Friday April 18 Ag News - Cattle on Feed Report

 NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.60 million cattle on feed on April 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year. Placements during March totaled 500,000 head, up 11% from 2024. Fed cattle marketings for the month of March totaled 475,000 head, up 3% from last year. Other disappearance during March totaled 15,000 head, up 5,000 head from last year.



Iowa Cattle on Feed

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 680,000 head on April 1, 2025, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service -- Cattle on Feed report. This was up 1 percent from March and up 3 percent from April 1, 2024. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 545,000 head on feed, down 2 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,225,000 head, unchanged from last month but up 2 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March 2025 totaled 104,000 head, up 11 percent from February but down 1 percent from March 2024. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 54,000 head, up 35 percent from February but unchanged from March 2024. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 158,000 head, up 18 percent from February but down 1 percent from March 2024.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March 2025 totaled 93,000 head, unchanged from February and unchanged from March 2024. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 60,000 head, up 13 percent from February and up 28 percent from March 2024. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 153,000 head, up 5 percent from February and up 9 percent from March 2024. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 5,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent
    
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on April 1, 2025. The inventory was 2 percent below April 1, 2024. The inventory included 7.26 million steers and steer calves, down slightly from the previous year. This group accounted for 62 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.38 million head, down 4 percent from 2024.

On Feed, by State (1,000 hd  -  % April 1 '24)
Colorado .......:       1,000           101           
Iowa .............:        680             103         
Kansas ...........:      2,340            98             
Nebraska .......:      2,600           102            
Texas ............:       2,670            94            

Placements in feedlots during March totaled 1.84 million head, 5 percent above 2024. Net placements were 1.79 million head. During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 335,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 285,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 475,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 506,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 175,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 65,000 head.

Placements by state  (1,000 hd - % March '24)
Colorado .......:                  135            100                
Iowa .............:                  104             99              
Kansas ...........:                 430            108            
Nebraska .......:                 500            111            
Texas ............:                  370            101             

Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.73 million head, 1 percent above 2024. Other disappearance totaled 55,000 head during March, 4 percent below 2024.

Marketings by state  (1,000 hd - % March '24)
Colorado .......:                  140             88            
Iowa .............:                   93            100             
Kansas ...........:                 400            103             
Nebraska .......:                  475            103            
Texas ............:                  330            100             



Rural Mainstreet Economy Falls Again
Bankers Support the President’s Tariff Programs

For the 19th time in the past 20 months, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below the 50.0 growth reading in April, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for April fell to 40.0 from March’s 41.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“The economic outlook for 2025 farm income remains weak, according to bank CEOs. Despite the negative fallout from tariffs, 75% of bankers support the tariffs on China, and 79.2% back the 90-day pause on other tariffs,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Three of four bankers back the President’s recent substantial increase in tariffs on imports from China. Only one in four support a return to January 1, 2025, tariffs on imports from China.

Approximately 20.8% of bank CEOs recommend that the federal government fully offset farmer losses from tariff impositions, while 21.1% argue for no increase in federal support.

Farming and ranch land prices: For the 11th time in the past 12 months, farmland prices slumped below growth neutral. The region’s farmland price index increased to 41.7 from 38.9 in March. “Elevated interest rates, higher input costs and volatility from tariffs have put downward pressure on ag land prices,” said Goss.

According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first two months of 2025, compared to the same 2024 period, fell from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $1.8 billion in 2025, for a decline of 23.8%. Mexico began 2025 as the top destination for ag exports, accounting for 48.1% of total regional agriculture and livestock exports.

Only 12.5% of bankers support returning to January 2025 tariff levels on U.S. trading partners.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index dropped to a very weak 17.4 from 20.8 in March. “This is the 20th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input prices, tighter credit conditions and market volatility from tariffs are having a negative impact on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Banking: The April loan volume index declined to 70.8 from March’s 77.8. The checking deposit index improved to 58.7 from 50.0 in March. The index for certificates of deposits (CDs) and other savings instruments rose to 58.3 from 55.6 in March. Federal Reserve interest rate policies have boosted CD purchases above growth neutral for 29 straight months.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for April increased to 32.8 from 32.6 in March. The state’s farmland price index for April rose to 39.3 from March’s 36.4. Nebraska’s new hiring index fell to 40.6 from 49.1 in March. According to trade data from the ITA, Nebraska exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first two months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, expanded by $14.2 million, for a gain of 6.5%. Mexico was the top destination to begin 2025, accounting for 48.0% of 2025 Nebraska agriculture and livestock exports.

Iowa: April’s RMI for the state improved to a weak 39.8 from 39.2 in March. Iowa’s farmland price index for April increased to 36.8 from 33.6 in March. Iowa’s new hiring index for April slumped to 37.5 from March’s 55.7. According to trade data from the ITA, Iowa exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first two months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, sank by $69.5 million, for a decline of 19.7%. Mexico was the top destination to begin 2025, accounting for 70.0% of 2025 Iowa agriculture and livestock exports.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index that covers 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and the late Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.

 

Ethanol Industry to Convene in Omaha for 41st Annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, the 41st International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) will return June 9–11, to the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The event, recognized as the largest and longest-running ethanol conference in the world, brings together ethanol producers, industry experts and policymakers to drive innovation and chart the course of the industry’s future. The FEW is produced by Ethanol Producer Magazine, the leading trade publication of the ethanol industry, and organized by BBI International.

“There’s no substitute for being in the room with the people who are shaping the future of ethanol — this is where it happens,” said John Nelson, chief operating officer at BBI International. “In addition to being the largest and longest running ethanol event during the past 41 years, the FEW is where producers, innovators and decision-makers come together to tackle challenges, share solutions and spark the next wave of industry progress. If you want to be part of what’s next, this is where you need to be.”

The 2025 event is expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees, including more than 600 producers and nearly 400 exhibitors. Programming will feature technical sessions, case studies and panels addressing critical topics such as process optimization, carbon capture and storage, sustainable aviation fuel and market expansion.

Attendees will have access to insights from top executives, engineers, analysts and government officials. Highlights of this year’s conference include:
    Economic outlooks and policy updates impacting carbon markets and biofuel production
    Strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs
    New market opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel and co-product innovation
    Real-world examples of technology adoption and plant improvements
    A trade show featuring nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing emerging technologies

Early Bird registration rates are available through April 30, 2025. Complimentary passes are available for biofuels producers. For more information or to register, visit www.fuelethanolworkshop.com..



Spring Forage Webinar Series Begins May 1

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association have joined forces to continue the annual Forage Webinar Series from 7 to 8:30 pm on May 1 with a variety of forage topics including a spring forage climate outlook, a forage market outlook and a discussion on interseeding with summer annuals.

Presenters are nationally recognized leaders on their topics.

Madelynn Wuestenberg is an Agricultural Climatologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, dedicated to enhancing climate resilience in Iowa’s agriculture and food systems.

She will analyze the most recent climate outlooks and where to find reliable weather information.

Paul McGill, owner-manager of Rock Valley Hay Auction will share his insights on where the hay market is headed and what the season looks like from his perspective.

Dr. Shelby Gruss is the Iowa State Extension Forage Specialist and has a strong interest in forage cover crops. Her presentation will explore the opportunity to extend the productivity of a declining alfalfa stand by interseeding a summer annual. It will cover how to assess stand health to determine if supplemental forage is needed and outline practical strategies for successful integration and management.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/SPRINGFORAGE25

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.



Grain Indemnity Fund Assessment to Cease on September 1, 2025

The Grain Indemnity Fund Board voted today to cease the assessment on grain sold to Iowa-licensed grain dealers as well as the participation fees for Iowa licensed grain dealers and warehouse operators as part of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund (Grain Indemnity Fund) effective September 1, 2025.

The assessment was reinstated on September 1, 2023, after the Fund fell below the statutory threshold of $3 million due to grain facility failures in 2021 and 2022. Under existing law, the assessment must remain in effect for at least a full year and must also remain active until the Board votes to suspend the collection of fees or the Fund reaches a balance of $8 million.

That second-year of collections started on September 1, 2024, and will continue through August 31, 2025. The balance of the Grain Indemnity Fund, as of April 16, is $10,173,347.80. This total exceeds the $8 million dollar threshold and does not include the final two quarters of collections, which will cover cash sales of grain made in March, April, and May, and June, July, and August.

Created by the Iowa Legislature in 1986 during the Farm Crisis to provide financial protection to farmers, the Grain Indemnity Fund covers farmers with grain on deposit in Iowa-licensed warehouses and grain sold on a cash basis to state-licensed grain dealers. In the case of a failure of a state-licensed grain warehouse or grain dealer, the Fund will pay farmers 90 percent of a loss on grain up to a maximum of $300,000 per claimant.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators to protect Iowa farmers. The Grain Warehouse Bureau is responsible for administering the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund. Members of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund are appointed by the Governor and are subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. More information can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.



U.S. Wheat Organizations Express Gratitude to the Government for Adjustments to Proposed Remedies

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) extend thanks to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for targeting the proposed Section 301 actions regarding Chinese maritime practices in ways that protect U.S. farm commodity export competitiveness.

We appreciate USTR’s understanding of the impact the original proposals could have had on wheat growers and the grain trade. The uncertainty about the proposals was already causing problems for overseas customers, who were hesitant to make purchases with additional port fees looming.

“This move means a lot to farmers and customers around the world,” said USW Chairman Clark Hamilton, a wheat farmer from Ririe, Idaho. “We want to thank them for their efforts to balance the need for action against these Chinese maritime practices with the potential for harm to our export competitiveness.”

The U.S. wheat industry and its customers depend on ocean-going vessels, especially dry bulk carriers, and exports are vital to this sector. About half of the U.S. wheat crop is exported each year. The reconsideration of the proposal, which would have significantly increased export costs for U.S. wheat, is a welcome relief for our industry.

"Ocean shipping is critical for U.S. wheat growers to move their crops to market, and this step helps maintain our global competitiveness,” said NAWG President Pat Clements.

Each part of the U.S. wheat industry is committed to working collaboratively with the administration to find remedies to address China’s maritime dominance while also revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

Again, USW and NAWG thank the USTR for considering concerns and feedback from the agricultural community and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the U.S. wheat industry remains competitive and economically viable.



FFAR’s Rapid Response Grant Addresses Red Crown Rot in Soybeans

Red crown rot, a fungal disease, is causing significant yield losses in soybean, harming both profitability and U.S. competitiveness. In response, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and United Soybean Board are awarding Michigan State University (MSU) a $300,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to develop tools that rapidly detect and effectively manage the disease.

The pathogen that causes red crown rot was first identified on U.S. peanut farms in 1965. By 2018, it was detected on soybean farms in the Midwest. As the pathogen spreads through contaminated soil, it causes severe outbreaks. Infected soybean plants produce 50% fewer pods and seeds than healthy plants, reducing overall yields by an estimated 30%.

“Soybeans are a $124 billion industry in the U.S. and a vital component of our food system. Our goal is to help farmers protect this critical crop,” said Dr. Angela Records, FFAR chief scientific officer. “Soybean yields are facing several challenges right now, including red crown rot, that are impacting farmer profitability and U.S. competitiveness. This ROAR grant will provide producers with the tools they need to quickly address this pathogen.”

Researchers led by Dr. Martin Chilvers, professor of field crops pathology at MSU, are assessing and developing DNA-based detection tools for diagnostics and disease prediction. The research is also identifying effective chemical controls for the disease and updating publicly available maps on the pathogen’s current and past distribution. The tools and information resulting from this grant will be distributed to farmers through extension networks including the Crop Protection Network.

“Red crown rot is being found in an increasing number of fields and states, and the yield loss can be dramatic. We’ve assembled an excellent team including Boris Camiletti, Darcy Telenko and Carl Bradley, and we’re thankful for the support from FFAR and USB to tackle this challenge,” said Dr. Chilvers.

FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.