and sworn into office just 100 days ago. This case, and the many others that are currently under review, shows that this Administration is fully committed to ending government regulation by prosecution. President Trump will never stop fighting for farmers and ranchers like the Maude family.”

“The prior administration’s misguided agenda must be reversed in order to make America safe again. This Department of Justice will spend our resources and efforts on prosecuting criminals, getting drugs off the streets, and identifying and dismantling the weaponization,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

The Maude family will visit Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 30th for an in-person press conference where further updates on this case and actions being taken by the Trump Administration to limit government regulation by prosecution will be shared.

Background: The Maudes were alerted by the United States Forest Service that fencing on their property blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and in good faith agreed to a survey of the property lines. After the survey was completed, the Maudes lives were turned upside down by the Biden Administration where a simple civil dispute over 50 acres of federal land turned into a costly, invasive, and unnecessary criminal prosecution.



NCBA and PLC Help End Targeted Persecution of Maude Family

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) commended U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for ending the overzealous criminal prosecution of family ranchers Charles and Heather Maude.

Secretary Rollins’ announcement today is welcome news both for the Maude family who have endured arduous court appearances, legal fees, and the threat of prison time, as well as for family ranchers across the West who feared heavy-handed legal pressure from the last administration. This announcement is a fitting culmination to the last year of work NCBA and PLC have done in Washington to find a reasonable end to this unnecessary situation. The support of grassroots cattle industry leaders from around the country was also crucial to achieving this victory.

“No family farmer or rancher should have to go through what the Maude family did,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman. “The targeted prosecution of the Maude family was way out of line for the U.S. Forest Service, and this was a clear example of government overreach that had direct, catastrophic impacts for a hardworking fifth-generation ranching family.”

Under the Biden Administration, Charles and Heather Maude were indicted on federal charges of “theft of federal property,” as the result of a disputed fence line with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and a small parcel in the family’s pasture that had been managed the same way since the early 1900s. Despite the Maudes engaging in good faith with USFS to address the boundary dispute, USFS diverted from normal protocol. Armed federal agents served the Maudes with federal summons where Charles and Heather were charged separately, requiring them to each retain their own attorney and subjecting each to penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.

“Charles and Heather Maude are public lands ranchers who for decades held a federal grazing permit and were permittees in good standing,” said PLC President and Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury, a federal grazing permittee. “As permittees, we are required to work collaboratively with the government, but when federal agencies view ranchers as the enemy, it threatens the trust that every single rancher has in their federal partners. The public outcry we saw on behalf of the Maudes goes to show that public lands ranchers everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that the USDA under Secretary Rollins is no longer trying to slap handcuffs on hardworking farmers and ranchers.”

NCBA, PLC, and our state affiliates have been involved in supporting the Maudes since they first faced legal charges. Last August, NCBA and PLC leaders brought media attention to their case and urged then-Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and then-Chief of the Forest Service Randy Moore to work with the Department of Justice to change course. Since that time, NCBA and PLC staff have participated in numerous meetings with Forest Service and USDA leadership to reel in rogue federal agents and a siloed, activist Department of Justice. After the election in November, NCBA and PLC immediately brought the Maude’s case to the attention of the Trump Administration, urged the White House to intervene, and have demanded accountability from USFS law enforcement leaders.
 
“This case was an unfortunate example of the imbalance of power between family ranchers and a formidable federal government. Put simply, the Maude family was expected to bear the burden of an inefficient and unfair Forest Service process, and their story had a chilling effect on ranchers’ trust in federal land management agencies they interact with daily,” said Executive Director of PLC and NCBA Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover. “Both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council are pleased that our months-long campaign to find a good solution for Charles, Heather, and their kids has finally become a reality.”



Prices Continue to Pop
David Anderson, Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University

Pop as in a champagne cork not a balloon! There have certainly been some fluctuations in prices, especially in the futures market, over the last couple of weeks due to tariff announcements and recession fears, but cash fed cattle prices have rebounded quickly.

Five-market weighted average (price weighted across all grades) fed steer live prices averaged $205.19 per cwt on April 8th, bringing the average price for that week down to $207.70. Price quickly rebounded to over $212 per cwt. Fed cattle prices had averaged over $211 per cwt for the three weeks prior to the tariff announcements. The fluctuations in the fed cattle market highlight the volatility in the market compared to some underlying fundamental conditions.

Calf and feeder cattle markets experienced similar price declines during that week. Using Oklahoma auctions as an example, 500-600-pound steers declined $11 per cwt to $369.71 for the week of April 11th. They rebounded to $376 per cwt for the ensuing week. Feeder steers weight 700-800 pounds dropped $10 to $289 before bouncing back to over $300 per cwt.

The cutout has shown some ups and downs over the last few weeks that appear to be more reflective of the beginning of grilling season purchasing. The Prime-Choice cutout premium declined to $25 per cwt in mid-April from over $60 per cwt in January. This premium was $28 per cwt last year at this time.

Cattle and beef prices remain higher than last year, even with some volatility, while beef production remains relatively close to last year. For the year through April 26, beef production is equal to last year. But over the last month production is down 1.3 percent compared to last year. Using the daily slaughter data fed steer and heifer slaughter is down 2.8 percent in April compared to last April. Heavier weights are continuing to boost beef production.

The risk of tariffs and retaliation along with recession worries remain and will likely lead to more price volatility in coming weeks. But fundamental factors, like fewer cattle, will continue to support high prices. High cutout values reflect a little less beef production in recent weeks but also continued positive consumer demand.

Monday April 28 Ag News

NRDs Help Commemorate Arbor Day with American Linden Planting at Capitol

Joined by esteemed guests including Governor Jim Pillen and representatives from the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, and Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) celebrated Arbor Day by planting an American Linden on the southwest lawn of the Nebraska State Capitol.

“Planting trees is an investment in Nebraska’s future—one that protects our natural resources, supports our agricultural heritage, and strengthens our communities,” said John Yoakum, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts director representing the Lower Platte South NRD. “We’re proud to work alongside dedicated partners to bring lasting conservation benefits to every corner of the state.”

Yoakum was joined by Steve Glenn, Executive Travel chairman. In December 2021, Executive Travel announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant a tree for every plane ticket they sell through the ETGreen campaign. To date, more than 161,000 trees have been planted through the partnership. And in 2025, Executive Travel committed an additional $50,000 for tree planting.

“When Executive Travel was building the ETGreen initiative, we wanted to partner with a local organization dedicated to a sustainable future and a beautiful Nebraska,” said Glenn. “The NRDs serve a great network of local landowners who plant hundreds of thousands of trees annually.”

The choice of the American Linden aligns seamlessly with the original landscape plans developed by Ernst Herminghaus, Nebraska’s first professionally trained landscape architect, who designed the capitol landscape plan to enhance the character of the building as viewed from the site and beyond. Over the past 28 years, the Capitol Commission has diligently replanted the same species in their designated locations, in accordance with the landscape blueprint established nearly 90 years ago.

Yoakum noted that extreme weather events, diseases and invasive insects have impacted Nebraska’s tree population, making it vitally important to plant and maintain a diverse mix of tree species.

Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. In the past 53 years, Nebraska’s NRDs have planted more than 101 million trees.



Introducing PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management App
Xin Qiao - Irrigation and Water Management Specialist
Joseph Oboamah - Graduate Student
Wei-zhen Liang - Research Assistant Professor
Gary Stone - Extension Educator

Since 2020, the PHREC Irrigation and Digital Agriculture lab has successfully operated a web-based dashboard to support the Peer Learning Agricultural Network (PLAN). This platform has enabled growers to access critical data including real-time soil moisture readings, disease outbreak risks, and weekly crop water use information for the Nebraska Panhandle region. Through collaboration with over 30 growers and various commercial partners via API (Application Programming Interface) integrations, our team has expanded coverage to more than 100 commercial fields spanning approximately 10,000 acres of farmland.

Introducing the PLAN Mobile App
While our web dashboard has proven valuable, field accessibility remained challenging. To address these roadblocks, we are pleased to announce the release of our new mobile application: PLAN.

This app incorporates most features from the website while introducing significant improvements for in-field usage. The key features for the PLAN mobile app include: real-time sensor data visualization, weekly crop water use reports, user-friendly irrigation scheduler, enhanced field monitoring capabilities, potential for AI integrations.

Irrigation Scheduler
The app features a specialized irrigation scheduler (Figure 2) designed particularly for users without commercial soil moisture probes. Using a straightforward "checkbook" method with an intuitive interface, users can input irrigation information while the app automatically calculates irrigation needs based on data from nearby weather stations and corresponding weekly crop water use information. This scheduler is currently in final development and will be available in May.
mobile app screens side by side

The PLAN app is now available for download on the PHREC website https://phrec-irrigation.com/#/app_intro.

Current status:
    iOS version: Available now through TestFlight (official App Store release coming soon)
    Android version: In development, coming soon

We encourage interested users to download the app and provide feedback using the floating comment icon within the application.



Nebraska Legislature Advances Key Bills on Protein Labeling, State Agency Merger, Raw Milk Transport, and Budget Solutions
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Last week at the Nebraska Legislature, lawmakers made progress on several key bills impacting agriculture, environmental policy, and the state budget.

Food Labeling and Cultivated Protein Ban
Debate continued on LB246, which would ban the sale of cultivated-protein products in Nebraska. Nebraska Farm Bureau maintained a neutral position, opposing a complete ban but supporting accurate product labeling. Despite ongoing discussion, the bill advanced to Final Reading.

State Agency Merger and Water Management Overhaul
LB317, which proposes merging the Department of Natural Resources with the Department of Environment and Energy, also advanced. The bill would establish a Chief Water Officer and streamline authority over water management, conservation, and low-level radioactive waste. Lawmakers debated for over two hours before moving the measure forward. Nebraska Farm Bureau opposed this bill.

Raw Milk Transport Support
LB561, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt, would allow overweight vehicle permits for transporting raw milk, treating it like other exempted agricultural commodities. The bill permits loads up to 15% above weight limits, with a cap of 20,000 pounds per axle. Farm Bureau supports this proposal, and it advanced to Select File with a 35-0 vote.

Closing the Budget Gap with Responsible Solutions
Two bills advanced that aim to address Nebraska’s budget shortfall.
    LB650, introduced by Sen. von Gillern, would generate approximately $56 million by reviewing business and agriculture incentive programs and improving government efficiency.
    LB645, introduced by Sen. Ballard, would raise around $77 million by adjusting state contributions to the School Retirement Fund in a fiscally responsible way while maintaining actuarial funding.

Both measures moved forward from Select File and reflect the Legislature’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic policy reform.



Nebraska and U.S. Farm Income Update and Outlook – Spring 2025
Brad Lubben, Associate Professor and Extension Policy Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Alejandro Plastina, Associate Professor of Agricultural Finance and Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, University of Missouri.

Nebraska’s farm income prospects are mixed in 2025, with lower crop prospects buffered by continued strength in the cattle sector and substantial government assistance projected for the year. The net result is that farm income for the state is projected higher in 2025 and could rival the record farm income results of 2022.

While the outlook may be strong, it might seem at odds with widely-reported producer concerns and high levels of uncertainty over key production, market, and policy developments that could affect farm income through the year.

The details are always more complex and highlight potential differences across sectors as well as the need for a deeper analysis. Join us for a review of the details and the latest farm income situation and outlook for the rest of 2025 and beyond for ag producers.

Presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Center.  Register and get more information at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.




Free Farm and Ranch Clinics for Nebraska Producers in May

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in May. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
    Thursday, May 8 — Fairbury
    Thursday, May 15 — Norfolk
    Friday, May 16 — Valentine

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



Farm Bureau Honors 22nd Women’s Communications Boot Camp Graduates

Fifteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the spring session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Program graduates will use their training to strategically support issues important to farmers and help tell agriculture’s story. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns that spotlight modern agriculture.

“Women provide essential voices for agriculture,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “Boot Camp graduates are investing in their growth and stretching themselves to benefit their communities and Farm Bureau on local, state and national levels.”

Boot Camp graduates are Angie Newbold, Arizona; Connor Vincent, Delaware; Laura Goss, Florida; Megan Platt, Indiana; Donzetta Hughes, Kentucky; Haley Eckstrom, Minnesota; Joan Ruskamp, Nebraska; Shelby Ricks, North Carolina; Emily Warnimont, Ohio; Amy McChesney, Pennsylvania; Megan Floyd, South Carolina; Emmy Armstrong, Tennessee; Amanda Norr, Utah; and Candace Monaghan and Stacy Richardson, Virginia.

“Strong agricultural advocacy is more important than ever for agriculture and Farm Bureau is proud to help our members become fantastic ambassadors,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s a pleasure to recognize the farm and ranch leaders who stepped up to complete this elite training. We congratulate them as they drive forward on their leadership journey.”

This is the 22nd Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. The program has 328 graduates and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

“This training provided an incredible opportunity for growth,” said attendee Amy McChesney, a Pennsylvania farmer. “The opportunity to advance my skills and receive constructive criticism on how to improve in all the areas presented was extremely helpful.”

The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp biannually. Applications open in June for the 2025 fall session of Boot Camp.

Photos from this event may be downloaded at http://fb.org/spring25bootcamp.



U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Demands Mexico Cooperate to Protect U.S. Agricultural Products from Invasive Pests; Threatens Port Closures

Over the weekend, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins sent a letter to her counterpart in Mexico demanding Mexico eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment that are critically impairing the U.S. response to spread of the New World Screwworm.

Secretary Rollins wrote, “Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response.”

Additionally, Secretary Rollins informed the government of Mexico, “…that if these issues are not resolved by Wednesday, April 30, USDA will restrict the importation of animal commodities, which consist of live cattle, bison, and equine originating from or transiting Mexico to protect the interest of the agriculture industry in the United States.”

The USDA continues to take all necessary action to stop the spread of New World Screwworm in southern Mexico to protect America’s livestock industry, food supply, and wildlife populations before it reaches the U.S. border. New World Screwworm (NWS) is a deadly parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds and complications that can lead to death. A NWS infestation in the U.S. will result in significant losses to livestock industries. The U.S. successfully led the eradication of NWS in the U.S. and Mexico, but recent detections in Mexico show that this dangerous pest is back and remains a serious threat. Ongoing vigilance and control efforts are critical to prevent its spread northward and protect animal health and agriculture.



NCBA Backs USDA Efforts to Safeguard Cattle Industry from New World Screwworm

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ actions to protect the American cattle industry from the rising threat of New World screwworm.

“The U.S. spent millions of dollars to eradicate New World screwworm from our borders in the 1960s but unfortunately, we are now facing this dangerous threat again,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “Screwworm is very destructive and could cost American producers millions of dollars a year if it reaches us. Americans have been investing in prevention efforts in Central America for decades, but we can’t stop this without Mexico’s participation. NCBA strongly supports Secretary Rollins holding Mexico to their commitments regarding screwworm eradication.”

In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was notified that New World screwworm was detected in Mexico. NCBA has been working closely with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to increase surveillance, inspection, and other measures to counter this pest.

At the same time, NCBA has also been working with USDA to expand the use of the sterile insect technique, which requires the continuous release of sterile male screwworm files that breed with wild screwworms and result in no offspring, eradicating the species.

Unfortunately, Mexican authorities have failed to uphold their end of the agreement by disrupting planes carrying these sterile male files, refusing pilots permission to land, and instituting customs duties on flight components, sterile flies, and sterile insect technique equipment.

“We have received multiple reports that critical flights carrying these sterile flies have been denied permission to land, faced bogus paperwork issues, and been charged high customs fees. As a result, we have lost significant time and investment that has allowed these dangerous pests to spread unchecked into southern Mexico,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “In light of those reports, NCBA met with the Mexican Embassy earlier this week to deliver the message that the Mexican government needs to be a partner on eradicating screwworms to protect both animal and human health. It’s time for Mexican authorities to act and we appreciate Secretary Rollins standing with American and Mexican cattle producers who want to see this pest stopped dead in its tracks.”

Earlier this week, NCBA President Wehrbein also met with senior officials at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. to press for further action on screwworm eradication. NCBA will continue this critical work to ensure we are protecting U.S. consumers and the health of the American cattle herd.



USDA Dairy Products 2024 Production Summary

Total cheese production, excluding cottage cheeses, was 14.2 billion pounds, 0.7 percent above 2023 production. Wisconsin was the leading State with 25.2 percent of the production.

Italian varieties, with 6.03 billion pounds were 2.9 percent above 2023 production and accounted for 42.3 percent of total cheese in 2024. Mozzarella accounted for 79.5 percent of the Italian production, followed by Parmesan with 7.4 percent and Provolone with 6.4 percent. Wisconsin was the leading State in Italian cheese production with 28.3 percent of the production.

American type cheese production was 5.58 billion pounds, 3.0 percent below 2023 and accounted for 39.1 percent of total cheese in 2024. Wisconsin was the leading State in American type cheese production with 19.7 percent of the production.

Butter production in the United States during 2024 totaled 2.24 billion pounds, 5.9 percent above 2023. California accounted for 29.8 percent of the production.

Dry milk powders (2024 United States production, comparisons with 2023)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 1.67 billion pounds, down 10.7 percent.
Skim milk powders - 599 million pounds, down 13.3 percent.

Whey products (2024 United States production, comparisons with 2023)
Dry whey, total - 853 million pounds, down 9.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 1.11 billion pounds, up 0.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 495 million pounds, down 1.9 percent.

Frozen products (2024 United States production, comparisons with 2023)
Ice cream, Regular (total) - 886 million gallons, up 2.7 percent.
Ice cream, Lowfat (total) - 412 million gallons, down 6.6 percent.
Sherbet (total) - 26.4 million gallons, down 6.9 percent.
Frozen Yogurt (total) - 37.8 million gallons, down 5.6 percent.