Monday May 12 Ag News

 Gov. Pillen Extends Burn Ban in Central, Western Nebraska

Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order extending a burn ban due to continued dry conditions in the central and western regions of Nebraska. The new order remains in effect until midnight May 20.

The burn ban applies to a wide swath of the state to help mitigate risks associated with potential grassland fires. The border runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border.

Last week, Gov. Pillen revised the burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches. These exceptions still apply. However, under no circumstances are burns to be authorized in any area when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a red flag warning.



NeFU Participates in NFU “Week of Action” Fly-In

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) State President John Hansen and Gage/Jefferson County Secretary Don Schuller of Wymore joined 100 Farmers Union members from around the nation participating in National Farmers Union’s “Week of Action” targeted spring Fly-In to focus on the need to pass an updated and improved Farm Bill as soon as possible.

The “Week of Action” focused on five issues:
1.         Strengthen and update the farm income safety net including reference prices, dual enrollment for ARC & PLC programs, and improve dairy programs.

2.         Support increased funding for voluntary conservation programs that improve soil health, water quality, and widely supported programs including CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program), EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program), CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) and other working lands programs for both croplands and grasslands.

3.         Restore competition, access, transparency, and fairness to agricultural markets, Mandatory COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) for all meats, and strengthen enforcement of Packers and Stockyards Act, invest in value-added markets, and guarantee Right to Repair for farm equipment.

4.         Expand risk management program options, and make natural disaster programs permanent and part of the Farm Bill so Congress will not to pass separate legislation when disasters strike.

5.         Pass a Farm Bill that keeps faith with American food producers as well as food consumers. Congress needs to consider food production and food security with the same level of importance as other components of national security.

NeFU President John Hansen said “Congress needs to act with urgency given the farm economy is under extreme financial pressure from too many years of record farm input costs and farm commodity prices that fall short of paying all the bills for the farm and the family. Farmers are similar to manufacturers in that they create new wealth and value that did not exist before. What products are more important than food products? When farmers and ranchers make money, they drive economic activity for everyone.”

Hansen said “We thank our Congressional delegation for the warm reception we received. They heard our message, asked good questions, and shared information with us. We thank them for their service, and hope our meetings were helpful in their decision making.”

“Don Schuller of Wymore said “This was my first Fly-In. It was impressive. NFU has a talented staff, and leadership at the state and national level. Our meetings, briefings, and events were well organized. NFU is obviously well respected. Our farmer voices were heard. We did our job. Let’s hope Congress does theirs, the sooner the better.”  



Second Tuesday at 9 Webinar Series

Join Eric Hunt, agricultural meteorology and climate resilience extension educator, at 9 a.m. CT/8 a.m. MT on the second Tuesday of each month to hear insights on weather conditions across the state of Nebraska and Midwestern region, and updates on the long-range outlook. Participants also have the opportunity to ask questions during the webinar, using the Q&A function in Zoom. Questions will be answered near the end of the webinar, as time permits.  Register here: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/second-tuesday-9.  



Roller Crimper Workshop to Showcase Soil-friendly Cover Crop Termination May 22

Discover how roller crimpers can help manage cover crops without turning the soil — see the equipment in action and learn how to make this low-disturbance method work for your operation at Nebraska Extension’s hands-on workshop Thursday, May 22.

Roller crimpers mechanically terminate cover crops while leaving the soil undisturbed, ideally creating a thick mulch that suppresses weeds. They're commonly used by organic and regenerative farmers, as well as others looking to reduce herbicide inputs or improve weed control with cover crops.

Growers and ag professionals interested in learning more about this termination strategy are invited to join the workshop at 9 a.m. at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC), near Mead, Nebraska.

The morning program includes a live crimping demonstration of cereal rye, triticale and wheat cover crops, along with discussion on the conditions needed for successful termination. There will also be time for Q&A and peer learning.

The free workshop concludes at 11:30 a.m. On-site registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; no pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Katja Koehler-Cole at 402-504-1016 or Aaron Nygren at 402-624-8030. ENREEC is located at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, Nebraska.




From Field to Flight: Part 107 Exam Prep Course Helps Growers Get Drone-Certified This Summer

Ready to earn your drone wings? Nebraska Extension’s 2025 summer lineup for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course is here — designed to fast-track aspiring drone pilots across Nebraska toward FAA certification in just one day.

Since 2024, over 200 students have completed this one-day (eight-hour) course that prepares students to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certificate (aka drone license).

This course is geared towards anyone interested in flying drones for commercial or public application, including emergency management, law enforcement, real estate and land management, photography and agriculture. No previous aviation experience is necessary to be successful in this course.

Online pre-registration is required https://web.cvent.com/event/947ea755-eace-43f9-9d83-95450ecaa460/summary. The course registration fee is $275. Discounts are available to eligible students and educators by completing an online application.

Summer Part 107 Course Schedule includes
July 11 (Friday)    
Platte County Extension Office, 2715 13th St., Columbus, NE 68601
Pre-registration deadline: July 7

For further details or questions, please reach out to Dr. Dirk Charlson at 402-460-0742 (cell).

This Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course offered by Nebraska Extension is not affiliated with drone education provided by the Nebraska Innovation Studio or Nebraska Innovation Campus.



Taste What Pork Can Do™ Kicks Off with Big Flavor and Big Goals   

Last week, the National Pork Board officially launched its new consumer campaign, Taste What Pork Can Do™! Built on months of audience research and advertising development, the campaign is designed to reach consumers with digital content across social media, streaming services, online ads and more. The message is simple but powerful: pork delivers taste, flavor, balanced nutrition and versatility.

Timed perfectly for grilling season, the campaign will use pork to sell more pork. Focusing on flavorful, familiar cuts, such as bacon, sausage and ham, and ultimately encourages consumers to expand their pork experience with fresh products. Activations include influencer engagement, a culinary-focused NYC media event and resources for retailers and state pork associations.

“This is a transformational time for the pork industry,” said David Newman, senior vice president of market growth at NPB. “We have a significant opportunity to build passion for pork with younger consumer generations, and we’re going to do that by being unapologetic about our product, working as a partner with the supply chain and focusing on adding value to the whole hog.”



Secretary Rollins Suspends Live Animal Imports Through Ports of Entry Along Southern Border, Effective Immediately

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Sunday announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border due to the continued and rapid northward spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, effective immediately. NWS has been recently detected in remote farms with minimal cattle movement as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border.

The United States and Mexico continue efforts to interdict and eradicate NWS in Mexico and work in good faith. However, despite these efforts and the economic impact on both countries due to this action, there has been unacceptable northward advancement of NWS and additional action must be taken to slow the northern progression of this deadly parasitic fly. As such, effective immediately, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will restrict the importation of live animal commodities originating from, or transiting Mexico. This import suspension will persist on a month-by-month basis, until a significant window of containment is achieved. USDA will continue constant collaboration with Mexico, including a review of latest data and metrics in two weeks. Our teams have been in daily communication discussing how we can build on the good work that has been accomplished to improve our strategy toward eradication. Any livestock currently in holding for entry into the United States will be processed normally, this includes an APHIS port Veterinary Medical Officer inspection exam and treatment to ensure they are not carrying NWS.

“The United States has ordered the suspension of livestock imports through ports of entry along our southern border after the continued spread of the New World Screwworm in Mexico. Secretary Berdegué and I have worked closely on the NWS response; however, it is my duty to take all steps within my control to protect the livestock industry in the United States from this devastating pest,” said Secretary Rollins. “The protection of our animals and safety of our nation’s food supply is a national security issue of the utmost importance. Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade. This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety.”

Effective eradication, which remains our shared goal and best interest of both the U.S. and Mexico, requires a three-pronged approach: robust active field surveillance with education and outreach to ensure prevention, treatment, and early detection; controlled animal movement to limit spread; and sustained sterile insect dispersal. Suspending livestock transport through southern ports of entry will assist in the effort to limit northbound transport of NWS through livestock commerce, and will allow the U.S. to reassess whether current mitigation standards remain sufficient. It is important to note the northward spread of NWS is possible through natural wildlife movements, including wildlife that transit the border region without impediment.

USDA is taking all possible actions to monitor for, and limit, the northward movement of NWS, including the utilization of the USDA Tick Riders to monitor livestock and wildlife along the southern border region, between the ports of entry, for the presence of NWS.

The U.S. previously and successfully led the eradication of NWS in the U.S. and Mexico, however this cost billions of dollars and took decades. Unfortunately, these recent detections in Mexico show that this dangerous pest is back and remains a serious threat to the health of our animals, our food supply, and the security of our country.

BACKGROUND
    The first case of NWS in Mexico was reported to the U.S. in November 2024. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.
    In November 2024, after a positive detection of NWS in southern Mexico, USDA shut down the border for live animal trade.
    In February 2025, USDA resumed imports after APHIS and Mexico agreed to and implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol to ensure safe movement and steps to mitigate the threat of NWS.
    Over the last two years, screwworm has spread north throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and now Mexico.
    APHIS is releasing sterile flies through aerial and ground release at strategic locations, focusing on Southern Mexico and other areas throughout Central America. A complete list of regions APHIS recognizes as affected by NWS as well as more detailed information on trade restrictions can be found on the USDA APHIS Animal Health Status of Regions website.



NCBA Stands with USDA on Border Closure Decision

Sunday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to close the U.S. southern border to shipments of cattle, bison, and horses, due to the continued spread of New World screwworm beyond the phytosanitary border put in place to stop its advance. Today’s announcement is the latest move to halt the spread of this invasive pest that puts the entire U.S. livestock industry at risk.

“For months, NCBA and affiliated state cattle industry associations have been working with USDA officials urging their counterparts in Central America to take stronger action to stop the spread of New World screwworm. In the 1960s, America’s cattle and livestock producers spent years and millions of dollars to eradicate New World screwworm from the United States,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall.

The United States has long maintained its commitment to fighting New World screwworm by funding the production of sterile flies needed to keep this pest out of Central and North America. Despite the United States’ work to control the pest, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans are all at risk again.

NCBA has been working closely with USDA to monitor the situation and has also appealed directly to the Mexican government to do more to intervene and stop the spread. However, a variety of factors have allowed the northward migration of the pest to continue. NCBA and state affiliate volunteer leaders and staff have also worked with members of Congress to help support USDA’s efforts and will continue to seek every possible avenue to protect the U.S. cattle industry by preventing New World screwworm from reentering the United States.

“USDA’s border closure was entirely avoidable. U.S. government officials, NCBA and leaders from affiliated state cattle industry associations have been sounding the alarm for months. Unfortunately, the Mexican government created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles which rendered prevention efforts ineffective and allowed screwworm cases to spread unchecked beyond control points in southern Mexico,” said Woodall. “The Mexican government’s failure to knock down senseless obstacles has left America with no alternative but a closure of the U.S. border until the outbreak is verifiably stopped and the flies pushed back south of Panama’s Darien Gap.”

NCBA acknowledges that the border closure will create economic harm for U.S. farmers and ranchers, and create supply chain disruptions, but the costs will be far less than if New World screwworm crosses into the United States and we’re forced to fight the pest on U.S. soil.   



Ag Groups File Brief Supporting Supreme Court Hearing Glyphosate Case

Groups representing farmers across the United States have filed a brief encouraging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case on labeling for glyphosate and other pesticides. The groups, which represent a broad swath of agriculture and cover more than 300 million acres, argue glyphosate is a “once-in-a-century” herbicide given its effectiveness at controlling an array of damaging weeds, affordability and low toxicity. However, uncertainty created by inaccurate interpretations of pesticide labeling requirements has risked farmer access to glyphosate and other indispensable tools.

The question at the center of the case, Durnell v. Monsanto, is whether manufacturers of glyphosate or other pesticides are liable under state law for “failure to warn” of alleged cancer or other health risks when federal regulators have thoroughly evaluated the safety of the products and determined their uses are safe. Such state requirements exist despite regulators at EPA and those of the European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, Korea, and elsewhere repeatedly finding glyphosate does not pose cancer risks. In the brief, the groups argue the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act has long prevented states from imposing labeling requirements different from EPA findings. Additionally, to require a cancer risk warning label despite such strong evidence to the contrary would be “false or misleading,” which is also prohibited by FIFRA.

American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, North American Blueberry Council, Western Growers and others are among the groups on the brief.

They discuss the continued risks of misinterpreting FIFRA. Among them, pesticide users will lack clear, accurate labels, which could result in accidental misuse of pesticides and potential harm to the public and the environment. Further, with manufacturers placed in the no-win situation of either disregarding state labeling requirements or making false and misleading statements in violation of FIFRA, these companies may exit the market and leave farmers without much-needed tools. U.S. agriculture would then be vulnerable to weeds and other devastating pests, in turn harming the ability of farmers to sustainably feed, clothe, and fuel our country and the world.

The Supreme Court will review the petition to hear the case, as well as briefs from other interested parties that include farmers. It will then decide whether to hear the case in the weeks ahead.



NCBA Urges FDA to Toughen Rules for Fake Meat Marketing

Last week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to toughen up guidance for fake meat companies that would prevent them from using misleading labels on plant-based products.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers work hard every day to raise wholesome, high-quality, and nutritious real beef. We’ve spent decades building a strong reputation with consumers and we will not give up on that without a fight. Companies selling fake meat should not be allowed to use misleading advertising or trade on beef’s good name,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “If you’re manufacturing products to replace beef that contain no real beef, you should not be using terms that are specific to livestock, especially legally defined terms like ‘meat.’
 
“Likewise, you should not be permitted to utilize pictures of cattle, real beef, or farmers and ranchers in your labeling,” said Wehrbein. “The federal government’s draft guidance for the fake meat industry has not gone far enough to prevent companies from attempting to trick the public into buying fake meat products.”
 
NCBA’s comments urge FDA to address misleading advertising on plant-based fake meat foods. Plant-based fake meat has been on the market for several years, but sales have tumbled as consumers balk at ultra-processed food. Although the final guidance for industry is nonbinding, closing loopholes that allow plant-based companies to use terms like “beef” and imagery like the outline of a cow are important first steps that benefit real farmers and ranchers. Additional guidance or rulemaking actions may follow in the coming months.
 
“If you have to hide behind the work of America’s livestock producers to sell your product, that says all you need to know about these inferior imitations,” Wehrbein added.



National Farmers Union Concludes Week of Action Calling for a Strong Farm Bill

National Farmers Union (NFU) today concluded the Week of Action that gathered more than 100 farmers from across the country to the halls of Congress and spurred local action from hundreds of family farmers and ranchers in their home states. Farmers Union members’ message was clear: farmers across the country are facing a perfect storm of volatile markets, rising input costs, shrinking federal support and mounting trade tensions — all with no new farm bill in sight.

“We are so deeply indebted to over 100 farm families who have taken time from what is the busiest time of year for many farmers and ranchers to travel here, deliver the news themselves and tell their stories about why action is so necessary right now,” said NFU President Rob Larew.

On Tuesday, May 6, NFU hosted a press conference with Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) at the House Triangle to spotlight five farmers who shared their personal stories on how the lack of a farm bill has caused stress and uncertainty during the crucial planting season.

“Prices are low, and the time to do something for our  family farmers and ranchers is now,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “Our safety net right now is inadequate. That is why we are taking time off of our farms and ranches when we should be calving out cattle, putting them to grass, putting seeds in the ground. We are out here in D.C. talking to our legislators and asking them to get the job done. Let's get to work, let's roll up our sleeves and let's get a farm bill.”

Farmers Union members advocated for easing the burden on farmers by passing a strong, united and comprehensive five-year farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net, builds upon voluntary conservation programs, fosters fairness and opportunity in the marketplace, delivers fast and reliable risk management programs and garners broad support from both farmers and consumers.