Thursday May 08 Ag News

 Beef: It’s what’s still for dinner!
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Just like that: the first four months of 2025 are over. While we ponder where the time goes, and because May is beef month, it may be interesting to talk about the US and foreign consumer’s appetite for U.S. beef.

You may all remember concerns about inflation after the pandemic. The first reports referring to inflationary trends were forecasted in early 2021. Fears of inflation were substantiated.  

Inflation rate was 1.2% in 2021, and it increased to 4.7% in 2021. Then, in 2022, inflation increased to 8% followed by subsequent decreases to 4.1% and 2.9%, respectively, in 2023 and 2024. While news of inflation made us rethink how we might approach a purchase or an investment, some of us pondered what the effects of inflation would be on consumer’s appetite for beef.

A glance at price trends for ground beef, roasts, and steaks since 2019 may help the reader understand how well beef has performed despite economic concerns (please refer to the figure below; March of 2025 represents the retail beef price for the current year). The year 2019 was chosen as a reference point to prevent the effects of pandemic shutdowns and other concerns from affecting the analysis.  

Many experts suggest that the pandemic helped spark interest in beef consumption. The explanation given is that consumers had more time to spend at home preparing meals. Concurrently, expert analysis indicates that the desire by consumers to replicate the beef-eating experience they expected from dining out contributed to experimenting with preparing beef at home.  

Either way, retail beef prices for steaks, roasts and ground beef jumped over 7% to 11% between 2019 and 2020. In support of observations made above, the product posting the largest increase in price (reflective of consumer demand) were roasts.

Interestingly, using 2019 as the reference year, retail beef prices for all three beef products increased from 35% to 39% between 2019 and 2024. The March 2025 retail price for beef was $6, $8, and $11, respectively, for ground beef, roasts, and steaks, nearly 50% higher than what consumers were paying in 2019.  

Incidentally, consumers are paying more for beef while beef supply has not dwindled. As of March 2025, domestic, federally inspected beef production was at par with that of 2024.  

As far as the American consumer is concerned: beef is still what’s for dinner.  

Similarly, the appetite by foreign consumers for American beef has not waned. In 2019, US beef exports were valued at $7.5 billion dollars. In 2024, this figure increased to $10.45 billion.  

Although we cannot assume that consumer’s appetite for American beef is endlessly refractory to economic conditions, this analysis serves to demonstrate how much the American and foreign consumer are willing to pay when seeking a wholesome and flavorful protein choice despite serious economic challenges.  

Recognizing that the consumer has access to other protein choices, many of them less expensive than beef, demonstrates the value of quality and flavor attributes associated with the experience of consuming American beef.



NEBRASKA FARM INCOME PROJECTED TO INCREASE 55% IN 2025

Nebraska net farm income is forecast to increase 55% in 2025, to a record $9.42 billion, according to new projections from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Missouri.

It would be the highest nominal farm income level on record for the state and third highest after adjusting for inflation, according to the Spring 2025 Nebraska Farm Income Outlook. The report is a collaboration between the Center for Agricultural Profitability at Nebraska and the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center at Missouri.

Total farm receipts in Nebraska are projected to increase $731 million, to $33.37 billion, as higher cash receipts from livestock and crop insurance indemnities offset the decline in cash receipts from crops. But the major driver of farm income in 2025 is expected to be the $1.58 billion increase in direct government payments, which would account for 17% of the increase in the state’s net farm income.

The 55% increase in Nebraska net farm income largely exceeds the 30% increase in U.S. net farm income projected by the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

“Positive profit margins in livestock production and one-time government payments will support farm liquidity in calendar year 2025,” said Alejandro Plastina, director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. “Managing liquidity smartly will be key to protect farm operations from headwinds in 2026.”

The report indicates that its projections do not fully account for the impact of tariff announcements or other market uncertainties, noting that even small proportional changes in cash receipts or production expenses can drastically change the net farm income outlook.

Brad Lubben, an agricultural policy specialist at Nebraska, said the report’s strong projections may seem at odds with producer concerns and uncertainty over production, market and policy developments.

“Crop economics and livestock economics seem to be going in different directions at the moment, with the cattle industry helping hold up the state’s farm income prospects,” he said. “But it’s one-time government assistance payments that dominate the current financial projections, even as the outlook for what is ahead with markets and policy may be more uncertain than ever.”

Other key findings from the report include:
> Crop receipts are projected to fall 2% in calendar year 2025, despite an increase in production levels for corn and soybeans. Crop receipts could recover in 2026, seeing a potential 2% increase.

> Corn receipts are projected $84 million lower in 2025 than in 2024.

> Soybean receipts are projected to drop $86 million in 2025.

> Wheat receipts are projected to decline 3% in 2025.

> A projected 9% decline in hay acres would trigger an 11% increase in hay prices in 2025.

> Nebraska’s cattle inventory is projected to continue declining in 2025. However, higher prices and stable marketing could boost cattle receipts by 2%. Hog receipts are projected to decline 1%, while broiler receipts are projected to trend upward by more than 10% annually in 2025-26.

> Production expenses are projected to remain steady in 2025, at $27.22 billion, as the decline in feed, pesticides, interest and fuel expenses offset higher purchased livestock, fertilizer and rent expenses in 2025.

> Net rents to landlords are projected to increase $81 million in 2025.

The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center provides objective policy analysis and informs decision makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with several states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.

The next Nebraska Farm Income Outlook is expected to be published in the fall.

The full report and data tables, as well as a webinar recording covering the outlook, can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/farm-income.



Early Season Alfalfa Irrigation  
Todd Whitney, Extension Educator Irrigation & Cropping Systems

Ideally, spring alfalfa growth begins with a full soil moisture profile. However, our drier winter and Spring moisture conditions have triggered some earlier irrigation in some Nebraska locations. And, since first cutting alfalfa tonnage may be twice as productive compared to any subsequent cutting; early season irrigation may be good.

For maximum production, the first alfalfa cutting typically requires six to seven inches of water. Established alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial; so, the risk of excess water running off fields is low. Also, even if rainfall comes after early Spring irrigation, the water will likely be stored in the soil profile for use later in the growing season when summer heat increases water demand.

During summer heat and rapid plant growth, alfalfa may use over one half inch of water per day. This compares to cooler Spring days where water usage may be less than ¼ inch per water per day. Remember that alfalfa is a relatively drought-tolerant perennial that does not have specific critical growth stages for water stress unlike most traditional crops. When moisture is stressed, the plants will slow or stop growing and go dormant. Then, when water becomes available, growth resumes.

Although alfalfa has a longer growing season and annual water usage can be higher compared to other crops; over-watering can result in plant injury and increased disease. Further, irrigation can be challenging due to multiple harvests preventing watering for about 7 to 10 days per growth cycle and frequent heavy equipment traffic compacting soils. To reduce compaction, stop irrigating 2-3 days before cutting the alfalfa; and irrigate again when alfalfa regrowth begins. Heavy irrigation of alfalfa stubble may also encourage weed growth.

Irrigation scheduling efficiency can be improved by utilizing satellite imaging; ET crop growth gages; and soil moisture sensing. Accurate weather forecasts can also allow growers to take full advantage of rainfall and reduce irrigation applications.

As temperatures rise, daily water usage also increases. Generally, the most yield impacting irrigation occurs just before the second cutting followed by the third and fourth growth periods typically requiring 6 to 7 inches of irrigation. Peak water usage is about 1/3 inch per day in July and August.

Our NebGuide, G1778, “Irrigation Management and Crop Characteristics of Alfalfa” provides more details at: https://cropwater.unl.edu or https://water.unl.edu



Kelly Bruns Named Interim Dean, Jennifer McConville Reappointed Associate Dean at NCTA

The University of Nebraska has announced two new leadership appointments at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

Kelly Bruns, current director of the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, has been named interim dean of NCTA and Interim director of partnership engagement in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Joining him in leadership is Jennifer McConville, who has been reappointed as NCTA associate dean of academic innovation, learner success, and career pathways. McConville will also hold an interim courtesy appointment in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she will work to leverage partnership opportunities between NCTA and CASNR.

“These appointments represent a key step in realizing a shared vision for agricultural workforce education in Nebraska,” said Mike Boehm, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Dr. Bruns is a trusted leader with a deep understanding of Nebraska’s ag ecosystem. Dr. McConville brings vision, experience, and energy to expanding innovative, student-centered experiential learning. Together, and in greater partnership with CASNR and Nebraska’s Community Colleges, they are well-positioned to grow NCTA and support student success in ways that advance Nebraska’s ag workforce needs.”

As interim dean, Bruns will lead efforts to enhance academic programs, build strong partnerships, and recruit students to meet the evolving needs of Nebraska’s agricultural workforce. He will collaborate with high schools, alumni, communities, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the education offered at NCTA reflects the latest developments in agriculture and natural resources.

“It is an honor to serve NCTA and Nebraska’s agricultural industry in this role,” said Bruns. “In Nebraska, where one in four jobs is tied to agriculture, preparing students for careers in this sector is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

Bruns will also guide NCTA through a period of transition and innovation as it aligns more closely with CASNR. This alignment will expand access to IANR’s statewide living laboratory, create dual-enrollment opportunities, and open new doors for students at both institutions to benefit from education pathway programs that leverage the strengths of each institution.

In her expanded role, McConville will work closely with CASNR leadership to ensure that NCTA students can access CASNR coursework and experiences—and vice versa. This collaboration will empower students from both institutions to develop the technical, academic, and industry-ready skills needed to succeed in agriculture’s future.

“This is an exciting moment for NCTA and CASNR,” said McConville. “By building stronger academic bridges and offering hands-on learning opportunities, we’re creating a more accessible and relevant educational experience for students across the state. I’m proud to help lead that effort.”

The leadership transition comes as Dean Larry Gossen prepares to retire in June 2025. Since 2020, Gossen has led NCTA through a period campus revitalization and commitment to workforce development. Under his leadership, the college completed major infrastructure repairs, deepened community ties, and expanded continuing education—highlighted by the launch of a USDA-funded meat processing curriculum and a $6 million gift to renovate NCTA’s historic barn into a student success and activity center.

Bruns has served as director of WCREEC since 2016 and is nationally recognized for his expertise in beef cattle management. He taught for 20 years at the college level before joining UNL in 2014. Interim leadership for WCREEC will be announced soon.

These leadership appointments support a broader strategic realignment between NCTA and CASNR announced in late 2024. The partnership aims to create seamless academic pathways and strengthen Nebraska’s leadership in technical, digital, and precision agriculture.

“Agriculture is the lifeblood of Nebraska,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This realignment ensures we continue delivering cutting-edge, student-focused education that equips tomorrow’s workforce with the tools to lead and thrive in our state’s vital ag industry.”

A national search for NCTA’s next permanent dean will begin later in 2025.



Iowa Corn Farmers Support International Trade Development

Iowa corn farmers understand the importance of strong trade relationships and dedicate countless hours fostering new and existing relationships each year. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) focuses on exporting value-added products such as corn-fed red meat, ethanol, DDGS and corn gluten feed as well as whole kernel corn to best serve our international customers and create new and maintain trade markets. The ICPB invests with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) to build demand, improve lives and enable trade. One tool that USGC and ICPB use to create new opportunities and further develop existing international markets for U.S. corn and corn products is trade missions to bring together buyers and sellers.  Recently, two Iowa corn farmers went on trade missions; learn more about each of their experiences below.  

Dan Keitzer
Dan Keitzer, Iowa Corn Growers Association District 9 Director and farmer from Mediapolis, Iowa, traveled to the Philippines to attend the Ag Supply Chain Conference.  Buyers and sellers from across Southeast Asia met to discuss corn and DDGS export opportunities and create new sales agreements. At the conference, Keitzer shared details about his farming operation and the farming practices he implements to raise corn sustainably and responsibly.

While there, he also met with ethanol retailers. Philippines recently moved to a discretionary E20 blend and Jetti Petroleum is the nation's first retail location offering E20. Keitzer had the opportunity to visit the Jetti Petroleum station, as well as the construction site of the second station that would offer the 20% blend of ethanol to drivers. A major initiative of the USGC work is to build global demand for ethanol to improve the quality of lives around the world and more importantly create new demand opportunities for U.S. corn farmers.  

“It was impressive to see how interested the buyers at the conference were in how we grow corn and how we use cutting-edge technology to grow the crop in a sustainable way. The Southeast Asia region is home to 8.5% of the world’s people and the population continues to increase so it is very important to market our corn and corn products such as ethanol and DDGS to that region of the world.”

Paul Gieselman
Farmer from Morning Sun, Iowa, and Iowa Corn Promotion Board District 9 Director, Paul Gieselman, traveled to the Japan 2024-25 Corn Quality Control Rollout Mission and Outlook Conference in Tokyo, Japan. The conference was hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Japan.

While at the event, he sat on a panel with USGC Director of Global Programs Administration Stella Qian and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council Vice Chair Dylan Rosier. Together, they spoke and answered questions about the quality, applications and availability of U.S. corn to serve our Japanese customers.

Outside the conference, the USGC’s delegation met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service staff based in Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The group also toured a local wet milling facility to learn about the feed requirements and logistics involved to best serve the Japanese market.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important personal and professional relationships are to facilitating trade in Asia. In a time of uncertainty regarding world trade, it is crucial that we develop these relationships, ensuring we are providing stability and consistency to our trading partners."

For more information on how Iowa Corn is supporting increased market access for Iowa grown corn and corn-products, visit https://www.iowacorn.org/corn-market-development/us-corn-exports/.  



‘Taste What Pork Can Do’ Delivers Bold Flavor for a New Generation"
    
Pork is reintroducing itself for the first time since 2011. The National Pork Board has launched a bold new U.S. brand campaign: Taste What Pork Can Do.™ This fully integrated, data-driven digital campaign delivers an unapologetic message: pork is no longer the “other” anything. It stands proudly on its own – rich in flavor, rooted in culture, and exactly the kind of bold taste younger consumers crave.

"We all recognize the importance of winning over the younger generation and driving domestic demand,” says Al Wulfekuhle, a pig farmer from Quasqueton, Iowa who serves as president of the National Pork . “We've done the research, we have the data, and the insights we've gained over the past few years make this the ideal time to launch our campaign."

Iowa is the number one pork producing state in the U.S., providing approximately 1/3 of the nation's pork. More than 120,000 jobs in Iowa are connected to the pork industry, and $15.4 billion in value-added activity to the state’s economy annually.

“We are reclaiming pork’s rightful place as an everyday flavor fix, on a plate or in a bowl, and throughout the week,” said José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing at the National Pork Board. "Taste What Pork Can Do.™ is about connecting with the modern consumer where they are today: craving authentic flavors, eager to discover something new with every meal, and exploring ingredients and cuisines that reflect who they are and how they want to eat.”

Taste is a critical factor in Millennials' and Gen Z consumers’ meal choices. They are adventurous and culturally curious and pursue flavor, versatility, balanced nutrition and convenience.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association will supplement the National Pork Board’s Taste What Pork Can Do.™ campaign by partnering with Midwest-based grocery chains, including Hy-Vee and Fareway, to promote pork consumption. In-store signage, social media posts, and other avenues will help convey the Taste What Pork Can Do.™ to consumers.

“Flavorful cuts, from bacon and pepperoni to ham and pulled pork barbecue, are already beloved by millions,” de Jesús said. “Pork will prove all the ways it opens the floodgates of flavor and inspire a new generation to find flavorful moments in their everyday life, in every meal occasion.”

To kick off the campaign, the National Pork Board partnered with chef, culinary influencer and New York Times bestselling cookbook author Joshua Weissman for a one-of-a-kind dining experience showcasing the incredible flavors, diverse cuisines and culinary impact of pork. Weissman hosted NEW PORK CITY, an exclusive one-day dining tour in Manhattan on May 6 with invited fans and media.

Iowa Pork Producers Association board members Al Wulfekuhle and Kevin Rasmussen, who also serve on the board of directors for the National Pork Board, are in New York City for the campaign kickoff.

"Pork is the cornerstone of cuisines around the world because it’s the ultimate culinary chameleon — flavorful, bold and endlessly adaptable," Weissman said.



Red Meat Exports Trend Higher in March; Beef Export Value Highest in Nine Months

Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value was the highest since June, while Latin American markets again fueled pork export growth. March exports of lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than five years.

Taiwan, Mexico, Central America fuel March beef export growth
March beef exports totaled 109,330 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while export value reached $922 million – up 4% and the highest since June. Export value per head of fed slaughter was the seventh highest on record at $466.77.

March export growth was led by strong performances in Taiwan, Mexico, Central America, Chile and Africa. Exports also increased slightly to China, though this momentum will be short-lived due to China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations. March exports were steady year-over-year to Japan and modestly lower to South Korea.

First-quarter beef exports were slightly below last year’s pace at 310,368 mt, but increased 2% in value to $2.53 billion.

“Despite a great deal of uncertainty, global demand for U.S. beef remains robust and resilient,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The March export results confirm this, with demand trending higher in Taiwan and Mexico, reaching record levels in Central America and holding up well in Japan and Korea. Although we anticipate that China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations will have a more drastic impact on April and May exports, the U.S. industry’s efforts to diversify markets and broaden U.S. beef’s global footprint are definitely paying dividends.”

March pork demand shines in Mexico and Central America, rebounds in Colombia
March pork exports increased 3% year-over-year to 269,344 mt, valued at $769.7 million (up 4%). Export value per head slaughtered was outstanding in March, reaching the second highest figure on record at $73.91.

March export growth was once again fueled by Mexico and Central America, while shipments to Colombia were the second largest on record. Exports to Korea, which had slowed significantly in recent months, were the largest in nearly a year, while shipments trended higher year-over-year to the Philippines and Cuba but slowed to Japan.

First-quarter pork exports were slightly above last year’s record value pace at $2.11 billion, but slightly lower in volume (754,488 mt).

“March was another spectacular month for U.S. pork demand in Mexico and Central America, but exports also rebounded nicely to Colombia and Korea,” Halstrom said. “Duty-free access has helped fuel pork exports to these key markets, where we continue to see heightened competition.”

Plant eligibility for China is less of an issue for U.S. pork than for U.S. beef, as China renewed most pork establishments in mid-March. But Halstrom cautioned that both pork and beef exports to China have since hit a wall due to China’s prohibitive duties, which now total 172% for U.S. pork and 147% for U.S. beef.

“Shipments already in the pipeline can still clear without the extra 125% tariff, provided they shipped before April 10 and arrive in China by May 13,” Halstrom explained. “But new business has been effectively halted until there is a de-escalation of the U.S.-China trade impasse.”

March lamb exports largest since 2019
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 278 mt in March, up 45% from a year ago and the largest since December 2019. Export value increased 18% to $1.5 million. Through the first quarter, exports increased 26% year-over-year to 747 mt, while value was up 10% to $4.1 million. Growth was driven primarily by Mexico and the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago shining among Caribbean markets. Exports also trended higher to Central America.



Secretary Rollins Hosts Farmers First Roundtable, Announces Expedited Disaster Aid

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Wednesday held the inaugural Farmers First roundtable at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Rollins hosted Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), and over 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run smaller-scale, independent, family-owned operations. These operations are at the heart of American agriculture and their continued success is critical for the economic viability of the industry.

Farming is a noble and patriotic line of work. America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of our country. It is the goal of the Trump Administration to ensure all of America’s farms are economically viable and thriving, including smaller, independently owned businesses. After studying the needs and current state of the farm economy, Secretary Rollins will launch a plan later this month to ensure smaller-scale family-owned farming operations are economically viable and those who want to start and keep their own farms for generations to come are able to. The states are key stakeholders in supporting American agriculture and the group discussed ways USDA will work together with states and federal and private sector partners to put farmers first. Alongside NASDA President Wes Ward, Secretary Rollins today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve collaboration, coordination, and to ensure partnership with our friends in our agriculture community on the front lines.

This plan builds on the many ways USDA is putting farmers first and reprioritizing customer service. USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) was the quickest, most effective rollout of emergency payments in the history of the program. To date, 487,177 farmers across 49 states have received over $7.3 billion in payments. To ensure total transparency, USDA updates the portal every Monday so the American people can track payment totals. President Trump and Secretary Rollins understand how important customer service is to the American people. That is why, in direct contrast to the Biden Administration, USDA stood up the ECAP program in 3 months as opposed to an average of 13 months, and in one case 19 months, it took to release ad hoc assistance programs under Secretary Vilsack. These unnecessary delays cause real harm on the farm.

Following several natural disasters that deeply impacted farms and ranches across the country, Secretary Rollins announced plans to expedite $21 billion in disaster assistance. Farmers receiving livestock relief for drought and wildfire can expect to receive payments as soon as the end of this month. While we aim to move all payments out expeditiously and to cut timelines where possible, it is important to note that some elements of the Congressionally appropriated assistance are more specific and labor intensive and were also not statutorily required, therefore will take a bit more time.

“At USDA, we understand there are many challenges to starting a new farm and maintaining a small family farm. While there are many programs to assist our farmers, we feel strongly that it takes government entities, non-profits, and the private sector working together to improve the viability, prosperity, and longevity of small family farms. I have had the honor of visiting many farms and speak with families over the last several months and have heard firsthand that farmers are struggling. We are working every day to improve the farm economy,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump knows how important agriculture is to the success of our country. We are reversing four years of neglect by announcing a policy portfolio to help small family farms and expediting assistance to support American agriculture. We delivered ECAP payments in record time and will do it again with this disaster assistance announced today.”

Disaster Assistance Program Timeline

Emergency Livestock Relief Program – Drought/Wildfire
May 23 – Release to Federal Register for publication
May 28 – Final rule on public display
May 29 – Payment processing on Thursday night
May 30 – County offices sign and certify payments

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program – Previously Indemnified Loss
June 30 – Release to Federal Register for Publication
July 3 – Final rule on public display
July 7 – SDRP sign up begins

Emergency Livestock Relief Program – Flooding includes Commodity Loss Assistance Program, Milk Loss Program – Combined Final Rule
August 13 – Sent to Federal Register for Publication
August 15 – Final Rule on public display
August 18 – ELRP flooding, Commodity Loss Assistance and Milk Loss – sign up begins

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program – Uncovered Loss
September 10 – Sent to Federal Register for Publication
September 12 – Final Rule on public display
September 15 – SDRP sign up targeted.

A landing page to track the status of USDA’s disaster rollout, which will be updated regularly, has launched today https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/20232024-supplemental-disaster-assistance.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/2/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 2, ethanol production slowed by 1.9% to 1.02 million b/d, equivalent to 42.84 million gallons daily. Output was 5.7% higher than the same week last year and 4.8% above the three-year average for the week. Still, the four-week average ethanol production rate ticked down 0.1% to 1.03 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.77 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks dipped 0.8% to 25.2 million barrels, the lowest level since mid-January. Yet, stocks were 4.1% more than the same week last year and 5.5% above the three-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the East (PADD 1) and West (PADD 5) Coasts.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, waned by 4.2% to 8.72 million b/d (134.00 bg annualized). Demand was 0.9% less than a year ago and 2.4% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 2.4% to 886,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.62 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.1% less than year-ago levels and 1.8% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports eased 8.5% to an estimated 129,000 b/d (5.4 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Three Fertilizers Again Lead Prices Higher: UAN32, UAN28 and Urea

According to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the last three days of April and first two days of May, nutrient costs continue to rise.

Three fertilizers had an extensive price increase compared to the prior month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. Leading the way higher was UAN32. The liquid nitrogen fertilizer saw an increase of 12% compared to last month and had an average price of $474/ton. UAN28 was 7% more expensive while urea was 6% higher. UAN28 had an average price of $387/ton while urea was at $596/ton.

The remaining five fertilizers had slightly higher prices. DAP had an average price of $785/ton, MAP $824/ton, potash $472/ton, 10-34-0 $666/ton and anhydrous $787/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.74/lb.N.

Five fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. DAP is 1% higher, urea is 2% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 4% higher, UAN28 is 6% higher and UAN32 is 13% higher looking back to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are lower. Both MAP and anhydrous are 1% less expensive while potash is 8% lower compared to last year.



Medgene Introduces First & Only Cryptosporidiosis Vaccine Available on the Market

When a calf develops diarrhea early in life, it sets that animal up for reduced efficiency, poor gain and lower productivity over its lifetime, including reduced milk production. Medgene, a livestock vaccine company based in South Dakota, now offers the only vaccine for cattle in the U.S. that can help protect calves from one of the worst parasitic diseases that causes diarrhea—cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). This is a zoonotic organism and can infect humans, birds, and other mammals.

“Medgene’s vaccine will be a game changer for the beef and dairy industries,” said Bob Gentry, DVM. “Crypto can impact calves at a very young age—when they’re only days old—and this is the only vaccine available to help veterinarians and producers manage this disease.”

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a protozoa (C. parvum) and can cause lethargy and poor growth rates in neonatal ruminants, in addition to diarrhea. Four cryptosporidium species have been isolated from cattle, with C. parvum being the most common. Cryptosporidial oocysts have been detected in the feces of 70 percent of 1 to 3-week-old dairy calves.

Historically, calves with cryptosporidiosis would suffer from mild to moderate diarrhea that would persist for several days, regardless of treatment. If a calf is older when they catch the disease, the duration of diarrhea has tended to be a few days longer than diarrhea caused by other pathogens, such as rotavirus, coronavirus, or enterotoxigenic E. coli.

Medgene’s cryptosporidiosis vaccine can be given to cows and heifers prior to calving, providing protection to calves through their colostrum. The development of the cryptosporidiosis vaccine involved collaboration with key cattle veterinarians, use of Medgene’s Spice bioinformatics technology and Medgene’s extensive regulatory acumen. Medgene vaccines are made using proprietary platform technology which creates highly targeted, clean vaccines free from ingredients of animal origin.

The cryptosporidiosis vaccine will be available from Medgene in mid-May.



NCBA Hiring Communications, Policy, and Events Interns for Fall 2025

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that applications are open for three unique internship experiences for the fall 2025 semester.

“NCBA represents cattle farming and ranching families nationwide and interning for us is a great way to gain professional skills while serving American agriculture,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “If you want to learn more about communications, public policy, or meetings and events, I encourage you to apply and use your skills to help NCBA fulfill our vision of being the trusted leader and definitive voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry.”

Organizational Communications Internship (Centennial, CO): New this year, NCBA has an exciting opportunity for a student to work as an organizational communications intern supporting NCBA’s social media strategy, TV production of Cattlemen to Cattlemen, producer communication, and events promotion. This internship is full-time and based in NCBA’s headquarters in Centennial, CO.

Public Policy Internship (Washington, D.C.): NCBA, in conjunction with the Public Lands Council, has an opportunity for students interested in government and public policy to serve as public policy interns. This internship supports NCBA’s Government Affairs team and will allow students to learn more about lobbying, government relations, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle and sheep industries. This internship is full-time and based in NCBA’s Center for Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

Meetings and Events Internship (Centennial, CO): NCBA is hiring for a meetings and events intern to support the operations of large and small events, including the 2026 CattleCon. Interns will learn how to manage large scale conventions and tradeshows, in addition to the logistics behind smaller meetings and conferences. This internship is full-time and based in NCBA’s headquarters in Centennial, CO.

To learn more about these internships or apply, visit NCBA.org. Applications are due by June 30, 2025.