Tuesday May 13 Ag News + 5/12 Crop Progress Reports

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 11, 2025, there were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 34% very short, 42% short, 24% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 35% very short, 43% short, 22% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 73%, well ahead of 52% last year, and ahead of 65% for the five-year average. Emerged was 36%, well ahead of 16% last year, and ahead of 20% average.

Soybeans planted was 62%, well ahead of 34% last year, and ahead of 46% average. Emerged was 19%, ahead of 8% both last year and average.

Winter wheat condition rated 27% very poor, 19% poor, 24% fair, 26% good, and 4% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 2%, near 4% last year and 3% average.

Sorghum planted was 17%, ahead of 5% last year and 8% average.

Oats condition rated 14% very poor, 16% poor, 46% fair, 22% good, and 2% excellent. Oats planted was 93%, equal to both last year and average. Emerged was 77%, near 81% last year and 76% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 23% very poor, 29% poor, 33% fair, 15% good, and 0% excellent



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

A warm and dry week made for excellent planting conditions, allowing 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 11, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers made quick progress planting corn and soybeans. Conditions were also favorable for spraying.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 76 percent 8 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 30 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace and 2 days ahead of normal.

Sixty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 16 percent.

Nearly all of the oat crop has been planted, with 74 percent emerged, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Reports of oats starting to head were received. Oat condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 6 percentage points from last week.

Six percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The first hay rating of the year showed 84 percent in good to excellent condition.  

Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent, up 4 percentage points from last week.  Livestock were reported to be in good condition with some cows and calves turned out on grass.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn planting was over halfway finished nationwide by the end of last week, while soybean planting continued ahead of last year's pace, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released on Monday. Winter wheat conditions increased slightly last week by 3 points, NASS reported.

CORN
-- Planting progress: Corn planting jumped 22 percentage points last week to reach 62% complete nationwide as of Sunday, May 11. That puts current planting progress at 15 percentage points ahead of last year's 47% and 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 56%.
-- Crop development: 28% of corn was emerged as of Sunday. That's 7 points ahead of last year and the five-year average of 21%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: An estimated 48% of intended soybean acreage was planted as of Sunday, 14 points ahead of last year's 34% at this time and 11 points ahead of the five-year average of 37%.
-- Crop development: 17% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 2 points ahead last year and 6 points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: An estimated 54% of winter wheat was rated good to excellent as of May 11, up 3 points from 51% the previous week and 4 points ahead at the same time last year of 50%, according to NASS.
-- Crop development: 53% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 2 percentage points behind last year's 55% but 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 45%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 66% of the crop was planted nationwide as of May 11, 7 points ahead of last year's 59% and 17 points ahead of 49% for the five-year average.
-- Crop development: 27% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 4 points ahead to last year and 8 points ahead of the five-year average.



USDA forecasts winter wheat production up 2% in 2025, orange production up slightly from April forecast

U.S. farmers are expected to produce 1.38 billion bushels of winter wheat this year, according to the Crop Production report released today by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In NASS’s first winter wheat production forecast for 2025, production is expected to increase 2% from 2024. As of May 1, the U.S. yield is expected to average 53.7 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels from last year’s average of 51.7 bushels per acre.

Hard Red Winter production is forecast at 784 million bushels, up 2% from a year ago. Soft Red Winter, at 345 million bushels, is expected to increase 1% from 2024. White Winter, at 2.53 million bushels, is up 7% from last year. Of the White Winter production, 20.6 million bushels are Hard White and 232 million bushels are Soft White.

Nebraska  
2024: 920,000 acres harvested - yield 52 bu/acre - total production 47.8 million bushels  
2025: 850,000 acres harvested - yield 38 bu/acre - total production 32.3 million bushels  



Fischer, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Farm Safety Net

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined her Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act, to strengthen crop insurance and make higher levels of coverage more affordable for producers. U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) sponsored the legislation.

“For decades, Nebraska’s ag producers have helped feed our nation and the world. As Congress works to pass a Farm Bill, protecting and improving crop insurance for our farmers is one of my top priorities. I am proud to support this legislation to improve the farm safety net, and I look forward to working with Senator Hoeven and our colleagues to get this bill signed into law,” said Fischer.

Specifically, the FARMER ACT would:
    Increase premium support for higher levels of crop insurance coverage, which will enhance affordability and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.
    Improve the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) by increasing premium support and expanding the coverage level, providing producers with an additional level of protection.
    Direct the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct a study to improve the effectiveness of SCO in large counties.
    Not require producers to choose between purchasing enhanced crop insurance coverage or participating in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, giving them flexibility to make decisions that work best for their operations.

In addition to Fischer and Hoeven, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), and U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).



Seven College Students to Begin Summer Internships Sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board

As the school year comes to a close, seven talented undergraduate students are gearing up for immersive internship experiences sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB). These internships, designed to provide hands-on professional experience, will take the students to various locations across the U.S., working with key cooperators in the corn industry.

The internship program, now in its 35th year, has a proven track record of launching students into successful careers. These cooperators include the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA), U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA). Most of these internships will conclude at the end of the summer, with two students serving in yearlong internship experiences.

“We reflect how this program has given us the opportunity to watch interns grow and thrive, and many have gone on to work with our cooperators in full-time careers," said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NCB. "We're excited to see these students develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to the corn industry."

New this year, NCB is partnering with NRRA to host an agriculture broadcasting and digital communications intern. The intern will focus on creating, developing and distributing video and radio content, with an emphasis on the corn industry in addition to agriculture as a whole.

The interns will be working on a range of projects, from agriculture broadcasting and digital communications to policy, communications and industry relations. Some highlights include:
    Emily Woockman will work with USMEF in Denver, Colorado, on international relations and the meat market. Woockman is majoring in agribusiness & economics at Wayne State College.
    Jaylea Pope, an animal science and agricultural communications student at UNL, will create video and radio content for NRRA, focusing on the corn industry and agriculture.
    Kaitlin Meiergerd with NCGA in St. Louis on communications industry relations. Meiergerd is majoring in agriculture communications at Wayne State College.
    Logan Walsh will intern with USGC in Washington, D.C., focused on event management for the trade organization. Walsh is majoring in international business and economics at UNL.
    Nathan Makinson will work with NCGA in Washington, D.C., on policy development. Makinson is majoring in economics at UNL.
    Whitley Rut will plan and execute the NeCGA golf tournament, various other events and communication as an intern with NCB and NeCGA. Rut is an agricultural and environmental sciences communication major at UNL.
    Zane Mrozla-Mindrup will focus on demand and research at the Nebraska Corn Board in a yearlong internship. Mrozla-Mindrup is studying agricultural economics at UNL.

In addition to the students gaining real-world experiences throughout the summer and helping fulfill the duties and missions of their respective organizations, the interns are also able to gain valuable insight into possible future careers. To stay updated with interns and their experiences, visit nebraskacorn.gov or follow the Nebraska Corn Board on social media channels.



Anti-Carbon Capture Legislation a Blow to Future Ethanol and Corn Markets

Monday the Iowa Senate voted 27-22 to pass House File 639, effectively banning carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects in the state. The vote goes against farmers and ethanol producers seeking to unlock huge new markets around the world that are demanding ultra-low carbon ethanol.

“IRFA is deeply disappointed by today’s vote,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “After enduring the largest two-year income drop in history, farmers are desperate to find new markets. CCS is the key to unlocking massive new demand for ethanol and corn around the world. For three years, IRFA has sought to work on a middle ground approach that enhanced landowner rights and protections but would allow CCS projects a path forward. While a majority of the Iowa Senate turned their back on Iowa agriculture tonight, IRFA thanks those who stood for common sense.”

House File 639 essentially bans all CCS projects, even those that might achieve 100% voluntary easement, by putting permit restrictions in place making them not economically viable. Despite rhetoric from supporters of the bill, it fails to enhance property owner rights and targets only CCS projects. All other future privately owned projects, including crude oil, wind and solar, would not be impacted by the bill. The legislation does nothing to enhance support for land restoration, soil compaction remediation, tile replacement, or lost yields.

“For 25 years, Iowa has benefited greatly from being the most profitable place in the world to convert corn kernels into ethanol,” added Shaw. “Once the Tallgrass CCS pipeline in Nebraska begins operations later this year, that will no longer be the case. If this legislation goes into effect, there will be very real, very severe economic consequences as others, like Nebraska, North Dakota, and Brazil, move forward with CCS. Iowa is poised to be left behind. Expansion plans will be shelved, and we could see additional plant closures over time as the CCS-enabled plants elsewhere expand. IRFA members will be asking Gov. Reynolds to stand up for their future and the future of rural Iowa by vetoing this misguided legislation.”

According to the Farm Journal March Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, 62% of the 70 ag economists from across the nation confirm the economic decline is expected to continue into 2025. CCS is the most cost-effective and impactful tool to unlock new markets that demand ultra-low carbon ethanol, such as heavy-duty engines, ocean-going vessels, rail and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Estimates for SAF alone are pegged at 100 billion gallons annually worldwide, potentially increasing corn grind by billions of bushels.



Pork in the Pantry Provides 75,000 Servings to Those in Need
    
County pork organizations across the state stepped up in a big way this year for the Pork in the Pantry program. A total of 47 county organizations participated in the program, donating more than 18,000 pounds of pork, totaling almost 75,000 servings to help fight food insecurity in Iowa.

“We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers and the 47 county pork organization participating in Pork in the Pantry for the remarkable donations distributed to food pantries and food banks across Iowa," said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. "This generous contribution will make a meaningful difference for families and individuals facing food insecurity across the state. Their commitment to nourishing our communities reflets the very best of Iowa values -compassion, generosity and neighborly care.”

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry offers up to $1,000 in funding per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries. Counties handle the purchasing and donations, and IPPA reimburses them, making it easy to give back. Some counties provided more than $1,000 worth of pork, covering their own costs for the additional donations. Local businesses assisted with donations as well.

This is the third year of the Pork in the Pantry program, and this year's effort smashed previous records for participation from counties and the amounts of pork donated.

“Hunger is a heartbreaking reality for too many Iowans, and we hope these donations to local food pantries bring some relief to families in need,” said Linda Schroeder, a pig farmer from Plymouth County and co-chair of IPPA’s promotions committee. “As pork producers, we’re not just raising food — we’re caring for our neighbors. Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do.”

Here are the numbers from 2025 Pork in the Pantry:
·        47 county pork organizations participated
·        $48,378.01 spent
·        18,383.82 pounds of pork donated
·        At 4 servings per pound we are looking at 73,535.28 servings donated!

Not only does Pork in the Pantry help those in need, but county organizations also source their pork locally, supporting both food pantries and local businesses. Food banks frequently run low on meat products, so this program ensures that food-insecure Iowans receive much-needed, high-quality protein.



Monthly Dairy Webinar On May 29 To Focus On The Impact Of Inbreeding In Holstein Dairy Cattle
 
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Thursday, May 29, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. This program will be presented by Dr. John Cole discussing the impact of inbreeding in Holstein dairy cattle.

Genetic base changes include both corrections for observed genetic trends in the population and adjustments to account for inbreeding according to Dr. Cole. He will discuss how the observed changes in Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) for individual animals may not match the base change values as closely as they have in the past and how it is due to Estimated Future Inbreeding (EFI) changes in the population that are larger than they’ve been in the past.

Dr. Cole serves CDCB as the Chief Research and Development Officer. Before coming to CDCB, he spent three years as the Senior Vice President, Research and Development, for PEAK Genetics, where he oversaw genetics and reproductive biology research for the largest producer of cattle genetics in the world. Prior to joining PEAK, he spent 17 years as a Research Geneticist (Animals) and Acting Research Leader for USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (formerly the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory). John has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed research articles, mentored many postdoctoral scientists and graduate students, and is a frequent speaker at industry and scientific meetings.

Producers, dairy consultants and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 by registering at least one hour before the webinar at:
https://go.iastate.edu/HOLSTEININBREEDING
 
For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.



USDA to Open General and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced several Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrollment opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for both the General and Continuous CRP beginning today through June 6, 2025.  

CRP, USDA’s flagship conservation program, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. For four decades, CRP has provided financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The American Relief Act, 2025, extended provisions for CRP through Sept. 30, 2025.

“With 1.8 million acres available for all CRP enrollment this fiscal year, we are very aware that we are bumping up against the statutory 27-million-acre statutory cap,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Now more than ever, it’s important that the acres offered by landowners and those approved by USDA address our most critical natural resource concerns. With the limited number of acres that we have available, we’re not necessarily looking for the most acres offered but instead prioritizing mindful conservation efforts to ensure we maximize the return on our investment from both a conservation and economic perspective.”      

General CRP (Signup 64)   
Agricultural producers and landowners submit offers for General CRP through a competitive bid process. Offers are ranked and scored, by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.  

Continuous CRP (Signup 63)
Unlike General CRP, Continuous CRP offers are not subject to a competitive bid process. To ensure enrolled acres do not exceed the current statutory cap of 27 million acres, FSA is accepting Continuous CRP offers on a first-come, first-served basis through June 6. However, should allotted CRP acreage remain available following the June 6 deadline, FSA will accept continuous CRP offers from interested landowners through July 31, 2025, and may be subsequently considered for acceptance, in batches, if it’s determined that the offered acres support USDA’s conservation priorities.  

Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.  

Continuous CRP enrollment options include:  
    State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative: Restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals.
    Highly Erodible Land Initiative: Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index greater than or equal to 20.
    Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative: Prioritizes water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings, and harmful algal blooms. The vegetative covers also contribute to increased wildlife populations.   
    CLEAR30 (a component of the CLEAR Initiative): Offers additional incentives for water quality practice adoption and can be accessed in 30-year contracts.  
    Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program: Addresses high priority conservation objectives of states and Tribal governments on agricultural lands in specific geographic areas.  

Grassland and Expiring CRP Acres
FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.  

Additionally, landowners with acres enrolled in CRP set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, can offer acres for re-enrollment beginning today. A producer can offer to enroll new acres into CRP and also offer to re-enroll any acres expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

For more information on CRP participant and land eligibility, approved conservation practices and detailed program fact sheets, visit FSA’s CRP webpage.   

More Information   
Interested producers should apply through the FSA at their local USDA Service Center.



Pork Producers Score Reconciliation Relief, Remain Committed to Prop. 12 Fix
 
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement on the recently released reconciliation package from the House Agriculture Committee.
 
“America’s pork producers recognize and greatly appreciate the tireless efforts by congressional champions of farming and agriculture, especially Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, in securing as many pork industry priorities as possible in the House’s proposed reconciliation package.”
 
“However, it is just as critical – if not more – that the committee keeps its promise to take action on a solution to the many problems triggered by California Proposition 12. We expect that members of both parties will continue to find the path to deliver the certainty and stability farmers need. Whether in the Farm Bill, or in other legislative provisions, we stand ready and willing to help the Congress deliver this needed, bipartisan solution.”
 
NPPC urges members of Congress to advance the important and needed provisions included in the reconciliation package that will ensure pork producers can continue to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable supply of products from our farms to so many people. Those provisions include:

    Preservation of necessary resources to protect the nation’s food supply through foreign animal disease (FAD) prevention, including:
        National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
        National Animal Health Laboratory Network
        National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
        National Veterinary Stockpile

    Increase in market access programs for U.S. pork.
        The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) build export markets for U.S. agricultural products through generic marketing and promotion and the reduction of foreign import constraints. For every $1 spent on MAP and FMD programs, U.S. agriculture saw $24.50 in export gains and contributed to the creation of 225,800 full-and part-time jobs across the U.S. economy.
         
    Resources for the feral swine eradication to protect the health of our herds.
        Established in the 2018 Farm Bill, the hugely successful Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program helps address the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, ecosystems, and human and animal health, especially through FADs like African swine fever.



NPPC Welcomes Temporary China Tariff De-escalation
 
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement after the Trump administration announced a 90-day temporary tariff de-escalation on U.S. exports.

“America’s pork producers are encouraged by the temporary tariff reduction agreement reached by the U.S. and China. We look forward to the continued collaboration and engagement between both countries to further reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. No other country holds a candle to our export opportunities in China, as many of our exported pork products, such as offals, are not widely consumed in the U.S. and have nowhere to go.”
 
The U.S. and China agreed to reduce tariffs imposed after April 2 to 10% for 90 days, as negotiators continue discussions. This announcement does not include tariffs in place prior to April 2, including steel and aluminum. U.S. pork exported to China will still face a minimum total tariff rate of 57%. Previously, U.S. pork was tariffed at 172%, which makes it impossible for U.S. pork producers to compete in that market.



U.S., China Reach 90-Day Temporary Trade Deal

The U.S. and China have reached a trade deal to temporarily reduce reciprocal tariffs. The U.S. will cut tariffs imposed on Chinese imports to 30% and Chinese duties on U.S. goods will fall to 10%, effective for 90 days.

From the U.S. Grains Council:
“The U.S. Grains Council thanks President Trump and his administration for continuing to work with one of our largest trading partners to level the trade playing field. This 90-day window will allow more time for ongoing negotiations, positive news for both our countries. We hope it is the first step in a new trade relationship between China and the United States."



NFU Statement on the Tariff Reduction Between the U.S. and China

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew released the following statement in response to the announcement made today by the United States and China to institute a 90-day tariff reduction between the two countries:

“We are encouraged to see the administration responding to the concerns of farmers and ranchers by taking steps to ease trade tensions with China. Farmers spent years developing China into an important market for many agricultural products; future trade agreements must build on these decades of work. While today’s news is a positive next step, farmers continue to face significant uncertainty. We are watching these negotiations closely and expect any future deal to deliver lasting, meaningful benefits for America’s family farmers and ranchers.”



Soy Farmers Pleased with Administration’s China Tariff Pause & Rate Drop   

America’s soybean farmers welcomed early-hour news in the States that U.S. and Chinese officials have come to an agreement that temporarily reduces tariffs levied by the countries on exported products, including U.S. soy. The pause will be in effect 90 days while negotiations continue. Farmers across the soy-producing states are hopeful that during this time, a long-term Phase 2 agreement can be reached that addresses Chinese tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.

Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association president and a farmer who grows soy in Kentucky, said, “We are very pleased with these first steps toward resolution and appreciate that President Trump has heard our requests to quickly come to the negotiation table for agriculture producers and others who stand to suffer financial losses and lose hard-earned relationships. Farmers want to play their part in supporting broad-based, long-term solutions to the administration’s concerns and help our fellow U.S. citizens when possible; but we cannot sustain tariffs that are exponentially higher than those of the first China trade war, which knocked out our largest export market overnight, if they linger into our fall harvest season. We hope that a deal can be reached in which China commits to robust purchases of U.S. soybeans and other products very soon.”

A joint statement from the two countries explained the U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods to 10% which, combined with a 20% duty on China regarding fentanyl, places Chinese imports at a minimum rate of 30%. China, in return, reduced its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to 10% and agreed to remove any non-tariff trade barriers and restrictions imposed on U.S. products following “Liberation Day” April 2 when Trump announced his reciprocal tariff plan.

“This is a big development and one we are very pleased to hear, yet the tariff that remains in place for U.S. soy is far from inconsequential: Products purchased from our competitors in Brazil and Argentina are not burdened with this extra cost. That means China will turn to South America first for its purchases and only buy U.S. soybeans when it absolutely must,” Ragland said. “Also important to note, the 90-day pause will end in August—right before our harvest season. We need the administration to continue its negotiations with China to find a long-term, sustainable solution that removes retaliatory tariffs and protects market access for our agricultural products.”

In the most recent marketing year, U.S. exporters shipped 46.1 million metric tons of soybeans to foreign markets, accounting for over $24 billion in sales. Of those exports, nearly 25 MMT of soybeans went to China. That volume represents 54% of U.S. soybean exports and accounts for $13 billion in value for U.S. soybean farmers.

While the soy industry works incessantly to seek new and develop existing markets for both whole beans like those imported by China and for soy oil and meal use, it is a slow process that can take years. The China market was started in the 1980s and took more than 40 years to fully establish. Those relationships are critical, as is the ability of U.S. soy farmers to supply them with high-quality U.S. soy on a consistent basis.

U.S. soy’s relations with China are still encumbered by damage done in 2018/19. The industry looks to the administration to help repair and retain its relationships with key markets such as China in the weeks ahead through fruitful negotiations.



USMEF Statement on U.S.-China Tariff Modifications

Over the weekend, trade officials from the United States and China announced that the U.S. will, for a period of 90 days, reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, with China agreeing to reduce retaliatory duties from 125% to 10%.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:
USMEF greatly appreciates the efforts of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to negotiate this agreement with their Chinese counterparts. Although this is a temporary pause, we are hopeful that it is the first step toward restoring access to China for U.S. pork and beef.



Growth Energy Applauds House Committee for Including Biofuel Incentive in Tax Proposal

Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association, welcomed reports that the proposal released today by the House Ways and Means Committee included an extension of the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, an incentive that would spur innovation in American biofuels and unlock billions in new investments across rural America.

“Pro-growth tax policy can unlock billions of dollars in new investments towards U.S. energy dominance while supporting stronger markets for America’s farmers. The 45Z tax credit is a critical piece of this puzzle, and we’re glad to see that lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee recognize its importance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “By including it in the reconciliation bill, this proposal would give biofuels producers a longer runway to innovate and to make investments in creating new markets for farmers. We’re grateful to the Committee, and to our champions on Capitol Hill who have worked hard to ensure that rural priorities like 45Z are included in any final tax bill. As Congress completes its work on the President’s agenda, we urge our champions to remain focused on ensuring that U.S. farmers and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to invest in long-term growth.”

The 45Z clean fuel production tax credit is intended to incentivize the production of low-carbon fuels in transportation on the ground and in the air. If implemented properly, Growth Energy’s own research demonstrates that the credit would add $21.2 billion to the U.S. economy, generate nearly $13.4 billion in household income, support more than 192,000 jobs across all sectors of the national economy, and provide farmers with a 10 percent premium price on low carbon corn used at a bioethanol plant.   



Rollins Concludes Day One of United Kingdom Agricultural Trade Delegation

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins concluded her first day in the United Kingdom during her trade delegation visit. This visit comes after President Donald J. Trump announced last week, on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, a historic U.K. trade deal that will lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen cooperation on economic security.

“American agriculture is the ‘crown jewel’ of our country's exports to global markets. Today, I discussed with government officials, including U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Warren Stephens, Secretary of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt. Hon. Steve Reed, and Secretary for the Department of Business and Trade Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, ways we can increase our exports with a country we already have such strong cultural and political ties with. President Trump is putting American Farmers First and that’s why I am in the U.K. working to secure additional access for agricultural products,” said Secretary Rollins.

Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture exports. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and food processors fairly. This comes after four years of inaction by the Biden Administration that caused agriculture to go from a trade surplus under President Trump, to a significant trade deficit under President Biden.



Beef Production in the First Quarter of 2025
Hannah Baker, Extension Agent - Beef and Forage Economics, University of Florida / IFAS Extension

Livestock slaughter in the first quarter totaled 7.38 million head, down 4 percent or 321 thousand head from the first quarter of 2024. Cow slaughter, beef cow slaughter, and heifer slaughter in March were higher than in February, but totals in the first quarter were lower year-over-year. As a percentage of total slaughter, cow slaughter was 17.5 percent, beef cow slaughter was 8 percent, and heifer slaughter was 32.5 percent in the first quarter. Beef cow slaughter through March has fallen by 20 percent year-over-year, indicating, at this rate, we may see the national culling rate for 2025 fall to levels we saw during the last expansion (about 9 percent).

Heifer slaughter is still too high, as of the April report, to indicate signs of retention. However, the latest quarterly Cattle on Feed report indicated that the percentage of heifers on feed has declined to 38 percent of all cattle on feed and is expected to keep declining in the coming months. On the other hand, while there has been some relief lately in certain areas of the country, drought is still a concern as to whether producers will be able to start holding on to heifers. The reports over the next few months will be key to watch for signs of steady efforts in heifer retention.

In the first quarter of 2025, beef production is down slightly compared to the same period last year by 0.2 percent at 6.5 billion pounds. Beef production in March was up 2 percent or 43.6 million pounds from last year. From month to month, beef production may vary due to carcass weights and seasonal trends of placements and marketings, but the forecast for 2025 is that total beef production will be smaller than last year by about 1.3 percent. This slight decrease is expected with the current inventory levels paired with continued heavier carcass weights. Steer and heifer dressed weights averaged 950 pounds and 870 pounds in the first quarter of 2025, up 3.4 percent and 3.7 percent from last year, respectively. Assuming a dressing percentage of 62.5 percent, that would mean the average live weight of feeder cattle has been 1,520 pounds for steers and 1,392 pounds for heifers.

Demand for high-quality beef products has remained steady despite high prices, which has been a major driver of prices for feeder and fed cattle. The price of choice value boxed beef is 16 percent higher year-over-year at $345/cwt. Additionally, it would be expected that the recent announcement of the second closure of the Southern border due to New World Screwworm will support prices as fewer feeder cattle will be entering the U.S. from Mexico. Prices in the Southern Plains for 700-800-pound and 500-600-pound feeder cattle in the first quarter averaged at $285/cwt and $354/cwt, respectively. The first quarter of 2025 indicates that 2025 will follow in 2024’s footsteps of being a year unlike any other in the cattle industry.



FARM AID TO KICK OFF YEAR-LONG 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH MINNEAPOLIS MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL SEPT. 20

Farm Aid is heading to Minnesota for the first time for its 40th anniversary festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event will launch a year-long celebration of four decades of impactful advocacy, historic cultural moments and unforgettable music.

Farm Aid 40 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agricultural experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (and the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and more artists to be announced.

Since the 1980s, Minnesota has offered a groundswell of strength in the farm movement, championing rural advocacy, sustainable and equitable agriculture, and forward-thinking policy reform. Farm Aid President Willie Nelson says Minnesota is an ideal host as Farm Aid commemorates this milestone anniversary.

“Family farmers are the heart of this country, and we depend on each other for good food and strong communities,” said Nelson. “For 40 years, Farm Aid and our partners have stood with farmers, supporting them to stay on their land even when corporate power, bad policies and broken promises make it harder to keep going. This year, we’re proud to bring Farm Aid to Minnesota to celebrate the farmers who sustain us and to fight for a food system that works for all of us. Family farmers aren’t backing down, and neither are we.”

Farm Aid festival attendees will experience farmers’ contributions firsthand with HOMEGROWN Concessions®, which offers a delicious and fresh menu with ingredients that are grown or raised by farmers who use ecological practices and are paid a fair price. Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village features hands-on activities engaging festivalgoers with exhibits about soil, water, energy, food and farming.

The year-long anniversary celebration will feature a variety of special events and initiatives to honor 40 years of action, showcase historical music moments, highlight the strength of the farm movement, and create opportunities for long-time supporters and new ones to join in. Farm Aid Co-Executive Director Jennifer Fahy said this year’s festivities are not only about looking back, but also about building the future.

“We’re grateful to our dedicated board members and hundreds of generous artists who have brought us together year after year to celebrate family farmers and highlight the challenges they face every day. Our anniversary marks a critical time for the nation to come together in support of the family farmers we all depend on,” said Fahy. “Our work isn’t done. There are significant threats to the future of family farm agriculture and our food system. Farm Aid 40 is an opportunity to call those out and work for the food system that farmers, eaters and our planet all deserve.”

“There is no farm movement without the people. Rural communities represent the heartbeat of this country. Farmers and rural and immigrant labor sustain our food system, care for the land, and strengthen our foodways and cultural connections,” said Co-Executive Director Shorlette Ammons. “When we invest in rural communities, we uplift the well-being of our entire country, celebrating the vibrant and needful contributions of all.”

Farm Aid was founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young in response to the growing crisis faced by American family farmers during the 1980s. The inaugural Farm Aid concert, held on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, marked a historic moment in the farm movement, raising more than $7 million to support struggling family farmers, but more importantly, raising awareness of the impacts of the crisis. More than 50 artists came together to highlight the urgent need to address the challenges farmers were facing, including skyrocketing interest rates, mounting debt, plummeting land values, crop and market failures, and policies that were tailor-made to push farmers out of business. Since 1985, Farm Aid has grown into an annual festival that has raised more than $85 million, featured performances by more than 500 artists who generously donated their time and talent and championed policies that support family farms, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen rural communities.

Tickets for Farm Aid 40 go on sale on May 16 at 10 a.m. CDT. Ticket prices range from $101 to $390 (including fees, sales tax will be added) and will be available for purchase at farmaid40.org. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. CDT on May 14. Visit farmaid.org/festival for more information.

Sponsors of Farm Aid 40 include Tractor Beverage Company, Explore Minnesota, Horizon Organic, Seven Sundays, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, REI Co-op and Frontier Co-op. Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the business community and offers corporate sponsorship and VIP hospitality opportunities.