Friday May 02 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Report Reveals $7.9 Billion Impact of Agricultural Trade on State’s Economy

Despite a $2 billion decline from 2022, Nebraska’s agricultural exports totaled $7.9 billion in 2023, marking the third-highest export year on record. That’s according to a Nebraska Farm Bureau’s annual Agriculture and International Trade Report released today.

The report, prepared by economist Jay Rempe of Rolling Prairie Economics, provides a comprehensive look at how global markets are driving and challenging the economic future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. According to the report, trade remains a foundational pillar of Nebraska’s agriculture-driven economy.

“Our state ranks fifth in the nation for agricultural exports, and we lead the country in beef exports. Yet, the story behind the numbers is about the Nebraska farm families whose livelihoods depend on access to global markets,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “When trade thrives, Nebraska thrives. That’s why it’s critical that we push for new trade agreements and work to eliminate barriers that unfairly limit our access to overseas markets.”

The report, released annually since 2017, examines the most recent data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sourced from the year 2023 and includes county-level estimates showing the importance of trade at the grassroots level. Cuming and Platte Counties led the state in total agricultural export value, each exceeding $200 million, while Phelps County topped the list for per-farm export value at an estimated $474,832. Counties like Kearney, Fillmore, and Boone also ranked among the highest per-farm export values, a reflection of the size, productivity, and diversity of their farming operations.

“Trade translates directly to income for farm and ranch families,” said Rempe. “Whether it's corn from Dawson County, soybeans from York County, or beef from the Sandhills, the ability to sell these products overseas can make the difference between a good year and a tough one for many Nebraska producers.”

According to the report, soybeans, corn, and beef remained solidly entrenched as Nebraska’s top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total exports. Nebraska ranked first in the nation for beef exports at $1.59 billion. The state ranked third in corn exports and seventh in soybeans. Exports of pork and soybean meal were among the few that increased in value, rising 3% and 12%, respectively.

While commodity prices and increased global competition from countries like Brazil contributed to export declines, Nebraska producers remain competitive and resilient. However, trade uncertainty and tariffs continue to pose significant challenges.

“Now is the time for policymakers to take action,” said McHargue. “We must actively seek new trade agreements, explore untapped markets, and remove regulatory and other trade obstacles that unfairly impact Nebraska's agricultural sector. Expanding trade is not just smart economics, it’s critical for our state’s future.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s full Nebraska Agriculture & International Trade Report – 2023 is available at www.nefb.org.



Governor Pillen's Pro-Water, Pro-Ag Legislation Advances
 
Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 317, which will form the Department of Water, Energy and Environment. This legislation was introduced at the request of the Governor.
 
“Water is our lifeblood. As a farming and ranching state that is growing, this is the right time for Nebraska to create a modern model of stewardship and double-down on our work to protect and enhance our water resources. The newly structured Department of Water, Energy and Environment allows us to prioritize the management of both water quantity and water quality under the same leadership – while also streamlining duplicative government and cutting red tape. This legislation is a win-win for our state.”
 
Gov. Pillen said he appreciated Senator Tom Brandt’s hard work to successfully advance this important legislation. Once signed into law, LB 317 will merge two existing code agencies: the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with the Department of Environment and Energy (DEE).

In February, Gov. Pillen appointed Jesse Bradley to serve as interim director to both DEE and DNR. He will lead the restructured agency.
 
The legislation will be signed into law by Governor Pillen next week



Mueller Named the Nu Horizon Genetics Executive Director

Nu Horizon Genetics Board of Directors announce their new Executive Director, Nathan Mueller. Mark Knobel, board director stated, “There is a lot of potential in the Nu Horizon Genetics portfolio, and we believe Nathan is the perfect individual to unlock that potential.” Mueller has a doctoral degree in Agronomy from Kansas State University and is a Nebraska Certified Crop Advisor. He has years of experience in small grain production in Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

Mueller previously served as a Water & Cropping Systems Extension Educator for University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 10 years. In that role he championed small grains being grown in the crop rotation as a soil health practice. Prior to moving back to Nebraska in 2014, Mueller led the small grains variety testing program for South Dakota State University. He has a small family farm in eastern Nebraska where he grows winter wheat, corn, and soybeans and incorporates cover crops such as barley and triticale.

“I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors to lead Nu Horizon Genetics marketing, licenses, and business development efforts,” Mueller said. “The producer-owned marketing group has a great portfolio of products that can be leveraged through growing the presence of current products. There are a lot of opportunities to develop new partnerships, support variety testing, and introduce new varieties from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln small grain breeding program.”



Renewable Fuels Month Highlights Importance of Biofuels for Nebraska

As the summer driving season kicks off in May, Nebraskans are encouraged to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, play a vital role in decreasing America's dependence on foreign oil, boosting the nation's economy and supporting thousands of jobs in rural communities. May is Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska celebrated by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska and Nebraska Soybean Board.

In Nebraska, ethanol is the third-largest agriculture commodity. According to recent data, Nebraska drivers saved approximately $375 million in 2024 by using ethanol blends of E10 and above. Ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to regular gasoline, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Most vehicles (2001 and newer) can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15, enjoying significant additional savings per gallon. Flex fuel vehicle owners can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings.

As the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country, Nebraska is poised for further growth in the industry. Landmark legislation passed in 2024 provides a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced in Nebraska, which can reduce emissions by more than 50% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, especially for Nebraskans. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Ethanol, renewable diesel and biodiesel help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

“Nebraskans are beginning to drive and take advantage of biofuel benefits more this month as the weather warms up for sports, vacations and holiday events,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “By choosing a renewable fuel such as ethanol, drivers can support local agriculture, reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs."

Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work and in your community this May.



Nebraska Celebrates Renewable Fuels Month This May

Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.
 
Nebraska is the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans millions per year. In 2024, thanks to ethanol blends of E10 and above, Nebraska drivers saved at least $300 million. Overall, the Nebraska ethanol industry contributes more than $6 billion to the state’s economy.
 
“Today begins a monthlong celebration of renewable fuels and their impact on our state,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “Ethanol and other renewable fuels provide many benefits: they strengthen our rural communities, save drivers money, and contribute to cleaner air.”
 
Biodiesel adds 70 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Bigger demand for soybean oil to make biodiesel also increases the supply of soybean meal, leading to lower animal feed prices paid by poultry and livestock farmers. Biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% on average compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) or higher. Find locations near you at biodieselne.com.
 
The renewable diesel industry also continues to grow. According to Clean Fuels Alliance America, “renewable diesel is a biomass-based diesel fuel made from the same renewable feedstocks as biodiesel using a process that resembles traditional diesel fuel production. Renewable diesel is a drop-in diesel replacement that meets ASTM D975—the same standard for petroleum diesel. It can be used in ground, rail and marine transportation, as well as agricultural equipment.”
 
Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work, and in your community this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.
 
“With the summer driving season starting, May is the perfect time to highlight the renewable fuels industry,” Rhodes said. “The NEB thanks Nebraska’s 24 ethanol plants for all their hard work in producing high-quality, homegrown fuel. Fill up with higher blends all month long and join us in showcasing all the benefits of renewable fuels.”



Ricketts Leads Resolution Announcing Renewable Fuels Month

Thursday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a bipartisan resolution to designate May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month in America. Ricketts is a longtime champion of renewable fuels.

“Renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel are a win for Nebraska and a win for America,” said Senator Ricketts. “They save consumers money, support Nebraska agriculture, protect our environment, and promote American energy independence. I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution and call on all Americans to choose renewable fuels.”

“I’ve always been a proud supporter of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel,” said Senator Fischer. “Not only do they expand markets for Nebraska’s farmers and lower prices at the pump for consumers, but they play a vital role in achieving America’s energy independence. I want to thank Senator Ricketts for leading the charge on this important resolution in the U.S. Senate.”

“With President Trump back in the White House, America is set to become energy dominant, and biofuels will make up an important part of that equation. Our resolution recognizes the power of renewable fuels and outlines the great advantages they bring to the table, including boosting the domestic market for farmers and adding jobs and economic vitality in the Heartland. With Iowa continuing to lead the nation in renewable fuels, our resolution also recognizes the importance of rural communities and thanks the hard-working men and women who get these products to market,” said Senator Grassley.

"Renewable fuels are an important part of American energy, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in designating this month as Renewable Fuels Month,” said Senator Marshall. “By supporting homegrown energy sources like ethanol and biodiesel, we are creating stronger markets for Kansas farmers, cleaner air for our communities, and a more secure future for our state and nation.”

“Renewable fuels bolster our domestic energy production and move America towards energy independence,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to support this resolution to designate May as ‘Renewable Fuels Month’ and continue to advocate for producers who deliver our homegrown, Iowa fuel to consumers and drive down prices at the pump.”

"Iowa's biofuel industry is a national leader because we trust our farmers and fuel producers to drive energy innovation," said Rep. Nunn, who leads companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Recognizing May as Renewable Fuels Month highlights how renewable biofuels are powering America's energy growth, strengthening our energy independence, and fueling a stronger future for Iowa's farmers and families."

“Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and producers help power America with clean, homegrown energy that strengthens our economy and communities,” said Dawn Caldwell, Executive Director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska. “Renewable Fuels Nebraska is thrilled to celebrate them this Renewable Fuels Month, and we’re deeply grateful for Senator Ricketts’ steadfast leadership in both Lincoln and Washington, D.C. on behalf of our state and our industry. His resolution shines a well-deserved spotlight on the men and women who fuel the Good Life and beyond.”

Co-sponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).



LOEFFEL MEAT SHOPPE CELEBRATING NATIONAL BEEF MONTH WITH SPECIAL OFFER

Customers of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Loeffel Meat Shoppe can support the local community with their ground beef purchases in May, which is National Beef Month.

As part of the shop’s “buy one, give one” promotion, for every pound of ground beef sold through May 30, the store will donate a pound of ground beef to local organizations that help feed those in need. The meat shop sells frozen ground beef in one- and two-pound chubs priced at $4.34 and $8.38, respectively.

“We spent some time earlier this year meeting with local organizations to discuss ways we could collaborate to help serve our community,” said Jordan Wicks, a Nebraska Extension meat specialist. “We normally offer beef promotions in May, so this year we decided to put a different spin on it to help us and our customers support our community.”

As of 2022, more than 43,000 people in Lancaster County were food insecure — defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as lacking access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.

The meat shop is also one of 59 locations statewide participating in the Nebraska “Good Life, Great Steaks” Beef Passport presented by the Nebraska Beef Council from May 1 to Sept. 30. The free program is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025 and consists of 19 meat processors, 31 restaurants and nine meat markets throughout Nebraska.

“We’re excited to participate in the beef passport program this year,” Wicks said. “Our local customers always tell us that we’re one of the best-kept secrets in town. Our students and staff do great work, and we’re ready to share their work and products with people from across the state who visit us.”

Participants can “check in” by purchasing a beef item at participating locations. Each check-in is worth 100 points, and those points can be redeemed for prizes from the Nebraska Beef Council. Points can only be collected once at each location, and each check-in will serve as an entry into grand prize drawings for one of two beef bundles.

For more information about the program and participating locations, visit the Nebraska Beef Council website https://www.nebeef.org/good-life-great-steaks-beef-passport-program/.

The Loeffel Meat Shoppe is open 1 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays. The store will also be open during East Campus Discovery Days, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9.

Located at 3940 Fair St. on the university’s East Campus, the shop is a USDA-inspected retail meat operation that sells fresh and frozen cuts of beef, pork, lamb, goat, smoked and sliced sausages, brats, naturally cased wieners, multiple varieties of ready-to-eat snack sticks and fresh eggs. It has operated since the 1960s.

Retail sales from the meat shop help offset costs associated with academic programs in the Department of Animal Science. Livestock are harvested and processed for sale in the Loeffel Meat Laboratory with assistance from Husker students. Students gain experience by learning how to process, package and sell the products that they process, in addition to playing a role in developing new products to sell in the shop, such as the jalapeño popper bratwurst — a two-time national award winner.



NeFU Foundation Announces 2025 “Give to Lincoln” Campaign

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Foundation announced their 2025 “Give to Lincoln” campaign which runs from May 1st thru May 30th.   

The Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation (NeFU Foundation) is the 501 c3 educational and charitable giving tax deductible partner of Nebraska Farmers Union, the farm organization.

All contributions are tax deductible and a portion of the contributions raised will be matched by “Give to Lincoln”. Last year $2,849 in contributions were received.  “Give to Lincoln” added $457.50 in matching support, a 16% match.  

NeFU Foundation supports the educational and service needs of family farmers, ranchers, and their rural communities, including Lincoln and rural communities in a variety of ways:
    NeFU Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for GC Resolve’s grants for Regenerative Ag and water quality monitoring programs.
    NeFU Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the Nebraska Farm Crisis Council/Hotline, the longest continually operating Hotline in the nation. Last year the Hotline received 5,025 phone calls. In addition to providing assistance with food, bookkeeping, financial, and legal counseling and legal services, the Hotline issued 3,416 free mental health vouchers for one hour of counseling with one of the 426 ag knowledgeable professional mental health providers across the state.     

NeFU Foundation provides financial support for:
    Nebraska Rural Response Hotline
    Co-Sponsors Nebraska Beginning Farmer and Farm Succession Workshops
    Funds and staffs an exhibitor booth with NeFU at the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference
    Supports Nebraska Grazing Lands Workshop
    Scholarships to NFU Women’s Conferences



Tackle thistles before they bolt

Time’s running out to treat biennial thistles with herbicide this spring. Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, said if you want to effectively use herbicide, you need to do so before the plants bolt.

“We are currently reaching the end of the first window of the year, and while these plants might be easier to see once bolting begins later this spring, they become much more tolerant to herbicide application at that point,” she said.

While goldfinches and butterflies enjoy those purple flowers, invasive biennial species allowed to produce seed can quickly create monocultures of plants that are unpalatable to livestock.

“Once plants have bolted, cutting or mowing stems will reduce or perhaps prevent seed production,” Anderson said. “Chopping individual plants with a spade below ground level is also highly effective but labor-intensive.”

Musk and bull thistles are common invasive weeds in Iowa pastures, and both are biennial, meaning they can be easier to control than the perennial Canada thistle. Biennial thistles of Iowa, an online resource from ISU’s Integrated Crop Management program https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/biennial-thistles-iowa, has descriptions, comparisons, and control options for musk and bull thistles.

Anderson also reocmmends these three individual thistle ID pages from ICM.
    Bull thistle ID https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/bull-thistle
    Musk thistle ID https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/musk-thistle
    Canada thistle ID https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/canada-thistle

For more information, contact your ISU extension field agronomist.



Pleasantville IA - Home of Iowa's Best Burger 2025

On the square in Pleasantville, Iowa, family, community, and Iowa’s best burger intersect at Halftime Bar & Grill. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are proud to name Halftime Bar & Grill—and its owners, the DeHeer family—the home of Iowa’s Best Burger for 2025.

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY
In rural Iowa, community and family are often synonymous. That can be said for the DeHeers, owners of Halftime Bar & Grill (107 N Jefferson St, Pleasantville, IA). As we sat down to talk with them about their restaurant, their experience in the contest, and what winning Iowa’s Best Burger means, themes of family and community rang through their responses.

As long-time residents of Pleasantville, Kevin and Kathy DeHeer, along with their children, Amanda and Tyler DeHeer, have owned and operated Halftime Bar & Grill for just over two years.
halftimebargrill2.jpg

Kathy was the one to steer the family down the path of restaurant ownership and going into business as a family. She has worked for Frosty's, the restaurant, which is where Halftime Bar & Grill is now. The owners were looking to retire and approached Kathy to see if she was interested in buying them out.

“I had always wanted to run a café,” said Kathy. “I talked with Amanda, who also worked part-time for Frosty’s, to see if she wanted to be a part of it too. We both kind of had this restaurant dream, so we thought, why not?”

Pleasantville is known for its school sports, and the community had expressed the need for a local sports bar.  As the DeHeers made the restaurant their own, they went with it. TVs are spread throughout the restaurant and tuned to major sporting events, and the décor definitely gives a fun sports bar vibe.

Some might wonder if a sports “bar” is for kids. Halftime Bar & Grill is family-friendly, and kids are always welcome. In fact, Kathy said that they have been known to turn a TV or two to cartoons when kids are in. There are coloring books and crayons available, plus a menu just for the kids. And yes, there is a burger option for them too!

At this family-owned business, the staff feel like family, too. The DeHeers invited all three of their cooks to join us for the interview and brought in the serving staff for pictures. Andy Moen, one of the cooks, said that the restaurant can be hectic, but everyone in the family throws their backs into the restaurant’s success. They are quick to help and treat the team well, like family.

Amanda commented that taking over the restaurant has been life-changing and that it is a lot harder than they thought it would be, but she said it is rewarding.

“I remember thinking one of the most rewarding times was when we first opened and I was in the kitchen working,” Kathy echoed. “There was a game going on and a bunch of people in here. Everybody was laughing and having a good time, and I could hear it in the kitchen. That moment—hearing laughter fill the restaurant—was when I knew we had created something special.”

When people come to Halftime Bar & Grill, the DeHeers want it to be memorable. They want guests to think of their delicious food (burgers, of course!), and a place to laugh and have fun, with a comfortable atmosphere.

About the Beef
Halftime Bar & Grill has nine unique burger offerings on their menu featuring delectable combinations of toppings for every palate.  From their classic Bacon Cheeseburger to their Sriracha Bourbon Burger and the Over-The-Top Beer Cheese Burger to the Barnyard Argument Burger, the DeHeers have amped up the tasting experience, providing patrons with a variety of options to choose from.

After several years of the trendy smash burger claiming the Iowa Best Burger crown, Halftime Bar & Grill returns us to an original grilled patty. Sourced from a local meat locker, their all-beef patties are 8 ounces of fresh, never frozen beef. You can decide if you want one or two patties (a whole pound of beef) for each burger selection. That is a lot of beef!

When we asked the DeHeer family and some of their cooking staff to pick their favorite burger to highlight, the responses were all over their menu, highlighting that there is something for everyone.

However, a fan favorite and one that the Iowa Best Burger judges mentioned was the Humpback Burger, which features an 8-ounce all-beef patty topped with ham, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and sautéed onions drizzled with Halftime’s smoky house sauce. Burgers are served with your choice of fries or a premium side for an upcharge.

This contest has already made a difference in sales. Before Halftime Bar & Grill was announced as one of the Top 10, they were selling approximately 170 burgers in a week. Following the announcement, burger sales increased to 392 burgers at their peak. That is a 131% increase in just a few weeks.

Amanda also shared that they’ve seen increases among all sales within the restaurant, not just the burgers. Halftime Bar & Grill offers a complete food and beverage menu featuring a variety of items beyond their solid selection of burgers.

The purpose of Iowa’s Best Burger contest, simply put, is to promote beef and the producers who raise it. The DeHeers had several examples of guests who came in, not knowing that Halftime Bar & Grill existed, but had heard radio advertisements about the contest and stopped in for a burger.

The Road to One
Each year, there can be only one winner of Iowa’s Best Burger contest. Kathy and Amanda watched the contest unfold last year and dabbled with getting Halftime Bar & Grill into the contest, but fell short of the Top 10. This year, Amanda said that they focused more on the promotion and concerted effort to see what they could do.

“We got on and printed materials provided for the contest,” said Amanda. “And we told our staff if someone is eating a burger and enjoying it, ask them to vote. We used the QR codes provided and even showed some of our older guests how to use the code to vote.”

Another area of focus for the DeHeers, not only during the contest but all of the time, is quality and consistency. Tyler said that they care about the quality of their food because if they serve bad food, people won’t come back. He expressed that repeat business in a smaller community is crucial. If they are busy, it isn’t just about getting the food out, they are honed in on quality, he said.

We encourage patrons who visit Halftime Bar & Grill to have patience, as winners of this contest see an increased influx of patrons following the contest announcement. Also, remember that a traditional burger patty, such as those served at Halftime Bar & Grill, takes a little longer than the trendy smash burger -- but it will be well worth the wait.

“People kept telling us that we should enter the contest and that our burgers are the best thing ever,” said Kathy. “When the contest started, we had regulars say that we were going to be number one. Making the Top 10 was our goal, and winning was just icing on the cake.”

Both Amanda and Kathy said there were happy tears when they found out that they had made the Top 10, and then even more when they found out they’d won.

Tyler pointed out that in a small town, people can only come in so many times a week to eat. The family agreed and appreciates the outpouring of local support and will always be grateful to the community regulars. But winning this contest and the exposure it generates to a larger audience will help their restaurant thrive.

“Getting the word out is what we need,” said Amanda. “This contest has helped us make Pleasantville and Halftime Bar & Grill a destination; a place on the map.”

Thanks to the community, quality beef, and one unforgettable burger, Halftime Bar & Grill isn’t just serving food—it’s earned a permanent place on Iowa’s culinary map.

Halftime Bar & Grill’s kitchen is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. You can learn more about Halftime Bar & Grill and get updates on specials by following them on Facebook.



Tickets on Sale Now for BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark
    
Get ready for the third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of all things pork—brought to you by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs and Fareway. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 21 from noon-4 p.m. at Principal Park in Des Moines, and come hungry!

This year’s event features:
    A pork barbecue competition with teams battling for $12,000 in prize money
    Samples of each team’s pork, where you help pick the People’s Choice Champion
    Samples of Iowa craft beer and cider
    Pork samples from local grillers and smokers
    Live music Drew Fry and Sierra Griggs, plus raffle prizes, and a whole lot of delicious barbecue

Proceeds from the event support food banks across Iowa, making it a fun way to give back.

“BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is just a fun way to celebrate pork and help out folks in our communities,” said IPPA President Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll. “It’s all about good food, good company, and giving back. Last year, we raised over $20,000 for Iowa food pantries, and we’re hoping to top that this time around.”

Special guests include Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown Champion Thyron Mathews and BW Outdoors, who will host hands-on barbecue bootcamps throughout the day. And don’t miss your chance to win awesome raffle prizes—including a Traeger Grill!

Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free!

“We love it when the ballpark can be a gathering place in the community for fun events that everyone can enjoy," said Randy Wehofer, assistant general manager of the Iowa Cubs. "We appreciate the partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to create something that combines great food, great fun, and great service to our community. The last two years of the festival have been a great success, we look forward to making the Third Annual BBQ & Brew at Principal Park even better!"

A few spots are still open for barbecue teams—so if you’ve got the skills, bring the heat!

Fareway Stores is proud to support this event by providing all the meat and resources needed to help make BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark another smashing success.

“Supporting local events like this aligns perfectly with our commitment to community and quality,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer. “We’re proud to help bring people together over great food for a great cause.”



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 504 million bushels in March 2025. Total corn consumption was up 8 percent from February 2025 but down 4 percent from March 2024. March 2025 usage included 92.2 percent for alcohol and 7.8 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 4.21 million bushels, up 39 percent from February 2025 but down 2 percent from March 2024. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 454 million bushels, was up 8 percent from February 2025 but down 4 percent from March 2024. Corn consumed in March 2025 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.6 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively.
 
Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.20 million tons (207 million bushels) in March 2025, compared with 5.69 million tons (190 million bushels) in February 2025 and 6.11 million tons (204 million bushels) in March 2024. Crude oil produced was 2.47 billion pounds, up 10 percent from February 2025 and up 3 percent from March 2024. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.88 billion pounds during March 2025 increased 16 percent from February 2025 and increased 5 percent from March 2024.

Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the first quarter 2025 was 230 million bushels, down 1 percent from the fourth quarter 2024 grind of 231 million bushels but up 1 percent from the first quarter 2024 grind of 227 million bushels. First quarter 2025 total flour production was 106 million hundredweight, down 1 percent from the fourth quarter 2024 but up 1 percent from the first quarter 2024. Whole wheat flour production, at 4.49 million hundredweight during the first quarter 2025, accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the first quarter 2025 was 1.62 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the first quarter 2025 was 1.60 million hundredweight.

2024 Flour Milling Products
 As part of the Current Agricultural Industrial Reports (CAIR) program, the 2024 Annual Summary of the Flour Milling Products contains quarterly data and annual totals for 2024.

All wheat ground for flour in 2024 was 916 million bushels, up 1 percent from 2023. The total flour production was 425 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from 2023. Total whole wheat flour production in 2024 was 18.2 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from 2023.



Senate Ag Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing for Luke Lindberg

The Senate Ag Committee held a confirmation hearing this week for Luke Lindberg, President Trump’s nominee for USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

During the hearing, Lindberg expressed concerns with the United States’ ag trade deficit and said he’d bring commodity groups into discussions on solutions. He listed securing fair trade deals, along with expanding market access, specifically in the European Union and India, as priorities.

The American Soybean Association has urged Senate Ag Committee leaders to promptly confirm Lindberg’s nomination, highlighting his vast experience serving in multiple key capacities vital to trade and agriculture, including as CEO of South Dakota Trade, a director on the National Association of District Export Councils, and an advisory role with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, among others.

The Senate Ag Committee is expected to advance Lindbergh’s nomination to the full Senate sometime this week.



USDA Announces May 2025 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for May 2025, which are effective May 1, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.       

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.   

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for May 2025 are as follows:      
     Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.125%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.625%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.625%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.625%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.       

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans     
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.  
    Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 5.000%       
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 3.875%
        Five-year loan terms: 4.000%
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.250%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.375%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.625%   

More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.



Malaysia Grants Market Access To U.S. Sorghum

U.S. sorghum has a new market opportunity in Malaysia after import restrictions and requirements for the product were eased earlier this month.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) worked closely with its Malaysian counterparts together with its partners at the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA’s FAS) and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) to advance market access for U.S. sorghum in Malaysia.

“The Council applauds Malaysia’s decision to open itself to U.S. sorghum to provide a high-quality feed and food ingredient option for this growing, modern economy,” said Caleb Wurth, USGC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEA&O). “Our staff has already been in touch with Malaysian customers to let them know about this change and they are extremely interested in the financial and nutritional benefits of U.S. sorghum.”

The new import laws dropped several logistical and administrative requirements that previously put U.S. sorghum at a competitive disadvantage compared to other origins.

Malaysia imported more than $28 million in U.S. grains in all forms (GIAF) in marketing year (MY) 2023/2024 and has already surpassed that mark in MY 2024/2025, with more than $32 million in sales through February according to USDA data.

“Like many Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia has been a consistent market for U.S. producers despite an absence of sorghum exports, but with these new regulations allowing U.S. sorghum access, I expect to see an even stronger trade partnership between the countries,” said Rowena Ngumbang, USGC regional marketing manager for SEA&O.

“Sorghum’s versatility is appealing to end-users in the region and the Council will continue working alongside APHIS, FAS and USCP to seek similar changes in nearby countries.”



U.S. and Indonesia Sign Landmark Dairy Agreement to Boost Nutrition, Trade and Industry Collaboration

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and KADIN, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today in a milestone step to deepen cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries.

The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration to support enhanced dairy trade, strengthen commercial cooperation and bolster public nutrition through promoting greater consumption of dairy products, particularly in public programs. Key areas of collaboration include the greater integration of dairy into Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, regulatory procedures including on dairy facility registration, data sharing on market trends, information exchange on best practices and technical expertise areas regarding dairy production, and joint public communication efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of dairy nutrition. The agreement also emphasizes support for school milk programs as a catalyst for child health and educational success.

"This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in U.S.–Indonesia cooperation on trade and dairy," said Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. "It builds on strong momentum from the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program that USDEC launched in January with U.S. and Indonesian partners in the agriculture and university sectors. It also charts a pathway for U.S. dairy suppliers to more fully complement local Indonesian milk supplies in meeting the country’s evolving nutritional needs during a critical time for U.S.-Indonesia trade relations.”

With its focus on areas of mutual collaboration and support for U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia, this agreement complements ongoing trade negotiations between Indonesia and the United States regarding fostering more reciprocal trade flows.

"The United States and Indonesia share a mission of promoting dairy as a valuable source of nutrition," said Gregg Doud, NMPF president and CEO. "The agreement signed today commits our industries to join efforts to grow the Indonesian market and support producers in both countries."

The MOU builds on a deepening relationship between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries, initially prompted by Harden’s participation as the featured industry guest on a 2023 National Association of State Department of Agriculture trade mission to Indonesia. Indonesia is the seventh-largest export market for U.S. dairy products, purchasing $245 million in 2024. With Indonesian President Prabowo’s launch of a new national school meals program that includes school milk, dairy demand in Indonesia is poised to expand significantly.

Over the past year, USDEC has led the creation of the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program, which held its first farmer education and training session in January in Indonesia. In collaboration with the New Mexico and Wisconsin Agriculture Departments, New Mexico State University, and Indonesian university and dairy company partners, the project is focused on the dissemination of technical educational materials designed to empower small-scale dairy producers in Indonesia to improve the quality and quantity of milk they produce. As those practices are adopted, U.S. dairy supplies play a vital complementary role to meet Indonesia’s growing dairy needs.   



Mexico poised to become top destination for US agricultural exports

U.S. food and agricultural exports to Mexico have surged 65% over the past four years, making it the fastest growing export market for a host of American agricultural commodities and products. Mexico’s growth as a destination for U.S. exports has been spurred by the country’s booming post COVID-19 economy and a rapidly growing manufacturing sector.

The economic upswing has allowed Mexican consumers to expand their traditional diet, and U.S. food and agricultural producers are helping meet the country’s growing demand for meat, poultry, dairy, processed foods and feed grains. In 2024, U.S. food and ag exports to Mexico climbed to $31.4 billion, slightly below Canada, the top market at $32.4 billion.

According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, Mexico will likely surpass Canada to claim the top spot for the first time in 2025 despite some emerging headwinds.

“The rise of Mexico as a customer has been a huge success story for U.S. agriculture,” said Rob Fox, director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “But a few risk factors are developing that could slow the pace of additional growth. Mexico’s economy has been slowing, and the unusually strong peso over the last couple of years has weakened by about 15% since early 2024. Mexican consumers’ purchasing power will be more challenged in 2025.”

Since 2020, Mexico’s share of all U.S. agricultural exports rose from 11.2% to 16.4%. On a volume basis, corn, pork, dairy products, soybeans and poultry products make up the top five U.S. commodities purchased by Mexico, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data.

At $13.9 billion, grain, feed, oilseeds and related products comprise the largest category of U.S. ag exports to Mexico. Strong recent growth is largely attributable to rising feed demand for the country’s expanding animal protein industry and severe drought, which is limiting domestic crop yields and grazing conditions. Given the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Mexico will almost certainly overtake China as the largest export market for U.S. grain, feed and oilseeds in 2025.

U.S. dairy exports to Mexico continue to follow a pattern of rapid growth. Total U.S. dairy export value to Mexico has risen by 76% since 2020, driven mostly by Mexico’s steadily increasing appetite for cheese. Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products and almost twice the size of the second largest, China. And while Mexico’s domestic meat and poultry production continues to climb, consumption is expanding so quickly that imports from the U.S. are increasing as well.

Mexico is also a sizeable importer of a wide array of U.S. packaged food and related processed agricultural products. Consumer-packaged goods, bakery and confectionery items represent most of those products. Other categories include fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, sweeteners and tree nuts.

Over the past decade, cross border trade of food and agricultural products between the U.S. and Mexico has doubled to reach $80 billion. While free trade agreements have fallen out of favor in recent years, Fox said it’s hard to see the interconnectedness in food systems between U.S. and Mexico as anything but a “win-win” for both countries. “Consumers on both sides of the border benefit from a wider array of food choices at lower prices than they would otherwise.”