Tuesday April 22 Ag News - Crop Progress Report

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 20, 2025, there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 33% very short, 45% short, 22% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 41% very short, 42% short, 17% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 8%, near 5% for both last year and the five-year average.

Soybeans planted was 2%, equal to last year, and near 1% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 23% very poor, 17% poor, 30% fair, 29% good, and 1% excellent.

Oats planted was 72%, near 69% last year, and ahead of 66% average. Emerged was 28%, behind 34% last year, but near 24% average.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Planters were rolling across much of the State before being slowed by precipitation. Iowa farmers averaged 5.5 suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 20, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. In addition to planting corn, soybeans and oats, fieldwork included tiling, building waterways and spraying when winds allowed.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 30 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 18 percent, 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average.

Eleven percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 3 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average.

Oats seeding reached 68 percent complete, 5 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Twenty-three percent of the expected oat acreage has emerged, 4 days behind last year but 5 days ahead of normal.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

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

CORN
-- Planting progress: 12% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of 11% last year and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 10%.
-- Crop development: 2% of corn was emerged as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year but equal to the five-year average.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 8% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 7% at this time and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 5%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 45% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of April 20, down 2 points from 47% the previous week and below 50% at the same time last year, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 15% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 1 percentage point behind last year's 16% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 17% of the crop was planted nationwide as of April 20, 3 points ahead of last year's 14% and 5 points ahead of 12% for the five-year average.
-- Crop development: 2% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, equal to both last year and five-year average.



Nebraska Beef Passport Celebrates 5-Year Milestone with New Stops and Added Features

The Nebraska Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the Nebraska Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors , and butcher shops.

“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”

Participants can access the Nebraska Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.

With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the Nebraska Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the Nebraska Beef Council and the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).

“Launching our fifth year of the Nebraska Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”

Restaurants
Bordertown Steakhouse - Kilgore
Branding Iron Grill & Pub - Tilden
Bronco's Hamburgers - Omaha
Carl's Tavern - Ord
Double L Country Store & Café - Harrisburg
Highway 2 Depot - Mullen
Little Ted's Pub & Grill - Nebraska City
Outlaw Steakhouse & Saloon - Garland
Rowdy's Steakhouse - Fairbury
Taste of Texas - McCook
The Cellar Sports Bar & Grill - Kearney
Three 21 Tavern - Lexington
Thunder Road Sports Bar - Grand Island
Charlie's Pub - Milligan
Front Street Steakhouse - Ogallala
Julie's Hay Town Grill - Hay Springs
Bob's Bar & Grill - Martinsburg
The Loading Chute - Hampton
The Speakeasy - Holdrege
Papa Moon - Scottsbluff
Buck's Bar & Grill - Venice
Dinker's Bar & Grill - Omaha
Two Bills Steakhouse - Clearwater
Royal Bar & Grill - Royal
H.F. Crave - Lincoln
Ruhlman's Steakhouse - Ashland
Capones - North Platte
Cunningham's Journal on the Lake - Kearney
The Palace Lounge - Red Cloud
Single Barrel - Lincoln
              
Meat Shops
R&M Meats - Norfolk
Main Street Meats - Ogallala
Ellsworth Crossing - Waterloo
Buresh Meats - David City
B.I.G. Meat - Omaha
Rick's Meats - Elkhorn
Loeffel Meat Shoppe - Lincoln
Marky's Meat Market - Gering
Cornhusker Beef Company - Nebraska City
              
Meat Processors
American Butchers - Beaver City
Aurora Meat Block - Aurora
Belschner Custom Meats - Amherst
Blair Meat Market - Blair
Den's Country Meats - Table Rock
Heartland Provisions - Diller
Dundy County Processors - Benkelman
Faltin Meat Market - Howells
Gentert Pack - Holstein
Husker Meats - Ainsworth
Karpisek Market - Wilber
McLean Beef - York
Midwest Meat Company - Minden
M-K Meats - Unadilla
North Bend Locker - North Bend
Ord Locker - Ord
Pickrell Locker & Smokehouse - Pickrell
Shamrock Locker - O'Neill
Wahoo Locker - Wahoo

The 2025 Nebraska Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.

For more details visit www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council at 1-800-421-5326.
 


The 41st International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo: Where Ethanol’s Leaders and Producers Meet

In today’s unpredictable market, the smartest decision you can make is to stay connected—to new ideas, new partners, and the pulse of the industry. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the 41st International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), June 9-11, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.

For more than 40 years, this is the one place where ethanol producers from across the globe gather alongside technology providers, innovators, and policy leaders to move the industry forward. If you’re making critical short-term decisions or planning long-term investments, the FEW offers the technical content, strategic perspective, and face-to-face networking you need to stay ahead.

“There’s no substitute for being in the room with the people who are shaping the future of ethanol,” 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.”

With more than 2,500 attendees, 575+ producers, and nearly 400 exhibitors, FEW http://fuelethanolworkshop.com/ is the largest and longest-running ethanol event in the world. It's where you'll learn about process improvements, carbon capture strategies, and new market opportunities—from SAF to co-product innovation. It's where decisions are made, deals are done, and the future of ethanol is shaped.



Time to check and treat your herd for ticks

Temperatures are warmer, grass is greening up nicely, and yes, it's time for ticks. But are ticks on cattle a concern? Absolutely, said Iowa Beef Center program specialist Beth Reynolds, because of disease transmission opportunities.

For example, anaplasmosis is a tickborne disease with an estimated U.S. beef industry impact over $300 million per year. The cost is realized in poor performance, abortions, and death loss.

"For infected cattle that recover without medication, these animals remain carriers for life without showing clinical signs which increases the likelihood for the disease to spread within the herd," she said. "Anaplasmosis is in Iowa with cases trending higher in recent years."

There are various methods available to control tick populations on livestock, with use dependent on individual circumstances.

"Treating with chemical acaricides, like a pour-on, is the most common strategy," Reynolds said. "To prevent ticks from developing resistance, rotate the class of chemical used annually. When treating, treat all animals in the herd at the same time, and reapply product according to label directions for best results."

Burning pastures in the spring can reduce tick populations in that pasture, although she cautions farmers to be aware of brush areas, etc. that can serve as tick refuges.

She said a recent BEEF magazine article titled "Dangerous hitchhikers" does a great job of describing and explaining cattle health threats caused by ticks, and encourages producers to take a look at it.

The three most common species encountered in Iowa are the blacklegged (deer) tick, American dog (wood) tick, and the lone star tick. All three are effective vectors for different diseases and pose a risk to humans as well as livestock and pets. In addition, lone star tick bites pose the risk of alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy.) Awareness and prevention are crucial in keeping yourself and your livestock healthy.

For more information, check out this ISU resource available online Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases PM 2036 https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/12612.  



Six Cattle Technology Trends That Continue to Push Boundaries
Bruce Derksen on behalf of Performance Livestock Analytics

The cattle industry has seen a sharp rise in technology in recent years. While new high-tech tools are promising, they also have to be practical, user-friendly and offer a solid return on investment before cattle producers invest.

The surge of new technology brings both optimism and skepticism. We talked to cattle producers and related experts about seven tools they’re excited or concerned about, think have value or are considering for their operations.

Electronic identification (EID) tags
Individual animal identification is top-of-mind for many producers.

Missouri rancher Matt Poindexter hopes for complete birth to butcher traceability. “We should be able to keep records from the day a calf is born to the day it’s hanging on the rail and have the information move back and forth across the supply chain,” he says.

If cow/calf producers used more EID technology and passed data to backgrounders, finishers and packing plants, it would improve management practices, protocols and production strategies, Poindexter says.

“I’d know what shots were given and when, solving comingling issues by pairing groups with the same vaccines,” he says. “I could even isolate bloodlines more susceptible to sickness to improve my herd.”

South Dakota rancher Chris Howard’s interest in individual identification lies in pasture management. He would use the added data to confirm correlations between movements and rotational grazing timing.

“My theory is at a certain threshold, cows move more to attain the same level of forage intake. If I identify this threshold, my rotational grazing will be more efficient,” he says.

On a simpler note, he’d also welcome ‘The cows are out!’ alerts.

For producers considering or already using EID tags, here are a few ideas to make sure you’re getting the most out of your tag investment.

Performance tracking through the chain
Many producers show interest in pairing performance tracking software with EID tag systems for better decision-making.

Iowa-based Ryan Brothers Inc. buys 700- to 800-pound calves and feeds them to finish.

“If I could share EID information with a cow/calf guy and continue the data to finishing and slaughter before it returns to them, it would be huge,” says co-owner Pat Ryan. “If there is enough good information on the tags to track performance, we’d know next year when they’re selling those calves again if they were a good or poor buy.”

He thinks this historical information, including accurate finishing weights, would guide purchasing and sorting strategies.

Nebraska rancher Paul Johnson agrees that receiving data back on the steers, replacements and bred heifers he sells each year would be beneficial.

“We don’t get any data back as we don’t have the facilities to finish our cattle,” Johnson says. “It would be nice to know how they do. We see what they gained but that’s it. With more information, we’d put extra value on carcass merit for our herd.”

Herd management software
Many cattle feeders have long relied on handwritten notes to manage feeding, inventory, health, marketing and more. Pen and paper have obvious limitations, including human error and physical degradation.

North Carolina feeder Brandon Pardue wanted to stop passing scraps of paper to the loader operator mixing ingredients, who then transferred them to the feed truck driver.

Pardue picked Performance Beef from Performance Livestock Analytics to help him manage details that could otherwise get lost. “I love the simplicity and handiness of it,” he says. “When tallying up a group, we aren’t worried about every number and date we wrote down. What went into the group is right in front of us.”

He loves how the software removes inventory automatically and puts it directly where it’s supposed to go. “You know a group’s cost every day,” he says. “Having the accuracy of feeding, weights and inventory numbers has saved us time, improved efficiency and added profit. Plus, the detailed analytics and reports assure our clients.

Feed bunk management
Reading and responding to feed bunk conditions is often considered an optional task. If done at all, it typically falls to a feedlot employee scribbling down a few notes while traveling past the bunks. This “unofficial” task can make or break profitability as bunk mismanagement leads to extra days on feed, bloats, average daily gain valleys and feed conversion pitfalls.

“I wanted to view remotely when bunks were going clean as I’m often away,” says Lance Hamman, Iowa feedlot owner and new Precision Livestock Technologies user. “I needed 24-hour monitoring to eliminate the wild swings in feeding and stay ahead of the trend curve for what my pens were doing.”

Precision Livestock Technologies’ machine vision system tracks bunks and feeding behavior via 24/7 camera monitoring. Hamman believes this tool has increased average daily gains and improved feed efficiency.

“It provides enough information even the novice can use to make more accurate decisions, but there’s plenty to keep the experts busy.”

Feed efficiency
“Feed efficiency is our next low-hanging fruit,” says Wisconsin beef producer Jared Geiser. “Days on feed and actual feed costs are the two biggest drivers of profitability. Getting a jump on selecting the most efficient animals for our environment sets us up for success.”

He appreciates that some companies measure feed intake through smart bunks weighing feed consumption. Startup costs can be high, though, which prevents most average producers from accessing this tool.

“Feed efficiency is the next logical step for selecting highly functional and profitable cattle,” Geiser says. “The industry is behind the rest of the world in traceability and advanced reproduction. We must step up and use advancing technologies when they become more available, practical and affordable.”

Genetic testing and selection
Genetic testing isn’t a new idea, however more commercial cow/calf operators now want testing data for bulls they purchase.

Troy Rowan, assistant professor and beef genetics extension specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, says widespread use of genetic tests is the largest technological leap of the last two decades.

“Historically, commercial buyers made purchases with limited information and minimal data,” he says. “Genomics and genetic testing have instilled more confidence as large amounts of accurate data become available. Integrating genomic evaluations to help reduce the risk associated with these large investments creates a major advancement.”

Shared concerns
Technological advances are exciting, but government interference and regulation worry many.

Poindexter is hesitant about mandated animal identification. “I know there is demand for it, and when voluntary, then fine. If enforced, then no. It needs to be our option.”

Ryan agrees. “It’s a changing industry. We’re fighting rules and regulations we don’t necessarily like.”

Johnson adds, “The line we must walk is that it would be nice to do all these things but I’m not a fan of government overreach. For my sake, I’d love GPS trackers on every cow, but the possible consequences scare me.”  

Geiser is concerned about secondary selection pressure and missing the big picture when focusing too much on feed efficiency. “Does relying on this technology cause an antagonistic relationship with marbling, milk, foot health, docility and more? Do we spend too much money and effort chasing technologies and miss opportunities to contract/hedge profitably in search of the next dollar down the road?”   

Cost and ROI play major roles in how a technology is perceived.

“Either we adapt or die as an operation. It’s how it goes,” Johnson says. “If something specific becomes cost-effective, we need to take a long, hard look at it and not just automatically rule things out.”

Howard says, “Dollars are the potential drawback with anything. If it’s something I’m interested in, I’d try it if it’s financially feasible.”

To the future and beyond
Cattle producers are interested in technologies that improve efficiency, reduce labor and provide useful data. Many are opening their minds and occasionally their pocketbooks for the right opportunities.

The future will reveal which technologies get adopted and stick around for the long haul.



NMPF Dairy Market Report - APRIL 2025

Rising milk production, together with the current climate of general economic uncertainty, is pressuring milk prices, although margins remain relatively high.

February fluid milk sales were 1.3% higher than a year earlier when adjusted for leap year, while revised January numbers from USDA show the national milk cow herd was 66,000 head larger than in January 2024. Preliminary February numbers showed an annual gain of 62,000 head and a leap year-adjusted 1% increase U.S. milk production.

The four monthly NDPSR dairy product survey prices, and consequently the Class III and Class IV prices, were all lower in March from a month earlier. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items set a new record in March, as it usually does, but it was just 2.4% higher than a year earlier, indicating a relative cooling of overall retail price inflation by that common yardstick. The March CPIs for most of the key dairy products reported stayed measurably below the high levels they attained in recent years. The U.S. average all-milk price dropped by $0.50/cwt from January to $23.60/cwt in February, and the Dairy Margin Coverage margin dropped by $0.73/cwt, to $13.12/cwt.

View Full Report https://www.nmpf.org/milk-sales-increase-dairy-prices-slip-amid-economic-shifts/



March Egg Production Down 7 Percent

United States egg production totaled 8.63 billion during March 2025, down 7 percent from last year. Production included 7.35 billion table eggs, and 1.28 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.18 billion were broiler-type and 104 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during March 2025 totaled 351 million, down 8 percent from last year. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,458 eggs, up slightly from March 2024.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on April 1, 2025 totaled 351 million, down 8 percent from last year. The 351 million layers consisted of 287 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 60.4 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 4.00 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on April 1, 2025, averaged 79.1 eggs per 100 layers, down slightly from April 1, 2024.



NSP seeks candidates for the Board of Directors

National Sorghum Producers has opened applications for the 2025 board of directors. NSP is looking for new producer leaders who are passionate about advancing the crop and shaping the future of the sorghum industry.

“We often hear that getting involved is the most important thing we can do to ensure tomorrow for our industry and the next generation,” said NSP Chair Amy France. “In today’s uncertainty, there are no truer words. We are excited to help drive effective policy and promote, advocate for, and defend the sorghum industry. We encourage and welcome all who have a passion for sorghum, agriculture and the future of our family farms to apply.”

Board members are instrumental in advancing policies and building relationships that benefit sorghum farmers and the industry. Candidates should be NSP members passionate about advocacy and fundraising, with a vision to advance the industry. No prior board experience is necessary to apply.

“We’re looking for forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of the sorghum industry at this critical time,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “With ongoing policy challenges and opportunities on the horizon, our farmer-led board plays a vital role in ensuring sorghum producers are strongly represented in Washington, D.C. It’s about stepping up with vision, purpose and a commitment to making a real impact.”

Applications are due Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. Central Time. After the application deadline, the NSP Nominating Committee will review all applications before making nominations to the NSP Board of Directors for consideration and election during the August summer board meeting. Selected members will serve a three-year term, beginning October 1, 2025—the start of NSP’s fiscal year.

For the application and more information, visit SorghumGrowers.com/leadership/.